Subject The World Without Us by Alan Weisman describes what would happen to the earth if humans were to suddenly disappear.
Occasion
Alan Weisman’s interest in the environment began when he was just a kid growing up in Minnesota (Alan). He enjoyed seeing all the birds, and later went back to visit, but did not see as many as before (Alan). In The World Without Us, he has a chapter titled, “The Wings Without Us”, discussing the presence of birds now and for when humans leave the earth (Weisman 243). The idea to write a book about it stemmed from Josie Glausiusz, an editor from Discover magazine, in which his article prior to The World Without Us, “Earth Without People,” was published in (Weisman 355). She had been thinking about how the earth
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Growing up in Minnesota, Weisman became first interested in watching birds (Alan). The wetlands of Minnesota were used by him and his friends as a “playground” (Author). He later achieved his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degree from Northwestern University (Author). He started off as a substitute teacher, writer, and photographer, and then began to travel the world volunteering and writing (Author). Ever since, Weisman has written numerous articles for The New York Times, Harper’s, Discover, and Atlantic and six books all on the environment and, or human or cultural society interactions and economics (Author). His work has always been influenced by environmental science starting from his childhood, going to his world travels (Author). The format of narration chosen here reminds me of CEC - Context, Evidence, Commentary. He informally also addresses the audience as “you”, giving off a more personal connection. The connection between the author and the audience in this case is crucial, because he is talking about such a controversial topic that he is more susceptible in turning his audience hostile, interested in the environment or