The author of “Reading Fiction Improves Empathy,” Alison Flood, is trying to say in her article that books should not be banned because they improve empathy. The author supports her claim by showing studies done. There was a study done at the University of Buffalo, where 140 undergraduates were given either Harry Potter by JK Rowling, or Twilight by Stephanie Meyer to read. The study showed that the people who read Harry Potter thought of themselves more as wizards, while the people who read Twilight thought of themselves more as vampires. That is the author’s evidence for her claim.

            Alison Ford uses craft moves in her article to strengthen her claim. For example, in the first paragraph she writes in second person, so the reader can connect her claim to his or her life. The author also uses quotes from experts who agree with her claim. This way, the reader can hear someone else’s voice, and is further convinced of her claim, because he or she is reassured that other people agree with the author.

            I agree with Alison Ford’s claim that books improve empathy because often, after reading a book, I can connect more to people who are similar to the main character, and in some cases I can connect to a secondary character. Good books can make someone understand other people. Empathy is an important trait to have because if you don’t have it then you are more likely to stereotype, since you don’t understand people who are different. That’s why books shouldn’t be banned.

            The author uses a specific quote that is meaningful. The quote is about a reader, “empathising with the characters and thus becoming a little more like them.” This quote shows that no one is completely different, and everyone can understand and be like each other if we try. This quote really captures the author’s claim. Those examples are why I agree with Alison Ford’s claim, that reading books improves one’s empathy.