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23767
[ "Why is Peter on the surface of this planet?", "What would have happened if the Peace State had not crash landed?", "What is the most likely explanation for why Kolin's anger is so extreme?", "Which description is the best representation of Yrtok's role in the story?", "Why is Kolin so worried about the pur...
[ [ "His ship took a long turn and is waiting for supplies.", "He ended up there because of an accident.", "His ship is there to pass rations to the locals who are low on food.", "He is part of an exploratory crew sent to investigate." ], [ "A different crew would eventually follow a similar p...
[ 2, 3, 2, 4, 2, 1, 2, 2 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 0 ]
By H. B. Fyfe THE TALKATIVE TREE Dang vines! Beats all how some plants have no manners—but what do you expect, when they used to be men! All things considered—the obscure star, the undetermined damage to the stellar drive and the way the small planet's murky atmosphere defied precision scanners—the pilot mad...
train
23942
[ "Why is the lack of hotel space important for Simon's story?", "What is the goal of the story that Simon tells Mr. Oyster?", "What does Simon think about the possibility of time travel?", "Why does Mr. Oyster want to hire Simon and Betty?", "Why is Simon so unenthusiastic when the client shows up at the beg...
[ [ "It made him cut his trip short without finding any time travelers.", "Simon would have to learn how to time travel in order to keep his bag from being stolen.", "It set the stage for him to encounter an alien's home for himself.", "It meant he would find a number of unsavory characters as he trie...
[ 3, 2, 3, 1, 2, 2, 3, 1, 3 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1 ]
UNBORN TOMORROW BY MACK REYNOLDS Unfortunately , there was only one thing he could bring back from the wonderful future ... and though he didn't want to ... nevertheless he did.... Illustrated by Freas Betty looked up from her magazine. She said mildly, "You're late." "Don't yell at me, I feel awful," S...
train
23960
[ "What is the significance of the story's title?", "Which of these statements about the cigarettes has an irony that is represented elsewhere in the story?", "Which is definitely true about why Sir Robert could not finish smoking the cigarette?", "Why did Sir Robert decide to disobey the king's orders?", "Wh...
[ [ "It points to the high ratio of battle over diplomacy in the story", "It shows that the king is a man of few words", "We shows that this is part of a newscast recording", "It hints at sponsorship being relevant" ], [ "The fact that the producers know different media would have been a bette...
[ 4, 3, 2, 3, 1, 4, 3, 2, 4 ]
[ 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1 ]
... After a Few Words ... by Seaton McKettrig Illustrated by Summer [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Analog October 1962. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] This is a science-fiction story. History is a science; the other part is...
train
24150
[ "Which of these is an irony represented as a main point in the story?", "What would have happened if Drs. Niemand and Hillyard had not visited Henry Middletown?", "What would Dr. Niemand think was the real benefit of visiting Henry Middletown?", "What is the significance of the twenty-seven day cycle", "Whi...
[ [ "Men are more affected by the 27-day cycle than women are", "Astronomers never talk to each other but only make progress when they do", "The moon controls the tides but the sun controls emotions", "Evil will haunt mankind as long as there is light from the Sun" ], [ "They would have travel...
[ 4, 3, 4, 1, 1, 4, 4, 2, 1, 2 ]
[ 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 0 ]
DISTURBING SUN By PHILIP LATHAM Illustrated by Freas [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction May 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] This, be it understood, is fiction—nothing but fiction—and not, under a...
train
24161
[ "Why does Evans give up his drinking water?", "Why does Evans have difficulty identifying crystals?", "What do the workers of WIlliamson Town do that causes them to lose water?", "Why is Jones a change in the pricing structure for supply runs?", "How is time experienced by the people on the moon?", "How a...
[ [ "Using the water is the only way for his transportation to work", "He knows he will be able to find more soon in one of the caves", "He knows his rescuers will come find him and bring water", "He knows he does not have enough to survive so he uses it to save his equipment" ], [ "All of the...
[ 1, 3, 2, 3, 1, 4, 1, 2, 4 ]
[ 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1 ]
ALL DAY SEPTEMBER By ROGER KUYKENDALL Illustrated by van Dongen [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction June 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Some men just haven't got good sense. They just can't seem t...
train
24192
[ "Why did Edith greet her husband the way she did when he returned home?", "How did Henry feel about the remodeled bedrooms?", "Why did nobody react when Henry's mother started crying at the table?", "Why was the cemetery joke a faux pas?", "Why is it ironic that Henry was uncomfortable to see his house rebu...
[ [ "She was upset that Henry had not been there for their son for some time.", "She was nervous because she had not seen him in almost a year.", "In some ways, he was not the man who had left and she was nervous about the change.", "She had met another man and did not know how to tell Henry about him...
[ 3, 2, 3, 4, 3, 1, 2, 3, 3 ]
[ 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0 ]
THE FIRST ONE By HERBERT D. KASTLE Illustrated by von Dongen [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Analog July 1961. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] The first man to return from beyond the Great Frontier may be welcomed ... but wil...
train
24278
[ "How did Read's parents feel about his work with the UN?", "Which statement best describes how Read changes throughout the story?", "Which of these is the best explanation for why Read put on his green beret during the battle?", "What type of person is Umluana?", "Why is Umluana speaking Dutch to Read and R...
[ [ "They were thankful he finally did something important with his life.", "They were thankful he did not go to trade school.", "They were upset he wanted to leave the United States for work.", "They were surprised by his choice but did not keep them from going." ], [ "He became much less of ...
[ 3, 2, 2, 3, 1, 3, 3, 4, 1 ]
[ 0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1 ]
Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Analog, January 1961. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. THE GREEN BERET By TOM PURDOM It's not so much the decisions a man does make that mark him as a Man—but the ones he refrains from making....
train
24517
[ "What is the role of humor in the story?", "What is the narrator's perception of ping-pong?", "Who is the man climbing the mountain?", "What would have happened if Charley had not been on the ship?", "Which of these best represents the tone of the recording", "Why was Charley so interested in the Minnow?"...
[ [ "Dark humor was a favorite of Matt's and defined his storytelling", "It showed that things amusing to some can be dangerous for others", "It was a set-up to a complicated joke", "Jokes are the only thing that kept the crew life" ], [ "It is a sport he is dedicated to", "He is embarrass...
[ 2, 2, 2, 4, 1, 4, 1 ]
[ 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1 ]
ACCIDENTAL DEATH BY PETER BAILY The most dangerous of weapons is the one you don't know is loaded. Illustrated by Schoenherr The wind howled out of the northwest, blind with snow and barbed with ice crystals. All the way up the half-mile precipice it fingered and wrenched away at groaning ice-slabs. It scr...
train
24521
[ "Why does Bertrand Malloy end up with odd officers under his command?", "What did Malloy think of Ms. Drayson's inability to share information?", "What would've happened if Bertrand had tried to introduce himself to the aliens in his building?", "How does Bertrand Malloy feel about sending the team of man in ...
[ [ "He has a reputation of being able to handle them well.", "Higher quality candidates were sent to higher priority jobs.", "He requests them specifically.", "It is part of his punishment for this low-ranking position." ], [ "He uses this to his advantage and his secrets are never shared.", ...
[ 2, 1, 3, 3, 1, 2, 1, 3, 4 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 1 ]
IN CASE OF FIRE By RANDALL GARRETT There are times when a broken tool is better than a sound one, or a twisted personality more useful than a whole one. For instance, a whole beer bottle isn't half the weapon that half a beer bottle is ... Illustrated by Martinez In his office apartment, on the top floor of the ...
train
24958
[ "Why is it significant that the aliens only differ from humans in one physical characteristic?", "What is the aliens' goal on the surface of Earth?", "What is the relationship between the two aliens?", "Why are the aliens not sure if they can help the humans?", "Why did the aliens decide to land during wint...
[ [ "The aliens happened to look like certain beings from stories of Earth's history.", "The fact that humans are shorter makes the aliens more imposing.", "It proves that the aliens and humans are actually distant relatives.", "It means the aliens will not be trusted when they land on earth." ], ...
[ 1, 3, 2, 2, 3, 3, 1, 4, 4 ]
[ 1, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0 ]
SECOND LANDING By FLOYD WALLACE A gentle fancy for the Christmas Season—an oft-told tale with a wistful twistful of Something that left the Earth with a wing and a prayer. Earth was so far away that it wasn't visible. Even the sun was only a twinkle. But this vast distance did not mean that isolation could endur...
train
24966
[ "Why are there only 11 men on the planet's surface?", "Why were the robots built?", "Why did Alan jump towards the robot when it fell into the mud?", "What is Peggy's importance to the mission?", "Where is Pete?", "How does the darkness affect the robots' mobility?", "Why did the robot at the stream fal...
[ [ "They wanted to establish a colony only for men.", "They served as a lookahead team for a larger group.", "They wanted to go unnoticed as they set up on the planet's surface.", "There was not enough space on the ship for more people." ], [ "Nobody knows, they were already on the planet's s...
[ 2, 4, 2, 1, 3, 3, 2, 2, 1 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1 ]
SURVIVAL TACTICS By AL SEVCIK ILLUSTRATOR NOVICK The robots were built to serve Man; to do his work, see to his comforts, make smooth his way. Then the robots figured out an additional service—putting Man out of his misery. There was a sudden crash that hung sharply in the air, as if a tree had been hit by l...
train
24977
[ "Why did Pembroke ask Mary Ann about children?", "What was the goal of Frank's newspaper ad?", "Why did Frank shoot his new client at the beginning of the story?", "Why it was Spencer shot by the police at the bar?", "What is Puerto Pacifico?", "Why are people insistent on pointing out others' flaws?", ...
[ [ "He wants to know why there aren't children around", "He wants to know if she would ever have children with him", "He wants to see if this will be more than a one-night stand", "Wanting children is considered an imperfection" ], [ "To find clients for his new business.", "To lure out p...
[ 1, 2, 1, 2, 4, 2, 1, 2, 3, 2 ]
[ 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1 ]
THE PERFECTIONISTS By ARNOLD CASTLE ILLUSTRATED by SUMMERS Is there something wrong with you? Do you fail to fit in with your group? Nervous, anxious, ill-at-ease? Happy about it? Lucky you! Frank Pembroke sat behind the desk of his shabby little office over Lemark's Liquors in downtown Los Angeles and waited f...
train
25086
[ "Why is Conners upset with Bridges?", "How does Jerry get his message to the White House press secretary?", "What do the Venusians want?", "Why does Jerry visit Professor Coltz?", "What happened to the Delegate?", "Why didn't the Delegate have a robotic voice?", "Why doesn't the robot arrive already put...
[ [ "Conners was chewed out by a Senator because Bridges was trying to get information,", "Conners has a deal with the State Department that the paper won't print certain stories.", "Conners received a report that Bridges was behaving unprofessionally.", "Conners has a deal with the White House that t...
