Class 9 English - ANDHRA-PRADESH
Prose: The Fun They Had
The Fun They Had by Isaac Asimov is a science fiction story set in the year 2157, where children study alone in their homes using mechanical teachers and tele-books. The protagonist, Margie, struggles with her automated schooling and discovers an old printed book about ancient schools from the past, realizing how much fun children used to have. For Andhra Pradesh BSEAP board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing reading comprehension, textual analysis, and the ability to compare modern digital learning with traditional classroom environments. Students must focus on the theme of technological advancement versus human interaction.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Setting of the Story
The story is set in the future (May 17, 2157) when traditional schools and printed books have become completely obsolete.
Mechanical Teacher
A computerised robot screen installed in a room at home that teaches students individually and evaluates their tests instantly.
Contrast Between Past and Future Schools
Future schools are isolated mechanical rooms at home, whereas past schools were physical buildings where human teachers taught groups of children together.
Margie's Frustration
Margie hates her school because her mechanical teacher keeps giving her geography tests and she is performing poorly due to a glitch.
The Value of Human Interaction
The chapter highlights the importance of social interaction, peer learning, and human teachers which are missing in automated future education.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) Class 9 English board exams, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 8 marks. Questions usually include reading comprehension passages, paragraph questions about the differences between Margie's school and old schools, character sketches of Margie and Tommy, and vocabulary-based questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Margie doing badly in geography?
Margie was performing poorly because the geography sector of her mechanical teacher had been geared a little too quick, which the county inspector later repaired.
What did Tommy find in the attic?
Tommy found a very old, real printed book with yellow and crinkly pages that belonged to his grandfather's grandfather.
Why did Margie think old schools were fun?
Margie thought old schools were fun because children from the whole neighborhood came together, laughed and shouted in the schoolyard, and studied the same things from human teachers.
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