The Secret of Platform 13 - Session 8 - Reading Comprehension

In Session 8 of "The Secret of Platform 13" reading comprehension, students delve into the intricacies of the narrative through a series of questions designed to test their understanding of idiomatic expressions, character intentions, and plot developments. For instance, they are asked to interpret the meaning of the phrase 'as safe as houses', which is a common English idiom implying something is very secure or safe. Another question probes into Mrs Trottle's future plans for Ben following Nanny Brown's demise, requiring students to infer from the text and understand character motivations.

The session also challenges students to identify how Mrs Trottle inadvertently reveals her hiding spot to the rescuers, showcasing the importance of paying attention to detail. They must also recognise Doreen Trout’s choice of weapon, further exploring character actions and their significance within the story. Additionally, students are tasked with explaining the phrase 'keep an eye on things', another idiom that means to watch over or monitor a situation. The emotional response of Ben to the scheme of abducting Raymond is also scrutinised, asking students to empathise and analyse character feelings. Lastly, a summarising activity compels students to concisely recount the main events of Session 8 in no more than 50 words, testing their ability to distil information and capture the essence of the text.