[ 3, 2, 4, 2, 2, 3, 1 ]
[ 1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1 ]
The saucer was interesting, but where was the delegate? The DELEGATE FROM VENUS By HENRY SLESAR ILLUSTRATOR NOVICK Everybody was waiting to see what the delegate from Venus looked like. And all they got for their patience was the biggest surprise since David clobbered Goliath. " Let me put it this way," C...
train
26066
[ "What is the moral of the story?", "How does the Cosmic Express Ray work?", "Why is the machine operator willing to risk his job by sending Eric and Nada to Venus?", "Where do Eric and Nada's meals come from?", "Why don't Eric and Nada build a shelter first?", "Why does the Cosmic Express official assume ...
[ [ "Be careful what you wish for.", "Climate change could lead to a world where humans could only survive indoors in an artificial climate.", "Overpopulation can lead to a world without nature, only giant cities.", "Make a plan and pack supplies before moving to a new place." ], [ "Matter is ...
[ 1, 1, 1, 4, 3, 1, 2 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 0, 0 ]
Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Amazing Stories December 1961 and was first published in Amazing Stories November 1930. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. Minor spelling and typographical errors have been corrected without note. ...
train
26741
[ "What is the relationship between Paul and Rupert?", "Where can a person go to be with friendly faces in Tangier?", "What is Paul doing in Tangier?", "What is Rupert doing in Tangier?", "Why does Paul think aliens are watching Earth?", "Why does Rupert like Tangier?", "How does Rupert feel about Paul?",...
[ [ "They are two Americans who happen to meet in Tangier.", "They are friends from Liverpool, vacationing in Tangier.", "They play cards together in Tangier.", "They are acquaintances. They met in Tangier." ], [ "The Place de France", "The Boulevard Pasteur", "The Cafe de Paris", ...
[ 4, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 4, 4 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1 ]
One can't be too cautious about the people one meets in Tangier. They're all weirdies of one kind or another. Me? Oh, I'm A Stranger Here Myself By MACK REYNOLDS The Place de France is the town's hub. It marks the end of Boulevard Pasteur, the main drag of the westernized part of the city, and the be...
train
26957
[ "What is a star mother?", "Why doesn't Martha want the general to bring Terry home?", "How has being a star mother changed Martha?", "What does Martha think about the TV reporter?", "Why doesn't Martha's description of Terry fit what the reporter considers to be the norm?", "Why does Martha wear Terry's j...
[ [ "A star mother is a mother who becomes a celebrity.", "A star mother is the mother of an astronaut.", "A star mother is the mother of someone in the military.", " A star mother is the mother of a celebrity." ], [ "Martha does not want to be blamed for spending taxpayers' money on an expens...
[ 2, 2, 2, 3, 4, 3, 3, 1 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1 ]
STAR MOTHER By ROBERT F. YOUNG A touching story of the most enduring love in all eternity. That night her son was the first star. She stood motionless in the garden, one hand pressed against her heart, watching him rise above the fields where he had played as a boy, where he had worked as a young man; and sh...
train
27110
[ "Why does Loy Chuk want to bring the mummy back to life?", "How did Ned become a mummy?", "Why did Loy Chuk's people live underground?", "How does Loy Chuk communicate with Ned?", "How does Loy Chuk bring the mummy to life?", "Why can't Loy Chuk use time travel to send Ned back to Earth before his death?"...
[ [ "Loy Chuk wants to experiment on the man.", "Loy Chuk wants to study the man.", "Loy Chuk thinks, if he can find a female specimen, he can restart the human race.", "Loy Chuk just wants to prove it can be done." ], [ "Loy Chuk's workers wrapped Ned's body in strips of cloth to preserve it ...
[ 2, 3, 4, 4, 3, 3, 4, 4 ]
[ 0, 1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 1 ]
THE ETERNAL WALL By RAYMOND Z. GALLUN A scream of brakes, the splash into icy waters, a long descent into alkaline depths ... it was death. But Ned Vince lived again—a million years later! "See you in half an hour, Betty," said Ned Vince over the party telephone. "We'll be out at the Silver Basket before t...
train
27588
[ "What is Trella's relationship to Dom Blessing?", "What is Dom Blessings's relationship to Dr. Mansard?", "Why doesn't Trella tell Quest about her mission? ", "How does Jakdane feel about Trella?", "Why couldn't Dr. Mansard and his wife leave Jupiter?", "What is the Jupiter weapon?", "Why does Quest say...
[ [ "Trella is Dom Blessing's employer.", "Trella is Dom Blessing's sister.", "Trella is Dom Blessing's employee.", "Trella is Dom Blessing's mistress." ], [ "Dom Blessing was Dr. Mansard's assistant.", "Dom Blessing was Dr. Mansard's business partner.", "Dom Blessing was Dr. Mansard's...
[ 3, 1, 4, 2, 1, 4, 4, 4 ]
[ 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1 ]
Transcriber's Note: Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as possible; changes (corrections of spelling and punctuation) made to the original text are marked like this . The original text appears when hovering the cursor over the marked text. This e-text was produced from Amazing Scie...
train
27665
[ "What is the Commission?", "Why are the children of Ridgeville so smart?", "How do the children feel about Mr. Henderson?", "How is Hilary's product going to kill the razor industry?", "Why does the group want to buy a hydraulic press?", "Why did Hilary pour detergent into the fountain?", "Why will the ...
[ [ "The Commission is a group of elected officials that run the town of Ridgeville.", "The Commission is a metallurgy company and the main employer in Ridgeville. ", "The Commission is a chemical company and the main employer in Ridgeville.", "The Commission is a laboratory and the main employer in R...
[ 4, 1, 4, 1, 2, 2, 4, 4 ]
[ 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1 ]
Fallout is, of course, always disastrous— one way or another JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT BY WILLIAM LEE ILLUSTRATED BY SCHOENHERR "What would you think," I asked Marjorie over supper, "if I should undertake to lead a junior achievement group this summer?" She pondered it while she went to the kitchen to bring in the de...
train
24192
[ "Why are they throwing a parade for Hank?", "What was Hank's mission?", "How did Hank die?", "Why was Hank lying down for months?", "Who invented the regenerative brain and organ process?", "Why does Hank wait for Edith to leave before he changes clothes?", "How does Edith feel about Hank's return?", ...
[ [ "Hank is back from a mission to Mars.", "Hank is back from an experimental continent-to-continent flight.", "Hank is back from the dead.", "Hank is back from beyond the Great Frontier." ], [ "Hank's mission was to touch down on Mars in preparation for a future colony.", "Hank's mission...
[ 3, 4, 2, 4, 1, 3, 1, 2, 2, 1 ]
[ 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1 ]
THE FIRST ONE By HERBERT D. KASTLE Illustrated by von Dongen [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Analog July 1961. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] The first man to return from beyond the Great Frontier may be welcomed ... but wil...
train
24278
[ "Why does the UN want to arrest Umluana?", "Why don't Harry's parents want him to join the UN?", "Why did Rashid join the UN?", "How does Read feel about Rashid?", "Why wasn't Read wearing his green beret when arrested Umluana?", "Why can't they transmit Umluana as planned?", "Why are the Belderkans sho...
[ [ "Umluana conspired to attack Belderkan.", "Umluana conspired to attack another nation.", "Umluana has violated the Nuclear Disarmament Treaty.", "Umluana is the head of a gang called The Golden Spacemen." ], [ "Harry's parents think he is too lazy to succeed in the UN.", "Harry's paren...
[ 3, 3, 2, 2, 3, 4, 3, 3 ]
[ 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 0 ]
Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Analog, January 1961. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. THE GREEN BERET By TOM PURDOM It's not so much the decisions a man does make that mark him as a Man—but the ones he refrains from making....
train
24517
[ "Who are the Chingsi?", "What happened to the Whale?", "What is the Minnow?", "Who is James?", "What was the mission of the Whale?", "Why does Matt feel the need to warn people about the Chingsi?", "Where is Matt from?" ]
[ [ "The Chingsi are the inhabitants of Alpha Centauri.", "A race of cat-like humanoids from the planet Chang.", "Chingsi is what the people of China call themselves in this story.", "The Chingsi are genetically mutated cats." ], [ "Charlie sabotaged the deuterium fusion drive. The drive shut ...
[ 2, 4, 3, 4, 3, 1, 4 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0 ]
ACCIDENTAL DEATH BY PETER BAILY The most dangerous of weapons is the one you don't know is loaded. Illustrated by Schoenherr The wind howled out of the northwest, blind with snow and barbed with ice crystals. All the way up the half-mile precipice it fingered and wrenched away at groaning ice-slabs. It scr...
train
24521
[ "Why does Malloy send James Nordon to the peace talks?", "Why doesn't Malloy go to the peace talks himself?", "How does Malloy feel about Miss Drayson?", "Who are the Karna?", "Does Earth want peace with Karn?", "Why are the peace talks on Saarkkad V?", "Who are the kind of men who are sent to Sararkkad...
[ [ "Nordon has trouble making decisions but will commit once the Karna present him with a choice that is not rigged in the Karna's favor.", "Nordon is going to the peace talks to assist Braynek in case of a trap.", "Nordon is the best negotiator Earth has to offer.", "Nordon is a trained assassin. He...
[ 1, 4, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 4, 4 ]
[ 1, 1, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0 ]
IN CASE OF FIRE By RANDALL GARRETT There are times when a broken tool is better than a sound one, or a twisted personality more useful than a whole one. For instance, a whole beer bottle isn't half the weapon that half a beer bottle is ... Illustrated by Martinez In his office apartment, on the top floor of the ...
train
24958
[ "Why is the Earth worse than the aliens imagine?", "Why does Ethaniel think the humans look defenseless?", "What is the aliens' mission?", "Why are Bal and Ethaniel so cold?", "How do Bal and Ethaniel feel about the humans?", "Why do Bal and Ethaniel think they have to make time to save Earth?", "Why do...
[ [ "The Earth has missiles and is close to space travel.", "The humans are rough and desperate.", "A meteor shower could be interpreted as an enemy attack by the humans' clumsy instruments.", "The humans don't like aliens." ], [ "Without space travel, the humans seem defenseless against an al...
[ 1, 2, 2, 4, 1, 1, 3, 1 ]
[ 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1 ]
SECOND LANDING By FLOYD WALLACE A gentle fancy for the Christmas Season—an oft-told tale with a wistful twistful of Something that left the Earth with a wing and a prayer. Earth was so far away that it wasn't visible. Even the sun was only a twinkle. But this vast distance did not mean that isolation could endur...
train
24966
[ "Why is Alan in the jungle?", "Why is Alan so surprised to hear blaster fighting?", "Why are the robots hunting Alan?", "How is Alan able to evade so many robots?", "Why are the robots incinerating all the living creatures?", "How does Alan interrupt the robots' communication signal?", "Why did Pete bui...
