The Explorer - Session 11 - Reading Comprehension

"The Explorer" reading comprehension session delves into the chapter titled "The Monkeys and the Bees". This segment prompts students to engage with the text through a series of questions, each designed to explore different aspects of the narrative and the characters within. For instance, students are asked to consider why Max frequently wanders off, providing insight into his behaviour and motivations. Another question probes the statement made by Con about the risk of death, which is intended to reveal elements of her character to the reader, such as her perception of danger and possibly her analytical or pessimistic nature.

The questions continue to challenge students to interpret character emotions, as they ponder why Max is annoyed while discussing ants, monkeys, and bees. Additionally, they investigate the clever techniques monkeys use to harvest honey without getting stung, and the reasons behind Fred's unhesitant decision to climb the tree. Con's motivations for following suit are also scrutinised. The session further explores why Fred opens the red pouch while still in the tree and what the phrase 'they gestured to hidden things' implies about communication and discovery. The significance of the map within the story is another point of discussion, and finally, students are tasked with summarising the chapter in no more than 50 words, testing their ability to distil the essence of the text succinctly.