Preface

In this happy situation, the writer wants to say her deepest thanks to Allah
SWT because she can follow the activity in PPG Daljab 2021 and get the
best university in Jakarta. That is Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta. The
best lecturer and have a good friends in her class (Pendidikan Bahasa
Inggris). So, the writer feels so great and tries to do her best.

In this simple module, the writer tries to make teaching materials about
Discussion Text (Problem Based Learning). But, this is her first time make
a module. The writer hopes any suggestion or critic about this teaching
material because nobody’s perfect. I hope this modul may give some
benefit to another who uses it.

Thank you.
Pidie, September 2021

Writer

i
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE ............................................................................................ i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................... ii
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ............................................................ 1
A. SHORT DESCRIPTION ........................................................ 1
B. RELEVANCE ........................................................................ 1
C. LEARNING GUIDE ............................................................... 2
CHAPTER II DISCUSSION TEXT ....................................................... 3
A. LEARNING OUTCOMES ...................................................... 3
B. PROBLEM............................................................................. 4
C. LEARNING MATERIAL ......................................................... 5
D. DISCUSSION FORUM .......................................................... 14
CHAPTER III CLOSING SECTION ...................................................... 15
A. SUMMARY ............................................................................ 15
B. REFLECTION ....................................................................... 16
C. FORMATIVE TEST ............................................................... 16
D. KEY ANSWER ...................................................................... 19
BIBLIOGRAPHY

ii
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

A. SHORT DESCRIPTION
Do you ever discuss? We often discuss to find a solution of a problem
faced. In the discussion, of course there are pros and cons because
the discussion is actually to get consensus or agreement from others.
We do discussion not only in the world of education, but we also often
discuss for small things like asking for opinions. Well, actually one of
English genre of text is Discussion Text. It brings the same discourse
as when we discuss something.
This modul deals with Discussion Texts, ones that give for and
against, the positive and negative, or the good points and the bad
points – viewing things from two sides. This covers a wider area of life,
such as entertainments, law, science, education, and politics. Some
popular examples include talkback radio, debates, current affairs,
letters to the editor, essays, and newspaper articles. The purpose of
this text type is to present to the readers or listeners different opinions
on a topic and, at the end of the text would be the writer/speaker‘s own
opinion as a conclusion.

B. RELEVANCE
Throughout their lives, students require skills of decision making.
Students need to consider different points before they finally make a
rational decision. They have to think clearly and critically within a wide
range of life sectors. This modul will help students’ comprehension
about discussion text as well as to dig their creativity in creating an
effective and good discussion text.

1
C. LEARNING GUIDE
How It Works
This unit consists of a few parts. In order to better achieve the
expected learning outcome, you should make sure to study the whole
learning material and activities presented in this unit of the module.
You are provided with supporting media and documentation, which
can be opened, downloaded or viewed on-line. To share with either
the instructor or other participants, it is necessary for you to take part
in Discussion Forum as scheduled. Formative Test is available to
complete to get a quick picture of mastery of this unit material. It is
recommended that you explore relevant materials from other
resources as well, including the ones listed in the References.

2
 CHAPTER II
DISCUSSION TEXT

D. LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Attitude
Having studied the learning materials and experienced learning
activities of this type of text, you are expected to be able:
 To uphold and apply religious values, moral values, ethical
values, personal and social values, more specifically being
able to think clearly and critically, becoming aware that facts
can be interpreted in different ways, and being able to make
rational decisions throughout the students‘ lives.
2. Knowledge
Having studied the learning materials and experienced learning
activities of this type of text, you are expected to be able:
 To Understand, apply, and compare the social functions, text
structures, and lexico-grammatical features of Biography
relevant to the contexts of situation.

3
 3. Skill
Having studied the learning materials and experienced learning
activities of this type of text, you are expected to be able:
 Analyze social function, generic structure and language
features of discussion text.
 Create a discussion text based on the generic structure.

