If you’re a student of CBSE Class 9 and have just started studying the English textbook ‘Beehive’, then you must be familiar with the first lesson, ‘The Fun They Had’. This lesson tells the story of two children, Margie and Tommy, who live in a world where books are replaced by electronic screens. The story highlights the importance of traditional learning and the impact of technology on education.
To help you understand the story better, we have compiled a list of competency-based extract questions and multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that cover the essential aspects of the lesson. These questions will help you test your understanding of the text and develop your critical thinking skills.
The competency-based extract questions are designed to test your ability to identify key information from the story. They will help you to develop your comprehension and analysis skills. On the other hand, the MCQs are meant to test your knowledge and understanding of the story’s themes and literary devices.
By practicing these questions, you will not only improve your understanding of the lesson but also enhance your exam-taking skills. So, go ahead and start practicing these questions to ace your CBSE Class 9 English exams.
MCQs and Extract Based Questions
Para – 1
1. MARGIE even wrote about it that night in her diary. On the page headed 17 May 2157, she wrote, “Today Tommy found a real book!”
It was a very old book. Margie’s grandfather once said that when he was a little boy his grandfather told him that there was a time when all stories were printed on paper.
They turned the pages, which were yellow and crinkly, and it was awfully funny to read words that stood still instead of moving the way they were supposed to — on a screen, you know. And then when they turned back to the page before, it had the same words on it that it had had when they read it the first time.
Word Meanings:
- Awfully: very, extremely or excessively. For example, “It was awfully hot outside today.”
- Headed: the title or heading of a particular page in a book or document.
- Funny: unusual and amusing.
- Still: In this context, it means motionless or not moving. For example, “the words on the printed page stood still, unlike on a screen where they move.”
- Crinkly – having a lot of small wrinkles or folds
MCQs
1. What did Margie write about in her diary on May 17, 2157?
a. Tommy’s discovery of a real book
b. Her experience reading a real book
c. The invention of a new type of screen
d. Her grandfather’s childhood memories
Answer: a. Tommy’s discovery of a real book
2. What did Margie’s grandfather tell her about the time when he was a little boy?
a. All stories were printed on paper
b. All stories were read on screens
c. There were no stories at all
d. Stories were only told orally
Answer: a. All stories were printed on paper
3. What was the experience of reading a real book like for Margie and Tommy?
a. Confusing and boring
b. Exciting and funny
c. Frustrating and time-consuming
d. Depressing and disappointing
Answer: b. Exciting and funny
4. What was different about reading words on paper compared to on a screen?
a. The words stood still on paper
b. The words moved on paper
c. The words were easier to read on paper
d. The words were bigger on paper
Answer: a. The words stood still on paper
5. What happened when Margie and Tommy turned back to the previous page in the real book?
a. The words changed
b. The pages fell out
c. The words stayed the same
d. The book disappeared
Answer: c. The words stayed the same
6. What does the word “crinkly” mean in the sentence “They turned the pages, which were yellow and crinkly”?
a. Soft and smooth
b. Thin and delicate
c. Wrinkled and uneven
d. Stiff and rigid
Answer: c. Wrinkled and uneven
Short Questions
- What did Margie write in her diary on May 17th, 2157?
- What did Tommy find that was so exciting?
- What did Margie’s grandfather tell her about the past?
- How did Margie and Tommy feel about reading words on paper instead of a screen?
- What was the difference between reading from a paper book and a screen?
- Why did Margie think it was funny to read words that stood still on the page?
- What did Margie and Tommy notice when they turned back to the page they had just read?
- How did Margie’s grandfather’s story make her feel about paper books?
- What is the significance of the yellow and crinkly pages in the story?
- What is the contrast between the present and past when it comes to storytelling?
Answers:
- Margie wrote in her diary on May 17th, 2157, that Tommy had found a real book.
- Tommy found a real book, which was very old and printed on paper.
- Margie’s grandfather told her that there was a time when all stories were printed on paper, which was a stark contrast to the current state where all stories were viewed on a screen.
