Justine Appel’s essay dedicated to the vegan lifestyle is an excellent example of convincing writing. The first two paragraphs aim at providing valid reasons for adopting veganism before introducing specific practical steps. Appel explains the nature of the lifestyle and mentions that its followers often get particular remarks from people with different views. In fact, only the two final sentences of the second paragraph focus on the reasons for adopting veganism, making them the core of the introductory part. The motivation presented by Appel is clear from the point of view of environmentally aware people. However, it may be useful to add another perspective to make the reasoning relatable to a broader audience. The third paragraph successfully implements this idea, enlarging the array of veganism options. Appel opens her essay with an exchange she had with her mother upon announcing her new lifestyle. Dialogues serve as useful instruments in such pieces, as they convey the author’s experience in an easily understandable manner. It created the effect of presence, as readers are able to imagine the exchange clearly.
Following the first part, Appel provides a list of practical steps for aspiring vegans. She organized the structure in a particular way, starting from greater philosophical concepts of finding the correct motivation to pursue this lifestyle. The essay’s body gradually shifts its focus toward more practical and mundane ideas, such as finding fitting grocery stores and learning recipes. At the end of the essay, Appel’s ideas come full circle, drawing the readers’ attention to ethical and philosophical concepts once more. Such a conclusion strengthens the connection between the vegan lifestyle and an individual’s everyday life, enabling a stronger impact and bringing the essay to a satisfying close. Appel states that veganism is a matter of ethics, as it provides each person with an opportunity to “live consciously in an imperfect world”. This idea comes from the evident impact of human activity on the environment in the globalized 21st-century world. Overall, Appel’s essay is well-structured, providing a valid opinion in an organized way.