E. PROBLEM
Look at the Pictures!

https://news.detik.com/berita-jawa-tengah/d-4998246/masa-belajar-di-
rumah-siswa-kota-magelang-diperpanjang-sampai-16-mei

1. What do you think about the picture?

2. Are you agree or disagree with Online Learning? Give the reason?

4
F. LEARNING MATERIAL
1. Definition
What is actually DiscussionText? Below is a selected link to a video on
discussion text. Click on the link and study the content.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2xYQoFyQdA
DISCUSSION TEXT. MATERI BAHASA INGGRIS KELAS 12 SMA.

Having viewed the video, can you outline ‘Discussion Text‘ in a few
sentences?

2. Purpose
- To present two points of view about issue or problem.
- To present arguments from differing points of view about issue
or problem.

3. Generic structure
a. Issue
Usually at the beginning of a paragraph an example of a
discussion text whose contents state an issue. In this section
there is a mapping of the problem which will be debated in the
next paragraph.

5
 b. Argument pro/Supporting Points
Presenting discussion points that support or pro with the issue
being discussed. Each paragraph has at least two components,
namely the main idea and description or elaboration. In this
section, data in the form of numbers, graphs, or notes are
usually presented to support the ideas conveyed.
c. Argument cons/ Contrastive Points
On the other hand, this section describes views which are
opposite or disagree with the supporting points. In this section
there are two main components, namely the main idea and
elaboration. To strengthen the idea, you can also enter data in
this section.
d. Conclusion/recommendation
It is the closing paragraph of the discussion text. This section
can contain conclusions or recommendations of the writers on
the issue or discourse being discussed.

4. Language Feature:
 Simple present
 Using thinking verb
Such as; feel, hope, believe, etc
 Using contrastive conjunction
Such as; however, on the other hand, but, in other side,
although, etc
 Using modalities
Such as; must, should, could, may, etc
 Using adverbial of manner
Such as; deliberately, hopefully, etc

6
Example of Discussion Text
Look at the example of Discussion Text and the description of Generic
Structure and Language Features below!
GENERIC LANGUAGE
TITLE
STRUCTURE FEATURES
The advantages and Disadvantages of
Distance Learning
SIMPLE
A few years ago, distance learning was
PRESENT
seen as an inferior way but nowadays even
famous and established traditional colleges THINKING
ISSUE
and universities are providing distance learning VERB

courses and it is generally considered a way to

MODALITY
improve one’s life.
However, people still argue whether CONTRASTIVE
distance learning give more advantage or CONJUNCTION
disadvantage. Some of them who see the
benefit of distance learning will say that
ADVERBIAL
distance learning needs no commuting. Of
OF MANNER
course it saves money and time that students
would take. Furthermore, distance learning can
be done at any student’s convenience. Mostly

ARGUMENTS of the classes of distance learning are

PRO asynchronous. It means that students do not
have to attend a lecture at a fixed particular
time and place. Students can review the
assignments and do their homework during off-
hours or from home. Additionally, distance
learning gives more accessibility. No one can
deny it. People with limited mobility may
encounter the problem when they take
traditional class. With the online class system,

7
 the problem is absent.
Despite the many advantages, the other
people will see that distance learning is costly
and needs complex technology. To attend
online learning, student must have a computer
with possibly access to the internet. Admitted
or not, such technology devices are not always
available for common students. Another
disadvantage of distance learning is that it
ARGUMENTS
CONTRA does not provide immediate feedback. Unlikely
traditional classroom, students have to wait for
the feedback and comment until the instructor
has review the works and sent response to
them. Most of the time students will study
alone. Distance learners may feel isolated or
miss that social physical interaction that comes
with attending a traditional classroom.
Regarding the individual’s learning style,
some students are able to learn when there is
a live interaction between them and the
CONCLUSION/
RECOMMENDATI available of accompanying teacher while
ON
others don’t really need it. So before deciding a
choice of attending distance learning or not,
each student needs to do a fair analysis
regarding the kind of person he/she is.

