DISCUSSION TEXT

BAHASA INGGRIS LINTAS MINAT

OCTOBER 2021
 CHAPTER 3
DISCUSSION TEXT
In this chapter you will learn:
Read a discussion text
Learn about the language feature of Discussion text
Create your own
discussion text Work together with
your classmate

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Activity 1

Check out the text in the next paragraph and fill out the following table:

No Verbs meaning Noun meaning Linking meaning

words
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Activity 2

In pairs, discuss with your partner about the advantages and disadvantages of computer for
students.

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Activity 3

Read the following passage.

Pros and Cons of Computers for Students

Do you know that most schools and colleges

strongly recommend students to have computers to
help them achieve better results of learning? With
computer connected to Internet, students can learn
English online. They can make reports easily by using
word processing software. They can play game to get
of boredom. However, a computer can also give
negative impacts for a student.

One thing that makes a computer useful is that

students can use it to finish some assignments from
schools. By connecting to Internet, they can easily surf and
find any materials related to their lessons and assignments. They have unlimited resources from all over
the worlds. Online libraries are open. A lot of book are free to download and read online. Finding friends from
related field of study is not difficult anymore. They can work together to boost their best achievement. What
more benefit is they can do all of that just by sitting on a chair of their rooms. What amazing world it is,
isn’t?

Although a computer has many benefits, it should be considered deeply. A computer certainly
does not promote students to do and move more. A computer makes students have less physical
activities. Even not few of them forget to have lunch while they are playing certain game. They just sit in front
of monitor. They are caught up in the mystique of the smart machines. In short, students who usually work
with computers tend to have a few physical activities and exercises.

So what should students do? Should they avoid using computers? Of course “No”. Computer will
make even greater benefits if physical activities are also promoted to be done by the students.

Source: http://englishadmin.com/2013/11/discussion-text-pros-and-cons-of-computers-for-
students.html

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Activity 4

Answer the following questions to understand how the writer tells his/her thought.

A. Skimming
1. Where probably do you find this kind of text?
2. How many paragraphs are there in the passage?
3. what does the first paragraph tell about?
4. Which paragraph that writer gives his pros about computer for students?
5. Which paragraph that writer gives his cons about computer for students?
6. If you agree with computer for students, where you can put your idea?
B. Scanning
1. What is the reason for schools or colleges recommend students to have computer?
2. What are the advantages of computer for the students?
3. What are the advantages of computer for the students?
4. What is the writer’s recommendation toward the use of computer for the students?

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Activity 5

From the activity 4, write the arguments you find from the text and find the reason why the writer
is debating the issue.

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Activity 6

Match the name of the stages of the passage with the correct paragraph.
Issue Argument for Argument against Recommendation

Do you know that most schools and colleges strongly recommend

students to have computers to help them achieve better results of
learning? With computer connected to Internet, students can learn
English online. They can make reports easily by using word processing ………………………………

software. They can play game to get of boredom. However, a

computer can also give negative impacts for a student.

One thing that makes a computer useful is that students can use it to
finish some assignments from schools. By connecting to Internet, they
can easily surf and find any materials related to their lessons and
assignments. They have unlimited resources from all over the worlds.
………………………………
Online libraries are open. A lot of book are free to download and
read online. Finding friends from related field of study is not difficult
anymore. They can work together to boost their best achievement.
What more benefit is they can do all of that just by sitting on a chair
of their rooms. What amazing world it is, isn’t?

Although a computer has many benefits, it should be considered

deeply. A computer certainly does not promote students to do and
move more. A computes make students have less physical activities.
Even not few of them forget to have lunch while they are playing ………………………………

certain game. They just sit in front of monitors. They are caught up in
the mystique of the smart machines. In short, students who usually work
with computers tend to have a few physical activities and exercises.

So what should students do? Should they avoid using computers? Of

course “No”. Computer will make even greater benefits if physical ………………………………

activities are also promoted to done by the students.

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Discussing them with your partner, answer the following questions.
1. What does “issue” function for the rest of the paragraph?
2. What aspect does it content?
3. What do the “argument for” and “argument against” play a role for the passage?
4. How important is the “recommendation” for the passage?
5. What does the whole passage function for?
6. Write your own “issue” paragraph based on the idea given. Number one is done for you as
an example.
Topic Issue
The Use of Facebook Everything which we have in this world has two
sides; good aspect and bad one. It is also
definitely true for the phenomenon of Facebook.
There are a large number of people who have
Facebook account. They use Facebook for
socializing on the virtual world. If we see closely,
Facebook also has some pros and cons.
The advantages and the
disadvantages of internet

Group work activity

Independent study

Is classroom the best place to learn?

