Question

Planet AURIGAE II Dear Pen Pal Your prompt reply to my letter has made me very happy. I welcome your many questions, and I shall try to answer them all. However, I am not yet in a position to answer your question about how I plan to visit Earth, as my experiment has not yet proceeded far enough. You are right in saying that it would be difficult for a being who lives at a temperature of 250 degrees Celsius to mingle freely with the people of Earth. This has never been my intention, so please relieve your mind. However, let us drop that subject for the time being. I appreciate the delicate way in which you approach the subject of my imprisonment. But it is quite unnecessary. I have performed forbidden experiments upon my body in a way that is deemed to be dangerous to the public welfare, so charges have been laid against me. I have thirty more years to serve. It would be pleasant to leave my body behind and tour the universe-but as I said, we’ll discuss that later. I wouldn’t say that we’re a superior race. We have certain qualities which apparently your people don’t have. We live longer - not because of any discoveries we’ve made about ourselves, but because our bodies are made of a more enduring element. I am enclosing a photographic plate, properly cooled and chemicalized for your climate. I wonder if you would set it up and take a picture of yourself. All you have to do is arrange it properly on the basis of the laws of light-that is, light travels in straight lines, so stand in front of it - and when you are ready think “Ready!” The picture will be automatically taken. Would you do this for me? If you are interested, I will also send you a picture of myself, though, I must warn you: my appearance will probably shock you. Skander

1. What qualities of the Pen Pal can you gauge from this letter?
2. Why do youthink thatSkanderhas started this correspondence withPenPal?
3. What impression do you have of Skander?

Answer 1

1. The Pen Pal seems to be curious, kind, polite, and open-minded. They ask thoughtful questions and show concern about Skander's well-being without being rude.
2. I think Skander started writing to the Pen Pal because he wanted to communicate with someone from another planet, share information about his world, and make a friend. Being in prison, he may also have felt lonely.
3. Skander appears to be an intelligent, honest, curious, and friendly scientist. He enjoys experiments, answers questions patiently, and is interested in learning about Earth. Even though he is in prison, he remains hopeful and polite.