- Margie and Tommy found it awfully funny to read words on paper that stood still instead of moving on a screen.
- Reading from a paper book was different from reading from a screen because the words on the page did not move or change like they did on a screen.
- Margie found it funny to read words that stood still on the page because she was used to seeing them move and change on a screen.
- When Margie and Tommy turned back to the page they had just read, they noticed that it had the same words on it as the first time they read it.
- Margie’s grandfather’s story made her feel curious and interested in learning more about paper books.
- The yellow and crinkly pages in the story suggest that the book was very old and had been around for a long time.
- The contrast between the present and past when it comes to storytelling is that in the past, all stories were printed on paper, while in the present, all stories are viewed on a screen.
Para – 2 & 3
2. “Gee,” said Tommy, “what a waste. When you’re through with the book, you just throw it away, I guess. Our television screen must have had a million books on it and it’s good for plenty more. I wouldn’t throw it away.”
“Same with mine,” said Margie. She was eleven and hadn’t seen as many telebooks as Tommy had. He was thirteen.
She said, “Where did you find it?”
“In my house.” He pointed without looking, because he was busy reading. “In the attic.”
“What’s it about?”
“School.”
3. Margie was scornful. “School? What’s there to write about school? I hate school.”
Margie always hated school, but now she hated it more than ever. The mechanical teacher had been giving her test after test in geography and she had been doing worse and worse until her mother had shaken her head sorrowfully and sent for the County Inspector.
Word Meanings:
- Gee: An exclamation used to express surprise or enthusiasm.
- Telebooks: Books that are displayed and read on a television screen.
- attic: a space or room just below the roof of a house, used for storage
- Scornful: Expressing contempt or ridicule towards something or someone.
- Mechanical teacher: A robotic teaching device that provides lessons and tests to students.
- County Inspector: A person responsible for monitoring and ensuring that schools comply with educational standards and regulations within a specific geographic area.
MCQs
1. What is Tommy’s opinion of books?
a. They are a waste of space.
b. They are a valuable resource.
c. They are too expensive.
d. They are not entertaining.
2. What is Margie’s opinion of school?
a. She loves school.
b. She hates school.
c. She is indifferent to school.
d. She is unsure of her opinion of school.
3. What does Tommy think of the telebooks?
a. They are not worth keeping.
b. They are valuable resources.
c. They are outdated.
d. They are not as good as traditional books.
4. Where did Tommy find the book he is reading?
a. At the library.
b. In his classroom.
c. In his house’s attic.
d. At a bookstore.
5. What subject is the book about?
a. Geography.
b. History.
c. Mathematics.
d. School.
6. Why does Margie hate school more than ever?
a. She is failing her tests.
b. She has too much homework.
c. She doesn’t like her teacher.
d. She is being bullied.
7. Who does Margie’s mother call when she is worried about her daughter’s performance in school?
a. The principal.
b. The County Inspector.
c. The school nurse.
d. The guidance counsellor.
8. What does the word “scornful” mean?
a. Respectful
b. Admiring
c. Disrespectful
d. Appreciative
Answers:
- b. They are a valuable resource.
- b. She hates school.
- b. They are valuable resources.
- c. In his house’s attic.
- d. School.
- a. She is failing her tests.
- b. The County Inspector.
- d. Disrespectful
Short Questions
- Who is speaking in the first dialogue and what are they discussing?
- Where did Tommy find the telebook?
- How old are Tommy and Margie?
- What is Margie’s opinion on school?
- Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?
- Why was Margie’s mother sorrowful?
Answers:
- Tommy and Margie are speaking in the first dialogue, and they are discussing the concept of books and telebooks.
- Tommy found the telebook in the attic of his house.
- Tommy is thirteen years old, and Margie is eleven years old.
- Margie hates school.
- Margie’s mother sent for the County Inspector because Margie was not doing well on her geography tests given by the mechanical teacher.
- Margie’s mother was sorrowful because Margie was doing worse and worse on her geography tests, despite the help of the mechanical teacher, and she had to send for the County Inspector.
