The Explorer - Session 11 - Reading Comprehension suggested answers

The reading comprehension exercise titled "The Monkeys and the Bees" from "The Explorer" involves students answering questions to gauge their understanding of the text. The questions explore character traits, plot details, and the significance of key events. For instance, Max's tendency to wander off is attributed to his curiosity and desire to explore, while Con's remark about a 50% risk of death highlights her pessimistic nature. The frustration Max feels when discussing the ants, monkeys, and bees stems from the others' apparent disbelief in his explanation.

Students also learn how the monkeys cleverly avoid bee stings by using crushed ants as a repellent, and the desperation that leads Fred to climb a tree in search of food, revealing the group's dire situation. Con's decision to climb the tree is driven by the fear for Fred's safety and the understanding that their survival depends on him. The discovery of a red pouch and the map within it provides a pivotal moment in the story, offering the children potential guidance to Manaus and a glimmer of hope. The exercise culminates with the task of summarising the passage in no more than 50 words, challenging students to condense the essential elements of the narrative succinctly.