Tugas Modul : Learning Tasks M5LA2

Nama : Hilda Hosfia, S.Hum

Sekolah : SMPN 32 Kab. Tebo

Learning Tasks M5LA2

Instructions
Task 1: Understand The Nature of Discussion Texts
Reading as well as writing discussion text are common study assignments to students. What is
discussion text? What makes it different from other text types commonly found in your study?
How much do you know about the what and how of discussion texts? Let’s check your knowledge.
Following is a list of statements some people say about the characteristics of discussion texts. Do
you think they are TRUE, or FALSE?
A DISCUSSION TEXT QUIZ. Do the quiz. Write a T at the end of each statement when you
think the statement is TRUE; or an F when you think it is FALSE. One of them has been done
for you.
STATEMENTS T/F
1 The writer’s purpose is to present his or her expectations related to an issue in F
question.
2 Begins with a statement introducing writer’s opinion on the issue. F
3 The body of discussion text presents supporting arguments for the writer’s point F
of view.
4 Arguments are supposed to be supported with facts or evidence. T
5 The text concludes with a summary of the arguments or a recommendation for T
readers to help them make decisions.
6 An impersonal voice is used in the text. T
7 Passive voice is used to change focus of sentences. T
8 Quoted and reported speech are seldom found in discussion texts. F
9 Technical terminologies are used meaningfully. T
10 Specific phrases, e.g. on the other hand and generally, are used to introduce the T
other point of view.
 11 Complex sentences are typically used in discussion texts. T
12 Connectives are used to show logical relationship between sentences. T
13 Conditional forms are used to create impersonal arguments for balanced T
discussions.
When you have completed the activity, read Text 1: Discussion Text to check your answers.
Text 1

Discussion Texts
STRUCTURE AND FEATURES OF DISCUSSION TEXTS
Purpose
A discussion presents differing opinions, viewpoints or perspectives on an issue, enabling the
reader to explore different ideas before making an informed decision. The writer normally explores
different opinions and ends with a personal opinion or comment.

STRUCTURE OF DISCUSSION TEXTS

There are different stages in a discussion:
 an introductory statement of position supplying necessary background information
 arguments for and against and supporting evidence
 a recommendation or conclusion.

Statement of position
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.

Arguments for and against and supporting evidence

The next few paragraphs elaborate the arguments for and against the issue. This should be based
on researching books, the Internet, surveying or interviewing people. The evidence and opinions
should support the statements. The number of arguments varies according to the writer’s desire
and the content. The arguments can be structured in different way
 Example 1
 A first argument for the point of view with supporting evidence or additional details
elaborating each point.
 A second argument for the issue with supporting details.
 A first argument against with supporting elaboration.
 A second argument against with supporting details.
Example 2
 A topic sentence introduces a point, then arguments are written for and against the
issue. This should be based on researching, surveying or interviewing people.
 A second topic sentence introduces a second point and is followed by arguments for
and against.
 A third topic sentence introduces a second point and this is followed by arguments for
and against.
Each paragraph should be clearly structured with a topic sentence supported by details. The
supporting material could be reported speech reflecting comments from specialists who have
responded to the issue or supporting evidence. Thinking and action verbs are used to persuasively
establish and evaluate each argument, and some technical language will be necessary.

Recommendation or conclusion
The discussion ends by presenting a personal point of view before concluding. The
recommendation or conclusion sometimes sums up both sides of the argument if they are fairly
balanced, or can recommend one argument over the other if the evidence is overwhelming.

