Question

Imagine this. You go out for lunch with some friends and you order a lemonade. You sip your delicious, sweet drink through a straw and think nothing of it. A few weeks later, your straw ends up in the ocean and into the mouth or nose of an innocent baby sea turtle. Americans alone use 500 million straws each day, which is enough to wrap around Earth 2.5 times. There are many ways that people can work to reduce that number by making small changes to their every day lives. Straws and other single-use plastics are a danger to our planet and should not be used.

What kind of text is the introduction previewing?

A) An informative text about why straws do not biodegrade.
B) A persuasive essay that tries to convince people to stop using plastic straws.
C) A persuasive essay that tries to convince people to recycle plastic items.
D) An informative text about the development and life cycle of sea turtles.

Answer 1

The introduction is previewing a persuasive essay that aims to convince readers to stop using plastic straws by highlighting the environmental impacts of single-use plastics and their danger to marine life.

Step-by-step explanation:

The introduction is previewing B) a persuasive essay that tries to convince people to stop using plastic straws. This type of text is characterized by its emphasis on persuading the reader to take a specific action or adopt a certain viewpoint. The statement "Straws and other single-use plastics are a danger to our planet and should not be used" highlights the persuasive intention of the text. Additionally, elements like the poignant imagery of a sea turtle impacted by pollution and the large numbers used to express the magnitude of the issue work towards convincing the audience of the urgency to change behavior. The purpose statement reinforces this by stating the desired outcome of the speech, which is to compel people to reduce their use of disposable plastic.

Further evidence of the persuasive nature of the text includes the mirrored conclusion and closing statement, which urge the audience to consider the environmental impact of single-use plastics and to explore more sustainable options. These statements are designed to leave a lasting impression on the reader, thereby increasing the likelihood of a behavioral change. The text introduces a conversation about the harm caused by single-use plastics to marine life, as depicted by Figure 10.7.1, and reflects on the broader issue of plastic waste in Key Idea 3.