This document discusses the structure and language features of discussion texts. A discussion text presents differing perspectives on an issue to enable the reader to explore different ideas before making an informed decision. The structure includes a title, issue, arguments for and against the issue, and a conclusion. Language features include the present tense, modal verbs like "should", and connective words to link ideas. The purpose is to analyze, interpret and evaluate an issue objectively by considering positives and negatives from multiple viewpoints before making a rational conclusion. Example discussion topics provided are whether plastic bags should be banned, if all students should attend college, and if motorcycles are appropriate for students.
3. Issue Pro Con
Plastic bag should be
banned
Should all students at
vianney high school
go to college
Motorcycle for
student, Yes or no?
4. What is
discussion
text?
Discussion text is a text that presents differing opinion, view points or perspectives on an
issue, enabling the reader to explore different ideas before making an informed decision.
The writer normally explores different opinions and ends with a personal opinion or
comment. It is important that the writer develop the skills to look both sides of an
argument, weighing the positives and negatives objectively before they make a rational
decision. This text are concerned with the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of an
issue.
5. Discussion Text
Function: to express our
opinion about a certain issue
whether it is a pro or a con
Structure of
discussion text
⮚ Title: to get a balance on a picture
and point of view about an issue.
⮚ Issue: indicating an issue
⮚ Argument ‘for’: express
arguments to support an issue
⮚ Argument ‘against’: express
arguments to against an issue.
⮚ Elaboration/Conclusion: writer’s
opinion
Features:
▪The present tense
▪Modals
▪Connective words
▪Contrasting connector
6. the present tense
Language Features of Discussion Text
the present continuous tense
the use of modal ‘should’
connective words
past tense
S + V1s/es + O/C
S + Ving + O/C
We should…, the government should…,
And, also, such as, however, etc.
S + V2 + O/C
7. Connective Words
To link ideas, so that there is unity in a paragraph.
Connectives Functions
And, also, as well as, besides, finally,
furthermore, moreover, in addition to
More information follows.
For examples, such as, the following, like, for
instance
Examples will follow.
Even if, however, in spite of, instead of,
nevertheless, on the other hand, despite, still, yet
An opposite idea will
follow as a result.
But, except An exception will follow.
8. Connective Words
To link ideas, so that there is unity in a paragraph.
Connectives Functions
As a result of, because of, due to, in order to,
since
Information about the
cause of something
follow.
As a consequence, as a result, consequently, so,
so that, therefore
Information about the
effects of something
follow
9. Contrastive Conjunction
Followed by a clause:
although, even though,
though, even if, whatever
Followed by a noun: In
spite of, despite, no matter
how
Comment Adverbs
It is used to express our
opinion on something.
Examples:
⮚personally
⮚obviously
⮚clearly
⮚undoubtly
10. To express pro opinion To express con opinion
⮚ I agree with you.
⮚ I’m positive about that.
⮚ I like it that way.
⮚ I’m afraid I disagree.
⮚ I’m not sure about that.
⮚ I don’t see it that way.
⮚ Well, on my opinion….
⮚ Actually, I think….
⮚ You can’t be serious.
⮚ No way.
Expressing Arguments
11. Ways to Say It
Saying, “I disagree” in
spoken English is
considered to direct.
Besides using phrases in
the previous table, you may
use and indirect
disagreement.
Indirect Disagreement
⮚ Well, in my opinion….
⮚ Actually I think….
Informal Disagreement
⮚ You can’t be serious.
⮚ No way.
