Schaffer begins “The Value of a Sherpa Life” with the following sentences: On April 18, at about 6:30 a. m. local time, an avalanche swept down off the west shoulder of Everest and killed 16 climbers. To anybody who’s familiar with Everest climbing, it should come as no surprise that all of the men were Sherpa porters.

Which of the following best explains the function of these sentences in introducing and developing his argument?

A. summarizing his main claim
B. supplying evidence to support his central idea
C. engaging reader concern about the issue
D. making an introductory statement of his claim