Question

Read the given extract and answer the questions.

Historian: ...You haven’t heard about the Martian invasion of 2040? Tsk, tsk. What do they teach children nowadays? Well, you know, the invasion never really happened, because a single book stopped it. What was the book, you ask? A noble encyclopaedia? A tome about rockets and missiles? A secret file from outer space? No, it was none of those. It was, but here, let me turn on the historiscope and show you what happened many centuries ago, in 2040. (She turns on the projector and points it left. Spotlight on Historian goes out...) (The Book That saved the Earth)

I. What does the pause indicated by the dash in the line ‘It was, but here, let me turn on the historiscope and show you’ convey? (1)

1. a sense of impatience and frustration
2. a point of suspense and anticipation
3. a moment of confusion and hesitation
4. a sudden shift to lightheartedness
5. a reflective moment of deep thought
   1. i, ii, v
   2. Only ii
   3. iii and iv
   4. Only v

II. How do the stage directions, such as ‘Historian turns on projector’ and ‘Spotlight on Historian goes out’, contribute to the atmosphere and understanding of the scene in this part of the play? (2)

III. Select the option that correctly completes the following. (1)

The Historian dismisses the noble encyclopaedia and rockets because she wants to ______.

1. convey the importance of scientific knowledge and military power in stopping the invasion
2. stress the surprising and unexpected nature of the book that stopped the invasion

IV. What emotion is the Historian most likely conveying with the phrase ‘Tsk, tsk’? (1)

Answer 1

I. Only ii

Explanation:

The pause creates an expectation for the audience, setting the stage for a revelation and keeping them intrigued.

II. The stage directions, like turning on the projector and dimming the spotlight, help create a shift in focus and set the tone for the scene. The projector signals a transition from narration to visual storytelling, while the fading spotlight on the Historian reveals the movement toward the next key action or character, heightening the suspense and anticipation of the forthcoming revelation. These technical elements guide the audience’s attention and contribute to the play’s overall pacing and dramatic effect.

III. The Historian dismisses the noble encyclopaedia and rockets because she wants to stress the surprising and unexpected nature of the book that stopped the invasion.

IV. Disappointment/disapproval