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 convince readers of the benefits of donating used cell phones
to explain the steps to take when throwing out an old phone
to inform readers about what happens to cell phones at trash sites

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: The text first presents the problem of improper disposal of old cell phones (dangers like battery fires and toxic chemical leakage) and then introduces donating used phones to charity as a wise solution, ending with a call to action ("Join me and donate your phone for good!"). This shows the author aims to convince readers that donating used cell phones is beneficial.
2. Analyze the second option: The text does not explain steps for throwing out old phones; instead, it discourages trashing them and promotes donating. So this option is incorrect.
3. Analyze the third option: While the text mentions what happens to cell phones at trash sites, that is just part of the problem statement to support the main purpose of convincing readers to donate, not the main purpose itself. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

to convince readers of the benefits of donating used cell phones