English: Reading Comprehension Robots that Are Alive Grade: 8

Periods: 34, 35, 36, 37

Pre-reading Activity
Page: 30
Answers:
I. Learner- Specific Answers
II. Learner- Specific Answer
Intext questions
Page: 32
Complete the following sentences:
1. Karel Capek’s R.U.R. ends on an ominous note because robots cause the extinction of humanity.
2. A robot that resembles humans is called a humanoid robot.
3. The stem cells were extracted from the embryo of Xenopus Laevis.
4. It is appropriate to use the word robot while referring to xenobots because they are produced in the
laboratory.
Intext questions
Page: 33
Pause to Ponder
Answers:
1. The Rubik’s Cube
2. The xenobots are shaped like pacman with an open mouth and they also behave that way.
3. The cut healed on its own within a short span of time.
Intext questions
Page: 34
Write true or false for the following sentences:
1. Karl Sims’ creation was virtual in nature. True
2. At the moment, scientists are hopeful that xenobots will be able to carry out warfare. False
3. The DARPA facilitates research on the development of spacecrafts. False
4. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a classic fantasy novel. False
Class Assignments
A. Analyse Text
Pages:35-36
I. Darken the bubble next to each correct answer.
1. c) organic matter
b) tend to ignore that something as simple as an automatic washing machine is also a robo
c) they are far too artificial
 d) a clear set of rules
c) they are designed by an evolutionary model
d) Victor Frankenstein
II. Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow:
Pages: 36 and 37
1. Answers:
a) Learner-specific answers. Cues: Perhaps with an episode where robots and humans live in
harmony.
b) The robots in Capek’s play are made up of organic matter.
c) ii) ruling
d) Learner-specific answer. Cues: to inform the readers about the origin of the word robot and its
interpretations.
2. Answers:
1. They wanted to choose the most appropriate shape for the xenobots.
2. Because Rubik’s Cube seems extremely difficult to solve at a glance.
3. ii) riddle
4. Learner-specific answers.
3. Answers:
a. The process of replication of xenobots
b. The pacman’s habit of gobbling up food is like the way xenobots replicate.
c. ii) strongly
d. A xenobot collects hundreds of single cells in its mouth, where the cells bind together and form new
xenobots.
4. Answers:
a. The possible functions of xenobots in future.
b. Xenobots can carry medicine inside human bodies.
c. iii) minor
d. Radioactive wastes are dangerous to the environment.
5. Answers:
a) the negative side
b) Victor’s creation becomes his adversary and leads him into devastation
c) ii) comedy
d) Because they have the potential to get out of control and cause damage.
III. Think and Answer
Page: 37- 38
Answers:
1. Learner-specific answer.
Cues: The opening paragraph talks about the origin of the word robot - also Capek’s warning about
being too dependent on robots in his play - the opening is connected to the last paragraph in a way.
2. The Rubik’s Cube can be solved by using a clear set of rules - similar rules are followed by nature
while choosing the arrangement of cells in living bodies - the evolutionary algorithm also followed a
similar set of rules.
3. Learner-specific answers. Cues: AI remains a hugely debated field of study - it is better to be
sceptical of its positive impacts at times.
IV. Graphic Organiser
Page: 38
Answers:
Similarities:
1. Both deal with the dangers of going too far with one’s creations
2. Both can be classified as science fiction
Differences:
R.U.R
1. It is a play
2. It was written in 1920.
Frankenstein
1. It is a novel
2. It was published in 1818.
Home Assignments
Page: 38-39
I. Darken the bubble next to each correct answer.
1. b) grim
2. b) automatic washing machine
3. c) maze
4. b) machines and models
5 b) computer graphics artist
6. d) bomb disposal robots
II. Answer the following questions in 50-60 words:
Answers:
1. The word robot was first used in the 1920 play R.U.R. or Rossum’s Universal Robots written by the
Czech playwright Karel Capek and his brother.
2. Because xenobots are manufactured in the laboratory, and are far too artificial to be considered
living beings.
3. Karl Sims’ ‘Evolved Virtual Creatures’ showed the movement of virtual creatures in a simulated
environment - it was a pioneering work on virtual creatures.
4. Learner-specific answers. Cues: The author brings in literary references to caution the readers
about the dangers of AI and robotics. The literary references also provide different perspectives on
the topic - perspectives that were given by the authors of those texts.
5. In future, entire armies could consist of robots, causing maximum damage to the ones they are
attacking - it could be dangerous because the collateral damage could be even greater.
III. Graphic Organiser
Page: 40
Answers:
1. Scientists wanted to create programmable living beings
2. The algorithm chose the most suitable shape for a xenobot
3. The xenobot healed on its own, proving that it is self-healing
Research Hour
Pages: 40
Answers:
1. Mona Lisa, The Last Supper. Learner-specific answers.
2. The helicopter or vertical flying machine
V. Listening Activity
Page: 41
Listen to a short interview between Ameca, the world’s most advanced robot and Alexa Rose Carlin
and answer the following questions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAP-0BUIR5E
Write true or false for the following sentences:
1. Ameca does not want to make the world a better place. False
2. Ameca agrees to smile and take a photo. True
3. Ameca’s favourite part in adapting to this new world is food. False
Answer the following questions:
1. What, according to Ameca, is something that sets humans apart from robots?
2. How is listening to an interview different from reading a text on a similar topic? Which medium,
according to you, is more effective here?
3. Do you think Ameca’s responses are satisfactory? Explain in brief.

Answers:
1. Curiosity
2. Learner-specific answer.
3. Learner-specific answer.
Cues: Her responses are fascinating, but they are quite short and abrupt.
VI. Enrichment Activity
Pages: 42, 42 and 43
1. c) The impact of robots on factory jobs
2. c) supply
Exit Slip
Page: 43
Note: The answers to this will be learner-specific.