1a. How does the worried officer describe the planet on which the Type H-9 Ruum was mistakenly left?
2a. What does Jim notice about the live specimens he encounters?
3a. Who is described as running alongside Jim during the night?
4a. What does the ruum do right after the grizzly cuffs it?
1b. Which planet is this? How do you know?
2b. Why is this fact significant?
3b. What is actually happening at this point in the story?
4b. What might this indicate about the specimens the ruum is collecting?
5a. Determine Jim's probable weight over the course of the story.
5b. Why is his change in weight so significant?
6a. Evaluate how effective the author is in creating a terrifying pursuer. Support your opinion with examples from the text.
6b. Why do you think readers are attracted to horror stories like "The Ruum"? Would the ending have been more satisfying if Jim had succeeded in destroying the ruum? Explain.
Description. How did the author use sensory details to describe the main character's surroundings, equipment, and experiences? How does he use sensory details to describe the ruum? Find specific examples of sensory details that apply to each of the five senses.
Suspense. Look back at your chart in which you identified some of the suspenseful scenes in "The Ruum." What was the most suspenseful part of the story for you?
1. Write a fortune cookie insert that describes someone or something scary that the reader will soon meet.
2. For future readers of "The Ruum," write a humorous moral, or message, they will gain from the story.
3. Write a character sketch of Jim for his new son. Start with the phrase "Your father is"
Researching Science Fiction: Research Log. As you gather information for your report, answer the following questions. Use the space directly below to keep track of your sources.
Sources of information:
1. How and when did science fiction originate?
2. How is science fiction similar to and different from fantasy?
3. What are some typical components in a work of science fiction? What literary techniques are often used in science fiction?
4. How has the popularity of science fiction increased or decreased over time?
5. Could you find any facts or theories on the personal characteristics of avid science fiction fans? If so, what are they?
6. List the titles and authors of some of the most famous or best-selling science fiction tales.
7. Describe the overall purpose or goal of science fiction. What kinds of ideas or issues do the authors of science fiction want their readers to think about?
Forming Plurals: Game. Most noun plurals are formed by adding an –s or –es. See the Language Arts Survey 3.99, "Using Spelling Rules II," for information on the rules for using –s or –es. Some words, however, do not follow the rules—they must be learned and memorized. And a few English plurals have other endings, such as in the following examples.
Write the correct plural for each of these words.
1. theory
2. mongoose
3. avocado
4. stratum
5. focus
6. axis
7. yourself
8. cactus
9. knife
10. mosquito
11. index
12. child
13. crisis
14. shelf
15. premium
1. "Jimmy," said Mother, "you can't have a Choco Bar right now because it is almost lunch time. I know you really like Choco Bars, but you need to eat some healthy food first. You may have the Choco Bar after lunch." Register: Tone:
2. "Professor Doogins, I can't believe I failed this test. I studied all weekend and felt really confident. Even while writing my answers I thought I was doing a good job. I don't know what happened. At first when I saw my grade, I thought it was a mistake. Now that I know it's not, I would like to learn from you what is wrong with my answers." Register: Tone:
3. "Jan, I can't believe you read my diary! What is the matter with you? Why would you do such a thing? I thought I could trust you! I'll never share a secret with you again! I—oh—I just don't even know what to say to you!" Register: Tone:
