To determine which sentence does NOT help the reader understand the theme, we need to consider how each sentence contributes to the overall message or central idea of the story.
A. “'We know how much you love to have tea with Grandma,' his dad said.” - This sentence connects Ravi's affection for his grandmother to their shared experiences, which can relate to themes of family bonding.
B. “Ravi was glad he could send pictures and words and voices.” - This highlights the theme of connection and communication, especially across distances, such as between Ravi and his grandmother.
C. “Ravi was frightened by insects, but Grandma was not even scared of snakes...” - This contrasts Ravi's fears with his grandmother's bravery, showcasing differences in personality and possibly touching on themes of growth and overcoming fears.
D. “Ravi loved to talk to his grandma, who lived in India.” - This establishes a loving relationship and the importance of communication, clearly contributing to themes of family and connection.
Looking at the sentences, all of them contribute to understanding some aspect of the theme. However, if we are to choose one that is less directly connected to a broader theme, it might be sentence C, as it focuses more on Ravi's fears rather than the relational theme presented in the other sentences. Therefore, if asked which sentence might not directly enhance the theme, one might choose:
C. “Ravi was frightened by insects, but Grandma was not even scared of snakes...”