“Testimony Before the Senate”
Grammar Quick and Writing Prompt
In the selection, Fox uses imperative sentences – sentences that express a command or request. By
using these, rather than other sentence types, Fox creates a sense of directness and urgency. (The
subject of imperative sentences is usually you, often understood rather than direct).
Example: Take up the cause with me. Give full support to the Parkinson’s community
by increasing research funding.
Writing Prompt: Imagine you are a senator who has just heard Michael J. Fox’s testimony. How
would you respond? Write a 2-3 paragraph memo to a fellow senator, describing your reaction and
identifying the most convincing parts of Fox’s testimony. Use imperative sentences to give
your writing a sense of directness and urgency. YOU MAY USE 1st and 2nd PERSON PRONOUNS!!!
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