Into the Unknown
- from The Lost World
by Arthur Conan Doyle (Mulberry)
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Dinosaurs were lizard-like reptiles that dominated the Earth for more than 150 million years before history was recorded. The last dinosaurs are believed to have died out about 65 million years ago. Which other extinct, prehistoric animals do you recognize?
Match the pictures to the names of these extinct animals.
Comprehension
Read and answer
1. Choose the correct answers.
a. Professor Challenger invited volunteers for an expedition because
i. she wanted to go on an adventure. [ ]
ii. she wanted to prove that dinosaurs still existed. [✓]
iii. she wanted a pterodactyl for a pet. [ ]
b. Professor Challenger knew that the creature the group saw in the shadows was a pterodactyl because
i. she saw what she wanted to see. [ ]
ii. she didn't want to agree with Summerlee. [✓]
iii. she had noticed some of the creature's unusual features. [✓]
c. The group of explorers decided to travel westward because
i. there was no way up on the eastern side. [✓]
ii. that was where they had seen a glimpse of the creature. [ ]
iii. they were in immediate danger. [ ]
d. Professor Challenger was confident that dinosaurs were alive because
i. the contents of Maple White's diary indicated it. [✓]
ii. she had previously seen a pterodactyl. [ ]
iii. she had interacted with Maple White. [ ]
Reference to context
2. "What is there? Wood and marsh and dense jungle. Who knows what it may shelter? And there to the south? A wilderness of swampy forest. The unknown is up against us on every side..."
a. Who do you think is speaking in these lines?
= I think Lord John or Edward Malone is speaking these lines. As there is the reference of Professor Challenger at the end of the dialogue. And Summerlee had doubt on the existence of dinosaur. So Professor Challenger and Summerlee are not the speakers.
b. Do these sentences reflect how each member of the group of explorers must be feeling before their journey?
= Yes, these sentences reflect how each member of the group of explorers must be feeling before their journey. They had the confusion about Professor Challenger's opinion that dinosaurs still exist. Some were towards her opinion. Some were against her opinion. Some were agree with the possibility.
c. Is the author expecting any answers from the readers to the questions in these lines? Why or why not?
= The is actually creating inquisitiveness among the readers. They gain interest to read the story from the dialogue at the very beginning. He has given the glimpse of the place and the notes on the possibilities. The readers grow eagerness in their mind to read the story.
3. "Hahaha! It was a stork, Professor Challenger, a big one!"
"I focused on it before it got over the trees. I might be wrong, but that was no stork. In fact, it wasn't a bird at all."
a. Who says the first line? Who says the second dialogue?
= Summerlee says the first line.
Edward Malone says the second dialogue.
b. What is the difference in the natures of the two characters who say these lines? What makes you say that?
= Summerlee is pessimistic about the fact that dinosaur still exist. He concludes anything based on his assumption. Edward Malone is optimistic about the existence of dinosaur. He concludes anything based on proof and logic.
There was a sudden movement of an animal in the jungle. Summerlee confirmed that it was a big stork. He had held the idea that there is no animals alive like dinosaur. On the other hand Edward Malone focused his binoculars on the animal and had the opinion that it was not a bird at all.
c. What does 'Hahaha!' say about the tone used in the first line?
= The 'Hahaha!' used in the first line says about the tone of disbelief and deride of Summerlee. He is just jeering on Professor Challenger's demand that it was a Pterodactyl.
4. "Our pioneer has left this sign so that any party which follows him may know the way. Perhaps we shall come upon some other indications as we proceed."
a. Who is the 'pioneer'? Why?
= Maple White, an American is the 'pioneer'.
He had researched about the existence of the dinosaurs. He had come to those places before. There were old camp of his. He had left many signs and evidences for the future researchers.
b. What was the sign that he left behind?
= The contents of Maple White's diary were the sign that he left behind.
c. What does it mean to 'come upon' something?
= To 'come upon' something means to progress beyond his achievement.
Reflect and answer
5. Do you think Professor Challenger was a good leader? Give examples to support your answer.
= I think Professor Challenger was a good leader. She was a scientist who wanted to prove that dinosaur still exist. She invited volunteers for an expedition for this purpose at The Royal Society. She had to search the lost world. She proposed three men - Professor Summerlee, Lord John Roxton and Edward Malone - to support her. They went out for the expedition.
Summerlee was not morally supporting her since the beginning. The other two members were not much initiative. She led the team. She first pointed out the Pterodactyl. She convinced the others that the plateau contained animals. She decided to break up their camp and travel westward.
She got inspiration from the diary of Maple White. She followed the footsteps of Maple While to the narrow gorge. Finally they had a sudden meeting with a monster like animal in the darkness of the night at their dinner time. That led Summerlee to apologise to Professor Challenger. She became successful to cheer up her volunteers to continue their search for The Lost World.
6. In the original novel, the character of Professor Challenger is a man. How would that change the experience you had of reading this lesson? Why?
= In the original novel, the character of Professor Challenger is a man. In this lesson, Professor Challenger is a woman. That would not change much of the experience I had of reading the lesson.
Some tones or expressions would be different. But the thrill of reading a science fiction is always the same. The lead character of a story, whether a man or a woman, will always be the centre of attraction. This would not change the experience abruptly. Professor Challenger, whether a man or a woman, is a scientist, and wants to prove that dinosaurs still exist. The topic is most import not the gender of the character.
7. What changes would have to be made to the story if it were set in the modern world? Make a list.
= If the story were set in the modern world, the following things would have to be added in the story.
i) There must be choppers or helicopters to reach the jungle.
ii) There must be super computers, tablets, for the research of Professor Challenger.
iii) There must be modern equipments with the four members who went to find The Lost World.
iv) There must have been mobile phones, high definition cameras, drone cameras with them.
8. You are having a difference of opinion with a classmate about something. You are defending your point of view passionately. Slowly, you begin to realize that the classmate will not stop arguing unless you agree with him/her. What do you do?
a. Keep arguing to defend your opinion. [ ]
b. Tell him/her that you agree; end the argument. [ ]
c. Tell him that further discussion is useless if he/she is not willing to listen to your point of view with an open mind. [✓]
Think about how our reactions in these situations should vary depending on the issue at hand. If it is a small matter (for instance, a discussion about a movie or book) we should prioritize our relationships with friends or family. If the argument is about an important issue ( for instance, bad behaviour or social issue) the discussion should continue in a calm manner.
= I think argument is for the mere good for the human society or mankind. We have to ensure the victory of humanity either winning the argument of losing it. It will always be healthy argument or debate. The argument or debate should always end up with a note of creative possibilities not a destructive one.
About the Author :
Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930), born in Britain, was a doctor by profession but he became more popular as a writer of detective fiction, and science fiction and fantasy novels. He is best remembered for creating the popular fictional characters, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. The story you just read is based on The Lost World, which was published in serial form in a magazine.