Task 1 - 5 and Assignment M5 LA2 Discussion Text
Task 1: Understand
The Nature of Discussion Texts
A
DISCUSSION TEXT QUIZZES.
|
STATEMENTS
|
T/F
|
|
1
The writer’s purpose is
to present his or her expectations related to an issue in question.
|
F
|
|
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 of view.
|
F
|
|
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 readers to help them make
decisions.
|
T
|
|
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
is 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 other point of view.
|
T
|
|
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 discussions.
|
T
|
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
2
Introduction
3
Body
1
4
Body
2
5
Conclusion
|
a
statement of position
b
presents differing
opinions, viewpoints or perspectives on an issue.
c
arguments against plus supporting evidence
d
arguments for plus supporting evidence
e
sums up arguments or
recommends one side of the argument
|
Task
2: Get The General Pictures of Discussion Texts
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?
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
A The Introduction Section
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 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?
1
What is the issue of the discussion?
2
What is the writer’s position in question of the discussion?
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.
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)
Sample 2
3
What is the issue of the discussion?
4
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
B The Body
Sample I
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
they supported with evidence or facts?
Yes. They are supported with facts based on expert’s opinion
(animal right activist)
5
Are
there more and stronger arguments for the issue, or the other way round?
Keeping the animals in the zoo must have spent much money for
the treatment.
Sample II
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.
6
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
7
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.
8
Are the
arguments relevant to the issue?
Yes. I think so because the writer gives the opinion from the
opposite view.
9
Are
they supported with evidence or facts?
No. They are not. They are only based on the writer’s opinion.
10
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.
C The Conclusion
Sample
1
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.
Sample
2
In conclusion, parents need to give young children
advice on morals and safety, but not on how to live when they are older
3
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
4
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.
Task 4: Present A
Coherent Discussion Text
A
Match the parts of a
discussion essay to their different functions
|
Parts
of an essay
|
Functions
of essay parts
|
|
1
Introduction
2
Main
body
3
Conclusion
|
a
Gives some general information about the essay topic, may
put forward some differing opinions and gives an answer to the essay
question.
b
Describes and explains different viewpoints, arguments,
advantages and disadvantages, supported by examples.
c
Summarizes all the arguments and restates your
answer/opinion.
|
B
Put these paragraphs in
the correct order to make a coherent essay by matching them to the headings
below.
|
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 career
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.
|
ASSIGNMENT
LA2
Sample 2
5
What is the issue of the discussion?
6
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
4
It is
undeniable that parents plays an important role
in our life.
Sentence
5
Some
people think that children should always follow their paretns' advice.
Sentence
6
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
4
Today, the level of crime that occurs in society continues to
increase.
Sentence
5
Many people hold the belief that the crime occurred because of
the effect of violent movies and
computer games
Sentence
6
Even though there are increasing rates of crime today, I
strongly disagree that television and games
are at the root of this problem
Posting Komentar untuk "Task 1 - 5 and Assignment M5 LA2 Discussion Text"