DISCUSSION

It is kind of text type that discussing a topic including both sides of the case. In other words, when a writer is going discuss about the positive side of marriage in the young age, consequently he is also going to discuss the negative side of marriage in the young age. Discussing both sides of a case can be viewed from the negative/bad sides and positive/good side. The purpose of presenting both sides of a case to the audiences is to provide the readers with different opinion on a topic and at the end, the writer’s opinion. The discussion text therefore functions to present a way to look at more than one side issue. The examples of this text are talkback radio, current affairs interview, essays, debates, and letter to the editor.

Here the parts of a discussion on the text in the way of presenting issue:

  1. 1. Firstly, the text presents some statements outlining the issue. This part is also supported by some background information about the issue (statement).
  2. 2. In the second part the text provides evidences for different arguments for and against issue (argument for and argument against).
  3. 3. Finally, the text leaves a conclusion or recommendation, which might sum up either sides or might recommended in favor of one particular side (conclusion).

Language feature of a discussion text are:

  1. Use of relating verbs to provide information about the issue
  2. Use the thinking verbs to express the writer’s personal view, e.g. feel, believe, hope
  3. Use of varying degrees of modality, e.g. perhaps, must, should, might
  4. Use of simple present tense
  5. Use of logical conjunctive relational and mental processes
  6. The use of generic terms related to the topic
  7. The use of words that show a comparison or a contrast

The Advantage and Disadvantage of Nuclear Power

Nuclear power is generated by using uranium which is a metal mined in various part of the world. The first large scale of nuclear power station was opened at Calder Hall in Cumbria, England in 1956.
Some military ships and submarines have nuclear power plant for engine. Nuclear power produces around 11% of the world’s energy needed, and produces huge amounts of energy. It causes no pollution as we would get when burning fossil fuels. The advantages of nuclear plant are as follow:

On the other hand, nuclear power is very, very dangerous. It must be sealed up and buried for many years to allow the radioactivity to die away. Furthermore, although it is reliable, a lot of money has to be spent on safety because if it does go wrong, a nuclear accident ca is a major accident.
People are increasingly concerned about this matter. In the 1990’s nuclear power was the fastest growing source of power in many parts of the world.

Find the discussion text and analysis the generic structure!

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