LANGUAGE FEATURES OF DISCUSSION TEXTS

 Use of present tense.
 Use of general nouns to make statements, e.g. men, papers.
 Use of detailed noun groups to reinforce an argument, e.g. The national treasure that is
our Daintree forest can be…
 Use of saying verbs to quote.
 Use of relating verbs, e.g. is.
 Use of thinking verbs expressing a personal point of view, e.g. wonder.
  Use of factual adjectives, e.g. my last holiday.
 Use of adjectives expressing an opinion, e.g. my horrifying adventure.
 Use of comparative or contrasting adjectives, e.g. boring, most significant.
 Use of adverbs of manner, e.g. honestly, rapidly, carefully, thoroughly.
 Use of connectives to link arguments, e.g. however, in the same way.
 Use of conjunctions to link clauses.
 Use of varying degrees of modality for effect, e.g. Perhaps we might see…followed by but
we must see…
 Use of abstract and technical terminology.
 Use of quoted and reported speech, e.g. Ms. Kim declared…
 Use of evaluative language, e.g. The threatened landscape will continue to be tragically
eroded, if steps are not taken.
 Phrases to introduce the other point of view, e.g. on the other hand, generally.
 Words showing the writer’s opinion, e.g. For the above reasons I fervently believe that…
 Use of clearly structured beginning of sentences that focus attention, e.g. Game parks…,
The cleaner environment focus…
 Use of passive voice to change focus of the sentence, e.g. The environment is threatened…
 Using complex combination of clauses, e.g. While it is vitally important to have a clean
environment, we must think about…
 Use of word chains, synonyms, antonyms and repetition for effect

Learn more:

Now begin your reading and viewing to check if you have answered all questions in the previous
correctly. Check your answers with the answer key.
B How well do you do with the quiz? Can you now identify the text structure of discussions?
Match the headings on the left column with its definition in on the right. Check your answers
with the answer key.
1 Purpose a statement of position
2 Introduction b Presents differing opinions, viewpoints or perspectives on an
issue.
3 Body 1 c arguments against plus supporting evidence
4 Body 2 d arguments for plus supporting evidence
5 Conclusion e sums up arguments or recommends one side of the argument

Task 2: Get The General Pictures of Discussion Texts

In the previous activity you have learned about the characteristics of discussion texts. We can
conclude that the text structure of discussions follows this model. In discussion texts, two or more
different points of view or position about an issue are discussed — i.e. they are compared and
contrasted. Findings from this activity, or the summary of the discussion, is then used by the writer
as the basis of his or her own position or point of view. In other words, the writer uses the others’
points of view as arguments for his or her own position or point of view. In this activity, you will
read to identify the general picture of discussion texts to understand how arguments are built and
used.
Study the Sample Annotated Text below and check on the notes that follows.
Notes:
Title A question summarizing the issue being discussed.
Keywords: mobile phones, banned, schools.
Introduction First paragraph
Presents the facts that have given rise to the question in the title.
Argument Paragraph 2 Against a ban.
Against 1st sentence presents an argument based on children’s needs.
2nd sentence adds a new argument (safety).
3rd sentence elaborates on this with evidence.
Argument For Paragraph 3 For a ban.
1st sentence contests the safety argument in Paragraph 2.
2nd sentence adds confirming evidence.
3rd and 4th sentences introduce two new reasons for a ban.
Conclusion Final paragraph
1st sentence offers compelling reason for a ban, based on the issue of safety.
2nd sentence adds to this clinching argument a summary of Paragraph 3.

Learn more:

Now, let’s have some practice. Do the same analysis with the following discussion text samples.
Sample 1
 Do we still need zoos?
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?
Since people can now see any sort of wild animal in its natural habitat, simply by tuning
into a TV programme or buying a video, some animal rights activists claim that zoos are
out of date. They argue that it is cruel to capture animals, transport them long distances,
and then keep them caged up simply for the entertainment of human beings. Captive
animals often develop ‘zoochosis’ – abnormal behaviour like rocking or swaying – which
indicates they are bored and unhappy in their prison-like conditions.
On the other hand, there is a huge difference between watching an animal on screen and
seeing it in real life. It could be argued that visiting a zoo is educational, often increasing
people’s concern for wildlife and conservation, which is of great importance in today's
developing – and often overdeveloped – world. Indeed, sometimes the only way to save an
endangered species may be to arrange for it to be breed in captivity. Behind the scenes,
zoos also provide scientists with opportunities to research into animal behaviour: modern
zoos can therefore be much better planned than old-fashioned ones, providing animals with
carefully designed enclosures appropriate to their needs.
It seems then, that there are still arguments for retaining zoos. These should, however, be
carefully planned with the animals’ welfare in mind: in the modern world, there is no
excuse for keeping animals in cramped or cruel conditions.

