Advanced Reading Long Passage 1
Reflections on a Robbery Experience
Recently, I had an unsettling experience when a robbery occurred while I was in a store. I learned that a gun’s presence can compel people to act without hesitation. I had stopped by the store on my way home from work to pick up a loaf of bread. As I stood at the checkout counter, a man nearby suddenly drew a gun and shouted, “Everyone get on the floor and stay away from the register!” Initially, I was frozen with fear. People around me instantly dropped to the floor, but I found myself unable to move. The robber then pointed his gun directly at me and barked the command again, “On the floor!” At that moment, anger surged through me. I considered that I was larger and likely stronger than him. In a fair fight, I was confident I could overpower him. However, the gun—small enough to fit in his hand—had complete control. Feeling helpless, I dropped to the floor as instructed. We all remained silent as the man filled a paper bag with cash from the register. He then dashed out of the store, jumped into a waiting car, and sped off. Once he was gone, everyone stood up, speaking nervously among themselves. A store clerk called the police, who arrived shortly and asked for descriptions of the robber or the car. Unfortunately, no one could provide any details. One man, echoing my own thoughts, spoke up defensively to the clerk. “Look,” he said, “when someone points a gun at me, that’s all I see. I’m not looking at anything else. I’ll do whatever they say.”
1. Is the passage a paragraph or an essay? Provide reasons.
The passage is structured as a short essay. Unlike a single paragraph, which is continuous and focuses on one idea, this piece is divided into multiple paragraphs, each elaborating a specific aspect of the experience. The use of separate indented paragraphs supports this categorization.
2. What is the thesis statement, and where is it found in this essay?
The thesis statement encapsulates the main idea of the essay and typically appears early in the text. In this case, the sentence, “I learned from that experience that a pointed gun makes people obey,” serves as the thesis statement.
3. What technique does the writer use to develop the thesis?
The writer employs narration to illustrate the thesis. By recounting the events in vivid detail, the narrative effectively highlights the psychological impact of facing a threatening situation.
4. Are the events in the essay arranged chronologically?
Yes, the events are presented in the order they occurred. From entering the store to witnessing the robbery, experiencing fear, and the aftermath involving the police, the story unfolds step by step, reflecting a chronological sequence.
5. Why does the writer claim the gun was “bigger and stronger” than him?
Though physically larger and stronger than the robber, the writer acknowledges the gun's overwhelming power. Its ability to instill fear and potentially harm multiple people outweighed the writer's physical advantage, rendering him powerless.
6. What role does the last paragraph play in the essay?
The concluding paragraph reinforces the essay's main idea. It underscores the profound impact of a weapon on human behavior, leaving a lasting impression about the vulnerability and compliance induced by fear.
7. Describe the emotions experienced by the writer during the robbery.
The writer's emotions evolved through the event. Initially, fear gripped him as the robber pointed the gun. Anger soon followed, spurred by the realization of his physical advantage over the robber. However, the gun's lethal potential subdued this anger, bringing the writer back to a state of fear and compliance.
