DISCUSSION TEXT

A discussion text is a text that presents a topic that is discussed from various
perspectives. Discussion text discusses a matter containing views of the pros and cons of a
matter. Topics discussed in discussion texts are usually controversial issues that occur in
society.

The purpose of a discussion text is to provide new information to readers regarding

Compared to persuasive texts which are persuasive and aim to persuade the reader
to agree with the author's opinion and to lean towards one side, discussion texts are logical
and objective. The author does not invite the reader to lean towards one side. The author's
goal is simply to provide information from many different angles.

Because the discussion text is objective, we must not show our inclination towards
one side. We must remain neutral and maintain a neutral tone in our writing. Let the readers
determine their own preferences.

You can analyse text structure of the discussion text using this chart:

ISSUE
Introduce the issue to be
discussed

PROS ARGUMENT

Contain further elaboration of Supporting

CONS ARGUMENT

Contain arguments that are Supporting

Present the opposing arguments

CONCLUSION /
RECOMMENDATION
Concludes and recommends the
author’s final position or
opinion regarding the issues to
be discussed
LANGUAGE FEATURES

1. Thinking verbs
These verbs describe mental processes or cognitive actions, such as thinking, believing,
understanding, considering, or assuming. They can be employed in a discussion text to
present the thoughts or opinions of the writer, experts, or others involved in the debate.
Example: Many believe that the government should invest more in renewable energy.

2. Modal verbs
Modal verbs (such as can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must) express
possibility, probability, necessity, or obligation. They can be used in discussion texts to indicate
the level of certainty or commitment to a particular viewpoint.
Example: Parents should encourage their children to read more books.

3. Adverbs of manner
Adverbs of manners describe how an action is performed, giving more information about a
verb. They can be helpful in a discussion text to provide emphasis or to clarify the way a point
is being made. Some common adverbs of manners include clearly, quickly, slowly,
carefully, and strongly.
Example: The economy has grown rapidly in recent years, leading to an increase in job
opportunities.

4. Connectives
Connectives are words or phrases that link ideas, sentences, or paragraphs. They help guide
the reader through the text and show the relationships between the different arguments. Some
common connectives used in discussion texts include ‘however,’ ‘on the other hand’, ‘in
contrast’, ‘moreover’, ‘furthermore’.
Example: The new law is expected to improve public safety, however, some critics argue that
it infringes on personal freedom.

5. Passive voice
Passive voice can be used in discussion texts to provide a more neutral tone or to focus on
the action rather than the agent performing it. For example, “It is believed that…” or “It has
been suggested that…” are passive constructions that emphasize the point being made
without referring to a specific person or group
Example: It is believed that practising mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress and
improve overall well being.

6. Reported speech
Reported speech, otherwise known as indirect speech is a way to convey what someone else
has said or written without quoting them directly. This can be useful in discussion texts when
referring to the opinions or arguments of experts or other sources.
Example: According to various studies, people who exercise regularly are less likely to
develop chronic health issues.
Distance Learning

A few years ago, distance learning was seen as an inferior way but nowadays
even famous and established traditional colleges and universities are providing
distance learning courses and it is generally considered a way to improve one’s life.

However, people still argue whether distance learning give more advantages
or disadvantages. Some of them who see the benefit of distance learning will say that
distance learning needs no commuting. Of course, it saves money and time that
students would take. Furthermore, distance learning can be done at any student’s
convenience. Most of the classes of distance learning are asynchronous. It means that
students do not have to attend a lecture at a fixed particular time and place. Students
can review the assignments and do their homework during off-hours or from home.
Additionally, distance learning gives more accessibility. No one can deny it. People
with limited mobility may encounter problems when they take traditional classes. With
the online class system, the problem is absent.

Despite the many advantages, other people will see that distance learning is
costly and needs complex technology. To attend online learning, students must have
a computer with possible access to the internet. Admitted or not, such technology
devices are not always available for common students. Another disadvantage of
distance learning is that it does not provide immediate feedback. Unlikely in a
traditional classroom, students have to wait for feedback and comment until the
instructor has reviewed the works and sent a response to them. Most of the time
students will study alone. Distance learners may feel isolated or miss that social and
physical interaction that comes with attending a traditional classroom

Regarding the individual’s learning style, some students are able to learn
when there is a live interaction between them and the availability of an accompanying
teacher while others don’t really need it. So before deciding a choice of attending
distance learning or not, each student needs to do a fair analysis regarding the kind of
person he/she is.
From the text above please analyse and fill in the table with correct answer!

Paragraph Generic Structure Main Idea Language Features

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