The Last Bear - Session 1 - Reading Comprehension

In the first session of "The Last Bear" reading comprehension, students delve into the character of April and her experiences. April's father has a job that leads them to move to an island, which excites April but also stirs a sense of helplessness in her when she contemplates issues like global warming and fox-hunting. April, who has a preference for animals over humans, finds her heart racing with the prospect of this new adventure. Her grandmother, Granny Apples, is concerned about their move to the island and tries to dissuade them, highlighting the remote and potentially dangerous nature of their destination.

Through her interaction with a character named Tör, April's character traits are revealed to the reader, showcasing her unique sensitivity and perhaps a 'sixth sense'—an intuitive understanding beyond the ordinary. Tör's gesture of holding out a piece of bread symbolizes an offering or a connection being made. The description of Bear Island as 'a forbidden part of the universe' evokes a sense of mystery and isolation, suggesting that it is a place untouched by the outside world. The session concludes with a task for students to summarise the content succinctly, capturing the essence of the narrative in no more than 50 words.