LEARNING TASK M5 LA 2
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 what and how of discussion texts? Let’s check
your knowledge.
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.
NO
|
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 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 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
|
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:
Ø 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.
Ø 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.
Ø 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
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
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[1]
below and check on the notes that follows.
[1]https://unjac-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/srisulastini_unj_ac_id/EWsq3P428QFPtPYjA4S-I5ABoEbwpigyIdcwDCdZvjbEwQ?e=eKusaR
Notes:
[1]https://unjac-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/srisulastini_unj_ac_id/EWsq3P428QFPtPYjA4S-I5ABoEbwpigyIdcwDCdZvjbEwQ?e=eKusaR
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
Against
|
Paragraph
2 Against a ban.
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.
|
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 behavior: 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.
Notes:
Title/Issue
|
:
|
A question summarizing the issue
being discussed.
Do
we still need zoos?
Keywords: we, need, zoos.
|
Introduction
|
:
|
First
paragraph
Presents the facts that have given
rise to the question in the title.
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
|
:
|
Paragraph
2 Against zoos
1st sentence presents
an argument based on the claim of some animal right activist
Since
people can now see any sort of wild animal in its natural habitat, simply by
tuning into a TV program or buying a video, some animal rights activists
claim that zoos are out of date.
2nd sentence adds the
argument (it’s cruel to capture animals at zoo).
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.
3rd sentence elaborates
on this with evidence.
Captive
animals often develop ‘zoochosis’ – abnormal behavior like rocking or swaying
– which indicates they are bored and unhappy in their prison-like conditions.
|
Argument For
|
:
|
Paragraph
3 For
zoos
1st sentence contests
the claim of some animal right activist in Paragraph 2.
On the
other hand, there is a huge difference between watching an animal on screen
and seeing it in real life.
2nd sentence adds
confirming evidence.
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
3rd and 4th
sentences introduce two new reasons for need of zoos.
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 behavior: modern zoos can
therefore be much better planned than old-fashioned ones, providing animals
with carefully designed enclosures appropriate to their needs.
|
Conclusion
|
:
|
Final
paragraph
1st sentence offers the
need of zoos
It
seems then, that there are still arguments for retaining zoos.
2nd sentence adds to
this clinching argument a summary of Paragraph 3.
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.
Notes
Title/Issue
|
:
|
A question summarizing the issue
being discussed.
Should
children always follow their parents’ advice?
Keywords: children, follow parents’ advice.
|
Introduction
|
:
|
First
paragraph
Presents the facts that have given
rise to the question in the title.
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 For
|
:
|
Paragraph
2 for follow parents’ advice
1st sentence presents
an argument based on young children’s knowledge
Young
children do not know the difference between right and wrong, and a parent is
the best person to teach them this.
2nd sentence adds the
argument by giving example.
For
example, a young child does not know that it is wrong to take things that do
not belong to them.
3rd sentence elaborates
on this with evidence.
Parents
can also teach children about dangers, both in the home and outside.
|
Argument Against
|
:
|
Paragraph
3 against
following parents’ advice
1st and 2nd
sentences contest how children should be when getting older.
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
3rd and 4th
sentences add confirming evidence.
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
|
:
|
Final
paragraph
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
“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.”
Go back to the
introduction section in Sample 1 in Task 2. Can you answer the following
questions?
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?
The issue
of the discussion seems to be ‘in today’s
world, are zoos really necessary?’
2
What is
the writer’s position in question of the discussion?
We cannot 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.
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 make 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?
The issue of the discussion is whether children should follow parents’
advice or not.
2
What is the writer’s position in question of the
discussion?
The writer agrees that children should follow their parents’ advice when
they are young, but they should become more independent when they are older.
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.
Revision
Sentence 1
Parents’ advice is really important for
children in order to help them make good choices and decisions in their life.
Sentence 2
Some people think that children should always
follow their parents’ advice.
Sentence 3
Should children always follow the parents’ advice
in 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.
1.
What is the issue of the discussion?
The issue of discussion is the increasing rate of crime is caused by the
violent movies and games.
2.
What is the writer’s position in question of
the discussion?
The writer tells disagreement that television and games is the root of
violence and crimes in the society.
Revision:
Sentence 1
Nowadays, the level of crimes has increased
in the world.
Sentence 2
Many
people hold the belief that violent movies and computer games cause the
increasing crime levels in the society.
Sentence 3
Even
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.
B
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.”
Sample 2:
1
What supporting
arguments are used?
The supporting arguments are:
-
There is a huge difference between watching an animal on
screen and seeing it in real life.
-
Visiting a zoo is educational and increases people’s concern
for wildlife and conservation.
2
What counter arguments
are used?
-
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 opportunities for scientists
to do research for animal behavior.
3
Are the arguments
relevant to the issue?
Yes, the arguments are relevant to the issue.
4
Are all counter
arguments well answered by the supporting ones?
Yes, all counter arguments are well answered by the supporting
ones.
5
Are they supported with
evidence or facts?
Yes, they are.
Sample 3:
1
What supporting
arguments are used?
The supporting arguments are:
-
Young children do not know the difference between right and
wrong.
-
A parent is the best person to teach them about it.
2
What counter arguments
are used?
-
For example, a young child doesn’t know that it is wrong to
take things that do not belong to him or her.
-
Parents can also teach children about dangers, both in the
home and outside.
3
Are the arguments
relevant to the issue?
Yes, the arguments are relevant to the issue.
4
Are they supported with
evidence or facts?
No, they aren’t.
5
Are there more and
stronger arguments for the issue, or the other way round?
-
When children are getting older, they have to be independent by
making the right decision for their own life.
C
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.”
Sample 2: 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 concludes that zoo is good as long as it becomes safer place and better
treatment for animals.
2
Can you see if this
point of view is based on the summary of the arguments?
Yes, the writer
sums up both sides of arguments by saying that animals at zoos should be
carefully planned and handled.
Sample 3:
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, it does. The
writer’s point of view towards the issue is clear in the conclusion section.
2
Can you see if this
point of view is based on the summary of the arguments?
Yes, the writer
sums up both sides of arguments by saying that parents’ advice related to
morals and safety are necessary and young children should be able to make their
own decision for their life.
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 forward some differing opinions and gives an answer to the essay question. 2. Main body b Summarizes all the arguments and restates your answer/opinion. 3.Conclusion 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
|
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
|
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)
|
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.
|
Selamat pagi,,apakah sudah ada learning task M5 LA 3 dan LA 4?
ReplyDeleteterima kasih
formatif n sumatif kok tidak nampak?
ReplyDeleteLearning Activity 3 dan 4 kok gak ada ya buk
ReplyDeleteSoal dan Jawaban Lengkap
Terimakasih sudah berkunjung bapak/ibu semua. Semoga bermanfaat.
ReplyDelete