Leesha St.

Clair Stacey Browne Archer

Junie Henry Laurie Ann Williams

Critical Analysis: “Cell phone Bans: A Blessing or A Curse”

The student seems very sensitive about the topic, and strongly disagrees that cell phones
should not be banned in schools. Upon determining the author’s argument, in his point of view,
he thinks that safety is a huge concern and that cell phones can be very useful, especially with
danger being an issue that is prevalent among schools.
The assumptions the author makes in support of her argument are with no proof, when
she stated; “Parents need to contact their children because of a change of plans”; where both
parents work and are separated. The supporting details with facts are, Joel Murano: “70 percent
of kids in his school still had cell phones” and “In New York on 9/11, victims were able to
communicate with their families for the last time on their cell phones.” One support was made
from observation, stating that “Cheating, fighting, and truancy have been ongoing for much
longer than students have had cell phones.” Highlighting that misdemeanor does not necessarily
arise from the use of cell phones. She has no support for this, however, that can be proven based
on observation. Her personal support in the essay stated that her mother tried to make contact
with her, to no avail, because he had no access to his cell phone.
The author’s support is relevant because she speaks on being able to communicate with
family members in the event of an emergency, a hostage or terrorist situation. Her opening
statement addressed her father being ill and her not being able to speak with her father, had that
been his last moments, because of not being able to have a cell phone in school. Her support is
meaningful because almost anyone can relate to his situation. As it relates to safety, she also
made a meaningful point about being in a hostage situation, and not being able to reach
emergency personnel.
Determining whether the author’s argument is objective and complete. The author’s
writing is objective because she made a few statements with facts to support the statements. She
did however manage to fit in her opinions with the factual statements, for stronger support. In
evaluating the overall validity and credibility of the author’s argument she did provide
credentials to support his argument, especially when he made mention of the “9/11” incident.
Her points deriving from his opinion was very relevant to the topic, along with its accuracy and a
clearly stated purpose.