Question

Dear Pen Pal, Thanks a lot for forcing the issue. For a long time I hesitated about letting you play such a trick on yourself. You see, the government scientists analyzed the nature of that first photographic plate you sent me, and so the final decision was really up to me. I decided that anyone as eager as you were should be allowed to succeed. By this time you will have realized for yourself that a man who has been paralyzed since birth, and is subject to heart attacks, cannot expect a long life span. I am happy to tell you that your once lonely pen pal is enjoying himself, and I am happy to sign myself with a name to which I expect to become accustomed. With best wishes Skander

1. Who has written the letter? (Original Pen Pal? original Skander? “New Pen Pal”)?

2. Which planet does he live on?

3. Answer the following questions by choosing the correct option.

1. Pick the option that matches the meaning of the word ‘serve’ as in the sentence - “I have thirty more years to serve.”
   1. The punishment served as a warning to other criminals.
   2. He has served his complete term of punishment.
   3. Federer served out the second set at 5-4.
   4. Only pure vegetarian food is served in this restaurant.
2. Skander writes, “...charges were laid against me”. This means that he was ______.
   1. told to pay compensation
   2. put in a prison
   3. caught in a conspiracy
   4. accused of a crime
3. Choose the option that best describes Pen Pal’s personality.
   1. helpul
   2. adventurous
   3. intelligent
   4. friendly
      1. (1) and (2)
      2. (2) and (4)
      3. (3) and (4)
      4. (2) and (3)
4. Which of the following statements sums up the theme of the lesson?
   1. Life comes full circle.
   2. Do unto others as you would have them do to you.
   3. He who digs a pit for others will fall into it.
   4. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

4. The exchange of letters amongst Skander and Pen Pal was a battle of wits. Illustrate with evidence from the text.

5. Imagine that five years have passed since the last letter. Skander and Pen Pal are both still alive. Write another letter from Skander to Pen Pal, outlining what has happened in the intervening years. What is your present situation? What are your thoughts? What are your plans for the immediate future?

Answer 1

1. Original Pen Pal written the letter.

2. He lives on Aurigae II.

3. 

1. He has served his complete term of punishment.

2. Skander writes, “...charges were laid against me”. This means that he was accused of a crime.
3. (2) and (4)
4. He who digs a pit for others will fall into it.

4. The exchange of letters was a battle of wits because both Skander and the Pen Pal tried to outsmart each other. Skander repeatedly asked for the Pen Pal's photograph so that he could exchange personalities and escape from prison. However, the Pen Pal's government scientists examined the photographic plate and understood Skander's plan. The Pen Pal then knowingly sent his own photograph because he was seriously ill and wanted a healthier body. In the end, both used their intelligence to achieve their own goals.

5. Aurigae II

Dear Pen Pal,

It has been five years since our last letter. Life has changed a lot for both of us. I have become used to living on Aurigae II. At first, everything seemed strange, but now I understand the people and their way of life. I have also learned many new things about their science and technology.

I hope you are enjoying your new life on Earth. I often wonder how you are managing in your new body. Although our exchange was unusual, it has given us both a chance to experience a completely different life.

My plans for the future are to continue learning about this planet and to make the best of my new life. I hope we will keep writing to each other and remain friends.

With best wishes,
Skander