The Explorer - Session 16 - Reading Comprehension

In "The Explorer" reading comprehension session focused on "The Ruined City," students are invited to delve into the text through a series of questions designed to enhance their understanding and analytical skills. The first question asks about the man's companions, encouraging students to pay attention to the characters and their interactions. The phrase 'like a dying screech owl' is explored in the second question, prompting students to interpret figurative language and consider its meaning within the context of the story.

Further questions require students to deduce how long the man has been in the rainforest based on textual clues, and to identify the nature of the bowl from which characters drink. Students are also asked to consider Fred's curiosity about the explorer, suggesting a deeper look at character motivations and dynamics. The mysterious curtain of lianas represents a boundary the children are warned not to cross, and students speculate on what might lie beyond. The explorer's reluctance to assist the children is another point of discussion, as is the means by which the explorer arrived at the ruined city. A notable question asks why the explorer dismissively responds 'You don't' when asked about attracting his attention, hinting at themes of isolation or self-reliance. Finally, students are challenged to condense the essence of "The Ruined City" into a concise summary of no more than 50 words, demonstrating their ability to capture the main points of the narrative succinctly.