Learning from Other Writers

The selections here illustrate how two different writers draw on evidence from sources to substantiate their points. The notes in the margin of the first reading will help you begin to analyze features such as the thesis, or main idea, and the variety of methods used to introduce and integrate information from sources.

As You Read These Essays That Support a Position with Sources

As you read these essays, ask yourself the following questions:

  1. What thesis, or main idea, expresses the position supported by the essay? How does the writer try to help readers appreciate the importance of this position?
  2. How does the writer use information from sources to support a thesis? Do you find this information relevant and persuasive?
  3. How does the writer vary the way each source is introduced and the way information is drawn from it?