Para – 4 & 5
4. He was a round little man with a red face and a whole box of tools with dials and wires. He smiled at Margie and gave her an apple, then took the teacher apart. Margie had hoped he wouldn’t know how to put it together again, but he knew how all right, and, after an hour or so, there it was again, large and black and ugly, with a big screen on which all the lessons were shown and the questions were asked. That wasn’t so bad. The part Margie hated most was the slot where she had to put homework and test papers. She always had to write them out in a punch code they made her learn when she was six years old, and the mechanical teacher calculated the marks in no time.
5. The Inspector had smiled after he was finished and patted Margie’s head. He said to her mother, “It’s not the little girl’s fault, Mrs Jones. I think the geography sector was geared a little too quick. Those things happen sometimes. I’ve slowed it up to an average ten-year level. Actually, the overall pattern of her progress is quite satisfactory.” And he patted Margie’s head again.
Word Meanings:
- Dials and wires: Refers to the physical controls and wiring used in the tools that the round little man has.
- Take apart: to disassemble or separate into pieces
- Put it together again: to reassemble something that has been taken apart
- Slot: a narrow opening or groove for inserting something
- Punch code: A method of encoding text or data in which each character is represented by a combination of holes punched in a card or paper tape.
- Geared: Adjusted or set up for a particular purpose.
- Slowed up: reduced the speed or pace of something
MCQs
1. What kind of tools did the round little man have?
a) Hammers and nails
b) Dials and wires
c) Screwdrivers and pliers
d) Paintbrushes and canvas
2. Why did Margie hope that the little man wouldn’t know how to put the teacher back together?
a) She wanted to play with the tools herself.
b) She didn’t like the teacher.
c) She wanted to avoid doing her homework.
d) She wanted a break from her studies.
3. What was Margie’s least favourite part of the mechanical teacher?
a) The large screen that displayed lessons and questions.
b) The box of tools the little man used to fix it.
c) The punch code used to write out homework and test papers.
d) The quick pace of the geography sector.
4. How did the Inspector feel about Margie’s progress overall?
a) He was disappointed.
b) He was impressed.
c) He was indifferent.
d) He was confused.
5. What did the Inspector do after he finished talking with Margie and her mother?
a) He left without saying goodbye.
b) He scolded Margie for not doing well enough.
c) He patted Margie’s head and slowed down the geography sector.
d) He gave Margie an apple as a reward for her hard work.
6. What did Margie have to do with her homework and test papers?
a. Hand them in to the teacher in person
b. Email them to the teacher
c. Put them in a slot on the mechanical teacher
d. Send them via snail mail
7. How did Margie feel about the punch code she had to use for her homework and test papers?
a. She loved it and found it fun to use
b. She was indifferent to it
c. She found it frustrating and hated using it
d. She found it confusing and wanted to learn a new system
8. Why was Margie disappointed?
a. She was hoping to get a new teacher
b. She was hoping to have no teacher at all
c. She was hoping to get a break from school
d. She was hoping to have a different subject teacher
9. Why had Tommy’s teacher been taken away?
a. He had not been teaching well
b. He had been absent too often
c. The history sector had blanked out completely
d. The students had complained about him
Answers:
- b) Dials and wires
- d) She wanted a break from her studies.
- c) The punch code used to write out homework and test papers.
- b) He was impressed.
- c) He patted Margie’s head and slowed down the geography sector.
- c. Put them in a slot on the mechanical teacher
- c. She found it frustrating and hated using it
- b. She was hoping to have no teacher at all
- c. The history sector had blanked out completely
Short Questions
1. What did the little man have with him?
Ans: A whole box of tools with dials and wires.
2. How did the little man greet Margie?
Ans: He smiled at her and gave her an apple.
3. What did the little man do to the teacher?
Ans: He took the teacher apart.
4. Did the little man know how to put the teacher back together?
Ans: Yes, he knew how to put it back together.
5. What did Margie hate most about the teacher?
Ans: Margie hated the slot where she had to put homework and test papers.
