Discussion Text

Definition of Discussion
Text
 Discussion is a kind of text which presents a problematic
discourse. This problem will be discussed from different viewpoints.
It presents pro and contra opinion on the issue, one side agrees with
the issue while the other disagrees. The different point of views on the
generic structure is actually the core of the discussion text which
differentiates from the other text types. The two different points of
view not only must be treated fairly but also be supported with
reasons and evidence. If the writer chooses to support one particular
view in the conclusion, plausible reasons must be given then.

Discussion is commonly found in philosophical, historic, and

social text.
We can discover various perspectives to get the meet point
between two different ideas before coming to the conclusion.
Therefore discussion is the effective method to calm down any
friction and different thought and perception in many social
activities.
 Sosial Function
The social function of discussion text is
to present at least two points of views about an
issue or controversial topic.
Generic Structure of
Discussion
• Statement of issue; It contains an opening statement
presenting the issue which is going to be discussed. The issue
must drive problematic discussion.
• Arguments for (pro). It provides arguments to support the pro
opinion. It is completed with supporting evidence/examples.
• Arguments Against (cons). It states the arguments which
disagree or con to the stated issue. These contradictive
arguments are also supported with evidence/examples.
• Conclusion; stating the writer' recommendation of the
discourse (summary and conclusion) on how people should
concern with it.
Language Feature of
Discussion
• Introducing category or generic participant
• Using thinking verb; feel, hope, believe, etc
• Using additive, contrastive, and causal connection; similarly,on
the other hand,
however ,but, although,
also, consequenly, including,
certainly, etc
• Using modalities; must, should, could, may, will, etc
• Using adverbial of manner; deliberately, hopefully, etc
• Using simple present tense e.g. Like all animals, we need clean
air and water, food and shelter for survival.
 Significant
Lexicogrammatical Features
1. Focus on generic human and generic non-human Participants

2. Use of: Material Processes, e.g. has produced, have developed,

to feed. Relational Processes, e.g., is, could have, cause are.
Mental Processes, e.g., feel.

3. Use of Comparative, contrastive and Consequential

conjunctions

4. Reasoning expressed as verbs and nouns (abstraction).

Example of Discussion Text
 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 fue ls.
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 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.

Conclusion: This text is ended with a similar recommendation on

how people should concern in the matter of nuclear energy.
 Hunting Fox
Foxhunting is a subject that provokes very strong
feelings. Many people believe that it is cruel to hunt a
fox with dogs and totally agree with its ban.

Many farmer and even conservationists, however,

have always argue that the fox is a pest which attacks
livestock and must be controlled.

(Taken from: www.bbc.co.uk)

Generic Structure Analysis
1. Stating the issue; hunting fox.
2. Supporting point; farmers and conservationists agree to hunt fox
because they attack livestock.
3. Contrastive point; many people disagree hunting fox with dog
because it is cruel.
4. Conclusion; Do not be cruel in hunting fox just control it in safe way.
5. Language Feature Analysis
6. Introducing category participant; farmer, conservationists.
7. Using thinking verb; believe.
8. Using connectives;
9. Using modalities; must, always
Small Notes
 Discussion (Pembahasan)
A. Tujuan Komunikatif Teks:

Mengetengahkan suatu masalah (isu) yang ditinjau paling tidak dari 2 (dua) sudut
pandang, sebelum sampai pada suatu kesimpulan atau rekomendasi (kesimpulan).

B. Struktur Teks/Generic structure

1. Isu;(statement of issue and Preview)

2. Pendapat yang mendukung:
a. Gagasan Pokok 1,
b. Elaborasi (uraian),
c. Gagasan Pokok 2,
d. Elaborasi (uraian).
3. Pendapat yang menentang:(Statement of various viewpoints)
a. Gagasan Pokok,
b. Elaborasi (uraian),
4. Kesimpulan;(conclusion or recomendation)
C. Ciri Kebahasaan Menggunakan :

General nouns untuk menyatakan kategori, misalnya uniforms, alcohol, dsb

Relating verbs untuk memberi informasi tentang isu yang didiskusikan,

misalnya smoking is harmful, dsb.

Thinking verbs untuk mengungkapkan pandangan pribadi penulis, misalnya

feel, believe, hope, dsb.

Additives, contrastives dan causal connectives untuk menghubungkan

argumen, misalnya similarly, on the hand, however, dsb.

Detailed noun groups untuk memberikan informasi secara padu, misalnya

the dumping of unwanted kittens, dsb.

Modalities, seperti perhaps, must, should, should have been, could be, dsb.

Adverbials of maner, misalnya deliberately, hopefully, dsb.

Menggunakan Simple Present Tense (S+V1+O ).

 CHECK IT THESE INSTRUCTION

1. You are going to devide two groups

2. Group 1 consist of girls
3. Group 2 consist of boys
4. Please discuss these topic
Internet
Uniform
5. The next meeting you are going to debate in front of our class