The Wreck of the Zanzibar - Session 5 - Reading Comprehension suggested answers

In Session 5 of the reading comprehension for "The Wreck of the Zanzibar," students explore the reasons behind Billy's departure from the family farm, which include his father's harsh words, a weariness of milking cows, and the toilsome farm work. The impact of his leaving is profound, especially on his mother, who has become gaunt and withdrawn. The family faces dire straits as they struggle with hunger after the loss of their cows in a drowning incident, leaving them without milk to sell or money to buy food, forcing them to scavenge for what little they can find along the beach.

The family's decision to leave their home on Bryher is driven by the sheer impossibility of making a living on the island and the stark reality of starvation. While most of the family sees no other option but to leave for survival, Granny May is resolute in her decision to stay, declaring her intention to end her days on the island where she was born. Laura, on the other hand, is filled with anger at the thought of being uprooted from her home and is upset about the lost opportunity to participate in rowing competitions. The session also includes a task to summarise key diary entries from the story, capturing the essence of the family's plight in a concise format.