Q: Is there intelligent life on other planets? For years, scientists said "no" or "We don't know." But today this is changing. Seth Shostak and Alexandra Barnett are astronomers. They believe intelligent life exists somewhere in the universe. They also think we will soon contact these beings. Why do Shostak and Barnett think intelligent life exists on other planets? The first reason is time. Scientists believe the universe is about 12 billion years old. "This is long enough for other planets to have intelligent life," say Shostak and Barnet. The second reason is size--the universe is huge. "Tools like the Hubble telescope have shown that there are at least 100 billion galaxies," says Shostak. "And our galaxy, the Milk Way, has at least 100 billion stars. Some planets going around these stars might be similar to Earth." In the past, it was hard to look for signs of intelligent life in the universe. But now, powerful telescopes allow scientists to discover smaller planets--the size of Mars or Earth in other solar systems. These planets might have intelligent life. Have beings from space already visited Earth? "Probably not," says Shostak. "It's a long way away. However, intelligent beings may contact us in other way, such as radio signs. In fact, they may be trying to communicate with us now, but we don't have the right tools to receive their messages. However, this is changing. By 2025, we could make contact with other life forms in our universe and we might help each other."

Answer the following questions:
1. What scientific field do Seth Shostak and Alexandra Barnett work in?
2. What do they believe about intelligent life existing on other planets?
3. What galaxy do we live in?
4. How many stars does it have?
5. What type of tool allows us to see other planets?
6. What famous one is mentioned?
7. Does Shostak believe beings from space have already visited Earth?
8. Did Barnett express an opinion on that topic?
9. What is one way that we may be contacted?
10. Does Shostak believe beings from space will visit Earth soon?
11. Does Shostak believe beings from space could make contact with Earth soon?
A: 1. they are astronomers
2. They believe intelligent life exists somewhere in the universe
3. the Milk Way
4. 100 billion stars
5. powerful telescopes
6. the Hubble telescope
7. no
8. no
9. radio signs
10. no
11. yes
Q: Once upon a time there was a man who needed to write story. His name was Mark. He had a bad case of writer's block. After a bit, he wrote a story about writing a story. This may seem a bit odd. Well, it was. The important thing to know is that Mark wanted money. This was so he could show off for his girl, Wendy. Wendy had two living parents named Greg and Gail. The exciting thing about Mark writing these stories, was that he could write whatever he wanted to. He could have written about bears. Or it could have been his best friend Error. There were so many choices for Mark. He was very happy. He was happy because he was almost done writing the story. Wendy, had she known about the writing would have been sad that Mark spent so much time thinking of odd stories.

Answer the following questions:
1. Why was Mark having trouble writing?
2. And what did he end up writing a story about?
3. What did Mark want?
4. Why?
5. for who?
6. And what was her name?
7. What were her parent's names?
8. And were they living?
9. Why was Mark feeling happy?
10. with what?
11. How would Wendy had felt if she was aware of how much time he spent on his tales?
A: 1. He had writer's block
2. writing a story
3. money
4. to show off
5. for his girl
6. Wendy
7. Greg and Gail
8. yes
9. he was almost done
10. the story
11. sad
Q: CHAPTER XXXI

GOOD NEWS--CONCLUSION

To get to his own place, Chet had to pass the cabin belonging to Andy, and so the chums left the village together, in a carriage they hired with some of the money Barwell Dawson had given them.

The thoughts of each youth were busy, so but little was said by them during the journey. As they came in sight of Andy's home, they saw smoke curling from the chimney.

"Uncle Si must have gotten back from work," said Andy. "Most likely he's cooking supper. Chet, will you stop?"

"Well, I'd rather see my father first," was the answer.

"I don't blame you. Well, come over tomorrow, unless----Hello, there is a stranger!"

Andy pointed to a man who had come to the cabin door, he having heard the sound of the carriage wheels. Chet stared hard at the individual. Then he took a flying leap to the ground and ran forward.

"Father!"

The man started, and then flung out his hands.

"If it isn't Chet--my own son Chet!" he burst out, joyfully. "I was just wishing with all my heart that I knew where you were." And he shook hands over and over again.

"And I've been hurrying to you as fast as I could for weeks," answered Chet, with a glad look in his eyes. "I heard you were at our cabin, and was going there."

"I was there, and came here to ask Mr. Graham about you," answered Tolney Greene.

Josiah Graham had come to the door, holding in his hand a frying pan containing bacon. He gave one look at the newcomers.

Answer the following questions:
1. what chapter is this?
2. whose cabin did Andy pass?
3. did they leave together?
4. in what?
5. who gave them the money
6. what came from the chimney?
7. was it curling?
8. who came back from work?
9. what was he doing?
10. who did chet want to see first?
A:
1. CHAPTER XXXI
2. Andy
3. Yes
4. in a carriage
5. Barwell Dawson
6. smoke
7. Yes
8. Uncle Si
9. cooking supper
10. father