DISCCUSSION TEXT AND LINKING WORDS
A discussion text, also known as an
argumentative essay, is a type of written composition that aims to present and
argue a particular viewpoint or perspective on a specific topic. The primary
purpose of a discussion text is to persuade and inform the reader about the
writer's stance on the issue being discussed. This type of text is commonly used
in academic, professional, and public discourse to express opinions, debate,
and explore complex ideas. To effectively write a discussion text, one must use
linking words or transitional phrases to connect ideas and maintain the
coherence and logical flow of the argument.
Here is a detailed breakdown of a discussion text and the importance of linking words within it:
1. Introduction:
- The introduction sets the stage for the discussion. It should provide some background information on the topic and state the writer's thesis statement or central argument.
- Linking words commonly used in introductions: "Firstly," "To begin with," "In the first place," "Furthermore," "Moreover," "On the one hand," "On the other hand."
2. Body
Paragraphs:
- The body of the discussion text consists of several paragraphs, each dedicated to a single aspect or argument related to the topic. Each paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence that presents the main point of that paragraph.
- Linking words are crucial within body paragraphs to connect ideas, provide
examples, contrast viewpoints, and build a logical progression of
arguments.
- Some linking words to use within body paragraphs: "Additionally," "Furthermore," "In addition," "Moreover," "On the contrary," "However," "Conversely," "For instance," "In support of this," "On the other hand."
3.
Counterarguments:
- In a balanced discussion text, it is essential to acknowledge opposing viewpoints and counterarguments. This demonstrates that you have considered multiple perspectives before asserting your position.
- Linking words for presenting counterarguments: "Some may argue,"
"It could be said that," "On the flip side,"
"Nevertheless," "In contrast," "However,"
"Although."
4. Refutation:
- After presenting counterarguments, you should refute them with sound evidence and reasoning. This strengthens your argument and shows the reader that you have considered and addressed opposing viewpoints.
- Linking words for refutation: "On the contrary," "In
contrast," "Nevertheless," "However," "In
spite of this," "It is important to note that," "This
argument does not hold up because."
5. Conclusion:
- The conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes the main arguments presented in the body of the text.
- Linking words commonly used in conclusions: "In conclusion," "To
sum up," "To conclude," "Ultimately,"
"In summary," "All in all," "In
light of the evidence," "Hence."
6. Overall
Coherence:
- Throughout the entire discussion text, linking words help maintain the coherence and flow of ideas. They guide the reader from one point to the next, ensuring that the argument is logical and well-structured.
Using appropriate linking words is vital for making a discussion text clear, cohesive, and persuasive. These words act as signposts, helping the reader follow the line of reasoning and understand how different points relate to each other within the text. They also demonstrate the writer's ability to construct a well-organized argument and consider multiple perspectives, which enhances the text's overall effectiveness.
General structure of Discussion Text
– Issue: stating the issue which is to be discussed
– Argument pro: presenting the point in supporting the presented issue
– Argument cons: presenting other points which disagree to the supporting point
– Conclusion/recommendation: stating the writer’ recommendation of the discourse
Purpose of Discussion text
– To present two points of view about issues or problems.
– To present arguments from differing points of view about the issue or problem.
Language feature of Discussion text
– Introducing category or generic participant
– Using thinking verb; feel, hope, believe, etc
– Using contrastive conjunction; however, on the other hand, but, in other side, although, though, even though in spite of, despite,
– Using modalities; must, shall, can, may, will
– Using adverbial of manner; deliberately, hopefully, etc
– Simple present
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 cause no pollution as we would get when burning fossil
fuels. The advantages of nuclear plant are as follow:
It costs about the same coal, so it is not expansive
to make.
It does not produce smoke or carbon dioxide, so it
does not contribute to the greenhouse effect.
It produces huge amounts of energy from small
amount of uranium. It produces small amount of waste. It is reliable.
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 can be 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
National Exam in Pros and Cons
National
exam becomes the hot topic in most of discussions. Though the Supreme Court has
rejected an appeal by the government on the organization of the national exams,
the controversy over whether it is necessary to maintain the national exams
(UN) has continued. Some debates include the primary questions such as; does
the quality of Indonesia education depend on the national exam? will the
quality of the Indonesian education system worsen without national exam?
People,
who support the national exam explain that the quality of the Indonesia
education system will drop without the national exam, so they try to defend the
current system.
However,
there are people who disagree with the opinion. Those who against this national
exam kept in our high school education say that it doesn’t need the national
exams because the quality of education does not just depend on the national
exam. Further, the national exam only measures a small portion of students’
competence in specific subjects, and does not measure students’ competences
throughout the semester. In fact, the national examination can still be useful
as an instrument to evaluate or detect the level of students’ cognitive
competence in several subjects, on a national scale
