Sentry
By Fredric Brown
Name: ______________________________
Interesting fact: Fredric Brown wrote a famous story called “Arena” and it was used
as a Star Trek episode. What does this lead us to believe? Yes, he is a master of
writing science fiction.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Key Vocabulary:
Astrobiology - is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in
the universe.
Microbiologist - is a scientist who works in the field of microbiology. Microbiologists
study organisms called microbes. Microbes can take the form
of bacteria, viruses, fungi,
Unambiguous - Not open to more than one interpretation.
Elusive - Difficult to find, catch, or achieve.
Meteorite - is a natural object originating in outer space that survives impact with the
Earth's surface.
Touted - Attempt to persuade people of the merits of (someone or something).
NASA - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (is an executive
branch agency of the United States government, responsible for the nation's civilian
space and aeronautics and aerospace research.
Astronomer - a scientist who studies celestial bodies such
as planets, stars and galaxies.
Geothermal heat - is the direct use of geothermal energy for heating applications.
Geothermal energy originates from the heat retained within the Earth since the original
formation of the planet, from radioactive decay of minerals, and from solar energy
absorbed at the surface.
Preconception - A preconceived idea, opinion, prejudice or conception formed in
advance of adequate knowledge or experience.
Part A – Answer the following questions. Use a new lined piece of paper. Remember
to write your name on your assignment.
1. How does the writer manage to trick the reader into sympathizing with the
Sentry? (Sympathize – feel sorry for, express sympathy)
2. Explain the Sentry’s attitude to the enemy?
3. Write down all the words that are used to create a sense of repulsiveness of the
aliens and strangeness of the environment. (Repulsiveness - offensive or
disgusting)
4. What human traits or characteristics does the alien have?
5. How is the ending of the story ironic? (Ironic – coincidental or unexpected)
6. Make a list of questions you would like to ask an extraterrestrial. Try to come up
with at least 10.
Part B – Chose one of the following three options. We will be going to a computer lab
to work on this assignment. Computer lab rules will be reviewed prior to going to the
lab.
Option 1 – Perform and Internet search for reports of extraterrestrial sightings. Create
a summary and make a list of ten sources with appropriate references.
Option 2 - Imagine you are the first sentry to capture an “alien” alive, and write a report
of the encounter for your superior officer.
Place particular emphasis:
 How you managed to capture the alien,
 Its reactions to you
 The immediate apparent differences between the alien species and your own.
Remember to use the voice of the sentry to create an alien perspective and
personality.
Option 3 – Create a wanted poster for the alien in the story. Be Creative!!