8
TASK 1
Having learnt the materials about Discussion Text, it’s time to assess
your comprehension. Based on the text 1, discuss the following
questions with your partner:

1. What is the social function of the text?

2. Write down the Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance
Learning by Listing the point on the Table!

NO Advantages Disadvantages

9
TASK 2

Read the text below, the analyze the Generic structure and Language
Features! Write it into a table given!

Positive & Negative Impacts Of Internet 5G

The Internet has been being revolutionized nowadays. This appears in

almost all sides of daily life, whether in business, communication, etc. The
newest trend that will occur recently is internet 5G.

Internet 5G is the upgraded version of internet 4G. The power of this

version is faster and better than the predecessor. Internet 5G can make it
easier for people to find out any information from any sources.
However, would it be good forever? We will see the benefits as well as the
drawbacks of the internet 5G.It provides limitless access to any kinds of
information.

People can enjoy everything easily with the amazing internet speed.
Besides, everybody can learn and search any information in different
subjects through millions of websites.

Moreover, there is no need for people to get bored while waiting for files
on the internet. It is because internet 5G provides the best system to
access the internet.

10
Internet 5G also provides a better and bigger prospect to grow business or
marketing. We will be able to gain wider markets and reach more potential
customers through internet 5G.

In spite of devouring good sides, internet 5G also has weaknesses.

Internet 5G is more possible to get people closer to any Illegal activities. It
is because everyone can access the internet easily with no trouble.

More than that, people will tend to be lazier because internet 5G has made
everything easier. People can also be addicted to the internet since they
can access what they like through the internet, no matter if it is good or
bad.

In conclusion, internet 5G may be good because it provides better access

to any information. Yet, it also contributes negative impacts for everyone.
So, use it wisely to help us live better.

Source: https://inggrism.com/blog/contoh-discussion-text/

GENERIC STRUCTURE PARAGRAPH

ISSUE

ARGUMENTS PRO

ARGUMENTS CONTRA

CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION

11
LANGUAGE FEATURES SENTENCES

 …
 …
Simple present  …
 …
 …



Using thinking verb 



Using contrastive 

conjunction 





Using modalities 



Using adverbial of 

manner 



12
TASK 3

Please, arrange these paragraphs into a good discussion text.

GENERIC
TEXT ARRANGEMENT
STRUCTURE
Distance learning provides more
availability. Nobody can reject it. With
the presence of an online class
method, students can still attend the
class whatever their condition.
Students will learn and work alone
most of the time. Students can feel
isolated and get less physical and
social interaction.
For whatever reasons, people are now
starting to switch conventional learning
to distance learning. But, people still
debate if distance learning contributes
more benefits or drawbacks.
The proponents of distance learning
say it is better since it requires no
commuting. Then, it saves time and
money for students. Also, distance
learning is more convenient for them.
Distance learning may be good, but it
does not mean this method has
nothing to deny. Regarding the
advantages and disadvantages, it’s
good to see individuals’ learning style
before deciding to use online or
traditional learning.
Despite the advantages, the
opponents still find problems with
distance learning. They say that
distance learning is more costly. It also
requires complex technology.
Another drawback of online class is
there is no immediate feedback. Not
likely the traditional classroom,
students should wait for comments or
feedback. It is because the teacher
has to review and send responses.
Source: https://inggrism.com/blog/contoh-discussion-text/

13
G. DISCUSSION FORUM
So far, you have studied the materials and experienced the activities
presented in this unit. However, you may need to confirm
understanding and share ideas with other participants and/or
instructor. Besides, your participation is rated. Therefore, get involved
in the Discussion Forum at the period pre-set by the instructor.
A few things to take into account when having an effective discussion
here are:
1. Consider other participants‘ ideas before giving your own ideas.
2. Avoid giving ideas with answering a question-like style.
3. Be always punctual in joining the discussion forum.
4. Quantity and quality of participation is priority.

