The Explorer - Session 15 - Reading Comprehension suggested answers

In "The Explorer" reading comprehension exercise, students are presented with a series of questions to test their understanding of the text "At the Top of the Cliff". The answers reveal key points of the story, such as the black square on the map representing the cliff, and the reason Fred claims he can climb it—despite his fears—is to maintain the group's confidence in his leadership. This section of the story highlights themes of courage and the burden of leadership.

As the narrative continues, the characters experience a range of emotions; Max cries out of fear during the climb, while a sense of triumph and exhaustion overwhelms the children upon reaching the summit. The plot takes a turn when Con falls down a hidden slope, leading to the discovery of an ancient city's ruins. The figure they encounter is described as frightening and aggressive, adding tension to the story. Students are tasked with summarising this dramatic section in no more than 50 words, challenging them to distil the essence of the text succinctly.