A young seagull is afraid to fly. How does he conquer his fear?
The young seagull conquers his fear when hunger and the sight of food compel him to take a plunge. His mother flew past him with a piece of fish, and the sight of the food maddened him. He dived towards the food, and in that desperate attempt, his wings spread out naturally and he began to fly.
Once he started flying, he was no longer afraid. He completely forgot that he had not always been able to fly and began to soar, dive, and curve with joy. His family encouraged him by flying around him and calling shrilly. Thus, his fear was conquered by hunger and the natural instinct that took over once he made his first flight.
Explanation
The answer focuses on how hunger acts as the catalyst that forces the seagull to overcome his fear. The mother's tactic of flying past with food maddens him enough to take the plunge, and once he does, his natural instinct takes over. The textbook highlights this transition from fear to confidence — 'he was no longer afraid' and 'he completely forgot that he had not always been able to fly.' The family's encouragement also plays a role in reinforcing his newfound ability.