Discussion Text

These texts are

often ‘discussion text’…
Discussion Text
leaflet or article giv
essay ing balanced accoun newspaper
t of an issue or editorial
Definition :
Discussion text is a text which presents a problematic
discourse. This problem will be discussed from differ
discussion
ent points of view. It presents pro and contra opinion
on certain issue.

Purpose :
write-up of a different opinions on a particular issue or
To present
debate
topic arguments for and against/positive and negativ
non-fiction book on
exam answer in s
e/good and bad.
econdary school an “issue”
e.g global warming
Generic Structures:
1. Issue: Contains of statement and preview about som
ething
2. Supporting point: After stating the issue, it is necess
ary to present the argument to support that
3. Contrastive point: Beside the supporting argument,
discussion text needs the arguments which disagree
to stated issue.
4. Recommendation/conclusion: It is used to tell how t
o solve issue by connecting the arguments for and a
gainst.
discussion organisation 1
Introduction
Statement of issue
to be discussed

for against

* point + ela * point + ela

boration boration
* “ * “
* “ * “

Conclusion Blank table

Summary + (perhaps)
recommendation
 discussion organisation 2
Introduction
When you have made your g
Arguments for: rid skeleton, write the intro
*
duction.

* Then write one paragraph ‘f

or’ (or one paragraph per poi
* etc nt ‘for’) and one paragraph ‘a
Arguments against: gainst’ (or one paragraph pe
r point ‘against’).
*
Then write the conclusion
*
* etc

Conclusion
Discussion organisation 1
 discussion organisation 3
(including outline of points
Introduction to be discussed)
When you have made y
our grid skeleton, write
Point 1: for the introduction.
against Then write a paragraph
about point one, a para
Point 2: for
graph about point two,
against etc.
Then write your conclu
Point 3: for
sion
against
etc., etc

Conclusion
Discussion organisation 1
 discussion language features
* present tense
Things that you cannot se
* abstract nouns e or touch
e.g
* third person justice
answer
* logical connectives trust
belief
* discussion conventi
ons (see page 9) hope

despair
* complex sentences
 Audience Purpose
* to help reader under
someone* with an int stand the issues
erest in the topic * perhaps, to help him
/her choose a side

teacher or examiner * to state all the argu

who wants to know h ments clearly
ow well you understa
* to show you underst
nd the issues and the issues
* if necessary, to jus
* you may have further information on tify your opinion
age, interests, etc. of reader
 discussion conventions

* Don’t take sides – Some people say…

say what “people” think Others argue…

Smokers would claim that…
* Keep it balanced, e.g Non-smokers reply…
On the one hand…
On the other hand…
It could be claimed…
* Don’t be too definite This might mean…
– use conditionals perhaps
possibly
 When writing with a partner..

REHEARSE * Say each phrase or

sentence aloud
* Improve if possible

WRITE One writes,

one helps.

RE-READ Read back to check i

t makes sense