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Activity 7

Reading from newspaper

Read the text taken from newspaper (www.voi.co.id), then answer the questions bellow.

Jakarta bay reclamation is now in the spotlight after dragging a member of the Regional Representatives
Council, M Sanusi in a bribery case. Pros and cons about this mega project appear among the public
ranging from common people, government officials, members of the House of Representatives -DPRto
observers or experts.Moreover, the issue of Jakarta Bay reclamation also involves many well-known figures,
from businessmen to Jakarta Governor Basuki Cahaya Purnama or better known as Ahok. Now, there is a tug
o’ war as whether the mega project will be continued or not.
Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Susi Pudjiastuti and Commission IV of the House of Representatives -
DPR agreed to temporarily stop the reclamation project. But, the Minister of National Development Planning
(PPN) / Head of National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), Sofyan Djalil and Jakarta Governor
Basuki want to continue the mega project in the north of the capital.
Jakarta Bay reclamation project stemmed from the desire of the Jakarta government to conduct reclamation
on 17 artificial islands in the North Coast of Jakarta. According to Basuki Cahaya Purnama, the reclamation
in the Jakarta Bay is actually beneficial for Jakarta provincial government. Later, 45 percent from the whole
reclamation islands will become the property of the Jakarta government and this will serve as social facilities
and public facilities. In addition, the provincial government will also receive a land contribution which is 5
percent of the total reclamation area.
Some people said the Jakarta Bay reclamation project has violated the law and regulations. Even, Vice
President Jusuf Kalla suggested the project should be suspended while managing or studying, and taking the
correct legal basis. He asked all legal aspects related to the reclamation to be carefully assessed. He had
already discussed this with Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti Nurbaya. From the environmental aspect,
the reclamation project in the North Coast of Jakarta has often been complained by environmental activists.
They believe the reclamation of 17 artificial islands can damage the ecosystem of the environment in the
Jakarta Bay.
Regardless of the pros and cons, if the Jakarta Bay reclamation project must be continued, it should bring
benefits not only to the government, but also to the people, especially communities around the North Coast
of Jakarta. Don’t sacrifice people’s interests and ecosystems around the North Coast just for the sake of
development and progress of the city.

1. What is the topic?

2. Is the target audience adult, teenager or child?
3. What is the assumed background knowledge?
4. Are two sides given in each text? Find examples.
5. Is evidence, research data or elaboration used? Give examples.
6. Is each side’s argument elaborated to the same extent? What is the conclusion? Is an opinion
expressed?
7. What different conclusions might have been reached?
8. Do the conclusions summarize, recommend or solve an issue?

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Activity 8

Referring the words and group of words.

Pay attention to the paragraph taken from the Pros and Cons of Computers for Students below. There are
words and group of words that refer to the previous words. For example, the word them refers to the word
students. Find the others by yourself.

Do you know that most schools and colleges strongly recommend students to have computers to

help them achieve better results of learning? With computer connected to Internet, students can learn

English online. They can make reports easily by using word processing software. They can play game to

get of boredom. However, a computer can also give negative impacts for a student.

One thing that makes a computer useful is that students can use it to finish some assignments from

schools. By connecting to Internet, they can easily surf and find any materials related to their lessons and

assignments. They have unlimited resources from all over the worlds. Online libraries are open. A lot of book

are free to download and read online. Finding friends from related field of study is not difficult anymore.

They can work together to boost their best achievement. What more benefit is they can do all of that just

by sitting on a chair of their rooms. What amazing world it is, isn’t?

Although a computer has many benefits, it should be considered deeply. A computer certainly

does not promote students to do and move more. A computer makes students have less physical activities. Even

not few of them forget to have lunch while they are playing certain game. They just sit in front of monitor. They

are caught up in the mystique of the smart machines. In short, students who usually work with computers tend

to have a few physical activities and exercises.

So what should students do? Should they avoid using computers? Of course “No”. Computer will

make even greater benefits if physical activities are also promoted to be done by the students.

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Activity 9

Combining the description

1. Identifying the meaning and function of the conjunction 1
The discussion of “pros and cons of computer for students” is composed in sentences connected
by connectors or conjunction. Let’s take a look at the following examples taken from the discussion
text above:
a. However, a computer can also give negative impacts for a student.
b. Although a computer has many benefits, it should be considered deeply.
c. So what should students do?

Conjunction however is used to give the additional information that indicates a contradiction.
Conjunction although is used to connect different opinion/fact. Conjunction so is used to show
the consequences.

