Discussion Text

Social Function

To present (at least) two points of view about an issue.

Generic Structure

1. Issue:
Statement
Preview

2. Arguments for against or statement of differing points of view:
Point
Elaboration

3. Conclusion or recommendation

Significant Lexicogrammatical Features

1. Focus on generic human and generic non-human Participants

2. Use of:
Material Processes, e.g. has produced, have developed, to feed
Relational Processes, e.g., is, could have, cause are
Mental Processes, e.g., feel.

3. Use of Comparative, contrastive and Consequential conjunctions
4. Reasoning expressed as verbs and nouns (abstraction).

Berikut adalah contoh Discussion text / example of discussion text:

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.

source : http://titaviolet.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/discussion-text/