Question 1

How old are Margie and Tommy?

Accepted Answer

Margie is eleven and Tommy is thirteen years old.

Source: This question is from The Fun They Had, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Fun They Had: Old, Margie, Tommy, The Fun They Had, English. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Fun They HadQ10: What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have?
Q11: Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?
Q12: What did he do?
Q13: Why was Margie doing badly in geography? What did the County Inspector do to help her?
Q14: What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher?
Practice more questions from The Fun They Had &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 2

What did Margie write in her diary?

Accepted Answer

Margie wrote in her diary. “Today, 17 May, 2157, Tommy found a real book.”More Resources for CBSE Class 9NCERT SolutionsNCERT Solutions Class 9 MathsNCERT Solutions Class 9 ScienceNCERT Solutions Class 9 Social ScienceNCERT Solutions Class 9 EnglishNCERT Solutions Class 9 HindiNCERT Solutions Class 9 SanskritNCERT Solutions Class 9 ITRD Sharma Class 9 Solutions

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 3

Had Margie ever seen a book before?

Accepted Answer

No, Margie had never seen a book before.

Source: This question is from The Fun They Had, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Fun They Had: Margie, Ever, Seen, Book, The Fun They Had, English. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Fun They HadQ10: What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have?
Q11: Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?
Q12: What did he do?
Q13: Why was Margie doing badly in geography? What did the County Inspector do to help her?
Q14: What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher?
Practice more questions from The Fun They Had &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 4

What things about the book did she find strange?

Accepted Answer

The book had yellow and wrinkled pages.The words of the book were still. They did not move as the words move on the computer screen. She found these things strange.

Source: This question is from The Fun They Had, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Fun They Had: Things, Book, Strange, The Fun They Had, English. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Fun They HadQ10: What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have?
Q11: Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?
Q12: What did he do?
Q13: Why was Margie doing badly in geography? What did the County Inspector do to help her?
Q14: What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher?
Practice more questions from The Fun They Had &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 5

What do you think a telebook is?

Accepted Answer

A telebook is displayed on the television screen and the text of a telebook is similar to a book.

Source: This question is from The Fun They Had, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Fun They Had: Think, Telebook, The Fun They Had, English. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Fun They HadQ10: What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have?
Q11: Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?
Q12: What did he do?
Q13: Why was Margie doing badly in geography? What did the County Inspector do to help her?
Q14: What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher?
Practice more questions from The Fun They Had &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 6

Where was Margie’s school? Did she have any classmates?

Accepted Answer

Margie’s school was near her own bedroom. She did not have any classmate.

Source: This question is from The Fun They Had, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Fun They Had: Margie, School, Classmates, The Fun They Had, English. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Fun They HadQ10: What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have?
Q11: Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?
Q12: What did he do?
Q13: Why was Margie doing badly in geography? What did the County Inspector do to help her?
Q14: What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher?
Practice more questions from The Fun They Had &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 7

What subjects did Margie and Tommy learn?

Accepted Answer

Margie learnt Geography and Mathematics. Tommy learnt History and Mathematics.II. Answer the following with reference to the story.

Source: This question is from The Fun They Had, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Fun They Had: Subjects, Margie, Tommy, Learn, The Fun They Had, English. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Fun They HadQ10: What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have?
Q11: Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?
Q12: What did he do?
Q13: Why was Margie doing badly in geography? What did the County Inspector do to help her?
Q14: What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher?
Practice more questions from The Fun They Had &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 8

“I wouldn’t throw it away.”
Who says these words?
What does ‘it’ refer to?
What is it being compared with by the speaker?

Accepted Answer

Margie says these words.It refers to that real book that Tommy found.The speaker compares it with a telebook.

Source: This question is from The Fun They Had, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Fun They Had: Wouldn, Throw, Away, Says, Words, Refer. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Fun They HadQ10: What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have?
Q11: Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?
Q12: What did he do?
Q13: Why was Margie doing badly in geography? What did the County Inspector do to help her?
Q14: What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher?
Practice more questions from The Fun They Had &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 9

“ Sure, they had a teacher, but it wasn’t a regular teacher. It was a man.”
Who does ‘they’ refer to?
What does ‘regular’ mean here?
What is it contrasted with?

Accepted Answer

‘They’ refer to the people of the old times.Here, regular refers to the mechanical teacher then they had.It is contrasted with a normal teacher of earlier times, who was a living human being.III. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words).

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 10

What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have?

Accepted Answer

Margie and Tommy had mechanical teachers. They were taught on computers and television screens. They didn’t have a living person as a teacher who would teach the pupils in a classroom.

Source: This question is from The Fun They Had, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Fun They Had: Teachers, Margie, Tommy, The Fun They Had, English. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Fun They HadQ11: Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?
Q12: What did he do?
Q13: Why was Margie doing badly in geography? What did the County Inspector do to help her?
Q14: What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher?
Q15: Did Margie have regular days and hours for school? If so, why?
Practice more questions from The Fun They Had &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 11

Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?

Accepted Answer

Margie’s mother sent for the County Inspector because the mechanical teacher was not functioning efficiently. It had been giving her test after test in geography and she had been doing worse and worse.

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 12

What did he do?

Accepted Answer

He slowed down the mechanical teacher’s speed upto an average ten-year level. The mechanical teacher’s speed was controlled and adjusted according to the IQ level of Margie.

Source: This question is from The Fun They Had, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Fun They Had: The Fun They Had, English. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Fun They HadQ10: What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have?
Q11: Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?
Q13: Why was Margie doing badly in geography? What did the County Inspector do to help her?
Q14: What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher?
Q15: Did Margie have regular days and hours for school? If so, why?
Practice more questions from The Fun They Had &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 13

Why was Margie doing badly in geography? What did the County Inspector do to help her?

