How does the conversation between Margie and Tommy develop the theme of education?

Correct answer: It opens the comparison between old and future schools

The conversation is the narrative device that introduces the story’s central comparison. Tommy’s discovery of the old printed book leads the children to discuss schools in the past, where human teachers taught groups of pupils in a shared building. Margie contrasts that picture with her own future education: a mechanical teacher at home, individualized lessons and no classmates. Through their questions and reactions, the reader sees both the advantages of technology and the loneliness created by complete isolation. Option A is therefore correct because the dialogue opens and develops the comparison between old and future systems of education. The other options are either unrelated or too narrow: the conversation does not create a sports contest, end the Geography lesson or remove the County Inspector.