Title/Issue : Do we still need zoos?

Introduction : 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?
Argument Against : Since people can now see any sort of wild animal in its natural
habitat, simply by tuning into a TV programme or buying a video,
some animal rights activists claim that zoos are out of date. They
argue that it is cruel to capture animals, transport them long
distances, and then keep them caged up simply for the entertainment
of human beings. Captive animals often develop ‘zoochosis’ –
abnormal behaviour like rocking or swaying – which indicates they
are bored and unhappy in their prison-like conditions.
Argument For : On the other hand, there is a huge difference between watching an
animal on screen and seeing it in real life. It could be argued that
visiting a zoo is educational, often increasing people’s concern for
wildlife and conservation, which is of great importance in today's
developing – and often overdeveloped – world. Indeed, sometimes
the only way to save an endangered species may be to arrange for it
to be breed in captivity. Behind the scenes, zoos also provide
scientists with opportunities to research into animal behaviour:
modern zoos can therefore be much better planned than old-
fashioned ones, providing animals with carefully designed
enclosures appropriate to their needs.
Conclusion : It seems then, that there are still arguments for retaining zoos. These
should, however, be carefully planned with the animals’ welfare in
mind: in the modern world, there is no excuse for keeping animals
in cramped or cruel conditions.

Sample 2

Should children always follow their parents’ advice?

Some people say that children should always follow their parents’ advice; others claim that
this is not always right. I believe that children should follow their parents’ advice when they
are young, but they should become more independent when they are older.
Young children do not know the difference between right and wrong, and a parent is the best
person to teach them this. For example, a young child does not know that it is wrong to take
 things that do not belong to them. Parents can also teach children about dangers, both in the
home and outside.
However, when children grow older they should pay less attention to their parents. This is
because parents might tell a child which career to choose, and this should be the child’s
decision. Parents sometimes want to tell their children how to live, but when they are grown
up, they can decide for themselves. If a child doesn’t make their own decisions, he or she
might grow up to be less independent and strong.
In conclusion, parents need to give young children advice on morals and safety, but not on
how to live when they are older

Title/Issue : Should children always follow their parents’ advice?

Introduction : Some people say that children should always follow their parents’
advice; others claim that this is not always right. I believe that
children should follow their parents’ advice when they are young,
but they should become more independent when they are older
Argument Against : Young children do not know the difference between right and wrong,
and a parent is the best person to teach them this. For example, a
young child does not know that it is wrong to take things that do not
belong to them. Parents can also teach children about dangers, both
in the home and outside.
Argument For : However, when children grow older they should pay less attention
to their parents. This is because parents might tell a child which
career to choose, and this should be the child’s decision. Parents
sometimes want to tell their children how to live, but when they are
grown up, they can decide for themselves. If a child doesn’t make
their own decisions, he or she might grow up to be less independent
and strong.
Conclusion : In conclusion, parents need to give young children advice on morals
and safety, but not on how to live when they are older
Task 3: Build Relevant Arguments In Discussions
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]”
[1] Digital Education Resource Archive (DERA)

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

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. (1st 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. (2nd sentence replaced)
3 Therefore, are zoos really necessary in today’s world? (3rd 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?
2 What is the writer’s position in question of the discussion?

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.

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.
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.

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.

The issue of the discussion seems to be “the increasing rate of crime is caused by the violent
movies and game” and the writer’s position in statement of discussion is to give the disagreement
of this issue.
Sentence one in this section provides information about the issue while the next sentence the writer
states there is an exception for this issue by giving a opening statement that the root of the problem
us not caused by violent movies and games.

