In the short appendage to Beasts of Nation, called “Writing Beasts of No Nation”, Uzodinma Iweala identifies and narrates the moment he was inspired to write his novel. A photograph to an article led to his individual research on the personal experiences of child soldiers. For this first essay you are to follow Iweala’s lead. Instead of spinning a yarn which personifies the continuing phenomenon, you are to produce an expository essay illuminating the reader to such realities.
Conducting basic research you are to write a 900 word essay on the realities of child soldiers- that is, the use of children as soldiers. In your essay you are to provide answers to the classic who, what, where when, how, and why. However, the bulk of your exposition should be on the ever elusive why.