The Last Bear - Session 2 - Reading Comprehension answers

In the second session of "The Last Bear" reading comprehension, students explore April's deep connection to Bear Island and her longing for her mother. The phrase 'tremor of electricity that hummed through her veins' captures April's intense excitement upon seeing a detailed map of the island for the first time. Her father's gift of her mother's watch serves as a poignant reminder of her mother's enduring presence in her life, evoking warm and happy memories. Despite her common sense dismissing the sighting of a polar bear as mere illusion, the narrative delves into the history of polar bears on the island, noting the first recorded killing in 1596. The absence of polar bears on Bear Island is attributed to the receding ice caps, which prevent the bears from traveling there, with the nearest population residing in Svalbard. The vast distance of 250 miles between Svalbard and Bear Island discourages the bears from attempting the swim, leaving the island devoid of these majestic creatures.

The session's summary encapsulates the essence of April's emotional journey as she encounters Bear Island's map, which ignites her imagination and longing. The watch from her father symbolizes a connection to her mother, and the historical context of polar bears on the island is explored, revealing the environmental changes that have led to their absence. The session paints a vivid picture of April's inner turmoil and the stark reality of the natural world's challenges, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative.