This document discusses the generic structure and language features of discussion texts. Discussion texts present at least two points of view on an issue. They typically include an introduction stating the issue, arguments for and against each point of view with examples, and a conclusion or recommendation. Language features include the present tense, generalizations using nouns, connectives linking ideas, and examples supporting generic statements. Significant features include a focus on generic participants, use of processes like relating and mental states, and conjunctions comparing or contrasting ideas. The writer should show both sides of an argument fairly and support any conclusion.

1. Discussion texts
Members of Group :
1. Galang Persadatama N.
2. Monang Manalu
3. Theofillius Gustavo N.
4. Wanda Wijaya
SMAN 10 Bandar Lampung
Tahun Ajaran 2014 - 2015

2. Social Function
To present (at least) two points of view about an issue

3. Generic Structure
1. Issue
– Statement
– Preview
2. Arguments for against or
statement of differing points of
view
– Point
– Elaboration
3. Conclusion or recommendation

4. Language features
 Written in simple present tense
 Generalises the participants and things it refers to using uncountable
noun phrases (some people, most dogs), nouns that categorise
(vehicles, pollution) and abstract nouns (power)
 Uses connectives (for example, therefore, however)
 Generic statements are often followed by specific examples (Most
vegetarians disagree. Dave Smith, a vegetarian for 20 years, finds that
…)
 Sometimes combined with diagrams, illustrations, moving images
and sound to provide additional information or give evidence

5. 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)

6. Knowledge for the writer
 Questions often make good titles. (Should everyone travel less to
conserve global energy?)
 Use the introduction to show why you are debating the issue
(There is always a lot of disagreement about x and people’s views vary
a lot)
 Make sure you show both/all sides of the argument fairly.
 Support each viewpoint you present with reasons and evidence
 If you opt to support one particular view in the conclusion, give
reasons for your decision
 Don’t forget that discussion texts can be combined with other
text types depending on your audience and purpose

7. EXAMPLE

8. National Exam, important or impotent?
• Issue
National exam becomes the hottest topic to be discussed every year. Especially when all
educational elements are busy to prepare their students to face national exam. Although the
government always carries out the national exam every year, some still debate whether it is
necessary to maintain the national exam. Does the quality of Indonesia education depend on
it? If there is no national exam, will the Indonesia education become worse or better?
• Argument 1 / supporting point
People, who agree and support the national exam, insist that the Indonesia education drop if
there is no national exam. So they try to defend the system.
• Argument 2 / contrasting point
However, some people who are against the national exam question the government policy in
maintaining the national exam. They explain that the quality of Indonesia education not just
depend on the national exam. Further, there are too many fouls appear during the national
exam. This indicates that not all schools are ready to hold the national exam.

9. • Recommendation / conclussion
This need to be evaluated by all the educational elements to solve
whether the national exam is useful or not. But in fact, the reason that
the government still maintains the national exam is that it be able to
measure the level of student’s cognitive competence in several
subjects, on a national scale. While waiting for the best system for our
education.

10. THANK YOU