Discussion Text
DEFINITION
A discussion text is a text that presents both sides of an issue or
argument. The title of the text often outlines the issue to be
discussed in the form of a question. For example: Should cars be
banned from town centres?
PURPOSE
A discussion presents differing opinions, viewpoints or perspectives
on an issue, enabling the reader to explore different ideas before
making an informed [Link] writer normally explores different
opinions and ends with a personal opinion or comment.
Ho
me
Pol les
lut sne
ion ss
hts
rol Rig
Cont nd
Gun La
Animal Testing
Unemployment
Gender Inequality
Euthan
asia
Cy
ber
bu
riving lly
k D ing
Drin
Generic Structure
Statement of issue; stating the
01 issue which is to discussed
List of supporting points;
02 presenting the point in in
supporting the presented
issue
List of contrastive point;
03 presenting other points
which disagree to the
supporting point
Recommendation; stating
04 the writer' recommendation
of the discourse
Introducing category or generic 01
participant
FEATURES
Using thinking verb; feel, hope,
believe, etc 02
Using additive, contrastive, and
causal connection; similarly, on 03
the hand, however, etc
LANGUAGE
Using modals; must, should, 04
could, may, etc
Using adverbial of manner; 05
deliberately, hopefully, etc
Example of Discussion Text
Example 1
The Advantage and Disadvantage of Nuclear Power
Nuclear power is generated by using uranium which is a metal
mined in various part of the world. The first large scale of
nuclear power station was opened at Calder Hall in Cumbria,
England in 1956.
Some military ships and submarines have nuclear power plant
for engine. Nuclear power produces around 11% of the world's
energy needed, and produces huge amounts of energy. It
causes no pollution as we would get when burning fossil fuels.
The advantages of nuclear plant are as
follow:
1. It costs about the same coal, so it is not expansive to make.
2. It does not produce smoke or carbon dioxide, so it does not
contribute to the greenhouse effect.
3. It produces huge amounts of energy from small amount of
uranium.
4. It produces small amount of waste.
5. It is reliable.
On the other hand, nuclear power is very, very dangerous. It
must be sealed up and buried for many years to allow the
radioactivity to die away. Furthermore, although it is reliable, a
lot of money has to be spent on safety because if it does go
wrong, a nuclear accident ca be a major accident.
People are increasingly concerned about this matter. In the
1990's nuclear power was the fastest growing source of power
in many parts of the world
Note on the Generic Structure of Discussion Text
Discussion is a process to find the meet point between two different
ideas. It is important to to get the understanding between the two
differences. In many social activities, discussion is the effective way to
calm down any friction and difference in thought, perception and
recommendation.
This example of discussion text present the two poles, between the
advantage and disadvantage of using nuclear plant to fulfill the energy
needed. It is a case which need to be talked and discussed from two
points. They are represented in the generic structure which is used:
Stating the Issue: In the first paragraph, it is stated that using nuclear
power can be the choice in fulfilling the needed energy.
Supporting Point: In the second paragraph, it is presented the
advantages of nuclear power plant to be used as the source of the
world's energy needed
Contrastive Point: The third paragraph shows the balance. It gives the
contradictory idea in using nuclear power plant as the resource of
energy.
Recommendation: This text is ended with a similar recommendation on
how people should concern in the matter of nuclear energy.
Example 2
Pros and Cons of Computers for Students
Do you know that most schools and colleges strongly recommend students to have
computers to help them achieve better results of learning? With computer connected
to Internet, students can learn English online. They can make reports easily by using
word processing software. They can play game to get of boredom. However, a computer
can also give negative impacts for a student.
One thing that makes a computer useful is that students can use it to finish some
assignments from schools. By connecting to Internet, they can easily surf and find any
materials related to their lessons and assignments. They have unlimited resources from
all over the worlds. Online libraries are open. A lot of book are free to download and
read online. Finding friends from related field of study is not difficult anymore. They can
work together to boost their best achievement. What more benefit is they can do all of
that just by sitting on a chair of their rooms. What amazing world it is, isn’t?
Although a computer has many benefits, it should be considered deeply. A computer
certainly does not promote students to do and move more. A computer makes students
have less physical activities. Even not few of them forget to have lunch while they are
playing certain game. They just sit in front of monitor. They are caught up in the
mystique of the smart machines. In short, students who usually work with computers
tend to have a few physical activities and exercises. So what should students do?
Should they avoid using computers? Of course ȔNoȕ’ Computer will make even greater
benefits if physical activities are also promoted to be done by the students
Answer the following questions to understand how the writer tells his/her
thought.
A. Skimming
1. Where probably do you find this kind of text?
2. How many paragraphs are there in the passage?
3. what does the first paragraph tell about?
4. Which paragraph that writer gives his pros about computer for students?
5. Which paragraph that writer gives his cons about computer for students?
6. If you agree with computer for students, where you can put your idea?
B. Scanning
1. What is the reason for schools or colleges recommend students to have
computer?
2. What are the advantages of computer for the students?
3. What are the advantages of computer for the students?
4. What is the writerȑs recommendation toward the use of computer for the
students?
THANK YOU
January 2025
By Ms. Leny Mutiara P.