Argumentative: Texting

Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.

Texting Beats Phone Calls, fr

[1] Picture this: you need to tell a friend something important. Do you grab your phone to call them, or do you send a quick text? There's so many reasons that texting is the more popular nowadays. It’s faster, more convenient, and fits right into our busy lives. Let’s dive into why texting beats phone calls.

[2] For starters, texting saves time. In our fast-paced lives, no one has time to sit down for a long phone call. With a text, you get your message across in seconds, and the best part? The other person can respond whenever they’re free. You don’t need to worry about interrupting someone’s day or catching them at a bad time. Texts wait patiently, unlike phone calls that demand immediate attention.

[3] Another advantage of texting is its flexibility. Whether you’re in a noisy place or somewhere that requires quiet, like a library, a text works without disturbing others. It allows you to communicate without worrying about your surroundings. Plus, you can have multiple conversations going at once, something that’s tricky to manage with phone calls.

[4] But the perks of texting don’t stop there. Texting allows you to think before you reply. In a phone call, you might feel rushed to answer, which can lead to saying something you don’t mean. With texting, you can take a moment to craft the perfect response. This helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps conversations clear and thoughtful.

[5] Some people argue that phone calls are more personal, but texting can be just as meaningful. Texting lets you express yourself through emojis, gifs, and even pictures. These add a fun and personal touch to your messages. And let’s face it—most people respond to texts faster than they do to phone calls. Studies show that 95% of texts get a reply within three minutes, making texting both quick and effective.

[6] However, there are times when a phone call works better than a text. If you need to discuss something complex or urgent, a call can get things sorted out quickly. Phone calls allow for immediate back-and-forth conversation, making it easier to clear up confusion or get detailed answers. When you need to share sensitive information, hearing someone's voice can provide clarity and reduce misunderstandings.

[7] Generational differences also play a role in how people view texting versus calling. Younger generations, who grew up with smartphones, often prefer texting for its convenience and speed. Older generations, who might not be as comfortable with texting, tend to favor phone calls for their familiarity and personal touch. This difference sometimes causes a disconnect, with younger people feeling that calls are disruptive, while older people see texts as impersonal.

[8] Finally, texting keeps a record of your conversations. Need to remember an appointment or a piece of advice? Just scroll back through your messages. This feature makes texting not only convenient but also practical for keeping track of important information.

[9] In the end, texting wins over phone calls for several reasons. It fits seamlessly into our busy lives, lets us communicate without pressure, and adds a layer of creativity that phone calls simply can’t match. The next time you need to reach out to someone, consider texting—it’s the smarter choice.

Class Companion

Question 1

Multiple choice

What is the main idea of paragraph 2?

  • A) Texting is prefered by young people.

  • B) Texting lets you share lots of details.

  • C) Texting saves time and doesn't interrupt people.

  • D) Texting interrupts people at bad times.

Question 2

Multiple choice

Which dictionary definition best matches the word "flexibility" as it is used in paragraph 3?

  • A) Ability to be easily changed

  • B) Gentleness in dealing with people

  • C) Fitness and stretchiness

  • D) Moving fast at all times

Question 3

Multiple choice

How does the author explain why texting is handy in paragraph 3?

  • A) Texting can be used even in loud or quiet places.

  • B) Texting is often really confusing.

  • C) Texting means you have to wait for responses.

  • D) Texting needs people to be quiet even when they're busy.

Question 4

Multiple choice

What does paragraph 6 suggest about when phone calls are better than texting?

  • A) Phone calls don't stay saved like texts do.

  • B) Phone calls are never useful for anything.

  • C) Phone calls are outdated and slow.

  • D) Phone calls help with tricky and urgent issues.

Question 5

Multiple choice

How does the author use paragraph 8 to support the advantages of texting?

  • A) By arguing that problems can be solved with texting.

  • B) By showing texts can be saved and searched.

  • C) By talking about how annoying texts can be.

  • D) By dismissing the importance of saving call information.

Question 6

Multiple choice

Which part of paragraph 4 explains a specific benefit of texting over calling?

  • A) “But the perks of texting don't stop there.”

  • B) “Texting allows you to think before you reply.”

  • C) “Texts wait patiently, unlike phone calls that demand immediate attention.”

  • D) “Texting lets you express yourself through emojis, gifs, and even pictures.”

Question 7

Multiple choice

How does paragraph 7 help explain the author’s opinion on texting versus calling?

  • A) Shows that all ages like texting.

  • B) Shows it's important to sometimes call older people.

  • C) Shows which generation is right about texting.

  • D) Highlights generational differences in texting and calling.

Question 8

Multiple choice

Which detail supports the author's point that texting keeps track of what matters?

  • A) “Texting keeps a record of your conversations.”

  • B) “Texting allows you to think before you reply.”

  • C) “You can take a moment to craft the perfect response.”

  • D) “You can have multiple conversations going at once.”

Question 9

Multiple choice

What is the purpose of the statistics provided in paragraph 5?

  • A) To show that no one replies to phone calls.

  • B) To show people reply quickly to texts.

  • C) To show people rarely use emojis in texts.

  • D) To suggest phone calls are mostly for complex talking.

Question 10

Multiple choice

What does the author mean by "texts wait patiently" in paragraph 2?

  • A) Texts can run out of space.

  • B) Texts wait just like a line.

  • C) Texts can be read whenever.

  • D) Texts always lag behind calls.

Question 11

Multiple choice

How does the language in the last paragraph build the conclusion of the passage?

  • A) By saying texts are the only good way to talk

  • B) By showing texts fit well into busy lives

  • C) By concluding everyone agrees with texts

  • D) By pushing how good phone calls are

Question 12

Short answer

Why is texting usually easier than making a phone call? Find details from the passage to see why you think this.

Question 13

Essay

Based on "Texting Beats Phone Calls, fr," write about whether you think texting is better than calling and why. Use examples from the passage to describe your thoughts, and explain your experiences liking or disliking texting or calls.

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