2. DISCUSSION TEXT
What is Discussion text?
It is a process in finding the solution
between two different thoughts, views or
Opinions.
What is the the purpose of discussion
text?
It is used to present different opinions on a
particular issue or topic e.g. arguments for
And against/positive and negative/good
and
bad.
3. Generic Structure
Issue
It contains the issue or problem discussed
Supporting Points
It provides opinion that supports the issue
Contrasting Points
It provides the opinion that contrasts the
issue
Conclusion or recomendation
It gives conclusion or recommendation for
the issue discussed
4. Language Features
Using simple present tense
Using modal
Using additive, contrastive, casual
connection, such as however,
furthermore, similarly, on the other
hand.
5. The Ban on Smoking in Public
Places
Smoking ban in public places has been a
hot issue these last months not only in
Malta but also in various countries who
are discussing the effects a ban would
have. There have been several debates
on smoking ban. Even though the
harmful effects of smoking, both active
and passive, are well known and
undeniable smoking is far from being in
decline; it is spreading among young
people in particular quickly.
6. Most controversial debate is going on public smoking ban.
The reason is simple, smoking ban affects directly all people
rapidly and we can see its effects in a short-term period.
There have been a lot of arguments brought up both in
favour and against a public smoking ban. Some of the
arguments in favour are the following. Smoking ban is one
of the controversial ways for reducing smoking and
recognizing non-smokers’ right to health protection. The
health risks of smoking are clear. Passive smoking does
carry risks. Many leading medical and scientific
organizations recognize second hand smoke as a cause of
a range of life-threatening conditions. The health situation
could be drastically improved if one of the risk factors -
tobacco - was eliminated. People have a right to protect
themselves from smoke inhalation. People shouldn’t have to
inhale the ill-effects of other people’s smoking. The creation
of smoke-free public places also improves air quality.
7. Those opposing a smoking ban say that freedom of choice
would be affected by such legislation. Some people against a
ban say that smoking bans damage business. A smoking ban
could lead to a significant fall in earnings from bars,
restaurants and casinos. Another argument is that the
smoker has a basic human right to smoke in public places,
and the ban is a limitation for smokers’ rights. Businesses,
smokers, publicans, tobacco industries, stars, and some of
the non-smokers oppose public smoking ban. Smokers light
a cigarette because they need to smoke, not because they
want it, because nicotine is physically addictive. Therefore,
some smokers think that the public smoking ban is
oppressiveness. They see the ban as a treatment to smokers
as second-class citizens. Smokers agree that the smoking
ban benefits the world, but cannot support the ban, because
effects of nicotine obstruct them.
8. Public smoking ban needs to be measured
and understood better. Smokers should not
be made to look like outcasts, but smokers
should respect non-smokers when sharing
places. I agree that completely smoke-free
places are the ideal, and some businesses
have taken the decision to go completely
smoke-free. However, everyone agrees that,
it is a matter of rights - the right of smokers to
smoke versus non-smokers to protect from
passive smoking and to breathe clean air.
