Technology

a. Are you persuaded by the writers argument

The writer does indeed make a very interesting argument with regard to why people should reconsider drinking bottled water.  He mainly argues that there are more benefits that can be derived from drinking bottled water.  He also attempts to debunk the preconceived notion that people have on municipal water being unhealthy in comparison to bottled water.  All in all, he makes a very good argument of why bottled water should be avoided and why municipal water should be consumed instead.

The persuasiveness of the argument is based on the figures and facts that are added.  The arguments are more convincing when facts and figures are shown.  Instead of using the appeal to sympathy, the writer uses a comparative and seemingly objective approach to make a strong point in favor of tap water.  Adding to this is the end part which makes mention of news events where cities are supporting tap water the writer makes a very compelling case to drop bottled water.

b. Are you going to stop buying bottled water

While the arguments of the writer are very persuasive, it lacked one essential factor.  It failed to address the issue of relevance to the particular reader.  It indeed made sense in general but for people who live in an area that do not have reliable tap water or do not trust the water pipes in their apartments or buildings, the fear of contaminated water that got people buying bottled water still prevails.  Perhaps, the article was not convincing enough to overthrow years of brainwashing that the bottled water companies have subjected the masses to or even rid the people of the paranoia from hearing all sorts of horror stories related to tap water.  In the end, it takes a lot more than a simple essay to convince the general public that buying bottled water is wrong it is, after all, already a habit which people are loathe to kick.