Question

read the text.
millions of americans replace their cell phones every couple of years, and many of the old phones get tossed into the trash. this creates a dangerous and avoidable problem. the phones go directly to landfills or trash - processing plants, where their lithium batteries can explode and start fires. in addition, a variety of toxic chemicals can seep out, contaminating soil and water.
donating used phones to charity is a wise solution. some charitable organizations dismantle phones and sell the parts; others overhaul phones and give them to people in need. the charities that accept phones range from local church groups to international anti - poverty organizations. wireless companies may also take back phones for recycling—a better choice than trashing them—but the phones may not go to a good cause. join me and donate your phone for good!
which author’s purpose is suggested by the text?
to explain the steps to take when throwing out an old phone
to convince readers of the benefits of donating used cell phones
to inform readers about what happens to cell phones at trash sites

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: The text does not explain steps for throwing out old phones; instead, it highlights problems with trashing them and suggests donating. So this option is incorrect.
2. Analyze the second option: The text first explains the problem of trashing old phones (dangers like battery fires, toxic chemicals) and then presents donating to charity as a wise solution, describing how charities use the phones and encouraging readers to donate ("Join me and donate your phone for good!"). This shows the author aims to convince readers of the benefits of donating used cell phones.
3. Analyze the third option: While the text mentions what happens at trash sites, that's just part of explaining the problem to support the main purpose of promoting donation, not the primary purpose. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

to convince readers of the benefits of donating used cell phones