The Last Bear - Session 11 - Reading Comprehension

In Session 11 of "The Last Bear" reading comprehension, students delve into the nuances of the protagonist April's actions and emotions. The session poses questions about the time it takes April to prepare a boat and why she feels guilty about taking the first aid kit, hinting at her sense of responsibility and moral conflict. The purpose of the tarpaulin is questioned, and students explore the impact of the vivid phrase 'rear up like alligators', which is used to describe a scene in the narrative. The session also probes into April's feelings of anger when her father announces their early departure from the island, and why she chooses to leave him a note. Furthermore, it examines her regret over the brevity of the note she leaves.

The comprehension questions aim to engage students with the text's deeper meaning and encourage them to analyse character motivations and the author's use of language. They are asked to consider the timing of April's planned departure and to reflect on her complex relationship with her father. The session culminates with a task to summarise the key events of Session 11 in no more than 50 words, challenging students to distil the essence of the narrative while demonstrating their understanding of the text's main points.