6. How did Margie calculate her marks?
Ans: She had to write her homework and test papers out in a punch code they made her learn when she was six years old, and the mechanical teacher calculated the marks in no time.
7. What did the Inspector say about Margie’s progress?
Ans: He said that the overall pattern of her progress is quite satisfactory.
8. What was the Inspector’s feedback about the geography sector?
Ans: The Inspector said that the geography sector was geared a little too quick and he slowed it up to an average ten-year level.
9. How did the Inspector react towards Margie?
Ans: The Inspector patted Margie’s head and smiled at her.
10. What was Margie’s reaction when she found out the teacher wasn’t being taken away completely?
Ans: Margie was disappointed.
11. How long was Tommy’s teacher taken away for in the past?
Ans: Tommy’s teacher was taken away for nearly a month.
12. Why did Margie say to Tommy, “Why would anyone write about school?”
Ans: It is unclear why Margie said this based on the given information. However, it could be inferred that Margie may have said this because she was disillusioned with school and did not see the value in writing about it.
13. Why was Tommy’s teacher taken away for nearly a month?
Ans: Tommy’s teacher was taken away for nearly a month because the history sector had blanked out completely.
14. What did Margie hope would happen to the teacher?
Ans: Margie had been hoping they would take the teacher away altogether.
Para – 6 & 7
6. Tommy looked at her with very superior eyes. “Because it’s not our kind of school, stupid. This is the old kind of school that they had hundreds and hundreds of years ago.” He added loftily, pronouncing the word carefully, “Centuries ago.”
Margie was hurt. “Well, I don’t know what kind of school they had all that time ago.” She read the book over his shoulder for a while, then said, “Anyway, they had a teacher.”
“Sure they had a teacher, but it wasn’t a regular teacher. It was a man.”
“A man? How could a man be a teacher?”
“Well, he just told the boys and girls things and gave them homework and asked them questions.”
7. “A man isn’t smart enough.”
“Sure he is. My father knows as much as my teacher.”
“He knows almost as much, I betcha.”
Margie wasn’t prepared to dispute that. She said, “I wouldn’t want a strange man in my house to teach me.”
Tommy screamed with laughter. “You don’t know much, Margie. The teachers didn’t live in the house. They had a special building and all the kids went there.”
“And all the kids learned the same thing?”
“Sure, if they were the same age.”
Word Meanings:
- Superior: having a feeling of being better or higher in rank, status, or quality than others.
- Loftily: behaving in a way that shows one considers oneself to be superior or important.
- Centuries ago: a term used to describe events or situations that occurred hundreds of years ago.
- Regular: conforming to a standard or pattern; normal, usual, or expected.
- Smart: having or showing quick intelligence or mental alertness.
- Betcha: a colloquial form of “bet you,” meaning to express a strong belief or opinion.
- Dispute: to question the truth or validity of something and argue against it.
