This article, “Why the Latest Study on Cell Phone Use and Brain Cancer Won't Be the Last Word,” discusses the possibility that the radiation emitted from cell phones increases the chance of developing brain tumors. The author, Bryan Walsh, a senior writer at TIME.com (a well-credited, widely-read news source), presented both sides of the argument: he cited some scientists who concluded from their studies that cell phones are not carcinogenic, while also including the response of other scientists saying that such studies were unreliable because they were too short and uncontrolled. Walsh concluded that the issue it is still undecided, and there will most likely be more research and debate on the subject in the future. This article was written in the context of Cancer Awareness Month; October was designated as a period to remember those who died, survived, or are surviving from cancer and to support those who are working to find a cure. The purpose of this piece is to address circulating concerns in society on the subject: rhetorical devices such as using first person point of view when saying, “If you're suspicious of cell phones,” indicates that Walsh is trying to appeal to an audience of public readers who are concerned that their cell phones may be carcinogenic, and let them know that the answer to their concerns is unclear. Walsh is successful in this because he presents the conflicting ideas of both groups of scientists, showing that both groups are uncertain and need more research in order to back their claims. Another possible purpose of the piece is to lead readers to read other TIME articles, because there were links to articles written about a similar topic embedded in this article; I found this to be unsuccessful because I did not feel inclined to read those additional articles.
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