With the development of the technology, cell phones become a part of our lives. However, many people addicted to cell phones. Therefor, the writer Frawley Birdwell wrote an article “Addicted to Phones”, and want to persuade people not to use cell phones too much. In the article, the writer talks about many reasons that cell phones are bad for people. At last, the writer says cell phones are a great technology, they are very useful in many situations, but we need to make sure that cell phones won’t interrupt our normal life. In the article, the writer uses many methods such as comparisons and citations to express a persuasive tone about using cell phones less.
First, the writer uses comparisons to express a persuasive
tone. In paragraph 5, the author writes “Unlike addictions to alcohol, drugs or even gambling, it can be hard to pinpoint problematic cell phone use”. In this sentence, the author compares cell phones to alcohol, drugs and gambling. It makes readers think that although cell phones do different harm than alcohol, drags and gambling, they are as harmful as them. In paragraph 13, the author writes “Cell phone users could start out with one phone and switch to newer models with more advanced features or PDAs that act like mini-computers over time to get the same feeling they had with their first phone”. In this sentence, the author gives substitutions such as PDA and mini-computers, and persuade readers to use them instead of cell phones. The writer uses many good comparisons to persuade readers.
Second, the writer uses many sources to support his idea. In the article, the author cites many words from Lisa Merlo, who is an assistance professor of psychiatry in the UF college of medicine. Because Lisa Merlo is a professor in medicine area, readers may trust the author more. In paragraph 10, the author cites many studies to support that children with cell phones often don’t make friends with their less tech-savvy peers. In the sources, there are many detailed data that can support his idea. It can convince the readers. The writer sues many sources to support his idea and persuade readers.
In conclusion, the author uses many methods to express a persuasive tone about using cell phones less. The author uses comparisons such as cell phones to alcohol and citations such as Lisa Merlo’s words to support her idea about people not using cell phones too much. These methods make the article more persuasive and many readers might be convinced by this article.