MCQs
1. In the story, why does Tommy look at Margie with superior eyes?
a) Because she doesn’t know about the old kind of school
b) Because she knows more than he does
c) Because he’s taller than her
d) Because he thinks he’s smarter than her
2. What did the old kind of school have that Margie’s school didn’t?
a) A teacher
b) A building
c) Homework
d) Questions
3. Why was Margie hurt when Tommy spoke to her?
a) Because he insulted her intelligence
b) Because he made fun of her
c) Because she didn’t understand what he was saying
d) Because she didn’t like the old kind of school
4. Why did Tommy laugh when Margie said she wouldn’t want a strange man in her house to teach her?
a) Because he thought it was funny
b) Because he didn’t understand what she meant
c) Because he knew that wasn’t how the old kind of school worked
d) Because he thought it was silly
5. What did Tommy say about the teachers at the old kind of school?
a) They didn’t live in the house
b) They lived in the house
c) They taught the same thing to all the kids
d) They were all women
6. What did the teachers do at the old kind of school?
a) They told the kids things and gave them homework
b) They played games with the kids
c) They cooked for the kids
d) They didn’t do anything
7. According to Tommy, who was smarter, his father or his teacher?
a) His father
b) His teacher
c) They were equally smart
d) He didn’t know
8. Did Margie agree with Tommy that a man could be a teacher?
a) Yes
b) No
c) She wasn’t sure
d) The story doesn’t say
9. Did all the kids at the old kind of school learn the same thing?
a) Yes, if they were the same age
b) No, they each learned different things
c) The story doesn’t say
d) They didn’t learn anything
10. What did Tommy mean when he said the old kind of school was from centuries ago?
a) It was from a long time ago
b) It was from the future
c) It was from a different planet
d) He didn’t know
Answers:
- a) Because she doesn’t know about the old kind of school
- a) A teacher
- a) Because he insulted her intelligence
- c) Because he knew that wasn’t how the old kind of school worked
- a) They didn’t live in the house
- a) They told the kids things and gave them homework
- a) His father
- d) The story doesn’t say
- a) Yes, if they were the same age
- a) It was from a long time ago
Short Questions
- How does the conversation between Tommy and Margie reflect the gender roles and stereotypes prevalent in their society?
- In what ways does the old kind of school depicted in the story differ from contemporary models of education?
- How does the conversation between Tommy and Margie illustrate the importance of diversity and inclusivity in education?
- What does the story suggest about the role of technology in education and its impact on human interaction and learning?
- To what extent does the story challenge the notion of traditional gender roles and the division of labour in society?
- How does the story highlight the role of language and communication in shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it?
- In what ways does the story reveal the limitations of human knowledge and the potential for technology to enhance our understanding of the world?
Answers:
- The conversation reflects the gender roles and stereotypes prevalent in their society as Tommy believes that a man is smarter than a woman and is more suitable as a teacher. Margie, on the other hand, seems to hold a more progressive view, questioning the suitability of a male teacher and expressing her preference for a female teacher.
- The old kind of school depicted in the story differs from contemporary models of education in that it seems to be a one-size-fits-all approach, where all children of the same age learn the same thing. Additionally, the teacher is depicted as a figure of authority who imparts knowledge through lectures, assignments, and questioning, rather than facilitating learning through interactive and collaborative methods.
- The conversation between Tommy and Margie highlights the importance of diversity and inclusivity in education as it shows how exclusionary attitudes can perpetuate discrimination and prejudice. By questioning the suitability of a male teacher, Margie challenges the assumption that all teachers must be male and encourages the consideration of a more diverse range of teachers.
- The story suggests that technology has the potential to transform education by offering personalized learning experiences, enhancing access to information and resources, and facilitating collaborative and interactive learning. However, it also raises concerns about the potential for technology to replace human interaction and the need for socialization and emotional intelligence in learning.
- The story challenges the notion of traditional gender roles and the division of labor in society by depicting Margie as a curious and intelligent girl who is interested in learning and questioning the status quo. The story also suggests that gender should not be a limiting factor in education and that girls are just as capable as boys in pursuing their interests and passions.
- The story highlights the role of language and communication in shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it. Margie struggles to understand the archaic language used in the book and requires Tommy’s help to comprehend it. The story suggests that language and communication are essential tools for learning and that they shape our perception of reality.
- The story reveals the limitations of human knowledge and the potential for technology to enhance our understanding of the world. Margie’s school may have limited resources and a rigid curriculum, but the introduction of the “mechanical teacher” offers a new way of learning and access to a wealth of knowledge and information beyond what is available in her school. The story suggests that technology can augment human knowledge and understanding, but it cannot replace the human experience of learning and growth.
Para – 8 & 9
8. “But my mother says a teacher has to be adjusted to fit the mind of each boy and girl it teaches and that each kid has to be taught differently.”
“Just the same they didn’t do it that way then. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to read the book.”
“I didn’t say I didn’t like it,” Margie said quickly. She wanted to read about those funny schools.
They weren’t even half finished when Margie’s mother called, “Margie! School!”
Margie looked up. “Not yet, Mamma.”
