Discussion Text

Discussion text is a text which presents a problematic discourse. This problem will be
discussed from different viewpoints. Discussion is commonly found in philosophical, historic,
and social text. In other word, Discussion is a kind of genre used to present (at least) two points
of view about an issue.

Social Functions

The social function of discussion text are to present two points of view about issue or problem,
and to present arguments from differing points of view about issue or problem.

Generic Structures of Discussion Text

1. Issue
Issue is located in the first paragraph which contains the placement of a problem or issue
to be discussed or an explanation of the issue to be discussed in the text.
2. Argument Pro
In the argument pro, the writer presents the point in in supporting the presented issue.
3. Argument Cons
In the argument cons, the writer presents other points which disagree to the supporting
point.
4. Conclusion/Recommendation
The author presents conclusions or can also recommend the issues or problems that have
been discussed.

Language Feature of Discussion Text

– Introducing category or generic participant

– Using thinking verb; feel, hope, believe, etc.
– Using contrastive conjunction; however, on the other hand, but, in other side, although, etc.
– Using modalities; must, should, could, may, etc.
– Using adverbial of manner; deliberately, hopefully, etc.
– Using simple present
Example of Discussion Text

Television

(Issue) Television becomes part of our life. Every day we watch television. We usually watch
television after working, getting together with our family, even when we are working. As the part
of our life, television has bad and good effects. People have different opinion about the negative
and positive impacts of watching TV.
(Argument pro) The bad effects most people say are TV makes us lack of movement. We stay
for a long time in our TV. It’s not healthy life. They also say that TV influences our daily life.
Sometimes we don’t realize that we become more consuming after watching various ads. Some
TV shows influence the way children act. The rudeness and violence come to our house without
permission through television.
(Argument cons) But, the other people say that television has a good impact. We can get much
information from TV. When there is something happened in another city, we know directly, fast
through the news on TV. TV also makes us relax. After working all day, we come home and turn
on TV to watch funny and comedy videos.
(Conclusion/Recommendation) We can conclude that TV has a good and bad effect to our life.
Our task is how to choose the good things and try to take away the bad one.