This strange object was found inside an old inventor’s workshop more than a century ago. The inventor never labeled it or explained its purpose. All that remains is a short note that reads:
“This device must only be used when precision matters. Once activated, there is no undoing the result.”
No one knows what the object was designed to do. Some believe it was used to repair delicate machines. Others think it measured something too small to see or triggered hidden mechanisms. The truth was never recorded.
Your job is to decide what this object is and how it works.
Writing Prompt
Look closely at the mystery object above. Then write one strong paragraph answering all of the following in your response:
- What would you name this object?
- What is it used for?
- Who would use it and why?
- What details from the image support your ideas?
There is no correct answer. What matters is how clearly you explain your thinking using evidence from the image.
Writing Expectations
- One paragraph (5–7 sentences)
- Complete sentences
- Specific details from the image
- Clear explanation of your reasoning
Student Task
Post your paragraph in the comments. Be ready to explain your thinking and compare your idea with a classmate’s interpretation.
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9 Responses
I believe this device was used for transmitting audio or sound. If not, then it was probably for recordings. The cone shape attached to the front supports my point as the shape of the cone helps make the sound reach a higher distance and deliver a clear message. The handle was possibly used to start the recording by twisting it. Popular singers or people who want to deliver a message would use this to help other people around the world to hear their voice.
The name of this object is called the “thing”, the thing was made for many purposes like an air pump the tiny valve in the front of it and the spring on top is what makes the air and pushes it out. People can use this invention for bikes, tires, motorcycles, and way more, since the thing has a latch that you can flip that opens, it shows everything inside the little springs and the little gears that help turn the pump to the air can curculate fast and not break. The pulling mechanism makes it so that the air goes smoothly and that its easier for the person to put air with no trouble.
I believe that it was for transporting audio or sound making, but if i’m wrong, then it was probrably to record. The cilinder/cone like shape in the front supports my claim of it helping to make sounds to reach a higher distance or deliver a clear message. The handle bar on the side is most likely used to begin the process of recording by twisting it.
I believe that this mysterious object is some kind of lighter which I would call a mushta’iladaha, a word that mixes two Arabic words, burning and lighter. The term means a burnt lighter, since the object appears to be made out of metal, a material obtained from smelting, hence the name “burnt” and the object’s purpose “lighter.” I would imagine the dial on the right can be cranked to create tiny sparks inside the contraption and mixes with a flammable gas that is controlled by the structure of the lighter. Once the gas is fully lit, the gear on the top spins to indicate that the lighter is ready, and the lever on the back can be pulled to release the fire. The fire comes out in two ways, the metal tube instantly blaring fire, kind of like a mini firethrower, and the spring on the top with a dull cone starts heating up immensely, and when something touches it, it instantly burns or catches on fire with the severity of the heat.
The name of this object is called “time travel.” This object is used to time travel. Historicans would use it because they would have wanted to find out more about the past. Details from the picture help me understand its a time travling tool because of all the buttons on it. For example ,the button that can twist can be the button where you can choose where and what time you travel to. The coil can be the one to send you back to present time.
I would name this object the Precision Fixer. I think it was used to carefully adjust tiny machines so they would work just right, and once you used it, you couldn’t change the result. A skilled inventor or repair worker would use it because it looks complicated and very exact. The image shows metal gears, small screws, and a spring on top, which makes it seem like it was made for careful control, not rough work. The brass body looks strong and old, like it was built to last a long time, and the little handle suggests someone had to turn it slowly and carefully. All these details make it seem like a serious tool meant for important, precise jobs.
If I made this object I would name it as the “lighter”. It has similar pieces as a lighter. It would be used for survival and lighting fires. In my opinion, I would use this lighter because I get cold easily and my dad takes me and my family out a lot. so this would help a ton. To turn it on, the gray thing next to the spring would be turned to the left. Then, the gray looking cup on the left would light out fire, and to control it, the thing that light it controls it. Move it to the left to get more fire and to the right to lower the firer, and the lowest mode can warm your hands. Plus, there seems to be a handle, which you can hold so you don’t burn yourself. To turn it off, you press down on the spring top.
I think that the device is used for audio or making sounds. The Little part of it looks like a thing that make sounds travel. And reach farther distance. Which it kinda proves my point, that it most likely could be a device used for audio or making sounds.
I don’t know what I would name the object. I think the object was made for many things maybe like for a car or for a building something like that.people can use this to like build things and invent things.The image supports my idea because its a random object.