“Now!” said Mrs Jones. “And it’s probably time for Tommy, too.”
Margie said to Tommy, “Can I read the book some more with you after school?”
9. “May be,” he said nonchalantly. He walked away whistling, the dusty old book tucked beneath his arm.
Margie went into the schoolroom. It was right next to her bedroom, and the mechanical teacher was on and waiting for her. It was always on at the same time every day except Saturday and Sunday, because her mother said little girls learned better if they learned at regular hours.
The screen was lit up, and it said: “Today’s arithmetic lesson is on the addition of proper fractions. Please insert yesterday’s homework in the proper slot.”
Word Meanings:
Adjusted: modified or adapted to fit a particular situation or need.
Nonchalantly: in a casually calm and relaxed manner, showing a lack of concern or interest.
Tucked: to put or fit something in a particular place or position.
Beneath: in or to a lower position than; under.
MCQs
1. What does Margie’s mother believe about teaching?
a) Every kid has to be taught in the same way.
b) Every kid has to be taught differently.
c) Every teacher has to be adjusted to fit the mind of each boy and girl it teaches.
d) Both B and C.
2. Why does Margie want to read about the funny schools?
a) Because she doesn’t like her own school.
b) Because she finds them interesting.
c) Because she wants to prove that her school is better.
d) Because her teacher assigned it as homework.
3. Why does Margie’s mother want her to attend school at regular hours?
a) Because it’s convenient for her schedule.
b) Because she believes that little girls learn better that way.
c) Because it’s required by law.
d) Because the mechanical teacher only works at certain times.
4. What lesson is the mechanical teacher teaching today?
a) Proper fractions
b) Improper fractions
c) Addition of decimals
d) Subtraction of whole numbers
5. What does Tommy do after Margie asks if she can read the book more with him after school?
a) He agrees to read more of the book with her.
b) He says he doesn’t want to read the book anymore.
c) He walks away whistling, carrying the book with him.
d) He tells Margie to ask him again tomorrow.
Answers:
- c) Every teacher has to be adjusted to fit the mind of each boy and girl it teaches.
- b) Because she finds them interesting.
- b) Because she believes that little girls learn better that way.
- a) Proper fractions
- c) He walks away whistling, carrying the book with him.
Short Questions
- What is the conflict between Margie and her mother’s beliefs about teaching?
- How does Margie feel about the traditional way of teaching and why?
- How does Margie’s mother view the role of the teacher and their responsibility to adjust to each student?
- Why does Margie want to read about the old-fashioned schools despite her mother’s beliefs?
- How does Tommy’s reaction to the old book differ from Margie’s?
- What does the presence of the mechanical teacher suggest about the role of technology in education?
- How does Margie’s mother view the importance of regularity in learning?
- How does the mechanical teacher’s instruction differ from Margie’s desired method of learning?
- What can we infer about the society in which Margie and Tommy live based on their educational system?
- What might be the potential consequences of a one-size-fits-all approach to education as portrayed in the story?
Answers:
- The conflict between Margie and her mother’s beliefs about teaching is that Margie’s mother believes in the traditional way of teaching where all students are taught the same way, while Margie believes that each student should be taught differently to fit their individual needs.
- Margie is interested in the old-fashioned way of teaching because she finds it fascinating and wants to learn more about it. She is also frustrated with the mechanical teacher, which suggests that she is not satisfied with the current method of teaching.
- Margie’s mother views the role of the teacher as one who needs to adjust their teaching style to fit the needs of each individual student. She believes that each child has to be taught differently.
- Margie wants to read about the old-fashioned schools because she finds them interesting and different from the current method of teaching that she is experiencing.
- Tommy’s reaction to the old book is nonchalant, as he walks away whistling with the dusty old book tucked under his arm. He doesn’t seem to have the same level of interest in the old-fashioned schools as Margie does.
- The presence of the mechanical teacher suggests that technology is a significant part of education in Margie’s society.
- Margie’s mother views regularity in learning as important because she believes that little girls learn better when they learn at regular hours.
