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Choose a non-fiction text which has made you think differently about an important moral or social issue - Scottish Highers English - Question 8 - 2018
Question 8
Choose a non-fiction text which has made you think differently about an important moral or social issue. With reference to appropriate techniques, discuss how the wr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Choose a non-fiction text which has made you think differently about an important moral or social issue - Scottish Highers English - Question 8 - 2018
Step 1
Choose a non-fiction text
Answer
One notable non-fiction text that influenced my perspective on a social issue is 'Educated' by Tara Westover. This memoir reflects on the importance of education and the challenges faced by individuals in gaining access to it, particularly in situations of familial isolation and abuse.
Step 2
Discuss the moral/social issue
Answer
The primary social issue addressed in 'Educated' is the struggle for self-education and autonomy against oppressive family dynamics. Initially, I viewed education as a straightforward path, but Westover's experience revealed the complexities faced by individuals in disenfranchised situations.
Step 3
Identify appropriate techniques
Answer
Westover employs powerful narrative techniques, such as vivid imagery and emotional appeals, to evoke empathy and understanding. For instance, her use of descriptive language when recounting her early life on a remote Idaho farm emphasizes both the beauty and the brutality of her upbringing.
Step 4
Discuss how the writer causes a change in perspective
Answer
Through personal anecdotes and reflective insights, Westover challenges the reader to reconsider preconceived notions about education. By illustrating her struggles, she effectively shows that education is not merely a privilege, but a survival tool. This influence has prompted me to appreciate the educational opportunities I have and to understand the barriers many face in accessing them.