DISCUSSION TEXT

Discussion text is a text which present a problematic discourse. The problem will be discussed from different points of view. It presents pro and contra opinion on certain issue. One side is agreeing the issue, and the other is disagreeing that issue. The purpose of a discussion text is to present arguments and information from different viewpoints. Discussion text presents, at least, two point of views about an issue. Discussion texts are usually written in the present tense.

A discussion text consists of these parts :

·           Issue : contains of statement and preview about something.

·           Arguments for/Supporting arguments : after stating the issue, it is necessary to present the argument to support that one point is agreeing.

·           Arguments against : beside the supporting argument, discussion text need the arguments which disagree to the stated issue.

·           Recommendation/conclusion : It is used to tell how to solve issue by concerning the arguments for and against.

Language Features of Discussion Text :

·           Introducing category or generic participant.

·           Relating verb/to be: is, am, are, etc

·           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

·           Conjunction/transition: although, even, if, etc

Convenience or Care?

When something issued by someone, we say it has been consumed. We as consumers use many things, both natural and processed. We consume more of the Earth’s resources than other animals do and, as a result, we cause problems for the environment.

Like all animals, we need clean air and water, food and shelter for survival. Unlike other animals, however, we have certain “want”. These are items that are not necessary for our survival, but that we want because they make our lives easier or more enjoyable.

Environments claims that a great deal of waste is created by both the production and the consumption of these items or product. Disposable products, such a pens, take away food containers, plates, shavers and cutlery, are made using the Earth’s resources. When these products are thrown away, the resources are lost.

Another example of waste is the unnecessary packaging on many products. The material is often not recycled and used again.

Throwing thing away also increases pollution. The amount of disposable plastic litter that ends up in waterways is a serious problem. When this waste reaches the oceans, it can kill marine life.

Industrialist counter these arguments with their own point of view. They claim that consumer’s expect to be able to purchase food which is attractively presented, prepackaged to extent its life and easy to store. In a busy society, convenience is a priority. Products which make life easier, era in demand. Industrialist argue that they cater to this perceived need.

Packaging is also big business and provides jobs for many people who might otherwise be unemployed and a burden to society.

Environmentalist declare that for thousands of year, people survived perfectly well with re-usable products. However, people of the twenty-first century have become used to wing in a ‘thrown-away’ society. It is up to each one of us to dispose of waste products carefully, recycle as much as possible and to reduce the stress on our environment. Think when buying pre-packaged goods and consider whether the same products can be bought without the extra wrappings. Let’s make the best of what we have.