[ [ "Alan is hiding from the killer robots in the jungle.", "Alan is with a group of colonists, who are going to build a new colony on the jungle planet.", "Alan is hunting pumas in the jungle.", "Alan is camping with friends in the jungle." ], [ "Alan is surprised because he came with a team ...
[ 2, 3, 1, 1, 4, 3, 2, 2 ]
[ 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1 ]
SURVIVAL TACTICS By AL SEVCIK ILLUSTRATOR NOVICK The robots were built to serve Man; to do his work, see to his comforts, make smooth his way. Then the robots figured out an additional service—putting Man out of his misery. There was a sudden crash that hung sharply in the air, as if a tree had been hit by l...
train
24977
[ "How does Pembrook feel about Mary Ann?", "Why does Pembrook shoot the man in the corner?", "What is Puerto Pacifico?", "What is wrong with the citizens of Puerto Pacifico?", "How did Pembroke get to Puerto Pacifico?", "Why do the cops shoot Spencer?", "Why is the qualification interviewer under a glass...
[ [ "Pembrook is in love with Mary Ann.", "Pembrook feels betrayed by Mary Ann because she was plotting to kill him.", "At, first Mary Ann was a means to an end, but now Pembrook is in love with her.", "Mary Ann is a means to an end for Pembrook." ], [ "The man in the corner is one of the stra...
[ 4, 2, 1, 4, 4, 1, 4, 1 ]
[ 1, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0 ]
THE PERFECTIONISTS By ARNOLD CASTLE ILLUSTRATED by SUMMERS Is there something wrong with you? Do you fail to fit in with your group? Nervous, anxious, ill-at-ease? Happy about it? Lucky you! Frank Pembroke sat behind the desk of his shabby little office over Lemark's Liquors in downtown Los Angeles and waited f...
train
23588
[ "Which group of people shares the most similarities with the group of patients in the mental institution, as they are described by the author?", "Why does Thaddeus Funston smile at the sight of the demolished arts and crafts building?", "What is Thurgood's primary fear regarding the explosion at the arts and cr...
[ [ "A circus troupe", "A disorderly mob", "An artists' collective", "A Kindergarten class" ], [ "His prophecy of an alien invasion was fulfilled", "He is gleeful at the idea of part of the mental hospital being destroyed", "His self-constructed clay atom bomb was effectively detonated...
[ 4, 3, 4, 4, 2 ]
[ 1, 0, 1, 0, 0 ]
Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction November 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. A FILBERT IS A NUT BY RICK RAPHAEL That the gentleman in question was a nut was beyond question. He was an institutionalized...
train
23592
[ "Which two terms, respectively, most accurately describe Phil's and Mary's sentiments about Phil becoming a space pilot?", "How might the story's conclusion have differed if Phil, in the beginning of the story, had agreed to Mary's wish?", "What term best describes Phil's personality change from the introductio...
[ [ "Adamant; ambivalent", "Open-minded; resentful", "Content; reluctant", "Enthusiastic; resistant" ], [ "The conclusion would likely not have differed -- Phil would lose his sense of purpose and thus his vitality in a relationship", "Phil would have agreed to Mary's wishes, but left to g...
[ 4, 1, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 2, 4 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 ]
Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction December 1955. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. BREAKAWAY BY STANLEY GIMBLE Illustrated by Freas She surely got her wish ... but there was some question about getting wh...
train
23767
[ "Which term best represents Kolin's feelings toward Slichow?", "Of what does Kolin and his peers need to be most careful of managing, lest they be perceived as treasonous?", "What component of being the first to venture out into the unknown, dangerous planet is slightly exciting to Kolin and his peers? (being o...
[ [ "Indignant", "Obedient", "Jealous", "Inconspicuous" ], [ "Their language", "Their guise", "Their rations", "Their thoughts" ], [ "Escaping the authoritarian rule of Haurtoz", "Experiencing a break from constant supervision", "Sabotaging Chief Steward Slichow's p...
[ 1, 2, 2, 2, 4, 1, 1, 3 ]
[ 0, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1 ]
By H. B. Fyfe THE TALKATIVE TREE Dang vines! Beats all how some plants have no manners—but what do you expect, when they used to be men! All things considered—the obscure star, the undetermined damage to the stellar drive and the way the small planet's murky atmosphere defied precision scanners—the pilot mad...
train
23942
[ "What profession do Betty and Simon share?", "Why does Simon look for a bottle of aspirin in the beginning of the story?", "Where was Simon before he arrived at work in the beginning of the story?", "Why does Simon ultimately deny Mr. Oyster's request to go to Oktoberfest?", "In telling the story about pote...
[ [ "Advertisers", "Detectives", "Department store clerks", "Time travelers" ], [ "He has a migraine", "He is concerned someone has tampered with it", "He has a hangover", "He keeps time traveling pills inside" ], [ "Idlewild", "Munich", "Providence", "New Orlea...
[ 2, 3, 2, 3, 4, 1, 4 ]
[ 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1 ]
UNBORN TOMORROW BY MACK REYNOLDS Unfortunately , there was only one thing he could bring back from the wonderful future ... and though he didn't want to ... nevertheless he did.... Illustrated by Freas Betty looked up from her magazine. She said mildly, "You're late." "Don't yell at me, I feel awful," S...
train
23960
[ "What is the purpose of the battle scene from the story?", "What is motivating the King's army to fight against the Turks? (territorial conquest, religious, gold/money, personal glory)", "We can assume that King Richard's army represents which group?", "How are the Gascons different from the rest of King Rich...
[ [ "To accurately depict a significant battle from the Crusades", "To associate tobacco products with masculinity, brotherhood, and pride", "To illustrate the powerful bonds of allegiance among soldiers on the battlefield", "To reveal how the King Phillip's cowardice initiated the downfall of one of ...
[ 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 2, 3, 2, 1 ]
[ 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 ]
... After a Few Words ... by Seaton McKettrig Illustrated by Summer [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Analog October 1962. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] This is a science-fiction story. History is a science; the other part is...
train
24150
[ "What does Niemand intend to communicate through referencing the line from Julius Caesar?", "Which statement most accurately represents Niemand's beliefs toward humans and free will?", "Which term best describes Latham's tone in the interview?", "What is Niemand's tone toward the 'stress-and-strain of modern ...
[ [ "Sunspot-related disturbances have been negatively impacting humans prior to the Roman empire", "We are more in control of our behavior than we think", "Sunspot-related disturbances have been negatively impacting humans prior to the Middle Ages", "We are not as in control of our behavior as we wou...
[ 4, 3, 3, 3, 1, 2, 1 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 0 ]
DISTURBING SUN By PHILIP LATHAM Illustrated by Freas [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction May 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] This, be it understood, is fiction—nothing but fiction—and not, under a...
train
24161
[ "How do moon inhabitants tell the time of day?", "Of the options presented, which represents McIlroy's greatest flaw as a leader?", "What clue proves the natural existence of water on the moon?", "Moon inhabitants must make all of the following considerations regarding their equipment EXCEPT:", "What is a s...
[ [ "Identifying the shadow line as it relates to Earth's continents", "Identifying the shadow line as it relates to the moon's time zones", "Identifying the shadow line as it relates to the moon's continents", "Identifying the shadow line as it relates to the Earth's time zones" ], [ "He is t...
[ 1, 1, 4, 3, 1, 4, 3 ]
[ 0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1 ]
ALL DAY SEPTEMBER By ROGER KUYKENDALL Illustrated by van Dongen [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction June 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Some men just haven't got good sense. They just can't seem t...
train
25086
[ "Which two terms best describe Jerry's tone toward Greta?", "For what reason is Greta most angry at Jerry?\n", "What is the most surprising detail about the Venusian delegate?", "The Venusian delegate's message to humans on Earth is best characterized as a:", "What ultimately revealed the true identity of t...
[ [ "misogynistic and dismissive", "lustful and manipulative", "rueful and vexed", "condescending and harsh" ], [ "He stole her source and took credit for her 'scoop'", "He feigned attraction to get valuable information", "He talked negatively about her to her colleagues", "He conv...
[ 2, 2, 2, 1, 1, 4, 3, 1, 3, 2 ]
[ 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 0 ]
The saucer was interesting, but where was the delegate? The DELEGATE FROM VENUS By HENRY SLESAR ILLUSTRATOR NOVICK Everybody was waiting to see what the delegate from Venus looked like. And all they got for their patience was the biggest surprise since David clobbered Goliath. " Let me put it this way," C...
train
26066
[ "The plot of Eric's newest book most likely reflects:", "Which statement best describes Williamson's writing style?", "What event or experience had the strongest impact on Williamson's literary style?", "What is ironic about Eric's contempt for the glass edifice over New York City?", "Where does Eric view h...
[ [ "How Eric wishes he could have provided for Nada on their visit to Venus", "How Nada resents Eric for not providing for her on their visit to Venus", "How Eric has contorted his experience on Venus to seem more like his protagonist", "How Nada would have envisioned her and Eric's visit to Venus" ...
[ 1, 3, 1, 3, 4, 4, 2, 1, 4, 3 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1 ]
Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Amazing Stories December 1961 and was first published in Amazing Stories November 1930. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. Minor spelling and typographical errors have been corrected without note. ...
train
26741
[ "The story takes place in _______.", "The Tangier law enforcement's response to the influx of new populations can best be described as ________.", "It is challenging to get to know someone intimately in a place like Tangier because people are generally ________.", "What do Paul and Rupert have in common with ...
[ [ "Iraq", "The United States", "Morocco", "France" ], [ "Laissez-faire", "Perfunctory", "Authoritarian", "Capricious" ], [ "Prejudiced", "Monolingual", "Transient", "Inscrutable" ], [ "The belief that Earth should be more receptive to foreign life form...
[ 3, 1, 4, 4, 1, 2, 1 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1 ]
One can't be too cautious about the people one meets in Tangier. They're all weirdies of one kind or another. Me? Oh, I'm A Stranger Here Myself By MACK REYNOLDS The Place de France is the town's hub. It marks the end of Boulevard Pasteur, the main drag of the westernized part of the city, and the be...
train
26957
[ "What is the star mother's attitude toward space exploration? (leave it alone) she misses her son", "What is Terry's mother's attitude toward the suave reporters?", "Why is Terry's mother able to learn so much about his progress in space?", "How does Terry's mother's attitude toward celestial matters change a...
[ [ "She feels ambivalent and thinks the government's money is better spent elsewhere", "She wishes that humans and governments would abandon their space-related pursuits", "She obsesses over learning all she can about new stars and planets", "She displays strong curiosity about how discoveries could ...