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 games are at the root of this problem.
A The Body

“The next few paragraphs elaborate the arguments for and against the issue. This should
be based on researching books, the Internet, surveying or interviewing people. The
evidence and opinions should support the statements. The number of arguments varies
according to the writer’s desire and the content.”

In addition, the arguments should, in the first place, be coherent with the ideas presented in the
introduction section. Secondly, the supporting argument need to answer the counter arguments
well. That is, one arguments against the issue need to be answer by a supporting argument that
show let’s look back at our revised introduction for Sample 1. Next, look at the next paragraphs
that present the arguments and answer the questions below.
Sample 1

Since people can now see any sort of wild animal in its natural habitat, simply by tuning
into a TV programme or buying a video, some animal rights activists claim that zoos are
out of date. They argue that it is cruel to capture animals, transport them long distances,
and then keep them caged up simply for the entertainment of human beings. Captive
 animals often develop ‘zoochosis’ – abnormal behaviour like rocking or swaying – which
indicates they are bored and unhappy in their prison-like conditions.
On the other hand, there is a huge difference between watching an animal on screen and
seeing it in real life. It could be argued that visiting a zoo is educational, often increasing
people’s concern for wildlife and conservation, which is of great importance in today's
developing – and often overdeveloped – world. Indeed, sometimes the only way to save an
endangered species may be to arrange for it to be breed in captivity. Behind the scenes,
zoos also provide scientists with opportunities to research into animal behaviour: modern
zoos can therefore be much better planned than old-fashioned ones, providing animals with
carefully designed enclosures appropriate to their needs.

1 What supporting arguments are used?

 The supporting arguments which is used is to present the expert’s opinion
towards the animals treat before and while they are in the zoo
2 What counter arguments are used?
 The counter arguments are used is to present the comparison between watching
animal in the video and seeing it in real life in the zoo.
3 Are the arguments relevant to the issue?
 Yes. I think so because there are facts given by writer to support the issue.
4 Are all counter arguments well answered by the supporting ones?
 Yes. They are supported with facts based on expert’s opinion (animal right
activist)
5 Are they supported with evidence or facts?
 Keeping the animals in the zoo must have spent much money for the treatment.

When you finish, check your answers with the answer key.

Young children do not know the difference between right and wrong, and a parent is the best
person to teach them this. For example, a young child does not know that it is wrong to take
things that do not belong to them. Parents can also teach children about dangers, both in the
home and outside.
 However, when children grow older they should pay less attention to their parents. This is
because parents might tell a child which career to choose, and this should be the child’s
decision. Parents sometimes want to tell their children how to live, but when they are grown
up, they can decide for themselves. If a child doesn’t make their own decisions, he or she
might grow up to be less independent and strong.

Now work with the body of text in Sample 2 and 3. Read them carefully and answer the questions
below. Use the answer key to Sample 1 to help you.
1 What supporting arguments are used?
 The supporting arguments which is used is to describe the advantages of
children obedience towards the parents because young children do not know
what they should or shouldn’t do
2 What counter arguments are used?
 The counter arguments are used is to present the exception situation for the
children not always to obey their parents because of their age.
3 Are the arguments relevant to the issue?
 Yes. I think so because the writer gives the opinion from the opposite view.
4 Are they supported with evidence or facts?
 No. They are not. They are only based on the writer’s opinion.
5 Are there more and stronger arguments for the issue, or the other way round?
 All parents’ command should be obeyed if it is right according to our religion.

B The Conclusion

“The discussion ends by presenting a personal point of view before concluding.The

recommendation or conclusion sometimes sums up both sides of the argument if they
are fairly balanced, or can recommend one argument over the other if the evidence is
overwhelming.”

Let’s go back to our Sample 1 text and study its conclusion section with reference to the above
quote.
 Sample 1: Conclusion section

It seems then, that there are still arguments for retaining zoos. These should, however,
be carefully planned with the animals’ welfare in mind. In the modern world, there is
no excuse for keeping animals in cramped or cruel conditions.

