CAASPP Success - Grade 5 Reading Comprehension - Argumentative #2

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.

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[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.

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[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.

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[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.