[ 2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 4, 3, 1, 1, 1 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0 ]
STAR MOTHER By ROBERT F. YOUNG A touching story of the most enduring love in all eternity. That night her son was the first star. She stood motionless in the garden, one hand pressed against her heart, watching him rise above the fields where he had played as a boy, where he had worked as a young man; and sh...
train
27110
[ "Upon waking up after one million years, Ned feels all of the following emotions at an extreme level, EXCEPT for ______.", "Why does the author focus on the water returning to smoothness after Ned's wreck?", "What is Ned Vince's ultimate fate?", "How has planetary leadership evolved since the 20th century?", ...
[ [ "Confusion", "Homesickness", "Fear", "Regret" ], [ "To demonstrate how time and progress move forward, without taking pause for the loss of a single or entire society", "To depict the difference between a 20th century moment and the future, when water has vanished from the continent", ...
[ 4, 1, 1, 1, 4, 4, 1, 4, 1, 2 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0 ]
THE ETERNAL WALL By RAYMOND Z. GALLUN A scream of brakes, the splash into icy waters, a long descent into alkaline depths ... it was death. But Ned Vince lived again—a million years later! "See you in half an hour, Betty," said Ned Vince over the party telephone. "We'll be out at the Silver Basket before t...
train
27588
[ "Why is Trella being attacked?", "Why can't the square-built man defend Trella against the men attacking her?", "Where does the beginning of the story take place? ", "How was Quest able to survive and grow up on Jupiter?", "How was Dr. Mansard's radio and ship drive destroyed?", "What is so significant ab...
[ [ "The author does not give a clear reason for the attackers' motivations", "The attackers wish to steal Trella's documents", "The attackers wish to violate Trella", "The attackers are sent from Dr. Blessing to test Trella's loyalty" ], [ "His programming does not allow it", "He is a str...
[ 1, 1, 3, 3, 3, 2, 1, 4, 1 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1 ]
Transcriber's Note: Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as possible; changes (corrections of spelling and punctuation) made to the original text are marked like this . The original text appears when hovering the cursor over the marked text. This e-text was produced from Amazing Scie...
train
27665
[ "Why does Donald's wife think it is funny that Donald might lead the junior achievement group?", "What is the most likely cause of the accident that displaced Marjorie and Donald from their home?", "Doris, Peter, and Hilary have all of the following characteristics in common EXCEPT for their:", "What is the m...
[ [ "Donald is prone to get carried away with 'side projects,' which his wife finds amusing", "Donald's students know more than he does about science and industry", "Donald has no desire or innate talent to participate in sales- or marketing-related schemes", "Donald comes home each day and complains ...
[ 3, 2, 4, 1, 4, 4, 3, 2 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1 ]
Fallout is, of course, always disastrous— one way or another JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT BY WILLIAM LEE ILLUSTRATED BY SCHOENHERR "What would you think," I asked Marjorie over supper, "if I should undertake to lead a junior achievement group this summer?" She pondered it while she went to the kitchen to bring in the de...
train
51597
[ "Which of these is the best description of the narrator? ", "Which of these is true about the importance of alge to the Martians?", "What is not true about the surgeon's job?", "What does the narrator seem to think makes a good cook on a spacer?", "Which is the best description of the relationship between t...
[ [ "A doctor who is also a food critic", "An angsty crew member who is always present in the mess hall", "A mutinous doctor who wants to run the ship himself", "A surgeon who happens to know some things about the history of food" ], [ "It is the only thing they can eat", "All of the space...
[ 4, 4, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1, 4, 3, 2 ]
[ 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 0 ]
GOURMET By ALLEN KIM LANG [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Magazine April 1962. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] This was the endless problem of all spaceship cooks: He had to feed the men tomorrow on what they...
train
60995
[ "What is the significance of the story's title?", "Which is the best description of the relationship between Linton and Howell?", "What is the significance of Rogers Snead?", "What likely happens to Linton at the end of the story?", "Which is the best description of Linton?", "Which of these best describe...
[ [ "It hints at the extra costs for less natural things", "It marks the setting for the story", "It hints at Linton's constant desire for sweet things", "It shows Linton's goal for the story" ], [ "They are business partners trying to find a way to bring back someone they knew", "Howell i...
[ 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 2, 1, 4, 4 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 1 ]
FEBRUARY STRAWBERRIES By JIM HARMON How much is the impossible worth? [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, March 1961. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Linton lay down his steel fork beside the mass...
train
25627
[ "Why did Val and Ron really decide to go to Mars?", "How did Ledman get to Mars?", "Which of these do Ron and Ledman have in common?", "What would have happened if Ledman had stayed on Earth?", "What likely happens to Ledman after the story ends?", "What likely happens to Val and Ron after the story ends?...
[ [ "They were curious and wanted to help their planet", "They did not want to spend anymore time on earth", "They wanted a more creative way to make money", "Out of obligation to find a job to sustain themselves" ], [ "He saved his money to send himself", "He joined the Corps just as Val ...
[ 1, 1, 3, 2, 4, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 0, 1 ]
THE HUNTED HEROES By ROBERT SILVERBERG The planet itself was tough enough—barren, desolate, forbidding; enough to stop the most adventurous and dedicated. But they had to run head-on against a mad genius who had a motto: Death to all Terrans! "Let's keep moving," I told Val. "The surest way to die out here on...
train
60283
[ "How is the book \"Living a Normal Sex Life\" seen by these people?", "What does this society think about breasts?", "Which is the best representation of Melia and Xeon's relationship?", "Which is least likely contributing to Xeon's request to move to the fields before the Oracle of Delni? ", "Which is the ...
[ [ "It is frightening in an exciting way, for the people to learn something new", "They respect its truths but are nervous about its implications", "It is an important historical text appreciated from a research perspective", "It is a rare artefact of a less-understood time" ], [ "They are ap...
[ 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1 ]
The Birds and the Bees BY DAVE E. FISHER Which goes to prove that, in some instances, being heroic is easy! [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, August 1957. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] I was...
train
32836
[ "Which best describes the relationship between Neena and Var?", "Who is the Watcher?", "How does the Watcher feel about Neena and Var's arrival?", "Why does Groz not want to go into the mountain? ", "What does Var think of The Watcher? ", "Which of these is not a lasting effect of the Ryzgas?", "Why doe...
[ [ "They are marrying out of familial responsibility more than love but are still happy to be together", "They have roughly equal footing in their dedication to one another", "Neena gets to make all of the decision in return for going with Var to stay with his people", "Var has convinced Neena to go ...
[ 2, 1, 1, 3, 1, 2, 1, 3, 1, 3 ]
[ 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 ]
WHEN THE MOUNTAIN SHOOK By Robert Abernathy Illustrated by Kelly Freas [Transcriber Note: This etext was produced from IF Worlds of Science Fiction March 1954. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Dark was the Ryzga mountain and forbidding; steep we...
train
31355
[ "Which best describes the relationship between Russell and Dunbar?", "Which isn't a reason why Russell didn't tell Johnson and Alvar directly that he thought Dunbar was crazy?", "Which of these is the best representation of the connection between Old Dunbar and the rest of the crew?", "Which of these is not a...
[ [ "They have similar goals but do not necessarily work well together", "They both have respect for each other but are sick of each other's company", "Neither of them likes the other, in a way that hinders group dynamics", "The appreciate each other's insight when looking for solutions but don't like...
[ 1, 4, 3, 4, 4, 2, 4, 4, 1 ]
[ 1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 1 ]
Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Space Science Fiction May 1952. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. TO EACH HIS STAR by BRYCE WALTON "Nothing around those other suns but ashes and dried blood," old Dunbar told the space-wrecked, desp...
train
29168
[ "Which best describes the narrator's attitude towards his work?", "Which of these is the best description of why the narrator strikes the spaceship?", "What is Houlihan's relationship with the little people?", "Which best describes Houlihan's perception of America?", "Why did Houlihan consider his work to t...
[ [ "He is frustrated that nobody ever recognizes his progress", "He wishes he were in a different country interacting with his own people", "He is proud to be contributing to broad scientific questions", "He is disappointed he has to work inside a lab but enjoys research" ], [ "He is convince...
[ 3, 3, 1, 4, 3, 3, 2, 4, 1 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1 ]
Every writer must seek his own Flowery Kingdom in imagination's wide demesne, and if that search can begin and end on Earth his problem has been greatly simplified. In post-war Japan Walt Sheldon has found not only serenity, but complete freedom to write undisturbed about the things he treasures most. A one-time Ai...
train
99903
[ "What is the significance of Jimmy Savile to the article?", "Which is the least likely thing computers could pick up on from a photo?", "Which is not true about our judgements of people from photos, according to the article?", "Which is the best characterization of the overgeneralization hypotheses?", "Whic...
[ [ "To introduce the idea of the importance of questioning friends of people under investigation", "To introduce discussion of documentaries' influence on public perception of criminals", "To introduce discussion of murderers and other criminals", "To introduce the idea that people think they can tel...
[ 4, 2, 2, 4, 4, 3, 3, 4, 1 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0 ]
Face value When the BBC broadcast the recent documentary by Louis Theroux that looked back at the time he spent in the company of Jimmy Savile, there was disbelief across social media that no one had stepped in to stop Savile from committing his crimes. Some blamed the BBC, some blamed those in Savile's immediate circl...
train
99901
[ "When does Stephen Cave think the general public will react to the role of AI?", "Which of these does Stephen think is a strong benefit of AIs in jobs?", "Which does Stephen think is a useful impact of AIs in a broad context?", "How would Stephen compare humans and machines?", "Which is the most likely soci...
[ [ "Once they realize they can lose money if they are not in the AI industry", "Once they realize that AI can be dangerous", "Once they think jobs are being lost to AIs", "Once the AI companies have a larger share of the general market" ], [ "They are an easy way to keep an eye on employees t...
[ 3, 3, 4, 2, 3, 2, 3 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 0 ]
AI: what's the worst that could happen? The Centre for the Future of Intelligence is seeking to investigate the implications of artificial intelligence for humanity, and make sure humans take advantage of the opportunities while dodging the risks. It launched at the University of Cambridge last October, and is a collab...
train
99902
[ "What is the relationship like between Ed and Sheryl?", "What is Sara's relationship with her mom?", "What is the implication about getting TV networks through Facebook?", "Why is Sara upset when her dad asks her to read the article about solar panels?", "What is the immediate significance of Ed defending t...
[ [ "Their relationship is tense as Ed will not get help when he needs it, but it is mostly cordial", "They are fairly indifferent towards each other but interact more when there are other people around", "They have a good relationship but do not like to watch the same TV, as Sheryl hates football", "...