1 Does the section present the writer’s point of view towards the issue?
 Yes. It does. The writer has concluded that the zoo is not a problem if it becomes
a safe place for animal with a good treatment.
2 Can you see if this point of view is based on the summary of the arguments?
 No. It is not because a summary of the arguments. It is only about his point of
view.
The conclusion section, unfortunately, cannot satisfactorily answer the two questions above. There
is no clue of the summary of arguments presented in the previous section. Nor, there is a clue in
the previous section about the claim made in the 1st sentence of this section. Furthermore, the 2nd
sentence in this section seems to be away from the discussion track.
Now, go to the conclusion section of Sample 2 and 3 texts. Are they presented better that of Sample
1?
Sample 2: Conclusion section

In conclusion, parents need to give young children advice on morals and safety, but not on
how to live when they are older

1 Does the section present the writer’s point of view towards the issue?
 Yes. I think so because the writer give his clear view of the issue
2 Can you see if this point of view is based on the summary of the arguments?
 Yes. I can. The writer has concluded the supporting and counter arguments with
a conclusion.
http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/4825/7/nls_y6t2exunits075202argue.pdf
Task 4: Present A Coherent Discussion Text
In this final section, you are going to practice assembling parts of discussion texts into a coherent
one. Let’s find out if you can apply all the knowledge and skills from earlier Tasks into this
particular one.
A Match the parts of a discussion essay to their different functions
Parts of an essay Functions of essay parts
1 Introduction a Gives some general information about the essay topic, may put
2 Main body forward some differing opinions and gives an answer to the
3 Conclusion essay question.
b Summarizes all the arguments and restates your
answer/opinion.
c Describes and explains different viewpoints, arguments,
advantages and disadvantages, supported by examples.

B Put these paragraphs in the correct order to make a coherent essay by matching them to the
headings below.
In a family, both men and women should be employed outside the home and share childcare
equally. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

A The economic benefits and the general benefits to children are the reasons why I believe that men
should work outside the home and women should not. These traditional roles have worked
successfully for a long time, so, in my opinion, they do not need to change now.

B Also, women should be the main carers for their children. Although some people argue that women
should be able to work outside the home, this is hard when there are children. Women give birth to
the children and they need to be with them when they are small. It is also better for the children to
grow up with a parent who is always at home. Being looked after by a professional carer is not as
good for children.

C Nowadays, the traditional roles of men and women have changed. More men help in the home and
more women go out to work. Some people say that this is a good thing, while others say that this
is a negative thing. I believe that men should go out to work and women should stay at home. I
believe that this is more economically efficient, and it is also better for children.
 D Also, women should be the main carers for their children. Although some people argue that women
should be able to work outside the home, this is hard when there are children. Women give birth to
the children and they need to be with them when they are small. It is also better for the children to
grow up with a parent who is always at home. Being looked after by a professional carer is not as
good for children.

Headings Paragraph
Paragraph 1 (Introduction) In a family, both men and women should be employed
outside the home and share childcare equally. To what
extent do you agree with this statement?
Paragraph 2 C. Nowadays, the traditional roles of men and women have
changed. More men help in the home and more women go
out to work. Some people say that this is a good thing,
while others say that this is a negative thing. I believe that
men should go out to work and women should stay at
home. I believe that this is more economically efficient,
and it is also better for children.
Paragraph 3 B. Also, women should be the main carers for their children.
Although some people argue that women should be able to
work outside the home, this is hard when there are
children. Women give birth to the children and they need
to be with them when they are small. It is also better for
the children to grow up with a parent who is always at
home. Being looked after by a professional carer is not as
good for children.
Paragraph 4 (Conclusion) A The economic benefits and the general benefits to children
are the reasons why I believe that men should work
outside the home and women should not. These traditional
roles have worked successfully for a long time, so, in my
opinion, they do not need to change now.

THANK YOU