1 Does it seem like everywhere you go people are using their cell phones? Just ten years ago, cell phones were not nearly as common as they are today. Now they have become something that many people cannot live without. Cell phones have made it easier to connect with people and get information. 

2  However, there are some who argue that this convenience comes with a cost. Some people think texting is having a negative effect on our society. They say that people are less friendly. When people communicate via text message, sometimes their words can be misinterpreted.

3  Some adults think that younger people have forgotten how to spell and write complete sentences. Text messages need to be brief. This means that people type short sentences with little or no punctuation. They often type words as they sound not as they are spelled. Some adults say that younger people have poor speaking skills. This makes it harder for them to interact with people face to face. 

4  Have you heard stories about people who are obsessed with their smart phones and cannot live without them? Some people feel the need to constantly check their email. They are afraid they will miss an important piece of information. Sometimes people pay more attention to their phones than to the people with them. This can lead to problems in personal relationships. Some people are more comfortable communicating via text than talking face to face.

5  Moreover, cell phones are a danger on the road in many ways. Two recent studies show that talking or texting on the phone while traveling, whether you’re driving or on foot, is increasing both pedestrian deaths and those of drivers and passengers.

6  Cell phones have changed how we communicate. Now we can place calls no matter where we are or what we are doing. However, cell phones have negative effects and have not replaced sitting down and talking with someone in person.

(320 Words)

1. Just ten years ago, cell phones were not nearly as common as they are today.

仅仅10年前，手机还远没有今天这么普遍。not nearly as…...as 意思是“远不如…...”。

 2. However, there are some who argue that this convenience comes with a cost.

然而有些人认为这一方便之物也有随之而来的代价。this convenience指手机。

 3. Some people think texting is having a negative effect on our society.

有些人认为发短信正在对我们的社会产生负面影响。

4. They often type words as they sound not as they are spelled.

他们常常按读音而不是按照正确的拼写打字。第一个they指的是发短信的人；第二和第三个they指的是words。

 5. Some adults say that younger people have poor speaking skills. This makes it harder for them to interact with people face to face.

有些成人说年轻人口头表达能力欠佳。这让他们更难和别人面对面交流。this指的是younger people have poor speakingskills这个情况。

 6. Two recent studies show that talking or texting on the phone while traveling, whether you’re driving or on foot, is increasing both pedestrian deaths and those of drivers and passengers.

最近两个研究表明，无论在开车还是步行时打电话或发短信，都导致行人、司机和乘客的死亡事件增加。those用来替代前文的deaths。