The Last Bear - Session 2 - Reading Comprehension

In the second session of "The Last Bear" reading comprehension, students delve into the intricacies of the narrative through a series of thought-provoking questions. The first question asks them to interpret the metaphorical phrase 'tremor of electricity that hummed through her veins', encouraging them to consider the emotional or physical reactions of a character. The subsequent questions guide students to explore key plot points such as April's curiosity about a map, the significance of a watch gifted by her father, and poignant recollections of her mother.

The session further challenges students to apply logical thinking to April's sighting of a polar bear, questioning what her common sense suggests about the likelihood of such a sighting. They also investigate historical aspects of the island's interaction with polar bears, including the date of the first recorded killing. Questions extend to the ecological reasons behind the absence of polar bears on Bear Island, the location of the nearest population, and the factors preventing these majestic creatures from swimming to the island. The session concludes with a summarisation task, where students must encapsulate the essence of Session 2 in no more than 50 words, demonstrating their understanding and ability to distil information effectively.