Future Tense Written by: Robert Lipsyte By: A.J. Ross, Elena Cleghorn, Elizabeth Nelson, Louis Joerissen, and Molly Smith 3rd hour

This story is about Gary, a high school student who loves writing and imagination. Two new teachers Mr. Smith and Ms. Jones are hired by the principle, Dr. Proctor. Then Gary has to write about a typical day at school. He decides to write about a typical day at school through the point of view of a teacher with no imagination. Gary soon suspects that Mr. Smith and Ms. Jones are aliens! He ends up going to Ms. Jones office and getting in trouble for using his imagination. Then Gary goes to Dr. Proctor’s office and finds out that Mr. Smith and Ms. Jones aren’t the aliens… its Dr. Proctor! Dr. Proctor then tells Gary that his story is correct about him. Then he freezes him in place and sends him to his home planet to tell his story. Summary

How difficult is it to spot an alien in your environment? Focus Question

Initial Characters: Gary Mr. Smith Ms. Jones Doctor Proctor Exposition

Initial Setting: The school and Gary’s house. Exposition

Exposition Initiating Action: Gary thinks that the new “boring” teachers Mr. Smith and Ms. Jones are aliens. Exposition

Gary continues to rewrite his paper using science fiction. Mr. Smith keeps pushing Gary to do better and better. Gary realizes that Mr. Smith and Ms. Jones are not aliens, but Doctor Proctor is. Rising Action

Climax Gary thought Mr. Smith and Ms. Jones were aliens. Mr. Smith and Ms. Jones are not aliens. Gary realizes Doctor Proctor is the alien. Climax

Doctor Proctor talks to Gary in his office, freezes Gary, and Gary dissolves into the air to be taken to Doctor Proctor’s planet. Falling Action

Science Fiction Elements Imaginary settings Time travel Teleportation Stopping time Alien invasion Science Fiction Elements

Our group thought that the story “Future Tense” was a very interesting and a bit confusing story. The ending was very shocking, and surprising. We thought that the story was very well written and well told. We really enjoyed the story! Story Responses