Q3 of 14 Page 200

Mark the linkers used by the author to connect the point he makes in one paragraph with that in the next. For example, let me explain the difference that makes in the last line of Para 1 of Section II. These are called discourse markers or discourse signallers.

Linkers used by the author to connect the point he makes in one paragraph with that in the next are as follows:

1) The goals of these ancient stories are the same as those of modern science fiction—the depiction of life as we don’t know it: The emotional needs that are fulfilled are the same, the satisfaction of the longing for wonder.


2) Science fiction is a literary universe of no mean size because science fiction is what it is, not through its content but through its background: Let me explain the difference that makes.


More from this chapter

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1

Discuss the author’s attitude towards the pre-scientific imagination and the tone he adopts while talking about it.

 2

Observe how the paragraph, as a form, has been used in the essay. Some paragraphs consist of just one sentence. What purpose do you think the author had in putting them in this manner?

 1

Literary Allusions

(i) Look up a literary dictionary or encyclopaedia or the internet to understand the references to the following mythical creatures.


1) Centaur: 2) Satyr3) Sphinx: 4) Harpy: 5) Gryphon: 6) Gorgon: 7) Pegasus:


(ii) Find out about the story of Achilles and Hector.

 1

Here are a few sentences with transitive verbs, adapted from the text. Identify the noun phrases that are the verbs’ objects, and underline them. Then turn these sentences into a passive form.

• He expected a sudden change of rules.


• Nothing prevents writers from using actual science.


• He revealed that he didn’t know the difference between the element and the compound.


• He demonstrated that he couldn’t tell the difference between carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and reduced the plot to a shamble.


• The writer must carefully explain to the reader all the boundary conditions of the imaginary society.