It was the year 3009. The door opened, and a whole new world welcomed us. I wondered what we would encounter. The scouts had searched to and fro and came back with reassuring reports. There was water, plants, and animals. None of the life forms were found to be as intelligent as humans. It was a planet that was perfect for habitation. My family was chosen to be in the first group of settlers. We were about to set foot on New Planet when another spaceship landed. We watched as a door opened and mouse-like creatures, standing upright on their hind legs, stepped out. Our scouts flew into action and took scans of the creatures. They did not seem dangerous. Then, the lead mouse said, "What are you humans doing here? We discovered this planet first, and we are going to live here!" His voice sounded a little squeaky, and his long whiskers twitched now and then.

Question

It was the year 3009. The door opened, and a whole new world welcomed us. I wondered what we would encounter. The scouts had searched to and fro and came back with reassuring reports. There was water, plants, and animals. None of the life forms were found to be as intelligent as humans. It was a planet that was perfect for habitation. My family was chosen to be in the first group of settlers. We were about to set foot on New Planet when another spaceship landed. We watched as a door opened and mouse-like creatures, standing upright on their hind legs, stepped out. Our scouts flew into action and took scans of the creatures. They did not seem dangerous. Then, the lead mouse said, "What are you humans doing here? We discovered this planet first, and we are going to live here!" His voice sounded a little squeaky, and his long whiskers twitched now and then.
     Captain Spirk came out to speak with the mice, "Now hear this King Rodent, we filed our paperwork with the Office of Livable Planets. Everything is official. You'll just have to find yourselves another place to live."
     "We both know how difficult that would be. There is no way we are leaving," King Rodent squealed.
     "Excuse me, Your Highness and Captain Spirk, isn't this an enormous planet? Why can't we all live here together in peace? We could help each other out as we learn about this place. We could work together to protect ourselves from other invaders," I bravely suggested.
     "You know, the kid is onto something there! This could be a new world with different intelligent species living together in harmony. That could work! What do you say?" Captain Spirk questioned King Rodent.
     "Okay, Captain Spirk, it's a deal as long as we divide it evenly. We won't settle for less than half," King Rodent answered. The two leaders shook hands, and we all introduced ourselves to one another. That was only the beginning.
9
How does the setting contribute to the plot?
 A. 
The setting illustrates real problems with space travel.
 B. 
The setting builds the suspense and sense of adventure.
 C. 
The setting helps the reader identify with the narrator.
 D. 
The setting educates the reader about outer space.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

B. The setting builds the suspense and sense of adventure.

The description of a new planet and the encounter with an unexpected intelligent species introduces conflict and excitement, making the situation adventurous and uncertain as the two groups negotiate their coexistence.