Darwin's Dragons - Session 9 - Reading Comprehension

In Session 9 of the reading comprehension for "Darwin's Dragons", students delve into the details of Covington's discoveries and experiences. They explore questions such as identifying the largest bone Covington picks up, and what he finds on the ledge where another character, Farthing, has climbed. The session also examines the use of metaphorical language, asking students to interpret phrases like 'like a heavy load on rollers', which suggests movement, and 'my heart was squeezed tight', indicating fear or anxiety. Additionally, the session covers how the dragon becomes trapped and the method Covington uses to transport the eggs.

The comprehension questions are designed to assess students’ understanding of specific details, the author's use of language, and the ability to summarise key events succinctly. For instance, the dragon's size is conveyed through comparisons, and students are asked to consider these descriptive techniques. The challenge of summarising the session in no more than 50 words tests their ability to distil the essence of the narrative and focus on the main points. This session aims to deepen the students' engagement with the text and enhance their analytical reading skills.