14
 CHAPTER III
CLOSING SECTION

A. SUMMARY

Discussion text is a text which presents a problematic discourse. This

problem will be discussed from different viewpoints. The topics

discussed in the discussion text itself are usually issues that occur in

the community. Discussion is commonly found in philosophical,

historical, and social text. In other word, Discussion is a kind of text

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

General structure of Discussion Text :

– Issue : stating the issue which is to discussed

– Argument pro : presenting the point in 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

Language feature of Discussion text :

– Simple present

– Using thinking verb

– Using contrastive conjunction

– Using modalities

– Using adverbial of manner

15
B. REFLECTION
To review your understanding about what you have studied in this
modul answer the following questions:
a) How can you define discussion text?
b) What are the social functions of discussion text?
c) How is discussion text structured?
d) What are the language features commonly found in discussion
text?

C. FORMATIVE TEST
Read the following text then answer the question by choosing
A,B,C, or D!

The Pros and Cons of Offline School in the Midst of a Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic affects many aspects of our lives, including

school. Schools are held online at students’ respective home. However,
there is a discourse that schools will be reopened in July 2020 or January
2021.

Many parents are worried their children will have to return to school in the
near future. It is because some local governments have included plans for
reopening schools in the new normal policy. For example, Central Java
Education and Culture Office will enforce the implementation of the new
normal in its region starting July 2020. Some options emerge such as
imposing a shifting system, limiting the number of students, and
implementing existing health protocols.

On the other hand, epidemiologist dr. Dicky Budiman advises not to open
the school until the situation gets better. He says that schools reopening
are risky, and it probably rises to the second wave of the coronavirus. The
students can go back to schools only if the preparation is done and

16
screening process is fulfilled. Furthermore, if the screening process is not
fulfilled, schools reopening are not recommended for it is dangerous.

In the end, Offline School can only be done if the situation in our country
gets better, or zero case. Since the case is still rising these days, online
school is the best option to avoid the new cluster.

Source: https://www.kompas.com/skola/read/2020/12/29/211116369/contoh-
discussion-text-tentang-covid-19

1. What is the purpose of the text?

A. To debate about Offline School in the Midst of a Pandemic.
B. To recommend the readers about Learning system in the Midst of
a Pandemic.
C. To criticise some very important problems of school to the
governments
D. To present different perspectives on an issue about Offline School
in the Midst of a Pandemic
E. To discuss two or more topics at the same time

2. The third paragharph of discussion texts above is………………….

A. Issue
B. Conclusion
C. Argument Pro
D. Recommendation
E. Argument Contra

3. What is the epidemiologist’s advice?

A. The students can go back to schools
B. Schools may open even risky
C. Schools may not be opened until the situation gets better
D. Online school is the best option to avoid the new cluster

17
 E. Schools may open by imposing a shifting system, limiting the
number of students, and implementing existing health protocols.

4. From the text above, we can inferred that….

A. Schools may open by implementing existing health protocols.
B. The students can go back to schools even if screening process is
not fulfilled
C. Online school is the best option to avoid the new cluster
D. Schools reopening are recommended.
E. Schools may not be opened until the situation gets better
5. “…..the best option to avoid the new cluster.” ( last Paragraph)
The underlined word has similar meaning to…
A. Prevent B. Leave C. Get in D. Allow E. Escape

18
C. KEY ANSWER

1. D
2. E
3. C
4. C
5. A

19
 REFERENCES

Suwartono. 2019. PENDALAMAN MATERI BAHASA INGGRIS, MODUL

6: ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC CONTEXT. Jakarta: kementerian
Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan

https://www.mynextexam.com/blog/article/distance-learning-advantages-
and-disadvantages

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2xYQoFyQdA

http://britishcourse.com/discussion-text-definition-generic-structures-
purposes-language-features.php

https://www.kompas.com/skola/read/2020/12/29/211116369/contoh-
discussion-text-tentang-covid-19

https://news.detik.com/berita-jawa-tengah/d-4998246/masa-belajar-di-
rumah-siswa-kota-magelang-diperpanjang-sampai-16-mei

https://inggrism.com/blog/contoh-discussion-text/