Section Two Global Reading

I. Main idea

This piece of writing is an attempt to subvert the“traditional” view and convince the reader that growing older is not necessarily that dreadful. The author points out a number of advantages

of growing older. These advantages are enumerated on the basis of the experiences of her brother and her own. By means of contrast (being young and being old) the author reveals true happiness and contentment in old age, which have often been overlooked.

 

II. Structural analysis

1. Divide the text into parts by completing the table. 

Paragraphs	Main ideas
1-2	The writer airs her view about growing older.
3-5	The writer discusses three distinct advantages of growing older.
6	The writer winds up her discussion with reference to her parents’ life to reaffirm that growing older would be “a better phase” of her life.

2. What techniques does the author adopt to present the advantages of growing older?

The author illustrates them with examples and by contrast (being young and being old).