DITARIA KAINUDIN

SMK NEGERI 5 BAUBAU

TASK 2: GET THE GENERAL PICTURES OF DISCUSSION TEXTS

In the previous activity you have learned about the characteristics of discussion texts. We can
conclude that the text structure of discussions follows this model. In discussion texts, two or
more different points of view or position about an issue are discussed — i.e. they are
compared and contrasted. Findings from this activity, or the summary of the discussion, is then
used by the writer as the basis of his or her own position or point of view. In other words, the
writer uses the others’ points of view as arguments for his or her own position or point of
view. In this activity, you will read to identify the general picture of discussion texts to
understand how arguments are built and used.

Study the Sample Annotated Text1 below and check on the notes that follows.

Notes:
Title A question summarizing the issue being discussed.
Keywords: mobile phones, banned, schools.
Introduction First paragraph
Presents the facts that have given rise to the question in the title.
Argument Paragraph 2 Against a ban.
Against 1st sentence presents an argument based on children’s needs.
2nd sentence adds a new argument (safety).
3rd sentence elaborates on this with evidence.
Argument Paragraph 3 For a ban.
For 1st sentence contests the safety argument in Paragraph 2.
2nd sentence adds confirming evidence.
3rd and 4th sentences introduce two new reasons for a ban.
Conclusion Final paragraph
1st sentence offers compelling reason for a ban, based on the issue of safety.

1
https://unjac-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/srisulastini_unj_ac_id/EWsq3P428QFPtPYjA4S-
I5ABoEbwpigyIdcwDCdZvjbEwQ?e=eKusaR
 2nd sentence adds to this clinching argument a summary of Paragraph 3.

Learn more:

Now, let’s have some practice. Do the same analysis with the following discussion text samples.

Sample 1

Do we still need zoos?

Zoos were originally set up so that people could see and learn about wild animals from
distant lands. As more and more people became city-dwellers, never seeing animals in the
wild, zoos began to house local creatures too. However, in today’s world, are zoos really
necessary?
Since people can now see any sort of wild animal in its natural habitat, simply by tuning
into a TV programme or buying a video, some animal rights activists claim that zoos are
out of date. They argue that it is cruel to capture animals, transport them long distances,
and then keep them caged up simply for the entertainment of human beings. Captive
animals often develop ‘zoochosis’ – abnormal behaviour like rocking or swaying – which
indicates they are bored and unhappy in their prison-like conditions.
On the other hand, there is a huge difference between watching an animal on screen and
seeing it in real life. It could be argued that visiting a zoo is educational, often increasing
people’s concern for wildlife and conservation, which is of great importance in today's
developing – and often overdeveloped – world. Indeed, sometimes the only way to save
an endangered species may be to arrange for it to be breed in captivity. Behind the
scenes, zoos also provide scientists with opportunities to research into animal behaviour:
modern zoos can therefore be much better planned than old-fashioned ones, providing
animals with carefully designed enclosures appropriate to their needs.
It seems then, that there are still arguments for retaining zoos. These should, however, be
carefully planned with the animals’ welfare in mind: in the modern world, there is no
excuse for keeping animals in cramped or cruel conditions.

Title/Issue : A question summarizing the issue being discussed.

Do we still need zoos?

Keywords: we, need, zoos.

Introduction : First paragraph
Presents the facts that have given rise to the question in the title.

Zoos were originally set up so that people could see and learn about

2
How to Write an Argumentative Essay - Introduction and Conclusion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WknKWFdUs0
 wild animals from distant lands. As more and more people became city-
dwellers, never seeing animals in the wild, zoos began to house local
creatures too. However, in today’s world, are zoos really necessary?
: Paragraph 2 Against zoos
Argument
1st sentence presents an argument based on the claim of some animal
Against right activist

Since people can now see any sort of wild animal in its natural habitat,
simply by tuning into a TV program or buying a video, some animal
rights activists claim that zoos are out of date.

2nd sentence adds the argument (it’s cruel to capture animals at zoo).
They argue that it is cruel to capture animals, transport them long
distances, and then keep them caged up simply for the entertainment of
human beings.

3rd sentence elaborates on this with evidence.

Captive animals often develop ‘zoochosis’ – abnormal behavior like
rocking or swaying – which indicates they are bored and unhappy in
their prison-like conditions.
: Paragraph 3 For zoos
Argument For
1st sentence contests the claim of some animal right activist in
Paragraph 2.
On the other hand, there is a huge difference between watching an
animal on screen and seeing it in real life.
2nd sentence adds confirming evidence.
It could be argued that visiting a zoo is educational, often increasing
people’s concern for wildlife and conservation, which is of great
importance in today's developing – and often overdeveloped – world

3rd and 4th sentences introduce two new reasons for need of zoos.
Indeed, sometimes the only way to save an endangered species may be
to arrange for it to be breed in captivity. Behind the scenes, zoos also
provide scientists with opportunities to research into animal behavior:
modern zoos can therefore be much better planned than old-fashioned
ones, providing animals with carefully designed enclosures appropriate
to their needs.
Conclusion : Final paragraph
1st sentence offers the need of zoos
It seems then, that there are still arguments for retaining zoos.

2nd sentence adds to this clinching argument a summary of Paragraph 3.

These should, however, be carefully planned with the animals’ welfare
in mind: in the modern world, there is no excuse for keeping animals in
cramped or cruel conditions.

Sample 2

Should children always follow their parents’ advice?

Some people say that children should always follow their parents’ advice; others claim
that this is not always right. I believe that children should follow their parents’ advice when
they are young, but they should become more independent when they are older.
Young children do not know the difference between right and wrong, and a parent is the
best person to teach them this. For example, a young child does not know that it is wrong
to take things that do not belong to them. Parents can also teach children about dangers,
both in the home and outside.
However, when children grow older they should pay less attention to their parents. This is
because parents might tell a child which career to choose, and this should be the child’s
decision. Parents sometimes want to tell their children how to live, but when they are
grown up, they can decide for themselves. If a child doesn’t make their own decisions, he
or she might grow up to be less independent and strong.
 In conclusion, parents need to give young children advice on morals and safety, but not on
how to live when they are older

Title/Issue : A question summarizing the issue being discussed.

Should children always follow their parents’ advice?

Keywords: children, follow parents’ advice.

Introduction : First paragraph

Presents the facts that have given rise to the question in the title.

Some people say that children should always follow their parents’
advice; others claim that this is not always right. I believe that
children should follow their parents’ advice when they are young,
but they should become more independent when they are older.

Argument For : Paragraph 2 for follow parents’ advice

1st sentence presents an argument based on young children’s
knowledge

Young children do not know the difference between right and

wrong, and a parent is the best person to teach them this.

2nd sentence adds the argument by giving example.

For example, a young child does not know that it is wrong to take
things that do not belong to them.

3rd sentence elaborates on this with evidence.

Parents can also teach children about dangers, both in the home
and outside.

Argument Against : Paragraph 3 against following parents’ advice

1st and 2nd sentences contest how children should be when
getting older.
However, when children grow older they should pay less attention
to their parents. This is because parents might tell a child which
career to choose, and this should be the child’s decision

3rd and 4th sentences add confirming evidence.

Parents sometimes want to tell their children how to live, but
when they are grown up, they can decide for themselves. If a child
doesn’t make their own decisions, he or she might grow up to be
less independent and strong.

Conclusion : Final paragraph

In conclusion, parents need to give young children advice on morals
and safety, but not on how to live when they are older.

When you finish, check your answers with the answer key.