[ 1, 3, 4, 2, 3, 3, 4, 2, 2, 3 ]
[ 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1 ]
Divided we stand Sara lets the Lyft park itself in the drive, lets out a sigh, and tweets wish me luck plus some emojis before slipping her phone into a hoody pocket. Curtains twitch, and before she can get her bag out of the back Mom is there, right there next to her, their hands touching on the handle as they compete...
train
60713
[ "What is significant about the captain's initial reaction to Mr. Janssens attache case being stolen?", "Which is not a reason the captain does not want to create a police force?", "What is the significance of the story's title?", "Which of these is true about the Red Mask?", "Why does Captain Branson warn E...
[ [ "It reveals his negligence as a leader", "It proves that the captain does not think anything could be wrong", "It shows that the captain wants to give people the impression that he thinks the passengers are all okay", "It shows the passengers that the captain cannot be trusted" ], [ "He do...
[ 3, 4, 3, 1, 4, 3, 4, 2, 4 ]
[ 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1 ]
COUNTERWEIGHT By JERRY SOHL Every town has crime—but especially a town that is traveling from star to star! [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, November 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] S...
train
60747
[ "How does the narrator feel about his special ability?", "Which is not a reason the narrator did not tell anyone about the bomb when he discovered it?", "Which is the best description of how Julia reacted to the narrator trying to take her bag?", "What is Julia's role in the existence of the bomb?", "What i...
[ [ "He doesn't find it that useful most of the time but he does consistently use it in specific situations", "He finds it to be his greatest source of amusement, and enjoys keeping secrets of what others carry", "He is glad he has this ability instead of a different more dangerous one", "He is disapp...
[ 1, 4, 1, 4, 2, 2, 3, 2, 3 ]
[ 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0 ]
Nuts to wild talents! Mine was no satisfaction, never earned me a penny—and now it had me fighting for my life in ... THE LITTLE RED BAG By JERRY SOHL [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, January 1960. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. cop...
train
27492
[ "Why do the Vegans want the humans to be involved in their political struggle?", "What likely happens to Crownwall after the story is over?", "What is the significance of the title of the story?", "Why is Crownwall the representative from Earth sent to Vega?", "Which is the best deccription of why the human...
[ [ "They think their numbers will even the fight", "They see the humans as having a complementary skillset", "They are desparate and will try anything to change their situation", "They think the humans can add an unexpected element to their war" ], [ "He has to find a new line of work because...
[ 4, 3, 4, 4, 1, 4, 3, 4 ]
[ 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1 ]
UPSTARTS By L. J. STECHER, JR. Illustrated by DILLON The sight of an Earthman on Vega III, where it was impossible for an outlander to be, brought angry crowds to surround John Crownwall as he strode toward the palace of Viceroy Tronn Ffallk, ruler of Sector XII of the Universal Holy Empire of Sunda. He ignore...
train
51699
[ "Which is the most accurate description of the planet Stinson finds himself on? ", "Which is the best description of the Sand God?", "Which is not a reason that Stinson decided to journey on the ice by foot [mostly didn't want to leave Sybtl behind on her own and felt important and had some level of curiosity]"...
[ [ "A haven for amphibious creatures", "A research outpost for discovering new species", "Some kind of penal colony", "An abandoned desert planet that cannot sustain life" ], [ "An ancient being who carries centuries of wisdom but has become more volatile with age", "One of many like bein...
[ 3, 4, 3, 1, 4, 4, 1, 3 ]
[ 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1 ]
THE GOD NEXT DOOR By BILL DOEDE Illustrated by IVIE [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Magazine August 1961. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] The sand-thing was powerful, lonely and strange. No doubt it was a go...
train
58733
[ "What is Major Banes' opinion of Lt. Alice Britton's husband?", "What is the importance of White Sands?", "Why do the astronouts have to wait to talk to White Sands?", "How does the relationship between Lt. Britton and Mj. Banes change over the course of the story?", "What is the role of the British accent?...
[ [ "He thinks highly of his ability but not about his personality", "He thinks he's very skilled as a pilot and a great husband too", "He doesn't think much of him at all", "He thinks he's a talentless impulsive man who bought his way to his position" ], [ "It's where the only doctors who can...
[ 1, 4, 2, 4, 4, 4, 3, 1, 1, 4 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0 ]
SPATIAL DELIVERY BY RANDALL GARRETT Women on space station assignments shouldn't get pregnant. But there's a first time for everything. Here's the story of such a time——and an historic situation. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, October 1954. Extensive research d...
train
60291
[ "Which of these is not true about the helmet the young boy wears?", "What is the significance of the story's title?", "What is not true about Dr. Melrose?", "What is the significance of the conference that Dr. Lessing is invited to?", "What is the significance of the idea of authority?", "Why does Dr. Mel...
[ [ "It is entirely made of plastic", "He chose to wear it because he knows it's good for him", "It is for the protection of adults as much as the boy", "It makes him feel trapped while wearing it" ], [ "It shows how disorganized Dr. Lessing is, and how his mind cannot stay on a single path", ...
[ 2, 3, 2, 4, 3, 1, 2, 1 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 0 ]
BRAMBLE BUSH BY ALAN E. NOURSE [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, August 1957. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] There was a man in our town, and he was wondrous wise; He jumped into a bramble bush...
train
29196
[ "Why is Lane flying over Newyork at the beginning? ", "Which best describes the relationship between Lane and Colonel Klett?", "What does the reader learn from Lane's inability to identify a flag he sees flying outside a tower?", "Which is the most accurate description of the relationship between Gerri and La...
[ [ "He intends to take over the city's government", "His cybrain has malfunctioned and sent him to the city", "He is on a mission assigned by Colonel Klett", "He cracked after being trapped after combat and needed to get out" ], [ "Lane relies on Klett when he can't make his own decisions ind...
[ 4, 1, 4, 3, 2, 2, 2, 3 ]
[ 1, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1 ]
MUTINEER By ROBERT J. SHEA For every weapon there was a defense, but not against the deadliest weapon—man himself! Raging , Trooper Lane hovered three thousand feet above Tammany Square. The cool cybrain surgically implanted in him was working on the problem. But Lane had no more patience. They'd sweat, he t...
train
99920
[ "Which is true about managed systems?", "What is the best representation of the author's view of human agency?", "What is the connection between places of work and the government discussed in the article?", "What is the role of the discussion of economic models?", "Which is likely the mot direct benefit of ...
[ [ "All of the actions in a process are performed by machines instead of humans", "There are always computers that require outside permission for the users to perform tasks", "There are clear team leaders but the rest of the hierarchy is more flexible", "The communication and innovation is lower beca...
[ 4, 1, 1, 1, 3, 1, 2, 3 ]
[ 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1 ]
COMPLEXITY AND HUMANITY We have all seen the images. Volunteers pitching in. People working day and night; coming up with the most ingenious, improvised solutions to everything from food and shelter to communications and security. Working together; patching up the fabric that is rent. Disaster, natural or otherwise...
train
99924
[ "What does the title BBB refer to?", "Why does Open Access content not remove all barriers on the choice of the patron?", "Which of these is not an expected impact of OA on academic inquiry?", "How do authors benefit from open access?", "Why is academic work considered low-hanging fruit?", "What is the ro...
[ [ "The type of certification a journal needs to be an OA venue", "The Bureau in charge of decisions about OA", "The cities where most of the early meetings were held", "An organization beting developed to gather public opinion about OA" ], [ "It was a term in the original Open Access agreeme...
[ 3, 4, 4, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3 ]
[ 1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0 ]
What Is Open Access? Shifting from ink on paper to digital text suddenly allows us to make perfect copies of our work. Shifting from isolated computers to a globe-spanning network of connected computers suddenly allows us to share perfect copies of our work with a worldwide audience at essentially no cost. About thirty...
train
99910
[ "What is the purpose of the example of pianos in Greence?", "What is meant by the invention of currency?", "What is the best description of why the Scottish will not develop their own money?", "Which is true about the various types of local currency?", "How do shopkeepers feel about the complementary curren...
[ [ "To show that valuable things are appreciated everywhere", "To show how paper currency is not the only way of paying for something", "To show how much more expensive luxury goods can be", "To show a move away from contemporary currency towards a more traditional approach" ], [ "The power o...
[ 2, 1, 3, 1, 4, 4, 4, 4 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1 ]
New money: Do local currencies actually work? It's lunchtime at Glasgow Chambers in late November, and Councillor George Redmond is getting worked up at the prospect a Glasgow Pound. "We would be Glasgow-centric about it," he says conspiratorially, as though there is any other way to be. "Can you imagine having the fac...
train
31357
[ "Why do Arvid 6 and Tendal 13 want to take Nancy's baby?", "Why did Tiger die?", "What was Arvid 6's mistake?", "What does Tendal 13 mean when he says he pulled himself together?", "How does Tendal 13 feel about Arvid 6?", "How many times did Tendal 13 and Arvid 6 go to the Laughton's home?", "Who is Jo...
[ [ "They took the baby because it is not human.", "They took the baby to correct a mistake that Arvid 6 made.", "They took the baby to rescue Kanad.", "They took the baby for ransom." ], [ "Tiger died from an allergic reaction to biting Arvid 6.", "Tiger was poisoned.", "Tiger suffoca...
[ 2, 3, 2, 3, 2, 3, 4, 3, 4, 3 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0 ]
Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Space Science Fiction May 1952. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. THE ULTROOM ERROR by JERRY SOHL Smith admitted he had made an error involving a few murders—and a few thousand years. He was entitled...
train
24275
[ "What is the relationship between Meyerhoff and Zeckler?", "How does Meyerhoff feel about Zeckler?", "What did the Altairian's arrest Zeckler for?", "Why does Meyerhoff arrest Zeckler?", "Why do the Altairians let Zeckler go?", "Why don't the Altairians leave Altair I if it is so overpopulated?", "How d...
[ [ "Meyerhoff is Zeckler's employee.", "Meyerhoff is Zeckler's employer.", "Meyerhoff is Zeckler's lawyer.", "Meyerhoff is Zeckler's Consulate representative." ], [ "Meyerhoff thinks that Zeckler is a fool.", "Meyerhoff thinks that Zeckler is a skilled con-man.", "Meyerhoff thinks tha...
[ 4, 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, 2, 3 ]
[ 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0 ]
Letter of the Law by Alan E. Nourse The place was dark and damp, and smelled like moldy leaves. Meyerhoff followed the huge, bear-like Altairian guard down the slippery flagstones of the corridor, sniffing the dead, musty air with distaste. He drew his carefully tailored Terran-styled jacket closer about his...
train
23791
[ "Why did Pop go to Lunar City?", "How does Pop feel about Sattell?", "Why don't tourists go to Lunar City?", "Why does the red-headed man come to the moon?", "How often does the Lunar colony get supplies delivered from earth?" ]
[ [ "Pop went to Lunar City because the Earth is overcrowded.", "Pop went to Lunar City because Sattell went to Lunar City.", "Pop went to Lunar City because his family was murdered, and he couldn't stand to be on Earth any longer.", "Pop went to Lunar City to mine diamonds." ], [ "Pop thinks ...
