INDS OF TEXT: 8. DISCUSSION

INDS OF TEXT: 8. DISCUSSION

Standar Kompetemsi Lulusan: Menetukan gambaran umum, informasitertentu, informasi rinci tersurat, informasi tersirat, makna kata dari sebuah teks berbentuk discussion yang disediakan.

Materials:

Discussion text will see elaborate  an issue from two different points of views. It presents pro and contra, advantages and disadvantages, good and bad side opinion on certain issue. One side is agreeing the issue, and the other side is disagreeing that issue. For example, pros and cons on nuclear power plant, the advantages and disadvantage of study in group, etc.

The Structure of a Discussion Text

1. Stated issue: It present what is going to be discussed.

2. Supporting arguments: after stating the issue, it is necessary to present the supporting arguments that happened to the issue.

3. Against arguments: bedside the supporting arguments, a discussion text needs to present the argument which disagree to the stated issue.

4. Conclusion/Recommendation: finally in the end of the discussion, it is important to re-think to formulate certain recommendation for the issue.

Language Feature of Discussion Text

1. Generic terms relevant to the subject- degradation, conversation.

2. The use of comparison and contras words- also, as, like, similar to, although, different from, however.

3. The use of linking words- in contrast to, on the other hand, although, in contrast to, this is supported by, in spite of, however.

4. Language indicating judgment and value- very funny, deoressing.

Example of Discussion

Title	Giving Children Homework: Pro and Con
Stated issue	There are a lot of discussions as to whether children should be given homework or not. It is enough for children having time to study at school or do they need additional time at home to study after school time.
Against arguments	Some people claim that children do enough work in school already. They also argue that children have hobbies that they want to do after school, sucj as sport or music. A further point they make is that a lot of homework are pointless and does not help the children learn at all.
Supporting arguments	However, they are also strong arguments against this point of view.  Parents and teachers argue that it is important to find out whether children can work on their own without the support from the teacher. They say that the evening is good time for children to sit down and think about whet have learned in school.          Further more, they claim that the school day is too short to get anything done. It makes sense to send home tasks like independent reading or further writing task which does no need the teacher’s support.
Recommendation	I think, on balance, that some homework is good idea but that should only given at the weekend when children have more time.