• Read discussion texts and identify meaning in a discussion texts;
• Identify the structure of discussion texts;
Definition of Discussion
Discussion is a text which presents a problematic discourse. This problem will be discussed from different viewpoints. Discussion is commonly found in philosophical, historic, and social text.
Generic Structure of Discussion:- Statement of issue; stating the issue which is to discussed
- List of supporting points; presenting the point in in supporting the presented issue
- List of contrastive point; Presenting other points which disagree to the supporting point
- Recommendation; Stating the writer' recommendation of the discourse
- Introducing category or generic participant
- Using thinking verb; feel, hope, believe, etc
- Using additive, contrastive, and causal connection; similarly, on the hand, however, etc
- Using modalities; must, should, could, may, etc
- Using adverbial of manner; deliberately, hopefully, etc
A problematic discourse is the simple key to see whether the text is an example of discussion or the other genres. Discussion text will see and elaborate the issue from the different point of view. It presents pro and contra opinion on a certain issue. One side is agreeing the issue, the other is disagreeing the issue. The different point of views, according to the generic structure, is the heart of the discussion text. That will differentiate from the other text types.
When we read an example of discussion text, we will see the structure as follow;
- Stated issue: What issue is going to be discussed. This must drive problematic discussion from different points of view.
- Supporting arguments: After stating the issue, it is necessary to present the argument to support that one point is agreeing.
- Against arguments: Beside the supporting argument, discussion text need the arguments which disagree to the stated issue.
- Recommendation; Finally in the end of the discussion, it is important to re-think to formulate certain recommendation for the discussed issue.
Text 1
Birth Control
Birth Control
Most people agree that some form of family limitation or spacing is desirable for the good of the family and society. But individuals and groups–especially religious groups–differ sharply on the methods of birth control that they consider moral and acceptable.
Couples that practice birth control do so for various reasons. They may want to limit or space their children, or to have no children at all. Young couples often postpone having children so that both partners can work full-time. Other couples space their children so they can give each child as much attention as possible. Some women are advised by their doctors to avoid pregnancy for health reasons. In many countries with rapidly growing populations, the government encourages couples to limit the size of their families.
Even though birth control has gained in acceptance, opposition to the practice is continuous. Some people fear that birth control encourages sexual relations outside marriage or that government might impose birth control. Some religious groups oppose birth control on moral grounds.
Some religious groups teach that artificial methods of birth control are immoral because they separate the two purposes of intercourse in marriage–conjugal love and the procreation of children. Although they oppose all artificial birth control, they consider natural family planning acceptable.
Couples that practice birth control do so for various reasons. They may want to limit or space their children, or to have no children at all. Young couples often postpone having children so that both partners can work full-time. Other couples space their children so they can give each child as much attention as possible. Some women are advised by their doctors to avoid pregnancy for health reasons. In many countries with rapidly growing populations, the government encourages couples to limit the size of their families.
Even though birth control has gained in acceptance, opposition to the practice is continuous. Some people fear that birth control encourages sexual relations outside marriage or that government might impose birth control. Some religious groups oppose birth control on moral grounds.
Some religious groups teach that artificial methods of birth control are immoral because they separate the two purposes of intercourse in marriage–conjugal love and the procreation of children. Although they oppose all artificial birth control, they consider natural family planning acceptable.
Text 2
Abortion: A Controversial Issue
Abortion: A Controversial Issue
For years, abortion has been an extremely controversial subject. One important aspect of the controversy is whether a woman should be permitted by law to have an abortion and, if so, under what circumstances. Another is whether, and to what extent laws should protect the unborn. People who wish to legally limit or forbid abortions describe themselves as pro–life. Those who believe that a woman should have the right to have an abortion may refer to themselves as pro–choice.
Arguments against abortion are based on the belief that an abortion is the unjustified killing of an unborn child. Most people who oppose abortion believe that human life begins when a sperm fertilises an egg. Another argument against abortion is that laws allowing it on demand will increase irresponsible pregnancies and lead to disrespect for human life. The Roman Catholic Church is a chief opponent of abortion. Conservative branches of other religions also oppose abortion.
Many people approve of abortion under certain circumstance. Some approve of abortion if a woman’s life or health is endangered by her pregnancy. Others recommend abortion when there is danger that the child will be born with a serious mental or physical defect. They also approve of abortion when pregnancy has resulted from rape or incest.
Many people who think that a woman should have the right to choose to have an abortion distinguish between human life and personhood. They argue that personhood implies both the capacity for self-conscious thought and acceptance as a member of a social community. These people believe a fetus is not a person and is thus not entitled to rights normally given to a person. Such pro–choice supporters agree with the view that birth represents the beginning of personhood.
Another pro–choice argument is that legalising abortions has eliminated many illegal abortions performed by unskilled practitioners under unsanitary conditions. These abortions often cause deaths and permanent reproductive injuries. Abortion on demand also prevents many unwanted births and may thus be a factor in lowering infant and child abuse, neglect, and death rates. Also some argue that women should not have to bear unwanted children in a world with a growing population and diminishing natural resources.
As a result of this controversy, abortion laws vary from country to country. In Russia, where abortion has been legal since 1920, it is allowed up to about the fourth month of pregnancy, purely by request, and is commonly used as a method of birth control. In some countries, such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, abortion is only allowed when pregnancy threatens the mother’s life. South Africa, New Zealand, and Hong Kong allow abortion when the fetus is severely damaged. In the Republic of Ireland, the operation may only be performed when either the mother’s or baby’s life is in danger.
