Question

In this article, the author emphasizes her main point by using
quotations to give the reader evidence that the information is factual
concise language and transitional words to inform and inspire the reader
counter arguments so who multiple perspectives

The article:
1
Overrated, according to Shelly and Joe Trumpey: traditional central
heating and being hooked up to the power grid.1
Underrated: the
chance to teach their two daughters—Autumn, 15, and Evelyn, 14—as
vividly as possible to respect and appreciate the earth. “We’re isolated,”
Joe says. “And happy,” adds Shelly. Their house, built from straw
in 2009, sits on a 40-acre farm, and they have plenty of nonhuman
neighbors—chickens, sheep, pigs, cattle, turkeys, rabbits, ducks and
goats—to keep them company. “When we moved here, everyone was
worried we’d be sitting around a candle, freezing,” says Shelly. “But we
really haven’t been.”
1 power grid: a system for distributing electricity, or power, to a wide area via a
network of wires and power stations.
Living Large Off The Grid
2 Perhaps that’s because their 2,200-square-foot Grass Lake,
MI, home, which Joe first sketched on the back of a napkin, was
painstakingly planned so they’d have all the comfort of an average
American house with little of the environmental impact. The walls,
made of locally sourced adobe and straw bale, retain heat in the winter
and keep the house cool in the summer. Golf cart batteries suck up solar
power from panels and fuel household appliances such as a fridge and a
washing machine. A wood-burning furnace heats water for showers; the
water also flows through 4,000 feet of tubing under the floors, helping to
defrost chilly toes. “People expect a mud hut when we tell them where
we live, but when they come up the drive, they say, ‘Oh, it’s beautiful!’”
says Joe, an associate professor at the University of Michigan’s Stamps
School of Art and Design. “It takes them by surprise.”
3 Though Joe and Shelly work full-time (she’s a third grade teacher),
Joe says it’s manageable to keep up the farm on their own. “I feed
the pigs, chickens, ducks and rabbits. In the evening, I’ll do probably
15 minutes of watering,” he says. “In the summer, when the grazing
animals are on pasture, it takes even less time.” Autumn, Evelyn and the
Trumpeys’ two foster children help with tending to the animals, weeding
the garden and sheep-shearing in the spring. Shelly collects food scraps
from her school’s cafeteria, which go to the pigs along with regular feed;
the animals’ waste fertilizes Shelly’s garden, which yields lettuces, pole
beans, radishes, potatoes, carrots and many more veggies. Whatever
they don’t eat fresh, she preserves—around 600 cans a year. “There’s
something magical about growing your own food.” says Shelly. “It’s fun!


4 The Trumpeys don’t track how much money they save—they
suspect it’s a bundle—but are clear on the peace-of-mind payoff.
They love sitting on their back deck with iced tea, marveling at their
enchanting world. “We’re pretty comfortable out here,” says Shelly.
“This is where we belong.”

Answer 1

In this article, the author effectively emphasizes her main point through several key techniques.

1. **Quotations for Evidence**: Throughout the piece, the author includes direct quotes from Shelly and Joe Trumpey, which provide firsthand evidence of their experiences and beliefs about living off the grid. For example, Joe’s description of their home’s comfort, using phrases like “it’s beautiful,” showcases how they defy the common stereotypes associated with off-grid living. By presenting their direct words, the author strengthens the article’s authenticity and allows readers to connect personally with the Trumpeys' story.

2. **Concise Language and Transitional Words**: The author employs concise language and transitional phrases to guide readers smoothly through the narrative. Short, clear sentences make complex ideas easy to digest. Transitions like “Perhaps that’s because” and “Though” help to weave together different sections of the article, building a cohesive understanding of the Trumpeys’ lifestyle and choices.

3. **Multiple Perspectives**: The Trumpeys' perspective on traditional living versus their off-grid experience is a central theme. They contrast the perceived challenges of living remotely with the realities of their life, showcasing counterarguments against common misconceptions about off-grid living—like the fear of being cold or uncomfortable. This multifaceted approach encourages readers to consider various viewpoints on sustainability and lifestyle choices.

4. **Inspiration and Informative Elements**: The narrative is infused with inspirational elements, particularly through Shelly’s reflections on gardening and family involvement. Her statement, “There’s something magical about growing your own food,” not only informs readers about the practical aspects of their off-grid living but also inspires them to appreciate the joys of self-sufficiency and environmental respect.

Overall, the article is a well-rounded exploration that uses quotations, concise language, transitions, and counterarguments to effectively inform and inspire readers about the benefits of living off the grid.