CHAPTER 6
DISCUSSION TEXT
Discussion is a text which is intended by the writer/speaker to present (at least) two points of
view about issue or problem.
b. Generic Structure
General statement to introduce (Thesis)
A series of paragraphs that have points for and against the topic
A concluding paragraph that sums up the discussion and gives the opinion of the author of
the text.
c. Social Function
To present (at least) two points of view about issue or problem; to present arguments from
differing points of view about issue or problem.
d. Language features
Use of the Simple Present Tense.
Use of medium to high degrees of modality, quoted and reported speech to support
arguments.
Use of passive voice to change focus of sentences.
Focus on beginning of sentences.
Use of complex combination of clauses, complex sentences.
The examples of discussion text.
Text 1
The Pros and Cons of Social Media
Nowadays, everyone is a member of one or more social media platforms whether it is
Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Line or any other platforms. In this modern era, social media
tends to form an integral part of our lives. As a new invention, social media must have its
advantages and disadvantages in the way it affects people lives. Let us take a look at some of these
effects comprehensively.
Here are some positive effects of social media on the people lives. First, they become more
informed about current affairs. With social media, we can easily find out about what is going on in
our neighborhood, state, country and even the entire world. It is an important way to equip
ourselves with adequate knowledge of current affairs. Besides, it helps us to study many things.
Social media platforms can be a great study tool for us. We can use them to ask each other difficult
questions that we could not solve by ourselves. It also makes it easier to form a group discussions
and study groups even when we are far from each other. Furthermore, it helps people with
disabilities interact at the same level with others. In many occasions, people with disabilities do not
get an equal chance to interact with others. However, social media offers an equal opportunity for
them. They can do all of the activities that other people do on social media. This makes them realize
that they are not different to others.
However, social media can also cause some negative effects on our lives. First, we are
exposed to cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is one of the most negative influences in social media
especially for teenagers. It gives a free platform for cyberbullies to bully others. The huge level of
networking offered by social media makes cyberbullying move from bad to worse. In addition, it
may decrease our productivity levels. Social media is very engaging to the people spending a lot of
time on them. They may neglect their work, friends, and family so that they can play a game or chat
about various things not related to the work. This clearly reduces their productivity levels.
Furthermore, it can lead to disclosing of too much information.
Social media has its own way of making people disclose a lot of information that they would
not show in real life. By giving out too much information, for example about where one lives or
what is happening to someone recently, the people could inadvertently make it easier for those who
want to do them harm.
Source: [Link]
Text 2
The Positive and Negative of Using Internet
These days Internet has spread enormously in Indonesia. Web in Indonesia is all the more
effortlessly open. There are numerous advantages of the web which can be taken, for instance in the
realm of trade, online stores offer the simplicity of exchange. In training, instructors can without
much of a stretch trade of data in creating systems and learning methodologies. In any case, a great
deal of criminal acts are brought on by the Internet. This issue raises the upsides and downsides as
public would see it. So how would they reaction to the utilization of the Internet in Indonesia?
For the individuals who bolster the Internet contend that Internet as a correspondence
medium is most generally utilized as a part of the world. Web clients can correspond with different
clients from around the globe utilizing online networking like Facebook, twitter, way and so on.
What’s more, the Internet is likewise a wellspring of data that is extremely exceptional, in light of
the fact that we can get data on different themes from the Internet effortlessly.
In instruction viewpoint, web extraordinarily helps instructors in creating routines and
techniques for imaginative learning. What’s more, it likewise helps educators to impart to others
and trade data about training. In trade, it turns into the principle resource in advancing an item
(promoting), even now online store become quickly and offer the simplicity of exchange. In any
case, a few individuals contend that the web vicinity is extremely aggravating their lives. They
think the web is the fundamental driver of the considerable number of issues which happen in this
life. There are such a large number of criminal cases happen today because of the web. For instance,
instances of inappropriate behavior are enlivened by porn recordings effortlessly downloaded.
Misrepresentation case in the realm of internet exchanging, web betting and the spread of
provocative news that does not fit with the actualities. What’s more, numerous more wrongdoings
brought about by the Internet.
Web vicinity is rich of advantages for human life. Be that as it may, the Internet can’t
maintain a strategic distance from manhandling which prompts the ascent of criminal acts. Along
these lines, everything relies on upon where we need to utilize the advantage of it.
Source: [Link]
artinya-terbaru/
Text 3
Should Tablets Replace Textbooks in K-12 schools?
Publishing for the K-12 school market is an $8 billion industry, with three companies -
McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt - capturing about 85% of this market.
Tablets are a $72 billion industry with 42% of US adults owning a tablet. As tablets have become
more prevalent, a new debate has formed over whether K-12 school districts should switch from
print textbooks to digital textbooks on tablets and e-readers.
Proponents of tablets say that they are supported by most teachers and students, are much
lighter than print textbooks, and improve standardized test scores. They say that tablets can hold
hundreds of textbooks, save the environment by lowering the amount of printing, increase student
interactivity and creativity, and that digital textbooks are cheaper than print textbooks.
Opponents of tablets say that they are expensive, too distracting for students, easy to break,
and costly/time-consuming to fix. They say that tablets contribute to eyestrain, headaches, and
blurred vision, increase the excuses available for students not doing their homework, require costly
Wi-Fi networks, and become quickly outdated as new technologies are released.
Tablets and textbooks have their own advantages and disadvantages. Whether you choose
tablet or textbooks, it is totally your call. Choose the one that best suits you as a student.
Source: [Link]
