The Time Machine
By H. G. Wells
Pre-reading assignments In preparation for reading and understanding The Time Machine,
you will complete the following 2 assignments by the due dates noted:
(1) Vocabulary. Due date: _____________. Locate and highlight or circle each word in the text.
Look up the word in a dictionary and write the correct definition in the margin of your book. Make
sure you use the correct definition, per the word’s contextual use in the sentence/paragraph.
Ch. 1: expounding, recondite, fecundity, controvert, pensive (3); anachronism (6), adroitly (8);
impartiality (9), plausible (10).
Ch. 2: ingenuity, lucid (10); deportment, speculation, jocular (11); cadger, fervent, Nebuchadnezzar,
caricature (13), verbatim (14).
Ch. 3: imminent, scaffolding, (16); poignant, rudimentary, attenuated, interstices (17); petulance,
verdigris, temerity, (18); incontinently, consumptive (19).
Ch. 4: hitherto (20; edifice (21); loath [“loth” is a typo] (22); indolent (23); communism (24); wane,
feebleness, ameliorating, subjugation (26).
Ch. 5: gibbous (28); futile (31); Occidental (32); exuberant (33); importations, interpolated (35);
desolate, expostulations (36); apertures, nocturnal (40); arrears (42).
Ch. 6: manifestly, pallid, Lemurs, vermin (43); disconcerted (44).
Ch. 7: impeded, malign, sufferance (48); preternaturally (50).
Ch. 8: deliquesced (55); mace, vestiges, semblance (56); hermetically, camphor (57).
Ch. 9 – Epilogue: insidious, atrocious (59); abominations (64); lichenous (69); smote (70).
(2) Writing. Due date: ___________. Interview a person who is a minimum of 60 years old.
 Ask them questions about their life. It would be helpful to record the conversation (for posterity,
if it’s a loved one) so you can concentrate on asking questions and listening deeply to their
answers. Their answers may spur you to ask a question that is not listed, and your conversation
will be more spontaneous. Here are suggested questions to start with: What was it like when you
were my age? What do you remember fondly about the past? What do you miss most? What has
changed for better and for worse in the world since then? What are some of the ways society, or
our culture, today is different from when you were young? Which change(s) cause you the most
concern? What fears do you have for the future? What advice would you like to give me and the
people of my generation? [Note: there are several people @ Marian who you could interview.]
 Write the interview in MLA essay form, in your own words but with some direct quotes, in a
minimum of 5 paragraphs:
o Introduction/purpose of your writing
o Three (3) body paragraphs where you paraphrase questions & responses, with some
direct quotes interwoven.
o Closing summary. In your closing reflect on the interview experience. How do you feel
about what you heard from your elder? What has changed in your thinking?
 Write a thank you note to the person you interviewed. Make it neat, personal, and heart-felt. It
must be handwritten on a note card or stationary, and attached with a properly addressed
(including return address) and stamped envelope. We will mail these in M.H.S. outgoing mail.
The thank you note is part of the writing grade. Notes on notebook paper or note cards are not
acceptable.
o I will sell you a stamp if you bring in .47¢ exact change on the day the note is due.
 Clip the thank you note and addressed/stamped envelope to your interview and turn it in at the
start of class on ___________________________(you must not seal the envelope- ask me why).
 EC 10 points: Min. 4” x 6” color photo of interviewee with a choice, direct quote, presented
professionally (per class discussion). We will display these in the hall and/or room.
Interview Rubric
Ideas and Content

Voice

_____/5
Personality and conviction of writer shows through the words;
Tone of writing is appropriate for the purpose and audience of the text
(shows appreciation for interview experience).
Organization




_____/10
All sentences well built with strong and varied structure that invites
expressive oral reading;
Introduction: compelling beginning introduces topic and reason for writing
expressive oral reading;
Body paragraphs: Topic sentences used in each paragraph; sequence of ideas is logical;
effective transitions used between ideas
Conclusion: Effectively summarizes interview; offers insight gained by interview experience;
closing sentence is unique and effective
Presentation


_____/8
Clearly identifies who is being interviewed and gives age or age range;
Events, choices, perspectives in person’s life are presented clearly and thoroughly
in an engaging manner; relevant and concrete details support main ideas but also
catch and maintain reader’s interest
_____/4
Grammar, mechanics, usage
MLA format; double spaced; neat if handwritten
Thank you note
_____/3
total _____/30