Question

Read the excerpt from Pat Mora’s essay "The Leader in the Mirror."

I urged the students to look often in their mirrors and to ask themselves these questions: "Am I satisfied with this world? If not, what will I do to improve it?” For if we are shaped by our surroundings, we in turn shape them. We deceive ourselves if we believe that we can live neutral lives.

Now read the excerpt from the article "Career Planning for High Schoolers."

Volunteering allows you to serve your community and bolster your experience. Religious institutions, local nonprofits, and government agencies are among the many organizations that use volunteers to fill a variety of roles.

In addition to encouraging you to meet like-minded people and develop your interests, these activities also show future employers and postsecondary schools that you are motivated and engaged. And the more you shape your thoughts about a career, the better you'll know how to prepare for it.

How are the two passages similar?

Both use mirrors as symbols.
Both use casual language.
Both encourage students to find ways to improve the world around them.
Both give students suggestions about where they can find volunteer opportunities.

Answer 1

Both encourage students to find ways to improve the world around them.

Both passages urge readers to take action—Mora asks students to reflect and improve the world, and the career article promotes volunteering to serve and better the community.