Author's Purpose
What is the author trying to persuade the reader of in “Never Retreat”?
The author wants to persuade readers that they can do more than they think to help the earth.
In paragraph 1, is this statement subjective or objective: “Coal was seen only as a heat source until we found it could power steam engines”?
Objective (it’s a factual statement).
Name ONE “luxury” that the author says now feels like a “necessity.”
Garage-door openers, dishwashers, or cell phones
In the text, what does scarcity mean?
A shortage or lack of something
Fix this run-on by choosing the best conjunction:
“Our dependence on fossil fuels and our highly integrated systems are threatening the planet ____ we need to become more self-sufficient.”
so (Add a comma): “…threatening the planet, so we need to become more self-sufficient.”
In paragraphs 1–2, why does the author talk about invention and “needs we didn’t know we had”?
He’s showing that discoveries can come first, and then people find ways to use them.
In paragraph 3, does “new uses multiplied madly” sound subjective or objective?
Subjective (the word “madly” shows opinion/attitude).
What are TWO examples the author gives to show people try to maintain their lifestyle “at any cost”?
Overfishing bluefin tuna and draining freshwater aquifers
What is an aquifer?
An underground layer of rock that contains water
Fix this run-on by choosing the best conjunction:
“The burning of fossil fuels sends carbon dioxide into the atmosphere ____ this is the primary cause of climate change.”
and (Add a comma): “…into the atmosphere, and this is the primary cause of climate change.”
Why does the author mention “bacon-flavored dental floss” and “Elvis Presley mouse pads”?
He uses those examples to show people keep buying nonessentials to keep jobs/employment going.
In paragraph 4, is “convenience is addictive… dosage… minimum requirement” subjective or objective?
Subjective (it uses a comparison and strong opinion language).
Name TWO everyday things the author says oil is in (products).
Asphalt, carpet, clothes, and plastics (like packaging/furniture/appliances)
What does combustion mean?
The process of burning that produces heat and light
Fragment or complete sentence?
“To keep employment up.”
Fragment (it’s missing a complete thought).
Why does paragraph 10 start with the question “What’s the problem with highly integrated systems?”
The question helps the author “switch gears” and introduce a new idea he’s about to explain.
In paragraph 10, what is the author’s viewpoint about highly integrated systems?
He thinks they may be efficient/low cost, but they’re brittle and can cause big problems when something goes wrong.
Give ONE example from paragraph 10 that shows integrated systems can fail and affect lots of people.
A single power outage or oil shortage can affect millions.
In paragraph 13, what word helps explain adaptability?
Flexible
Fragment or complete sentence?
“Efficient and low cost, but brittle.”
Fragment (missing subject/verb).
Why does the author include the WWII rationing example?
He’s helping readers imagine what a major “downshift” in lifestyle could feel like.
In paragraph 8, what does calling products “nonessentials” show about the author’s point of view?
It shows the author thinks those products are unnecessary (opinionated/subjective)
Give ONE example the author uses to show humans can adapt.
During a long power outage, people gradually adapt until things like eating by lantern light feel normal
In paragraph 9, what does resilience mean (in simple terms)?
The ability to handle problems and bounce back/recover.
Combine these two sentences with ONE conjunction so it’s smooth (not choppy and not a run-on):
“We’re so connected that a single power outage or oil shortage affects millions. Sicknesses can more easily become epidemics.”
Use and:
“We’re so connected that a single power outage or oil shortage affects millions, and sicknesses can more easily become epidemics.”