Task 3 (M5 LA2 )

Task 3: Build Relevant Arguments In Discussions

A       The Introduction Section

“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.[1]”

Go back to the introduction section in Sample 1 in Task 2. Can you answer the following questions?

1         What is the issue of the discussion?

The issue of the discussion seems to be ‘in today’s world, are zoos really necessary?’ We cannot, however, find any details in the section about what position/opinion is available regarding the issue.

2         What is the writer’s position in question of the discussion?

a.      Zoos were originally set up so that people could see and learn about wild animals from distant lands. (1^st sentence kept)

b.      In today’s world, however, this purpose can be served by the many educational programs and videos on wildlife available on TV as well as the internet. (2^nd sentence replaced)

c.       Therefore, are zoos really necessary in today’s world? (3^rd sentence modified)

Sample 1

Zoos were originally set up so that people could see and learn about wild animals from distant lands. As more and more people became city-dwellers, never seeing animals in the wild, zoos began to house local creatures too. However, in today’s world, are zoos really necessary?

The issue of the discussion seems to be ‘in today’s world, are zoos really necessary?’ We cannot, however, find any details in the section about what position/opinion is available regarding the issue.

Sentence one in this section provides information about the purpose of establishing zoos. The next sentence, however, does not follow coherently with this information. It would be good if we can find something like ‘In today’s world, however, this purpose is fulfilled by the many educational programs and videos on wildlife available on TV as well as the internet.’ The two sentences will match nicely with the last sentence provided that we do a little modification to it. What do you think of these new sentences for the introduction section?

1        Zoos were originally set up so that people could see and learn about wild animals from distant lands. (1^st sentence kept)

2        In today’s world, however, this purpose can be served by the many educational programs and videos on wildlife available on TV as well as the internet. (2^nd sentence replaced)

3        Therefore, are zoos really necessary in today’s world? (3^rd sentence modified)

The sentences makes the introductory section more specific now. The next step will be easier because you just need to present supporting and counter argument for the existence of zoos. Now you do the same steps with the following introduction sections. Study the sections and propose any necessary revision to make them more specific.

Sample 2

1         What is the issue of the discussion?

The issue of the discussion seems to be “the children’s obedience toward parents” and the writer’s position in statement of discussion is an agreement of that but by giving additional information in the last statement.

2         What is the writer’s position in question of the discussion?

Sentence one in this section provides information about the two points of view of this issue while the next sentence the writer states there is an exception for this issue

¹Some people say that children should always follow their parents’ advice; others claim that this is not always right. ²I believe that children should follow their parents’ advice when they are young, but they should become more independent when they are older.

Revision

Sentence 1        It is undeniable that parents plays an important role  in our life

Sentence 2        Some people think that children should always follow their paretns' advice

Sentence 3        However, should the children follow their parents' advice all their life?

 

Sample 3

¹Many people hold the belief that violent movies and computer games have been the cause of increasing crime levels in many countries around the world today. ²Even though there are increasing rates of crime amongst the youth of today, I strongly disagree that television and games are at the root of this problem.

Sentence 1        Today, the level of crime that occurs in society continues to increase.

Sentence 2        Many people hold the belief that the crime occurred because of the effect of violent movies     and computer games

Sentence 3        Even though there are increasing rates of crime today, I strongly disagree that television and           

Sentence 4        games are at the root of this problem

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