DISCUSSION TEXT

Discussion is a text which presents a problematic discourse. This problem will be discussed from different points of view. It presents pro and contra opinion on certain issue. One side is agreeing the issue, the other is disagreeing that issue.

The purpose of a discussion text is to present arguments and information from differing viewpoints.

Discussion texts are usually written in the present tense.

Points to check

ü  Have you been fair to both sides?

ü  Have you supported your views with reasons and evidence?

ü  In your conclusion, have you given a reason for what you have decided?

Generic structure:

• Issue : contains of statement and preview about something.

• Arguments for/Supporting arguments : after stating the issue, it is necessary to present the argument to support that one point is agreeing.

• Arguments against : beside the supporting argument, discussion text need the arguments which disagree to the stated issue.

• Recommendation/conclusion : It is used to tell how to solve issue by concerning the arguements for and against or it’s stating the writer’s recommendation of the discourse.

Language of discussion text :

• Introducing category or generic participant.

• Relating verb/to be: am, is, are.

• Using thinking verb: feel, hope, believe.

• Using additive, contrastive, and causal connection: similarly, on the hand, however.

• Using modalities: must, should, could, may.

• Using adverbial of manner: deliberately, hopefully.

• Conjunction/transition: although, even, if.

Example:

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 cause no pollution as we would get when burning fossil fuels. The advantages of nuclear plant are as follow:

•       It costs about the same coal, so it is not expansive to make.

•       It does not produce smoke or carbon dioxide, so it does not contribute to the greenhouse effect.

•       It produces huge amounts of energy from small amount of uranium.

•       It produces small amount of waste.

•       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.