comprehension questions

This post replaces the one sent earlier as I've exceeded my time in editing. That's why I have to post again.

In a comprehension exercise, can a question be phrased in the past tense when the passage is in the present tense?

The writer of this comprehension book gives an exercise which has a question in the past tense . Is this the correct practice in setting questions? In my opinion, it isn't correct? I I would like to know whether I'm right.

The passage is about a UFO named Zigor, which has come to our Earth and a boy is giving him shelter in his house while it is waiting for the arrival of his UFO companion which has not yet returned in his flying craft to pick him up to return to their planet together.

The following is the question:

1. Which word in the passage tells you that Zigor was seeking refuge at Daniel's House? (question in past tense)

Many thanks.

I was taught that discussions about written works should always be in the present tense.

What makes you think that the question you asked is in the past tense, T?

Hi fellow members
Just a minor correction.

The passage is about an alien named Zigor, which has come to our Earth and a boy is giving him shelter in his house while it is waiting for the arrival of his UFO companion which has not yet returned in his flying craft to pick him up to return to their planet together.
(It should be 'an alien', NOT 'a UFO'.)

1. Which word in the passage tells you that Zigor was seeking refuge at Daniel's House? (question in past tense)

JTT wrote: 'What makes you think that the question you asked is in the past tense, T? '

The word 'was'. The fact is that the alien is still on Earth and hasn't returned to his planet yet as his companion has not returned yet to pick him up and go back to their planet together.

Hi JTT

Please refer to my earlier reply to your question.

The fact is that the alien is still on Earth and hasn't returned to his planet yet as his companion has not returned in their aircraft yet to pick him up and go back to their planet together.

IMO, the question should be "Which word in the passage tells you that Zigor is (NOT 'was') seeking refuge at Daniel's House? "

Hi JTT
Could you please let me know whether I'm correct?

Many thanks.

But the refuge has been granted. The question is asking you to look at the passage and find a point before Zigor receives refuge from Daniel. Then find a word in that part of the passage that indicates that Zigor was at that time seeking refuge.