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W.1 Reading literature - science fiction

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What is Science Fiction?

Science fiction is a type of story that uses imagination and science-based ideas to explore what might happen in the future or in other worlds. These stories often include advanced technology, space travel, or events that are not possible in real life—at least not yet.

Examples:
  • A story about kids who build a robot that talks.
  • An adventure on a spaceship traveling to another planet.
  • A city where people use flying cars to get around.
Note

Science fiction mixes real science ideas with imagination. It asks, “What if…?”

Common Features of Science Fiction

Science fiction has special features that make it different from other kinds of stories. Look for these clues when you read.

Features:
  • Futuristic technology like robots or spaceships.
  • Settings in space, the future, or imaginary worlds.
  • Characters who face problems involving science or inventions.
Note

Not every science fiction story has all of these features, but most will have at least one or two.

Comparing Science Fiction to Real Life

Science fiction often starts with something real and then changes it to make the story exciting or futuristic. Readers should think about what is real and what is imagined.

Examples:
  • Real: Scientists study planets.
    Fiction: A classroom goes on a field trip to Mars.
  • Real: Robots can clean floors.
    Fiction: Robots take care of entire families.
Note

Ask yourself: Could this really happen today? If not, it might be the science fiction part of the story.

Characters and Problems in Science Fiction

Like all stories, science fiction has characters who face challenges. In this genre, the problems often connect to science, technology, or the future.

Examples:
  • A boy must fix a broken time machine before he is stuck in the past.
  • A girl needs to save her town from a runaway robot.
  • A group of friends must learn to live on another planet.
Note

When reading, pay attention to how characters solve problems. This will help you understand the main idea of the story.

Why Read Science Fiction?

Science fiction helps readers imagine new possibilities. It makes us think about how science and technology could change our lives and our world.

Examples of Benefits:
  • Encourages creativity and imagination.
  • Helps us think about real science in fun ways.
  • Shows how people might solve future problems.
Note

Science fiction is not just fun to read—it also helps you ask questions and dream about the future.