- The mechanical teacher’s instruction differs from Margie’s desired method of learning because the mechanical teacher is a one-size-fits-all approach to education, while Margie believes that each student should be taught differently to fit their individual needs.
- Based on the story, we can infer that Margie and Tommy live in a society where education is primarily based on technology and regularity is considered essential.
- The potential consequences of a one-size-fits-all approach to education as portrayed in the story could be that students with different learning styles and needs may not receive the education they require to succeed. This approach may not accommodate students’ individual needs and could lead to frustration, boredom, and disengagement.
Para – 10
10. Margie did so with a sigh. She was thinking about the old schools they had when her grandfather’s grandfather was a little boy. All the kids from the whole neighbourhood came, laughing and shouting in the schoolyard, sitting together in the schoolroom, going home together at the end of the day. They learned the same things, so they could help one another with the homework and talk about it.
And the teachers were people…
The mechanical teacher was flashing on the screen: “When we add fractions ½ and ¼…”
Margie was thinking about how the kids must have loved it in the old days. She was thinking about the fun they had.
Word Meanings:
slot: a narrow opening or groove, typically one that is used for insertion or for guiding something.
MCQs
1. What is Margie thinking about while the mechanical teacher is flashing on the screen?
a) The old schools her grandfather’s grandfather attended.
b) The addition of proper fractions.
c) The fun kids had in the old days.
d) Inserting yesterday’s homework in the proper slot.
2. How did kids in the old days learn in school?
a) They learned different things based on their abilities.
b) They learned the same things and helped each other with homework.
c) They learned individually with the help of a mechanical teacher.
d) They did not attend school.
3. What was the mechanical teacher teaching in the passage?
a) The addition of proper fractions.
b) The history of education.
c) The benefits of individualized learning.
d) The importance of group work.
4. What was Margie’s reaction to the mechanical teacher’s lesson?
a) She was excited to learn about fractions.
b) She was nostalgic for the old days of school.
c) She was frustrated with the teacher’s teaching method.
d) She was uninterested and bored.
5. What did the mechanical teacher instruct Margie to do?
a) Insert yesterday’s homework in the proper slot.
b) Write an essay on the history of education.
c) Solve a complex math problem.
d) Turn off the screen and go outside.
Answers:
- c) The fun kids had in the old days.
- b) They learned the same things and helped each other with homework.
- a) The addition of proper fractions.
- b) She was nostalgic for the old days of school.
- a) Insert yesterday’s homework in the proper slot.
Short Questions
- How does Margie feel about the old schools of the past?
- In what ways did the schools of the past differ from Margie’s current school?
- What emotions and thoughts do Margie’s reflections on the past evoke in her?
- How does the mechanical teacher differ from the human teachers of the past?
- What is the tone of the passage towards technology in education?
- How do Margie’s reflections on the past highlight the importance of social interaction in education?
- What do you think the author is trying to convey about the impact of technology on education?
- How might Margie’s experience with the mechanical teacher affect her attitude towards learning and education?
- How do Margie’s thoughts and feelings about the past compare to those of her parents or grandparents?
- In what ways might the technology in the story be limiting the potential of education and learning?
Answers:
- Margie feels nostalgic and romanticizes the old schools of the past.
- The schools of the past were more communal, with children from the neighborhood attending together, whereas Margie’s current school is more isolated and technology-driven.
- Margie’s reflections evoke feelings of longing for a more social and interactive learning experience.
- The mechanical teacher is a machine that lacks the personal touch and emotional connection that human teachers provide.
- The tone is critical of technology’s ability to replace the human connection in education.
- Margie’s reflections on the past highlight the importance of social interaction and community in education.
- The author is conveying that technology, while beneficial in some ways, should not replace the human connection in education.
- Margie’s experience with the mechanical teacher could potentially make her disinterested in learning or develop a negative attitude towards education.
- Margie’s thoughts and feelings about the past may differ from those of her parents or grandparents, who may have experienced a different type of education.
- The technology in the story may be limiting the potential for social interaction and critical thinking skills in education.