Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? Do you think all young birds are afraid to make their first flight, or are some birds more timid than others? Do you think a human baby also finds it a challenge to take its first steps?
The young seagull was afraid to fly because he was intimidated by the great expanse of sea beneath him. When he reached the brink of the ledge, he felt it was such a long way down. He was convinced that his wings would never support him, making the plunge seem desperate, which caused him to run back to his hole.
While making the first flight is a natural act, not all young birds share the same level of fear. The text highlights that the seagull's brothers and his little sister, who had far shorter wings, ran to the brink and flew away effortlessly. This contrast proves that some birds are simply more timid than others and struggle more to muster courage.
Yes, a human baby definitely finds it a challenge to take its first steps. The lesson explicitly draws a parallel between the seagull's first flight and a baby learning to walk. Just like the seagull feared the long drop, a baby fears falling. Both must overcome their natural hesitation and fear of failure to achieve this crucial milestone.
Explanation
The answer is derived directly from the provided text. Part (i) uses the explicit reasons given in the text: the great expanse of the sea, the long way down, and the seagull's belief that his wings would never support him. Part (ii) is answered by contrasting the young seagull's fear with the effortless flight of his siblings, who had shorter wings, proving that some birds are more timid. Part (iii) is answered using the textbook's explicit prompt asking students to compare the seagull's situation to a baby learning to walk, confirming that taking the first steps is indeed a challenge involving the fear of falling.