[ 2, 1, 2, 3, 4 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 1, 0 ]
SCRIMSHAW The old man just wanted to get back his memory—and the methods he used were gently hellish, from the viewpoint of the others.... BY MURRAY LEINSTER Illustrated by Freas Pop Young was the one known man who could stand life on the surface of the Moon's far side, and, therefore, he occupied the shack o...
train
24247
[ "Who is Big Louis?", "How did Joe get to 2133?", "Why do Reston-Farrell and Brett-James bring Joe to the future?", "Why do Reston-Farrell and Brett-James want Howard Temple-Tracy dead?", "How does Joe feel about Brett-James and Reston-Farrell?", "Why does Joe call Citizen Temple-Tracy Chief?", "Why does...
[ [ "Big Louis is Lawrence Reston-Farrell's boss.", "Big Louis is Al Rossi's boss.", "Big Louis is Warren Brett- James' boss.", "Big Louis is Joe Prantera's boss." ], [ "He was cryogenically frozen in 1960 and awakened in 2133.", "He was transported through time from 1960 to 2133 by Brett-...
[ 4, 2, 3, 1, 3, 4, 2, 4, 4, 4 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 ]
Illustrated by van Dongen A gun is an interesting weapon; it can be hired, of course, and naturally doesn't care who hires it. Something much the same can be said of the gunman, too.... GUN FOR HIRE By MACK REYNOLDS Joe Prantera called softly, "Al." The pleasurable, comfortable, warm feeling began spreading ov...
train
26843
[ "Why wasn't the narrator's compartment clean during blastoff?", "How does Pat feel about the narrator?", "How long was the author away from earth on this trip?", "What portion of the journey was spent in cryosleep?", "Why do Lloyd and Jones shoot at the narrator?", "How do the Martians reproduce?", "How...
[ [ "The crew ransacked the narrator's room. They were not happy to have a journalist forced upon them for this journey.", "The narrator forgot to secure his belongings when they boarded the ship. The gyroscopic spin knocked unsecured items all around the room.", "The force of the inertial gravities knock...
[ 4, 2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 4, 3 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1 ]
THE DOPE on Mars By JACK SHARKEY Somebody had to get the human angle on this trip ... but what was humane about sending me? Illustrated by WOOD My agent was the one who got me the job of going along to write up the first trip to Mars. He was always getting me things like that—appearances on TV shows, or menti...
train
26569
[ "How many comanalysis sessions can someone undergo in one day?", "How does Bergstrom feel about Zarwell?", "How does the comanalysis process work?", "How does Zarwell feel about Bergstrom?", "Why doesn't Bergstrom alert the authorities that he has a wanted criminal, drugged and unconscious in his office?", ...
[ [ "Four", "Two", "One", "Three" ], [ "Bergstrom thinks Zarwell is a dangerous man. He is thinking about turning Zarwell over to the authorities.", "Bergstrom thinks Zarwell is a very sick and confused individual. He is going to have Zarwell committed.", "Bergstrom hates Zarwell. He i...
[ 2, 4, 3, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 2 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 0 ]
Transcriber’s note: This story was published in Galaxy magazine, June 1960. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. [p 135 ] By CHARLES V. DE VET monkey on his back Under the cloud of cast-off identities lay the shape of another man— was it...
train
99917
[ "What was the Hanseatic League?", "When did the Hanseatic League begin?", "What is a modern city that is large enough to be a city-state?", "What is a potential risk of cities seceding from their nation-states?", "Why was the Hanseatic League not always accepted by locals?", "What did the Hanseatic League...
[ [ "A loose federation of coastal cities that worked together to promote trade.", "A casual federation of cities that worked together to promote trade.", "A league of cities by the sea that agreed to come to each other's aid with armed forces when necessary.", "A leauge of merchants that worked toget...
[ 1, 4, 2, 2, 1, 4, 3, 4, 3 ]
[ 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0 ]
What cities in the post-Brexit era could learn from a 14th-century trading bloc As you fly from the country now known as Germany to Britain, the coastal geography of northern European cities gently unfurls. You can see where the sea smacks into them, or where yawning estuaries unfold like funnels between green and brow...
train
99912
[ "What does the Tydeman tube do?", "What is Desperate Debra?", "What was Desperate Debra originally designed for?", "What percentage of cesarean births in the UK every year are classified as emergencies?", "What is one consequence caused by the concern over the increased number of babies born by cesarian?", ...
[ [ "The Tydeman tube is placed in the uterus near the baby's head. The tube opens into a soft silicone cup, which is placed on the part of the head that is exposed through the cervix. Pushing air in through the tube releases suction forces that may be holding the baby in place.", "The Tydeman tube is placed ...
[ 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 2, 4, 1, 4, 2 ]
[ 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0 ]
Obstetrics for beginners It's my first go at delivering a baby by caesarean section – and the foetal head is impacted, jammed in its mother's pelvis. To be honest I'm struggling. Incisions have been made in the lower part of the mother's abdomen and womb. I've pushed my gloved hand inside and managed to slide my fin...
train
99921
[ "How does the photographer capture their subjects in a certain way?", "How does the photographer feel about dark rooms?", "How does the photographer contribute to free culture?", "How does the photographer feel about Larry Lessing?", "How does the photographer imagine photos with a CC license will be used?"...
[ [ "They photograph subjects who are feeling very nervous. It makes the images more lively.", "They photograph subjects who are unaware the photographer is in the room. It's the only way to get truly natural-looking photos.", "They continually shoot photos while conversing with their subjects. This distr...
[ 3, 1, 4, 1, 3, 2 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 ]
Just another free soul In his foreword to the book, Lessig writes that you understand your subjects “by learning to see them in a certain way.” What is that certain way? I think I’m trying to get a mental image of a person, certain expressions, or what I think that person is about. I’m trying to capture what I think ...
train
99923
[ "What is Sharism?", "What is a neuron?", "What do neurons do?", "The less you share...", "Bloggers...", "When bloggers adjust their tone and privacy settings, they...", "What will be the politics of the next global superpower?" ]
[ [ "Community respect", "Future-oriented cultural initiatives", "A mental practice", "A social-psychological attitude" ], [ "A part of the nervous system", "A simple organic cell", "A synapse", "A very powerful, electrically excitable biological processor" ], [ "Form vastl...
[ 4, 4, 1, 3, 2, 4, 1 ]
[ 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0 ]
Sharism: A Mind Revolution With the People of the World Wide Web communicating more fully and freely in Social Media while rallying a Web 2.0 content boom, the inner dynamics of such a creative explosion must be studied more closely. What motivates those who join this movement and what future will they create? A ke...
train
60713
[ "What is a Nilly?", "What happened to the passengers of the Weblor I?", "How long will it take the Weblor II to make the round trip to the new colony and back?", "When did the Nilly first strike?", "What happened to Mrs. Failright?", "What happened to Mr. Palugger?", "How long did it take for the passen...
[ [ "A Nilly is a trained operative used by colony transport ships to keep the colonists focused on a common enemy. ", "A Nilly is a person who works on the crew on an interstellar ship.", "A Nilly is a black ops agent.", "A Nilly is a person, who is able to come back from the dead, but like Lazarus, ...
[ 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 4, 3, 2, 3 ]
[ 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0 ]
COUNTERWEIGHT By JERRY SOHL Every town has crime—but especially a town that is traveling from star to star! [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, November 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] S...
train
60747
[ "How old was the narrator when he discovered he had a special gift?", "Why does the narrator reveal his secret ability to Julia?", "Why does the narrator make a phone call before explaining the bomb to Julia?", "Why didn't Julia pick up her suitcase with the other passengers?", "Why doesn't the narrator use...
[ [ "15", "9", "12", "18" ], [ "He loves Julia, and he doesn't want there to be any secrets between them.", "If he doesn't explain his ability, she'll think he's a creeper for going in her luggage.", "He needs to stay with the suitcase to keep the bomb from going off. He needs her coop...
[ 2, 3, 3, 2, 3, 4, 3, 3 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1 ]
Nuts to wild talents! Mine was no satisfaction, never earned me a penny—and now it had me fighting for my life in ... THE LITTLE RED BAG By JERRY SOHL [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, January 1960. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. cop...
train
27492
[ "How did Crownwall get to Vega III so quickly?", "Who is Ggarran?", "Why did the Viceroy blockade the Earth if he wanted an Earthling to come and meet with him?", "What was Earth's first Spaceship?", "Why is the distorter drive so dangerous?", "How many Viceroys are neither Vegan nor Sundan?", "Why does...
[ [ "FTL (Faster than Light) drive", "Transport Beam", "Warp drive", "Time travel" ], [ "The Viceroy's advisor", "The head of the palace guard", "The leader of the Vegans", "The leader of the Sundans" ], [ "The blockade was a test to see if Earthlings were smart enough to h...
[ 4, 1, 1, 3, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 4 ]
[ 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0 ]
UPSTARTS By L. J. STECHER, JR. Illustrated by DILLON The sight of an Earthman on Vega III, where it was impossible for an outlander to be, brought angry crowds to surround John Crownwall as he strode toward the palace of Viceroy Tronn Ffallk, ruler of Sector XII of the Universal Holy Empire of Sunda. He ignore...
train
51699
[ "Approximately how long was Stinson on the planet before he decided it was home?", "How old is the Sand God, mentally?", "What happened to the Sand God's race?", "Why are the webfoots chasing Stinson and Sybtl?", "Why do the webfoots only wear skirts?", "Why does the Sand God keep the webfoots around?", ...
[ [ "12 hours", "24 hours", "36 hours", "48 hours" ], [ "Six years", "Fifteen years", "Twelve years", "Nine years" ], [ "The Sand God's race moved to the sixth planet and left him behind.", "The Sand God burned them all.", "The webfoots killed the Sand God's race. H...
[ 2, 4, 4, 4, 3, 1, 2, 4 ]
[ 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1 ]
THE GOD NEXT DOOR By BILL DOEDE Illustrated by IVIE [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Magazine August 1961. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] The sand-thing was powerful, lonely and strange. No doubt it was a go...
train
58733
[ "Why didn't the Lieutenant know she was pregnant?", "Why can't Lieutenant Britton go back to Earth?", "Why did the Lieutenant go into labor early?", "Why do they need an incubator?", "Why can't they build an incubator?", "What is White Sands?", "Why is Alice so relaxed when she finds out there is no inc...
[ [ "She has an irregular cycle.", "She had her tubes tied before going into space.", "She wasn't keeping track of her cycle.", "Women don't have periods in space." ], [ "There are no ships available to go to Earth at this time.", "There is no one else trained to replace her as Chief Radar...
