Question

Schaffer begins "the value of a sherpa life" with the following sentences: on april 18, at about 6:30 a.m. local time, an avalanche swept down off the west shoulder of everest and killed 16 climbers. to anybody who’s familiar with everest climbing, it should come as no surprise that all of the men were sherpa porters. which of the following best explains the function of these sentences in introducing and developing his argument?

a. summarizing his main claim
b. supplying evidence to support his central idea
c. engaging reader concern about the issue
d. making an introductory statement of his claim

Answer 1

The opening sentences in Schaffer's essay 'The Value of a Sherpa Life' engage reader concern about the issue.

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of the opening sentences in Schaffer's essay 'The Value of a Sherpa Life' is c. engaging reader concern about the issue. By stating the tragic event of the avalanche and emphasizing that all the men who died were Sherpa porters, Schaffer creates a sense of emotional connection and empathy in the readers towards the issue of the value of a Sherpa life. This engages the readers and prepares them for the argument that Schaffer will develop throughout the essay.