Accepted Answer

Margie had been doing badly in geography. This was because the mechanical teacher was very fast in displaying the questionnaire. The County Inspector adjusted its speed upto an average ten-year level. Thus, the mechanical teacher’s speed was controlled appropriately. The County Inspector assured that the overall pattern of Margie’s progress was quite satisfactory.

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 14

What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher?

Accepted Answer

Tommy’s teacher was taken away for nearly a month because the history sector had blanked out completely. So, Tommy had nothing to do during that period. He only relaxed and enjoyed.

Source: This question is from The Fun They Had, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Fun They Had: Once, Happened, Tommy, Teacher, The Fun They Had, English. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Fun They HadQ10: What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have?
Q11: Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?
Q12: What did he do?
Q13: Why was Margie doing badly in geography? What did the County Inspector do to help her?
Q15: Did Margie have regular days and hours for school? If so, why?
Practice more questions from The Fun They Had &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 15

Did Margie have regular days and hours for school? If so, why?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Margie had regular days and hours for school because her mother said little girls learned better if they learned at regular hours.

Source: This question is from The Fun They Had, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Fun They Had: Margie, Regular, Days, Hours, School, The Fun They Had. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Fun They HadQ10: What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have?
Q11: Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?
Q12: What did he do?
Q13: Why was Margie doing badly in geography? What did the County Inspector do to help her?
Q14: What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher?
Practice more questions from The Fun They Had &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 16

How does Tommy describe the old kind of school?

Accepted Answer

Tommy says that the old schools were different. They had a special building and all the kids went there to study. They laughed and shouted in the schoolyard. They enjoyed time together and learned lessons together in a classroom.

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 17

How does he describe the old kind of teachers?

Accepted Answer

He says that the old teachers did not live in the house. They had a special building and all the kids went there. They gave homework to students. They were not mechanical teachers, but living human beings.IV. Answer each of these questions in two or three paragraphs. (100-150 words).

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 18

What are the main features of the mechanical teachers and the schoolrooms that Margie and Tommy have in the story?

Accepted Answer

Margie and Tommy have mechanical teachers. They need not go to school for getting a formal education. The mechanical teacher is placed in one of the rooms of the house and they can get the knowledge of various subjects of individually from the mechanical teacher. They don’t have such classrooms where students sit together. They study from the telebooks. So they don’t require books and exercise books. The examination system is very different. They do homework in a different way. Margie has to write them out in a punch code. She leamt it when she was six years old. So the system of their education is technologically advanced and not based on printed books.

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 19

Why did Margie hate school? Why did she think the old kind of school must have been fun?

Accepted Answer

Margie hated her school because she had a mechanical teacher. It was in her house. She was supposed to sit in that room alone to complete her hometask or assignments. The part Margie hated most was the slot where she had to put homework and test papers. She thought that the old schools must have been fun because the students used to sit together in the classroom. They enjoyed, laughed and shouted in the schoolyard. Children needed company to enhance their skills. If they are isolated, they get depressed and dejected.

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 20

Do you agree with Margie that schools today are more fun than the school in the story? Give reasons for your

Accepted Answer

Answer:There is no doubt that today’s schools are more funny than the future school discussed in the story. This school has nothing but a mechanical teacher with no emotions and sentiments. It does not have the ability to understand the psychology of a child. Moreover, it guides a pupil according to its adjusted modes. But today’s schools work for the overall development of a child. They learn the same thing. The teaches are real human beings. They leam how to adapt themselves to the new surroundings and cope with the strangers. The students sit and leam together. These activities don’t give vent to the feelings of depression, alienation and segregation.Thinking about language (Page 11)I. AdverbsRead this sentence taken from the story:They had once taken Tommy’s teacher away for nearly a month because the history sector had blanked out completely. The word complete is an adjective. When you add -ly to it, it becomes an adverb.

Overview: The Fun They Had
Set in 2157, this science fiction story explores a future where children learn at home with mechanical teachers. Margie (11) and Tommy (13) discover a real paper book about old-fashioned schools where children went to a special building and had human teachers. Margie is fascinated by the idea of children learning together. The story ends with her thinking about "the fun they had" in those old schools, highlighting how technology can isolate while traditional schooling fostered community.

Key Points

Genre: Science fiction set in the year 2157
Characters: Margie (11 years old) and Tommy (13 years old)
Their school is at home with a mechanical teacher (computer-based)
Tommy finds a "real book" made of paper — yellow, crinkly pages
The book describes old schools where human teachers taught groups of children
Margie's mechanical teacher had been giving her geography tests
Margie is fascinated by the concept of children learning together
Title significance: "The fun they had" refers to children in old-style schools
Theme: Technology cannot replace human connection in education
Irony: What we consider normal schooling is "ancient history" to them

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school did Margie and Tommy have?They had virtual schools at home. A mechanical teacher — a large screen with lessons and questions — was installed in their room. It calculated grades instantly. There was no school building or human teacher.
What was the "real book" about?The book was about the old kind of schools that existed centuries ago. It described how children went to a special building, had a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions.
Why did Margie think old schools were better?Margie thought old schools were better because children went to school together, laughed and played together, sat together in the classroom, and learned the same things. She found her solitary mechanical learning boring in comparison.
What is the significance of the title?The title "The Fun They Had" refers to the enjoyment children had in traditional schools where they learned together with human teachers. It is ironic because Margie envies something we take for granted.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.