Arguments against abortion are based on the belief that an abortion is the unjustified killing of an unborn child. Most people who oppose abortion believe that human life begins when a sperm fertilises an egg. Another argument against abortion is that laws allowing it on demand will increase irresponsible pregnancies and lead to disrespect for human life. The Roman Catholic Church is a chief opponent of abortion. Conservative branches of other religions also oppose abortion.
Many people approve of abortion under certain circumstance. Some approve of abortion if a woman’s life or health is endangered by her pregnancy. Others recommend abortion when there is danger that the child will be born with a serious mental or physical defect. They also approve of abortion when pregnancy has resulted from rape or incest.
Many people who think that a woman should have the right to choose to have an abortion distinguish between human life and personhood. They argue that personhood implies both the capacity for self-conscious thought and acceptance as a member of a social community. These people believe a fetus is not a person and is thus not entitled to rights normally given to a person. Such pro–choice supporters agree with the view that birth represents the beginning of personhood.
Another pro–choice argument is that legalising abortions has eliminated many illegal abortions performed by unskilled practitioners under unsanitary conditions. These abortions often cause deaths and permanent reproductive injuries. Abortion on demand also prevents many unwanted births and may thus be a factor in lowering infant and child abuse, neglect, and death rates. Also some argue that women should not have to bear unwanted children in a world with a growing population and diminishing natural resources.
As a result of this controversy, abortion laws vary from country to country. In Russia, where abortion has been legal since 1920, it is allowed up to about the fourth month of pregnancy, purely by request, and is commonly used as a method of birth control. In some countries, such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, abortion is only allowed when pregnancy threatens the mother’s life. South Africa, New Zealand, and Hong Kong allow abortion when the fetus is severely damaged. In the Republic of Ireland, the operation may only be performed when either the mother’s or baby’s life is in danger.
Text 3
Hacking: Pro and Contra?
Hacking: Pro and Contra?
Do you know what a hacker is? Well, a hacker is a person who enjoys exploring the details of programmable systems on computers and they like to stretch the capability of the systems. And you know what, the activities they do in the computers are called ‘hacking’.
So, what’s the problem with ‘hacking and its hackers’? Well, the problem is whether ‘hacking and its hackers’ is legal or illegal? What I mean is that people in the world have many different views about hacking and the hackers. Some of them take sides, but many object.
To get back to what I was saying previously, let us see the positive points of a hacker, shall we? Although in most places breaking into computer systems is considered illegal, I believe that hackers don’t do anything illegal because they only want to know and try the systems. I dare to say that a hacker likes finding the strengths and the weaknesses of a computer system. They feel proud if they can find the weaknesses. So I don’t really see the crimes in this case. In addition, these hackers sometimes help the police catch the ‘white collar criminals’, such as bank robbers, money launderers, credit card forgers. For example, in 2000, the U.S. hackers caught some Singaporean hackers who made ‘Virus Love’ to break up the programs of the U.S. National Security system.
Nevertheless, those who object to the good points of a hacker say that hacking is a crime. The reason is that some hackers use their brilliant skills to break into banks and other vital institutions where they can get money, destroy information, and the worst thing is they can get secret information and sell it to another country. This is a treachery.
Take for example, in 1994, The U.S. government broke a conspiracy of computer hackers out of Majorca, Spain. These hackers were responsible for accessing and eliminating 190,000 telephone credit card numbers over computer bulletin boards in America and Europe. Seeing this fact, I don’t blame those who think negatively about hackers.
To put the whole thing in a nut shell, I personally think that hackers are not bad people with their brilliant skills. However, they could be bad because of money orientation to get the wealth. That’s just the point.
So, what’s the problem with ‘hacking and its hackers’? Well, the problem is whether ‘hacking and its hackers’ is legal or illegal? What I mean is that people in the world have many different views about hacking and the hackers. Some of them take sides, but many object.
To get back to what I was saying previously, let us see the positive points of a hacker, shall we? Although in most places breaking into computer systems is considered illegal, I believe that hackers don’t do anything illegal because they only want to know and try the systems. I dare to say that a hacker likes finding the strengths and the weaknesses of a computer system. They feel proud if they can find the weaknesses. So I don’t really see the crimes in this case. In addition, these hackers sometimes help the police catch the ‘white collar criminals’, such as bank robbers, money launderers, credit card forgers. For example, in 2000, the U.S. hackers caught some Singaporean hackers who made ‘Virus Love’ to break up the programs of the U.S. National Security system.
Nevertheless, those who object to the good points of a hacker say that hacking is a crime. The reason is that some hackers use their brilliant skills to break into banks and other vital institutions where they can get money, destroy information, and the worst thing is they can get secret information and sell it to another country. This is a treachery.
Take for example, in 1994, The U.S. government broke a conspiracy of computer hackers out of Majorca, Spain. These hackers were responsible for accessing and eliminating 190,000 telephone credit card numbers over computer bulletin boards in America and Europe. Seeing this fact, I don’t blame those who think negatively about hackers.
To put the whole thing in a nut shell, I personally think that hackers are not bad people with their brilliant skills. However, they could be bad because of money orientation to get the wealth. That’s just the point.
