**Characteristics of the Old School**

The Old School in the story refers to the traditional method of education where students physically attended school and were taught by human teachers. The characteristics of the Old School had a significant impact on Margie and Tommy, arousing their interest in various ways.

1. **Physical Classroom**: In the Old School, students gathered in a physical classroom, which was a unique experience for Margie and Tommy. They were used to studying at home through the telebooks and had never seen a real classroom before. The physical presence of a classroom environment fascinated them.

2. **Human Teacher**: Unlike the telebooks that provided automated teaching, the Old School had a human teacher. Margie and Tommy were curious to interact with a real person who could answer their questions and provide personalized guidance. The presence of a human teacher made the learning experience more interactive and engaging for them.

3. **Real Books**: The Old School had actual books made of paper and printed words, unlike the telebooks that displayed text on a screen. The tactile experience of holding and reading physical books intrigued Margie and Tommy. They were fascinated by the idea of flipping through pages and the smell of the ink on paper.

4. **Classmates**: In the Old School, Margie and Tommy had the opportunity to meet and interact with other students of their age. This social aspect of learning appealed to them as they could share experiences, make friends, and engage in activities together.

5. **Physical Exams**: The Old School conducted physical exams where students had to write on paper. This was a new experience for Margie and Tommy, who were accustomed to taking electronic exams through their telebooks. The idea of writing with a pen and paper intrigued them and added an element of novelty to their learning process.

6. **Personalized Learning**: The Old School allowed the teacher to adapt the curriculum and teaching methods based on individual student needs. Margie and Tommy were drawn to the idea of personalized attention and tailored learning experiences that could address their specific learning styles and challenges.

**Conclusion**

The characteristics of the Old School, such as the physical classroom, human teacher, real books, classmates, physical exams, and personalized learning, aroused a great deal of interest in Margie and Tommy. These elements provided them with a new and stimulating learning environment, different from their usual telebook-based education. The Old School offered them a chance to experience learning in a more interactive and social setting, fostering their curiosity and engagement.