Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What do you know about the differences between robots, cyborgs, and androids? Compose definitions or descriptions in your own words.

Teaching Suggestion: Although many students will know the differences among these terms, it is unlikely that all students will. Students who cannot answer from their prior knowledge might be encouraged to investigate the terms online. Once students are clear on the definitions of these terms, they might view the video or read the article linked below as ways to activate their interest in this topic and to help them visualize the world in which Cinder lives. Students can practice identifying examples of the different types of technology within the video.

• This article features scientist Hiroshi Ishiguro, who has created an android clone of himself.
• This 16-minute video showcases recent developments in robotics and AI (artificial intelligence), including the impact on manufacturing, packaging, and shipping.

2. What is dystopian science fiction? What are some possible ideas that this kind of literature might convey through characters who are androids or cyborgs? What kinds of imagery come to mind with dystopian science fiction?