DISCUSSION TEXT – SIMPLE SUMMARY
1. WHAT IS DISCUSSION TEXT?
A discussion text is a text that talks about a topic with two different sides:
• Pro (agree)
• Contra (disagree)
It shows different opinions about one issue.
2. PURPOSE
The purpose of a discussion text is:
• To present different opinions
• To help readers think before making a decision
3. GENERIC STRUCTURE
1. Issue
The topic or problem being discussed
Example:
Is social media good for students?
2. Arguments For (Pro)
Reasons that support the topic
Example:
Social media helps students find information.
3. Arguments Against (Contra)
Reasons that disagree with the topic
Example:
Social media can distract students.
4. Conclusion
The final opinion or summary
Example:
Social media has advantages and disadvantages.
4. LANGUAGE FEATURES
Linking Words
• On the one hand, …
• On the other hand, …
• However, …
• In conclusion, …
Expressions
• Some people think that …
• Others believe that …
• I think that …
5. SIMPLE EXAMPLE
Some people think that smartphones are useful. On the one hand, they help students learn. On the other hand,
they can distract students. In conclusion, smartphones have both advantages and disadvantages.
6. KEY POINTS
✔ A discussion text has two sides
✔ It discusses one issue
✔ It uses simple and clear sentences
DISCUSSION TEXT – EXAMPLE WITH EXPLANATION
TEXT
Should Students Work While Studying?
Many students today choose to work while studying. Some people think that this is a good idea, while others
believe it can be a problem.
On the one hand, working while studying can help students earn money. It also teaches responsibility and time
management. Students can gain experience for their future jobs.
On the other hand, working can make students tired. They may not have enough time to study. As a result,
their academic performance may decrease.
In conclusion, working while studying has both advantages and disadvantages. Students need to manage their
time well.
TEXT ANALYSIS
1. ISSUE
What is the problem?
Sentence:
Many students today choose to work while studying. Some people think that this is a good idea, while others
believe it can be a problem.
This part introduces the topic and shows two different opinions.
2. ARGUMENTS FOR (PRO)
Why do people agree?
Sentence:
On the one hand, working while studying can help students earn money. It also teaches responsibility and time
management. Students can gain experience for their future jobs.
This part gives reasons that support the topic.
3. ARGUMENTS AGAINST (CONTRA)
Why do people disagree?
Sentence:
On the other hand, working can make students tired. They may not have enough time to study. As a result,
their academic performance may decrease.
This part gives reasons against the topic.
4. CONCLUSION
What is the final idea?
Sentence:
In conclusion, working while studying has both advantages and disadvantages. Students need to manage their
time well.
This part gives the final opinion or summary.
SIMPLE UNDERSTANDING
Issue → What is the problem?
Pro → Why agree?
Contra → Why disagree?
Conclusion → Final opinion
English Assignment
31st of March 2026
TOPICS
- Is being an influencer a good career choice?
- Should students focus on skills instead of grades?
- Is it important to have “me time”?
- Is social media the main cause of stress for teenagers?
- Is group work better than individual work?
- Is technology making teenagers less social?
- Is money the most important thing in life?
- Is modern building better than traditional building?
- Is safety more important than speed in construction?
- Is working from home better than working in an office?
- Is experience more important than education?
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. CHOOSE A TOPIC
Pilih satu topik
Pick ONE topic from the list
2. WRITE ARGUMENTS FOR (PRO)
Tulis pendapat yang mendukung
Give reasons why you agree
Reasons:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
3. WRITE ARGUMENTS AGAINST (CONTRA)
Tulis pendapat yang menolak
Give reasons why you disagree
Reasons:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4. WRITE THE CONCLUSION
Tulis kesimpulan
Give your opinion
Conclusion
Write your conclusion:
In my opinion: ____________________________________________________________________
The best choice is: _________________________________________________________________
Because: _________________________________________________________________________