To introduce Marcos to some of the elements of a non-literary persuasive essay, we examined the introductory chapter to Rachel Carson's novel,"Silent Spring". We discussed Carson as the forerunner of the environmental movement, and closely examined the language and techniques utilized to introduce readers to a scientific topic and to induce them to take action. Marcos underlined and circled these techniques in the text including the author's use of dire warnings of possible food shortages and the author's descriptive adjectives . We then discussed the arguments advanced by chemical companies in response to Carson's urging the banning of all pesticides,such as the health benefits achieved by eradicating harmful insects and the increase in the food supply. Marcos is quite conversant in the topic and the related need to address global warming.