69 pages 2 hours read

Rachel Carson

Silent Spring

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1962

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Essay Topics

1.

Carson repeatedly alternates between large claims and specific evidence using anecdotes and statistics. Choose one of Carson’s central claims and analyze how the evidence provided serves to illustrate her claim successfully.

2.

It is Carson’s belief that the public must take action to end environmental destruction. What are some specific rhetorical strategies that Carson uses to engage the public in her argument? Explore two or three strategies that are present throughout the text.

3.

While Carson discusses many impacts of pesticides, she chooses to name the book Silent Spring. Why is this the title of the text? Provide evidence from the text to support your argument.