Task 1: Understand The Nature of Discussion Texts
Reading as well as
writing discussion text are common study assignments to students. What is discussion text? What makes it different from other
text types commonly found in your study? How much do you know about the what
and how of discussion texts? Let’s check your knowledge.
Following is a list of
statements some people say about the characteristics of discussion texts. Do
you think they are TRUE, or FALSE?
A
DISCUSSION TEXT QUIZ. Do the quiz. Write a T at the end of each statement
when you think the statement is TRUE;
or an F when you think it is FALSE.
One of them has been done for you.
STATEMENTS
|
T/F
|
1
The
writer’s purpose is to present his or her expectations related to an issue in
question.
|
F
|
2
Begins
with a statement introducing writer’s opinion on the issue.
|
F
|
3
The
body of discussion text presents supporting arguments for the writer’s point
of view.
|
F
|
4
Arguments
are supposed to be supported with facts or evidence.
|
T
|
5
The
text concludes with a summary of the arguments or a recommendation for
readers to help them make decisions.
|
T
|
6
An
impersonal voice is used in the text.
|
T
|
7
Passive
voice is used to change focus of sentences.
|
T
|
8
Quoted
and reported speech are seldom found in discussion texts.
|
F
|
9
Technical
terminologies are used meaningfully.
|
T
|
10 Specific phrases, e.g. on
the other hand and generally,
are used to introduce the other point of view.
|
T
|
11 Complex sentences are typically used in discussion texts.
|
T
|
12 Connectives are used to show logical relationship between
sentences.
|
T
|
13 Conditional forms are used to create impersonal arguments
for balanced discussions.
|
T
|
When you have completed the activity, read Text 1: Discussion Text to check
your answers.
Text 1
STRUCTURE AND FEATURES
OF DISCUSSION TEXTS
Purpose
A discussion presents
differing opinions, viewpoints 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.
STRUCTURE OF DISCUSSION
TEXTS
There are different
stages in a discussion:
¾ an introductory statement of position supplying necessary
background information
¾ arguments for and against and supporting evidence
¾ a recommendation or conclusion.
Statement of position
A discussion begins
with a brief introduction describing the situation. This introduction has a
statement or question and serves the purpose of introducing the reader or
listener to the author’s point of view or thesis. Often it is recognized that
there are two points of view.
Arguments for and
against and supporting evidence
The next few paragraphs
elaborate the arguments for and against the issue. This should be based on researching
books, the Internet, surveying or interviewing people. The evidence and
opinions should support the statements. The number of arguments varies
according to the writer’s desire and the content. The arguments can be
structured in different way
Example 1
¾ A first argument for the point of view with supporting
evidence or additional details elaborating each point.
¾ A second argument for the issue with supporting details.
¾ A first argument against with supporting elaboration.
¾ A second argument against with supporting details.
Example 2
¾ A topic sentence introduces a point, then arguments are
written for and against the issue.This should be based on researching,
surveying or interviewing people.
¾ A second topic sentence introduces a second point and is
followed by arguments for and against.
¾ A third topic sentence introduces a second point and this is
followed by arguments for and against.
Each paragraph should
be clearly structured with a topic sentence supported by details. The
supporting material could be reported speech reflecting comments from
specialists who have responded to the issue or supporting evidence. Thinking
and action verbs are used to persuasively establish and evaluate each argument,
and some technical language will be necessary.
Recommendation or
conclusion
The discussion ends by
presenting a personal point of view before concluding. The recommendation or
conclusion sometimes sums up both sides of the argument if they are fairly
balanced, or can recommend one argument over the other if the evidence is
overwhelming.
LANGUAGE FEATURES OF
DISCUSSION TEXTS
w Use of present tense.
w Use of general nouns to
make statements, e.g. men, papers.
w Use of detailed noun groups to reinforce an argument, e.g.The national treasure that is our Daintree
forest can be…
w Use of saying verbs to quote.
w Use of relating verbs, e.g. is.
w Use of thinking verbs expressing a personal point of view,
e.g. wonder.
w Use of factual adjectives, e.g. my last holiday.
w Use of adjectives expressing an opinion, e.g. my horrifying adventure.
w Use of comparative or contrasting adjectives, e.g. boring, most significant.
w Use of adverbs of manner, e.g. honestly, rapidly, carefully, thoroughly.
w Use of connectives to link arguments, e.g. however, in the
same way.
w Use of conjunctions to link clauses.
w Use of varying degrees of modality for effect, e.g. Perhaps we
might see…followed by but we must see…
w Use of abstract and technical terminology.
w Use of quoted and reported speech, e.g. Ms. Kim declared…
w Use of evaluative language, e.g.The threatened landscape will continue to be tragically eroded, if
steps are not taken.
w Phrases to introduce the other point of view, e.g. on the other hand, generally.
w Words showing the writer’s opinion, e.g. For the above reasons I fervently believe that…
w Use of clearly structured beginning of sentences that focus
attention, e.g. Game parks…,The cleaner
environment focus…
w Use of passive voice to change focus of the sentence, e.g.The environment is threatened…
w Using complex combination of clauses, e.g. While it is vitally important to have a
clean environment, we must think about…
w Use of word chains, synonyms,antonyms and repetition for
effect
Learn more:
Now begin your reading and viewing to check if you have
answered all questions in the previous correctly. Check your answers with the
answer key.
B
How well do you do with the quiz? Can you
now identify the text structure of discussions? Match the headings on the left
column with its definition in on the right. Check your answers with the answer
key.
1
Purpose
2
Introduction
3
Body 1
4
Body 2
5
Conclusion
|
a
statement
of position
b presents differing opinions, viewpoints or perspectives on
an issue.
c
arguments
against plus supporting evidence
d arguments for plus
supporting evidence
e
sums
up arguments or recommends one side of the argument
|
[1]Digital
Education Resource Archive (DERA) http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/4825/7/nls_y6t2exunits075202argue.pdf
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