Quick Summary
Set in 2157, Margie and Tommy discover an old book about traditional schools. Margie's only school is a mechanical teacher at home that gives her tests on a screen. She is fascinated by the idea of a real school where children learned together, had a human teacher, and even enjoyed going. The story contrasts cold, mechanical education with the warmth of human interaction.
Key Vocabulary
- Mechanical teacher: A robot-like machine that teaches and tests individually at home.
- Telebook: A book displayed on a screen (as opposed to a physical printed book).
- Inspector: A person sent to fix or check Margie's mechanical teacher.
- Sector: Area or region — Margie goes to school in the "sector" of her home.
Main Themes
Technology vs Human Connection
The story warns that replacing human teachers with machines removes the social joy of learning. Margie envies children of the past who laughed, argued, and played together.
Value of Traditional Education
Tommy's discovery of the old printed book sparks curiosity. The children find it strange that a book's words don't move — contrasting with their digital telebooks.
Nostalgia and Longing
Margie imagines the "fun they had" in old schools. The title is ironic — she assumes old school was fun, though she has never experienced it.
Character Analysis
| Character | Role | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Margie | Protagonist, 11 years old | Curious, wistful, unhappy with mechanical schooling |
| Tommy | Margie's friend, 13 years old | Finds the old book, slightly condescending |
| Mechanical Teacher | Antagonist symbol | Impersonal, malfunctioning, cold |
| Inspector | Minor character | Repairs Margie's teacher, adjusts difficulty |
Important Questions
One Mark
- When is the story set? (2157)
- What did Tommy find? (An old physical book)
- What subject was Margie studying when the story begins? (Geography)
- Who came to fix Margie's mechanical teacher? (The County Inspector)
- What does Margie think about the old school at the end of the story? (That the children must have had fun)
Short Answer (3 marks)
- Why was Margie disappointed with her mechanical teacher? Explain with reference to the story.
- How was the school of 2157 different from the school of the past? Compare using details from the story.
- Why is the title "The Fun They Had" significant? Is there irony in the title?
Long Answer (5 marks)
- Describe the school system in 2157 as depicted in the story. How does it differ from the traditional school Margie reads about?
- What message does Isaac Asimov give about education and technology in this story? Do you agree with his view?
Common Mistakes
- Students confuse Tommy's age (13) with Margie's age (11).
- The story is set in 2157, not 2057 — note the year carefully.
- The mechanical teacher was not broken completely; it was giving geography tests at a level too advanced — the Inspector slowed it down.
Revision Checklist
- [ ] Know the author, year of publication, and setting
- [ ] Can describe Margie's mechanical teacher and how it works
- [ ] Understand why Margie wishes she could have gone to the old school
- [ ] Can explain the irony in the title
- [ ] Know all characters and their roles
- [ ] Practised writing a paragraph comparing old schools with the 2157 school