“Why the Gasoline Engine Isn’t Going Away Any Time Soon” by Joseph B. White Article Critique
Introduction
“Why the Gasoline Engine Isn’t Going Away Any Time Soon” written September 15, 2008, by Joseph B. White, discusses the increase in gas prices in 2008 and previous years. This increase in gas prices and pleas from environmentalists to find better options when fueling cars caused automotive makers to research alternatives for fueling cars such as electric or hydrogen powered cars. White (2008) discusses how even though there are alternatives being researched and even introduced into the automotive industry, gas fueled cars will still continue to dominate the industry for years to come.
Gas Power Dominates
In this article White successfully convinces his readers that gas powered vehicles will continue to dominate the industry by being a credible source for automobile information, providing clear and relatable examples and evidence, creating a logical flow of information and being mindful of his audience.
Credible Source
If an author is a credible source they will be informed and well respected in their field (Weida, 2011). According to the Wall Street Journal (n.d.), White is a Global Auto Editor for the Journal and has been for many years. White also participated in writing a book about the automobile industry in America. White has received the Pulitzer Prize and Geroald Loed Award for his reporting on General Motor’s coverage (The Wall Street Journal, n.d.). White’s years of experience in reporting about automobiles would certainly make him a credible source on the subject.
Clear and Relatable Evidence
When creating an argument, the writer must be sure to lay out each piece of the argument clearly, provide evidence and draw a clear conclusion with that evidence (Weber, 2012). White (2008) provides clear and relatable examples throughout his article to support his argument. White (2008) discussescurrent gas powered cars becoming more energy efficient, the convenience of using gas to power cars and the downside to alternative fuel options to convince his audience that gas powered cars are here to stay.
The increase in Fuel Efficiency. White (2008) discusses how gas powered cars are becoming increasingly more and more energy efficient. White’s article talks about gas powered cars having advances in their electronic controls that could reduce the current size and weight of gas powered engines and these engines will still be able to provide consumers with the power that they need in an engine. White (2008) quotes John German, manager of environmental and energy analysis at Honda Motor Company in his article saying, that energy efficient gas motors will dominate the industry because they provide the consumer with what they need (White, 2008).
Gas is Convenient. White (2008) describes gasoline as “cheaper than water”. White (2008) discusses the convenience of gasoline to transport and store as compared to other alternative fuels and even with the rise in gas prices, it is still more cost-effective for consumers and automakers.
Alternative Fuel Options
White (2008) discusses a few different fuel options …
