14. Gas-Filtering Underwear Traps Odors

Julie Beck, associate editor at The Atlantic, writes about new underwear that “absorbs the odor of farts”. She explains that the “advanced carbon cloth” found at the underwear’s back panel, absorbs odors 200 times stronger than the average fart. Beck says its effectiveness lasts for two/three years and washing them, cleans it out. She then explains why such product should be considered as a “medical solution”. First, the company has won a prize for its product. Also, average 10 to 20 farts are released by a person in one day. Additionally, in cases of bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and chemotherapy, which all cause excessive flatulence, the underwear should be considered. Still, Beck concludes her essay by noting that despite all this, it is still too expensive.

Beck did a great job in developing and expressing her ideas, but failed in some important small issues. She does cite her source. Constantly, Beck remembers to mention the company, Shreddies, which is where she gets her information from. Such examples of “citation” are the following: “According to the Shreddies website…” and “The company claims…” This constant citing, also tells the reader that the writer did do their research and that the ideas presented are reliable. Moreover, Beck’s tone in the essay is informal and resembles conversation in some instances. This is evidenced by the utilization of personal pronouns, like in “Depending on your approach to dealing with that…”, and also slang, such as “buzz” and “fart”. The author uses humor, as well, such as in “Get your giggles out now. Okay.” This humor helps establish the informal and playful tone of the essay. Now, throughout the essay, Beck talks about the reasons why the product should be considered a “medical solution.” She says the following: “The average human farts between 10 and 20 times a day” and “Those with irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease may pass gas more than usual” and “Chemotherapy can also sometimes bring extra flatulence as a side effect.” Due to these statements it seems as if the author supports the utilization of the product and is recommending its use. However, Beck could have developed more her conclusion. “The solution doesn’t come cheap, though—a pair of men’s boxers costs about $45, and women’s briefs run around $31.” The reason is that the conclusion seems disapproving of the product, as if she is criticizing it. This gives the idea that she changed her opinion of the product and no longer supports it due to an issue it presented. 

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/10/gas-filtering-underwear-traps-odors/280929/