Activity 2: Writing Write two or three paragraphs in response to the following question: What impression has the writer of the article on page 30 created of the chess-playing automaton? You could comment on: your first impressions of the automaton, based on the first half of the extract • how people reacted to the automaton at the time your final impressions of the automaton, having read to the end of the extract. You should: • support each of your ideas with evidence from the extract • comment on the writer's choices and their impact on the reader • express your ideas clearly and fluently, in formal language.
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The writer's portrayal of the chess-playing automaton evolves from a wondrous creation in the beginning to a source of astonishment and skepticism among the audience. The automaton is introduced as a "wonder of the age," creating an aura of fascination. People's reactions, described as "mute astonishment" and "amazement," underscore its ability to captivate. By the end, the writer leaves us with a sense of mystery, as some believed in its miraculous abilities while others suspected hidden mechanisms. Through vivid language and a balanced presentation, the writer effectively sustains the automaton's intrigue, making it a subject of enduring fascination.