DISCUSSION TEXT
A discussion text is an argumentative text that contain the pross and cons objectively. The purpose of the discussion text
is to present a problem or issue from at least two points of view. An isue is presented with information and explanation
of some opinions of experts in their field, usually the opinions presented are cotradictory. Discussion text can be in the
form of seminar material and discourse related to controversial issues.
Here is the text’s structure of discussion text :
1. The tittle
2. Issue : it is in the first paragraph and presents the problem or issue to be discussed
3. Argument pro : It has positive aspects and outcomes of the decision/action. They answer question such as what
are the benefits, the reasons, and the wins for taking the action.
4. Argument con : it is an argumentagains the issue and has a negative aspects and outcomes of the dicision or
action.
5. Conclusion or recomendation : it concludes or recommends the author’s view on the issue being discussed in
the hope that the reader can follow and agree with the author’s opinion.
Discussion Text’s Language Features :
1. Using simple present tense
2. Using modalities, such as must, should, could, would, may, etc
3. Using additive, contrastive and casual connection (using words that compare opposite conjunction) such as
similarly, however, furthermore, on the other hand, moreover, in addition, but, etc
4. Focusing on generic human and non-human participants
5. Using the language of discussion : according, opinion
6. Using thinking words such as feel, hope, believe, etc
7. Using adverbial of manner such as hopefully, deliberately
The example of discussion text :
Excercise
Whether children should be given homework or not
Some people claim that children do enough work in school already. They also argue that children have hobbies that they
want to do after school, such, as sports or music. A further point they make is that a lot of homework is pointless and
doesn’t help the child learn at all.
However, there are also strong arguments against this point of view. Parents and teachers argue that it is important to
find out whether children can work on their own
without the support from the teacher. They say that the evening is a good time for children to sit down and think about
what they have learned in school. Furthermore they claim that the school day is too short to get anything done that
needs doing and it makes sense to send home tasks like independent reading or further writing tasks that don’t need
teacher’s support.
On balance, I think that some homework is a good idea but that it should only given at the weekend when children have
more time.
1. How do we compare the second and the fourth paragraph?
A. Both paragraphs argue that homework is necessary for students.
B. Unlike the fourth paragraph, the second paragraph argues that homework is unnecessary.
C. The second paragraph supports that students need homework, but the fourth paragraph does not.
D. The second paragraph and the fourth paragraph argue that students do not need homework.
E. The second and the fourth paragraphs do not say anything about the benefit of homework.
2. How many reasons are presented by those who are against homework?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5
3. Those who are pro homework think that the students can … in the evening.
A. prepare for the next lesson
B. review their lessons
C. enjoy their pastime
D. do their hobbies
E. test themselves
4. “A further point they make is that a lot of homework is pointless and doesn’t help the child learn at all.”
(Paragraph 2). The underlined word is synonymous with …
A. terrible
B. careless
C. difficult
D. unimportant
E. uninteresting
5. What is the writer’s suggestion about homework?
A. Homework is pointless.
B. Homework is badly needed.
C. Homework should be given at weekend.
D. Student should not be given homework.
E. Student must frequently have homework.