[ 1, 4, 1, 3, 4, 2, 1, 1 ]
[ 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1 ]
SPATIAL DELIVERY BY RANDALL GARRETT Women on space station assignments shouldn't get pregnant. But there's a first time for everything. Here's the story of such a time——and an historic situation. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, October 1954. Extensive research d...
train
60291
[ "What is the Farm?", "Why will adult psi contact hurt the children?", "Why doesn't Tommy want to go back to the Farm?", "Where is the Hoffman Medical Center?", "Where is the Farm?", "Where is the conference next month?", "Why are the grey helmets necessary?", "Why is Melrose so opposed to Lessing publ...
[ [ "The Farm is Dr. Lessing's home in the country.", "The Farm is a compound where they research the psionic abilities of children.", "The Farm is where they train CIA agents with telekinetic abilities.", "The Farm is where they do genetic testing on children to give them psychic abilities." ], [...
[ 2, 4, 4, 3, 4, 1, 1, 1, 2, 4 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1 ]
BRAMBLE BUSH BY ALAN E. NOURSE [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, August 1957. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] There was a man in our town, and he was wondrous wise; He jumped into a bramble bush...
train
29196
[ "How is Lane able to hover over the buildings?", "Why are the police willing to risk the life of Gerri to kill Lane?", "How does Gerri feel about Earth?", "Why is Lane so child-like?", "What is a cybrain?", "Why can't Lane read or write?", "Why does Gerri kiss Lane?", "Why do the police believe the an...
[ [ "He has anti-gravity boots.", "He is in a helicopter.", "He has a jet pack.", "He has anti-gravity devices implanted in his body." ], [ "Lane is too dangerous to be left alive. They can't risk him escaping just so they can rescue Gerri.", "They think Lane may be infected with a biologi...
[ 4, 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2 ]
[ 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 0 ]
MUTINEER By ROBERT J. SHEA For every weapon there was a defense, but not against the deadliest weapon—man himself! Raging , Trooper Lane hovered three thousand feet above Tammany Square. The cool cybrain surgically implanted in him was working on the problem. But Lane had no more patience. They'd sweat, he t...
train
99920
[ "What was the solution for increased complexity in the late 19th, early 20th century?", "What state bureaucracy development saved Europe after WWII?", "What does Google do for their employees to foster innovation?", "How did Wikipedia eclipse all commercial encyclopedias except Britannica?", "What typified ...
[ [ "Assembly lines", "The increased role of structure and improved design", "Complex managed systems", "Child labor laws" ], [ "Frederick Taylor's Scientific Management", "The New Deal", "The Marshall Plan", "The Tennessee Valley Authority" ], [ "They use Segways on the Go...
[ 2, 3, 3, 2, 4, 3, 4, 3, 3 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0 ]
COMPLEXITY AND HUMANITY We have all seen the images. Volunteers pitching in. People working day and night; coming up with the most ingenious, improvised solutions to everything from food and shelter to communications and security. Working together; patching up the fabric that is rent. Disaster, natural or otherwise...
train
99924
[ "What is the access revolution?", "How could selling their work actually harm some authors' interests?", "What does removing price barriers mean for readers?", "What does removing permission barriers mean for readers?", "What is the open-access delivered by repositories called?", "What is one limit all ki...
[ [ "Globally more homes than ever before have access to the internet.", "Free global sharing.", "Authors are giving away their work for free.", "Authors can share their work with a worldwide audience at essentially no cost." ], [ "It could steer them toward writing about popular topics rather...
[ 4, 4, 4, 1, 1, 4, 1, 1, 1, 1 ]
[ 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 ]
What Is Open Access? Shifting from ink on paper to digital text suddenly allows us to make perfect copies of our work. Shifting from isolated computers to a globe-spanning network of connected computers suddenly allows us to share perfect copies of our work with a worldwide audience at essentially no cost. About thirty...
train
99910
[ "What is a working example of a complementary currency?", "Which complementary currency didn't work out?", "What percent goes toward a Brixton Fund when a Brixton Pound is spent?", "Who came up with the Stroud Pound?", "Who is the CFO of the Bristol Pound", "When did people start using the Bristol Pound?"...
[ [ "The Brixton Pound", "The Eko Pound", "The Liverpool Pound", "The Glasgow Pound" ], [ "The Stroud Pound", "The Totnes Pound", "The Liverpool Pound", "The Brixton Pound" ], [ "2.0 percent", "0.5 percent", "1.0 percent", "1.5 percent" ], [ "Ciaran Mund...
[ 1, 1, 4, 4, 1, 1, 2, 1, 2 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1 ]
New money: Do local currencies actually work? It's lunchtime at Glasgow Chambers in late November, and Councillor George Redmond is getting worked up at the prospect a Glasgow Pound. "We would be Glasgow-centric about it," he says conspiratorially, as though there is any other way to be. "Can you imagine having the fac...
train
51597
[ "The Captain is characterized in all of the following ways EXCEPT:", "What is the narrator's profession?", "The Pequod, Nimitz, and Triton are all references to? ", "According to the narrator, who is the most important figure onboard a spacecraft? ", "All of the following is 'recycled' to create extra 'food...
[ [ "melodramatic", "sardonic", "exasperating", "acrimonious" ], [ "astronaut", "doctor", "sailor", "cook" ], [ "crewmen aboard the Charles Partlow Sale", "seafaring men or ships from literature", "names of scientists who invented food recycling techniques", "th...
[ 4, 2, 2, 2, 4, 2, 3, 1, 1 ]
[ 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1 ]
GOURMET By ALLEN KIM LANG [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Magazine April 1962. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] This was the endless problem of all spaceship cooks: He had to feed the men tomorrow on what they...
train
60995
[ "What is the central theme of February Strawberries?", "Why does Howell not want Linton to approach Snead in the restaurant?", "Howell offers all of the following reasons why resurrection is problematic EXCEPT:", "According to Howell, all of the following issues might arise from resurrecting people EXCEPT for...
[ [ "Death, while tragic, should be permanent", "Just because technology has the means to accomplish great feats does not mean it should cross certain lines", "It is better to have all the details before making a life-changing and costly decision", "The value of a human life cannot transfer once one i...
[ 2, 3, 4, 4, 2, 1, 4, 2, 4, 2 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 1 ]
FEBRUARY STRAWBERRIES By JIM HARMON How much is the impossible worth? [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, March 1961. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Linton lay down his steel fork beside the mass...
train
25627
[ "Val and Ron's geiger is programmed to identify:", "Why have Val and Ron joined a mission on Mars?", "According to Ron, what motivated him and Val to join the Geigs?", "Which term best describes Mars' population?", "How will finding uranium on Mars aid the problem on Earth?", "What is Ledman's relation to...
[ [ "The Sandcat", "The Dome", "Uranium", "humans" ], [ "to locate a new source of fuel", "to restore Earth's depleted fuel reserves", "to determine if the planet can be colonized", "to identify the source of recent astronaut murders" ], [ "desire to maintain their present ...
[ 3, 2, 1, 2, 4, 2, 2, 1 ]
[ 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1 ]
THE HUNTED HEROES By ROBERT SILVERBERG The planet itself was tough enough—barren, desolate, forbidding; enough to stop the most adventurous and dedicated. But they had to run head-on against a mad genius who had a motto: Death to all Terrans! "Let's keep moving," I told Val. "The surest way to die out here on...
train
60283
[ "What is ironic about Sias' view of those who 'cling tenaciously, and ignorantly to the old religion'?", "What is the significance of the Maternite?", "Since humans stopped reproducing among themselves, what has been the greatest impact on human biology?", "All of the following terms describe the people's rea...
[ [ "Sias' reactions to Rocsates' ideas suggest that he is ignorant in a similar way", "Sias' refusal to adhere to any set of principles will get him imprisoned", "Sias subscribes to an iteration of the same religion many of the elders do", "Sias does not realize that the Conclave is ruled by that sam...
[ 1, 1, 1, 4, 3, 2, 2, 3, 2 ]
[ 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0 ]
The Birds and the Bees BY DAVE E. FISHER Which goes to prove that, in some instances, being heroic is easy! [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, August 1957. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] I was...
train
32836
[ "Var and Neena most likely belong to which group:", "What power does Var possess?", "What message for humanity does the author wish to communicate, regarding the fate of the Ryzgas?", "Which lingering effect of the Ryzgas' downfall makes life challenging for people like Var and Neena?", "What is the Watcher...
[ [ "A mutated strain between the slaves and masters of the Ryzgas", "Descendants of the slaves of the Ryzgas", "Members of an alien group that destroyed the Ryzgas", "Descendants of the Ryzga masters" ], [ "the ability to change his appearance", "the ability to travel through air", "t...
[ 2, 3, 3, 2, 3, 1, 2, 4, 2 ]
[ 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 0 ]
WHEN THE MOUNTAIN SHOOK By Robert Abernathy Illustrated by Kelly Freas [Transcriber Note: This etext was produced from IF Worlds of Science Fiction March 1954. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Dark was the Ryzga mountain and forbidding; steep we...
train
31355
[ "The four men are ranked according to:", "What fuels Russell's loathing of Dunbar?", "What do the four men seek/value most in a star? That no one had ever heard of it before", "What does Dunbar mean in calling the other stars 'Jezebels' of stars? ", "What is ironic about Russell's decision to kill Dunbar?",...
[ [ "experience", "strength", "health", "age " ], [ "Dunbar's optimism", "Dunbar's age", "Dunbar's delusions", "Dunbar's laugh" ], [ "obscurity of location", "population of women", "geographical features", "prevalence of riches" ], [ "They are uncomely o...
[ 4, 1, 1, 4, 4, 1, 3 ]
[ 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0 ]
Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Space Science Fiction May 1952. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. TO EACH HIS STAR by BRYCE WALTON "Nothing around those other suns but ashes and dried blood," old Dunbar told the space-wrecked, desp...
train
29168
[ "Which terms best describe the narrator's tone? ", "Why didn't the narrator provide the leprechauns with the correct equation?", "What is the narrator's ethnicity?", "Why do the leprechauns prefer poets to scientists?", "What motivated the leprechauns to build a spaceship?", "Why is the narrator unafraid ...
[ [ "authoritative and oblivious", "manipulative and meticulous", "congenial and self-aware", "hostile and condescending" ], [ "He knows that the leprechauns are preventing humans from destroying the Earth", "He wants to take credit for the equation and is concerned they will try to get cr...
[ 3, 4, 1, 2, 2, 3, 1 ]
[ 0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1 ]
Every writer must seek his own Flowery Kingdom in imagination's wide demesne, and if that search can begin and end on Earth his problem has been greatly simplified. In post-war Japan Walt Sheldon has found not only serenity, but complete freedom to write undisturbed about the things he treasures most. A one-time Ai...
train
99903
[ "What is the purpose of the article?", "What terms best describes the author's attitude toward hunches of perceived criminality based on one's physical appearance?", "Historical figures have proposed all of the following theories regarding physiognomy EXCEPT for the idea that:", "What is one halo effect of ph...
