The Explorer - Session 12 - Reading Comprehension suggested answers

In "The Explorer" reading comprehension session, students delve into the motivations and dynamics between characters. Fred, one of the characters, is eager to embark on a journey with the raft because he aspires to be an explorer and is intrigued by the mysterious 'X' marked on the map. The tension between Con and Lila arises from Con's reluctance to trust the map and her desire to return home, compounded by her feeling of isolation as she believes no one cares for her. Lila's rebuttal highlights her own sense of responsibility, particularly towards Max, and inadvertently deepens the rift between them.

The children's longing for their parents is a poignant reflection of their homesickness and yearning for the safety that their families represent. Con's backstory reveals that her great-aunt sent her to stay with nuns over the summer in the hopes that travel would enhance her character. The term 'charity case' is used within the text to describe someone perceived as needing assistance, often financial. In a tender gesture, Lila places Baca on Con's shoulder as a sign of comfort and a silent offer of friendship. Before setting off on their adventure, Fred recommends that they procure grubs and berries for sustenance. A concise summary of Con's character is also requested, encapsulating her complexities in no more than 50 words.