Additive connection Contrastive Concessive

connection connection
and, also, in but, however, in though,
addition, not only contrast, on the although,
… but also, contrary, instead, despite, in spite
moreover, further, nevertheless, yet, still, of,
besides. even so, neither … notwithstanding,
nor. whereas, while

Now, re-read the discussion text above. Find out the clause/sentences which are
connected to each other by the use of conjunctions/linking words.

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2. Identifying the meaning and function of the conjunction/linking words 2

Read the text below and find the function of the conjunction that can be found in the text.

Is Nuclear Good?

Nuclear power is a kind power supply that is generated by using uranium which is a metal
mined in various part of the world. Nuclear power becomes the answer to produce clean and
efficient energy that will make this world better. However, not all people agree with that. Some of
them believe that nuclear power supply is dangerous. Pro-contra of building nuclear power supply
becomes a major topic to discuss among society.
Nuclear power produces around 11% of the world's energy needed, and produces huge
amounts of energy. It causes no pollution as we would get when burning fossil fuels. It does not
produce smoke or carbon dioxide, so it does not contribute to the greenhouse effect. In addition,
it also produces huge amounts of energy from small amount of uranium. So, it is reliable for our life.
On the other hand, nuclear power is very, very dangerous. If the nuclear power supply is
leak off or blow up, the radiation can bring harm to any living being surrounding. Nuclear radiation
is deadly which can make people physically defect. It must be sealed up and buried for many years
to allow the radioactivity to die away. Furthermore, although it is reliable, a lot of money has to be
spent on safety because if it does go wrong, a nuclear accident ca be a major accident.
Nuclear power is a better alternative energy supply to replace fossil fuels energy supply.
However, nuclear power is also dangerous if it is not built properly. In conclusion, nuclear power is
the best answer to fulfill our needs of clean and efficient energy which is sustainable in the future.
Government should make careful constructions and good maintains to make nuclear power save.
Sources: http://www.belajarbahasainggris.us/2014/02/discussion-text-penjelasan-contoh.html

Conjunction Type of Conjunctions Function

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3. Creating your own sentences using conjunction/linking words
Make your own sentence using the conjunctions below:
In addition, However So Although but
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Activity 10

Subject and verb

1. Subject
In discussion text, it is common that the subject could be generic and non-human participants.
Let’s take a look at sentences below and find the subject.
a. The students can make reports easily [ generic participant]
b. A computer has many benefits. [ non-human participant]

Underline the subject from the sentences below and decide what kind of participants involved.

Sentences Participant
1. Nuclear power is a better alternative energy supply to
replace fossil fuels energy supply.
2. Some people believe that nuclear is the best choice.
3. A computer makes students have less physical activities.
4. Some parents believe that school uniforms will make such
good advantages to their children while learning at
school.

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2. Verb
In discussion text, the tense commonly used is simple present and the verbs that used are “thinking”
verb. Let’s take a look at the sentences below and pay attention to the verbs used.
a. Some parents believe that school uniforms will make such good advantages to their children
while learning at school.
b. the students feel that wearing uniform is not comfortable.

Here are some other examples of thinking verbs: Think, Believe, Expect, Decide, Hope,
Know,Understand, Feel, and guess

Create your own sentence by using the verb provided below:

Decide ………………………………………………………………………
Know ………………………………………………………………………
Understand ………………………………………………………………………
Guess ………………………………………………………………………

Subject Verb Example

I V1 I agree with the statement that uniform should be dismissed.
You V1 You are such a nice student
We V1 We believe that government can solve the problems
They V1 They propose new opinion about computer.
She/he V1 + s She understands the subject very well.
it V1 + s It is believed that computers give negative effect for the
students.

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Activity 11

Word Power
Words Pronunciation Parts of speech

computer /kəmˈpjuːtə/ Noun

Students /ˈstjuːd(ə)nt/ Noun

Nuclear /ˈnjuːklɪə/ Noun

Believe /bɪˈliːv/ Verb

Game /ɡeɪm/ Noun

Internet /ˈɪntənɛt/ Noun

School /skuːl/ Noun

Online /ɒnˈlʌɪn/ Adjective

However /haʊˈɛvə/ Conjunction

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 Joint Construction

Activity 12

Arranging the jumble sentence.

Arrange the jumble sentence below into the well-ordered paragraph. This text is a discussion text
about “the advantage and disadvantage of uniform for the students”.

