Use of English PRO

Few people under 30 will be able to imagine a time before the (0) EXISTENCE (EXIST) of mobile phones. Neither will they be aware of the (1) ............ (HARM) effect that many people predicted text language would have on young people’s language skills. Interestingly, linguists nowadays believe that expressing oneself clearly in texts is evidence of a good (2) ............ (GROUND) in grammar and sentence structure. Mobile phones are credited with encouraging people to communicate more. They can also provide (3) ............ (REASSURE) to people who are alone in dangerous situations. Some people use mobile phones as a kind of barrier to unwelcome social contact; texting can signal your (4) ............ (AVAILABLE) to other people in the same way that wearing sunglasses and headphones does. Some issues with mobile phones are still (5) ............ (CONTROVERSY). Talking loudly on the phone while on public transport is thought to be rude and (6) ............ (CONSIDER) by many people in the UK. However, a significant (7) ............ (MINOR) of people still do it, despite the sighing and other obvious signs of (8) ............ (APPROVE) from their fellow passengers.