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 Text1 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 Paragraph 3 For a ban.

1
https://unjac-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/srisulastini_unj_ac_id/EWsq3P428QFPtPYjA4S-
I5ABoEbwpigyIdcwDCdZvjbEwQ?e=eKusaR
For 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:

2
How to Write an Argumentative Essay - Introduction and Conclusion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WknKWFdUs0
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zoos are out of date.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 :

Introduction :

Argument Against :

Argument For :

Conclusion :
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 :

Introduction :

Argument Against :

Argument For :

Conclusion :

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