This document provides an overview of a lesson on science fiction plays for a 9th grade advanced English class. It includes definitions of plays and science fiction, as well as their key characteristics. It discusses the science fiction play "War of the Worlds" and includes vocabulary exercises, reading comprehension questions, and activities analyzing cause and effect relationships and specialized vocabulary related to the play.

1. OUT OF THIS WORLD
Presented by
Prof. T. Méndez
9th Grade Advanced English

2. What is a play?
A play is a form of literature written by a playwright,
usually consisting of scripted dialogue between
characters intended for theatrical performance rather
than read.
The term “play” can refer to both the written works of
a playwright and to their complete theatrical
performance.

3. Characteristics of a play
Cast of characters
Divided into scenes
Live action shaped by conflict
Live performance
Entertainment

4. What is science fiction?
Science fiction is a genre of fiction.
It differs from fantasy in that, within the context of the
story, its imaginary elements are largely possible within
scientifically-established or scientifically-postulated
laws of nature.
Science fiction is largely based on writing entertainingly
and rationally about alternate possibilities in settings
that are contrary to known reality.

5. Characteristics of science fiction
A setting in the future, in alternative timelines, or in a
historical past that contradicts known facts of history
or the archeological record.
A setting in outer space, on other worlds, or involving
aliens.
Stories that involve technology or scientific principles
that contradict known laws of nature.
Stories that involve themes such as time travel, new
technology, faster than light travel, or robots.

6. Have you seen any science
fiction movies?
Examples:

7. Vocabulary
Find the definition for
each word and write
two new sentences for
each word.
1. interrupt 6. defeats
2. renowned 7. gravity
3. investigating 8. adversary
4. friction 9. astronomers
5. evacuations

8. War of the Worlds
Reading comprehension
Answer the assigned questions
Discussion

9. Contractions
A contraction is a shortened form of two words joined
together. An apostrophe ( ‘ ) takes the place of letters
that have been dropped.
Find 6 contractions within the play “War of the
Worlds”.
Copy and complete the exercises on pg. 60 from the
Practice Book.

10. Cause and Effect
Back to the play.
According to the announcer, three million people
began to evacuate. What do the “aliens” do to make so
many people run?

11. Cause and Effect
Causes:
1.
Effect:
2.
People flee
from their
homes.
3.
4.

12. Cause and Effect
A cause is why something happens. An effect is what
happens.
Practice: Make a chart in your notebook that shows
another cause/effect relationship in the story.

13. Cause and Effect - Practice
Put a check beside each sentence which gives a
possible cause of the effect listed.
1. The circus dog did not perform very well.
____ He had been performing for several hours.
____ He had not had anything to eat for some time.
____ He was watching the clown.
____ There was noisy clapping.
____ The stunt was new.

14. Cause and Effect - Practice
2. The chair was broken down.
____ Someone had used it.
___ It was old.
___ A heavy weight had fallen on it.
___ It was an armchair.
___ It wasn’t repaired when it first sagged.

15. Cause and Effect - Practice
3. Merchants sold a large quantity of clothing.
___ They went fishing.
___ They advertised their product.
___ All merchandise was well made.
___ There were few things to sell.
___ The sales clerks were polite.

16. Cause and Effect - Practice
4. John was a success at his new job.
___ He worked hard.
___ He read newspapers for fun.
___ The job really interested him.
___ It paid poorly.
___ He understood what he was doing.
___ He had good preparation for it.

17. Specialized Vocabulary
bat baseball cap
ball pitcher
glove left field
catcher’s mitt home-run
base foul
park hit

18. Specialized Vocabulary
Specialized vocabulary is a group of words used to
describe a particular subject. When you come to an
unfamiliar word, think about how it might relate to the
subject you are reading about. Also look for clues to its
meaning in the rest of the sentence.
Practice, pg. 62

19. Correct these sentences
why are you late Why are you late?
Stop right now Stop right now!
we went to the park We went to the park.

20. End Punctuation
End punctuation marks the end of a sentence.
A period (.) is used after a statement or a command.
A question mark (?) indicates a question.
An exclamation point (!) is used at the end of an
exclamation to show emotion or surprise.
Practice, pg. 63