[ [ "To explain how physiognomy has evolved over time and affected society in harmful ways", "To provide an impartial historical account of physiognomy, a once popular branch of science", "To predict how physiognomy could be manipulated to worsen current social inequities", "To convince an audience of...
[ 1, 1, 4, 4, 1, 2, 4, 4 ]
[ 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1 ]
Face value When the BBC broadcast the recent documentary by Louis Theroux that looked back at the time he spent in the company of Jimmy Savile, there was disbelief across social media that no one had stepped in to stop Savile from committing his crimes. Some blamed the BBC, some blamed those in Savile's immediate circl...
train
99901
[ "Which statement best describes the purpose of this text?", "Which term best describes the approach Cave supports with regard to AI development?", "According to Cave, what must happen before different disciplines converge to guide AI development?", "According to Cave, what issue does AI development share with...
[ [ "To propose potential pathways that AI could take to eliminate social and environmental problems in the near future", "To explain how industries are approaching collaboration and making decisions in AI with regard to social responses", "To demonstrate how humans are taking advantages of AI-related opp...
[ 2, 1, 4, 2, 2, 1, 3, 2, 4 ]
[ 1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0 ]
AI: what's the worst that could happen? The Centre for the Future of Intelligence is seeking to investigate the implications of artificial intelligence for humanity, and make sure humans take advantage of the opportunities while dodging the risks. It launched at the University of Cambridge last October, and is a collab...
train
99902
[ "Which term best describes Sara's relationship with her parents?", "Why have Sara and her father not spoken in over a year?", "At what point did Sara's relationship with her father sharply transition?", "Describe Sara's attitude toward Fox:", "What is ironic about Sara's father's justification for the ads o...
[ [ "inflammatory", "tenuous", "strained", "obligatory" ], [ "Sara attended college in New York and stayed there after graduating.", "They have intense disagreements on most political issues.", "Sara and her father voted for different presidential candidates.", "Sara's father was a...
[ 3, 2, 3, 1, 1, 1, 3, 4 ]
[ 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0 ]
Divided we stand Sara lets the Lyft park itself in the drive, lets out a sigh, and tweets wish me luck plus some emojis before slipping her phone into a hoody pocket. Curtains twitch, and before she can get her bag out of the back Mom is there, right there next to her, their hands touching on the handle as they compete...
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31357
[ "Why did Nancy allow the man claiming to be her brother to take her child?", "Why are Arvid 6 and Tendal 13 attempting to steal Reggie?", "Why didn't the man posing as Dr. Tompkins die?", "Who murdered Nancy and Reggie?", "Why did the driver who killed Nancy and Reggie Laughton pretend to be drunk?", "Whe...
[ [ "She believes that she can trust her brother with Reggie.", "She knows that Reggie is actually Kanad, and feels no attachment toward him.", "She is hypnotized by Arvid 6, who is posing as her nonexistent brother.", "She is being bribed by Tendal 13 and Arvid 6 to give Reggie away." ], [ "K...
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Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Space Science Fiction May 1952. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. THE ULTROOM ERROR by JERRY SOHL Smith admitted he had made an error involving a few murders—and a few thousand years. He was entitled...
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24275
[ "Relationship between Harry Zeckler and Paul Meyeroff?", "What crime has Zeckler committed to warrant imprisonment?", "What motivates people like Zeckler to commit such crimes as he committed?", "Why was Altair regarded at once by the Trading Commission as a commercial prize of tremendous value?", "The proc...
[ [ "Meyeroff is Zeckler's legal representation", "Meyeroff is an official sent to extradite Zeckler", "Zeckler is a con man for Meyeroff", "Zeckler abetted in a crime that Meyeroff perpetrated" ], [ "embezzlement", "fraud", "encroachment", "indecent exposure" ], [ "New int...
[ 2, 2, 1, 4, 1, 2, 3 ]
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Letter of the Law by Alan E. Nourse The place was dark and damp, and smelled like moldy leaves. Meyerhoff followed the huge, bear-like Altairian guard down the slippery flagstones of the corridor, sniffing the dead, musty air with distaste. He drew his carefully tailored Terran-styled jacket closer about his...
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23791
[ "What makes the far side of the moon intolerable?", "What motivates Pop Young to live on the far side of the moon?", "Which item would most likely be shared by Sattell and Pop?", "What is the relationship between Sattell and Pop Young?", "What do the colony inhabitants share?", "What effect does Sattell's...
[ [ "extreme temperatures", "loud noises from the mines", "social isolation", "vicious predators" ], [ "He is being compensated for a wrongful death suit that occurred back on Earth", "He is close to Sattell's location, which enhances his memories of his wife and children", "If he left...
[ 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 4, 1, 1, 3, 4 ]
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SCRIMSHAW The old man just wanted to get back his memory—and the methods he used were gently hellish, from the viewpoint of the others.... BY MURRAY LEINSTER Illustrated by Freas Pop Young was the one known man who could stand life on the surface of the Moon's far side, and, therefore, he occupied the shack o...
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24247
[ "What is Prantera referring to when he mentions 'Quentin'?", "What is Prantera referring to when he mentions a 'mouthpiece'?", "What is Prantera referring to when he mentions a 'pressure cooker'?", "What central theme of the story is revealed in the conclusion?", "How does Prantera initially gain trust with...
[ [ "a target", "an asylum", "an associate", "a prison" ], [ "a lawyer", "a weapon", "a disguise", "a crime boss" ], [ "a courtroom", "an interrogation room", "a mental asylum", "a set-up" ], [ "The more good you do for others, the more opportunity for t...
[ 4, 1, 3, 2, 2, 4, 1 ]
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Illustrated by van Dongen A gun is an interesting weapon; it can be hired, of course, and naturally doesn't care who hires it. Something much the same can be said of the gunman, too.... GUN FOR HIRE By MACK REYNOLDS Joe Prantera called softly, "Al." The pleasurable, comfortable, warm feeling began spreading ov...
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26843
[ "Which term best describes the narrator's attitude toward writing up the first trip to Mars?", "After they landed, how were the crewmen viewed by the general public?", "What is the central theme of the story?", "What is the Martians' orientation toward water?", "Who is the 'dope' on Mars?", "What does the...
[ [ "ambivalent", "apprehensive", "resentful", "downtrodden" ], [ "with admiration", "with curiosity", "with fear", "with disdain" ], [ "Curiosity can cross dangerous boundaries, and lack of curiosity can blind one's self to those boundaries", "Whatever we are addicted ...
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THE DOPE on Mars By JACK SHARKEY Somebody had to get the human angle on this trip ... but what was humane about sending me? Illustrated by WOOD My agent was the one who got me the job of going along to write up the first trip to Mars. He was always getting me things like that—appearances on TV shows, or menti...
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26569
[ "What is the symbolism of the title?", "What motivates Zarwell to take on the 'missions' he leads?", "What is the purpose of a comanalysis?", "Why did Zarwell deliberately inject himself? ", "What do the settings of Zarwell's comanalyses have in common?", "For what reason is Zarwell seeking treatment with...
[ [ "The monkey represents the series of false memories implanted in Zarwell's mind", "The monkey represents Zarwell's affliction with ennui after becoming a civilian and living a more mundane existence", "The monkey represents Dr. Bergstrom's manipulative influence on Zarwell's psyche", "The monkey r...
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Transcriber’s note: This story was published in Galaxy magazine, June 1960. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. [p 135 ] By CHARLES V. DE VET monkey on his back Under the cloud of cast-off identities lay the shape of another man— was it...
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99917
[ "According to the author, what made open trade so accessible in the 14th century?", "Which terms most likely describe how the author views Brexit?", "What is the primary purpose of the article?", "According to the author, how should progressive urban cities function differently than states?", "According to ...
[ [ "Prevalence of natural resources in concentrated areas", "Agreement on shared principles of commerce", "Settlement along geographically accessible areas", "Inclusion of both rural and urban community members" ], [ "perplexing and disturbing", "ambitious and progressive", "ill-conce...
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What cities in the post-Brexit era could learn from a 14th-century trading bloc As you fly from the country now known as Germany to Britain, the coastal geography of northern European cities gently unfurls. You can see where the sea smacks into them, or where yawning estuaries unfold like funnels between green and brow...
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99912
[ "Which term best describes the author's tone toward delivering a 'baby' by C-section for the first time?", "What factor necessitates the change in frequency of performed C-sections?", "Which factor is the best predictor of necessity for an emergency C-section on a fetus?", "Describe how the frequency of C-sec...
[ [ "befuddled", "petrified", "apprehensive", "confident" ], [ "Uterine environment", "Practitioner training", "Cranial growth", "Advanced technology" ], [ "Father's birth weight", "Mother's birth weight", "Practitioner's level of experience", "There is no agree...
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Obstetrics for beginners It's my first go at delivering a baby by caesarean section – and the foetal head is impacted, jammed in its mother's pelvis. To be honest I'm struggling. Incisions have been made in the lower part of the mother's abdomen and womb. I've pushed my gloved hand inside and managed to slide my fin...
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99921
[ "What is the author's grievance against photographers?", "What does the author mean to communicate by comparing the photographer's task to the sculptor's mission?", "According to the author, what makes it difficult for the author to capture a subject's soul?", "How does the author try to disarm their subjects...
[ [ "Photographers are too concerned with bending an image to fit their incomplete or inaccurate perspective of a subject", "Too many photographers are flocking over to digital art, signaling the death knell of darkroom photography", "Photographers are more interested in personal financial gain than suppo...
[ 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 3, 1, 4 ]
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Just another free soul In his foreword to the book, Lessig writes that you understand your subjects “by learning to see them in a certain way.” What is that certain way? I think I’m trying to get a mental image of a person, certain expressions, or what I think that person is about. I’m trying to capture what I think ...
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99923
[ "How is Sharism justified?", "By explaining neural activity in the brain, what does the author of the article imply?", "According to the author, why do people stop themselves from sharing as much as they could?", "What do certain corporations lose by remaining closed off to sharing?", "How does the author c...
[ [ "sharing is the only way to eliminate economic and social disparities among neighboring countries", "if humans do not adopt sharism as a culture, major corporations will adopt it to gain more power", "the disparity between the wealthy and those living in poverty has become too wide", "sharing is e...
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Sharism: A Mind Revolution With the People of the World Wide Web communicating more fully and freely in Social Media while rallying a Web 2.0 content boom, the inner dynamics of such a creative explosion must be studied more closely. What motivates those who join this movement and what future will they create? A ke...