Staging Number Sentences

In Indonesia, school uniforms tell many things such as students' grade level and
school or institution. In elementary school level, for instance, students are asked to
2 wear ‘red-white’ uniforms; while junior high school students are asked to wear 'blue-
white' uniforms; and for senior high school, students are asked to wear 'blue sky-
Statement of issue

white' uniforms.
School uniforms are uniforms worn by students primarily for a school or otherwise
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educational institution.

Except those formal-uniforms, there are others such as scout uniforms and school or
institutional uniforms. School uniforms become a debate issue among parents
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nowadays. Some of them think that school uniforms are necessary, while others think
that they are not.
Second, school uniforms may improve attendance and discipline. A 2010 study by
……….. researchers at the University of Houston found that the average absence rate for
girls in middle and high school decreased by 7% after the introduction of uniforms.

The last, school uniforms are a symbol that every student is equal in getting same
Arguments pros

……….. education. School uniforms will not differentiate whether the students are rich or not
and students’ economic or social class.
Some parents believe that school uniforms will make such good advantages to
………..
their children while learning at school.
First, school uniforms can keep students focused on their education, not their
……….. clothes. Students will not concern on clothes color, clothes style, or clothes brand, if
they wear same school uniforms.

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 It is because school uniforms make getting ready for school easier, which can
……….. improve punctuality. When uniforms are mandatory, parents and students do not
spend time choosing appropriate outfits for the school day.
Second, uniforms also may have a detrimental effect on students' self-image. When
……….. students have to wear the same outfits, rather than being allowed to select clothes
that suit their body types, they can suffer embarrassment at school.
A 2003 study by researchers at Arizona State University found that "students from
……….. schools without uniforms reported higher self-perception scores than students from
schools with uniform policies."
Augments against

Third, some students also find uniforms less comfortable than their regular clothes,
which may not be conducive to learning. The last, school uniforms in public schools
………..
undermine the promise of a free education by imposing an extra expense on
families.
In other hand, school uniforms can affect negatively on student’s psychology and
……….. performance in learning at school. First, school uniforms restrict students' freedom of
expression. Students cannot express themselves through clothes they wear.

Parents already pay taxes, and they still need to buy regular clothes for their
………..
children to wear when they are out of school and for dress-down days.

However, to cover all disadvantages of school uniforms such as restriction of

students’ freedom of expression, students’ self-image, students’ comfort, and school
………..
uniforms’ extra expense, there are several recommendations that need to be
considered.
Recommendations

First, allow the students to wear or use some accessories as long as they are not
……….. break the regulation. Accessories usage can free their expression, self-image, and
promote their comfort in learning.

In conclusion, school uniforms remain important of the students forsakes. Students will
……….. be discipline and will focus more on learning. School uniforms also will show them
that they are equal in learning.

Second, use two kinds of school uniforms only; the formal school uniforms and scout
……….. uniforms. It is because extra school or institutional uniforms will require extra money
from parents.

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Activity 13

Make your own “argument pros” and “argument against” from the topics below:
Topic Argument Pros Argument against
The advantages and 1. 1.
the disadvantages of 2. 2.
internet 3. 3.
4. 4.
Group work activity 1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
Classroom is the best 1. 1.
place for learning 2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
The Pro and cons of 1. 1.
Plastic 2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.

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Activity 14

Creating a mapping concept.

From the previous activity, take one topic and fill this concept map in a group. One group consists of
maximally 3 persons.

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From the concept map above, compose your own paragraph,

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Activity 15

Exchange your group’s work with your friend’s. read your friend’s work and answer the question below:

Have you described the issue or defined the topic? Have you written background information so that
the reader starts with sufficient knowledge? Have you recognized that there are two points of view?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Are you structuring your paragraphs properly using a topic sentence and supporting evidence from
survey results, research or interviews?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Have you supported each point with evidence? Have you used your personal experience to persuade
the audience?

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Is the evidence overwhelmingly pointed in one direction? Are you simply summing up both arguments?
Can you make a recommendation?

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Activity 16

Pair work
In pair, find out the topic for composing the discussion text, and use the clue below.

Introduce the topic and supply necessary background information.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Argument 1 : …………………………………………………………………………………

Evidence : …………………………………………………………………………………

Argument 2 : …………………………………………………………………………………

Evidence : …………………………………………………………………………………

Argument 3 : …………………………………………………………………………………
Evidence : …………………………………………………………………………………

List arguments against the statement and support with evidence.

Argument 1 : …………………………………………………………………………………

Evidence : …………………………………………………………………………………

Argument 2 : …………………………………………………………………………………

Evidence : …………………………………………………………………………………

Argument 3 : …………………………………………………………………………………
Evidence : …………………………………………………………………………………

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 MEANING MEANING

WORD LIST

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