discussion text homework

Discussion text

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Discussion text: definition, structure, and example

Hello, English learners!

Hope you’re doing well and still excited to take a deep dive into the world of English! 

Today, we are going to learn all about discussion text! 

What is a discussion text?

Imagine you and your friends are chatting about a topic, and each of you has a different perspective or opinion.

A discussion text is like that conversation written down! 

It’s all about presenting various viewpoints and arguments, so that readers can understand the different aspects and make their own informed decisions.

Usually, a discussion text starts with an introduction to the topic, followed by the presentation of different perspectives. Each viewpoint is supported by reasons and evidence, and the writer often wraps things up with a conclusion that summarizes the discussion and may even offer a personal opinion.

What are the purposes of a discussion text?

• Inform : A discussion text aims to inform readers about a particular topic, issue, or question by presenting different perspectives, opinions, or arguments.
• Encourage critical thinking : By exploring various viewpoints, discussion texts encourage readers to think critically, analyze different perspectives, and develop their own opinions.
• Stimulate debate : By presenting contrasting ideas, discussion texts can spark conversations and debates among readers, fostering a deeper understanding of the issue at hand.

What are the characteristics of a discussion text?

1. thinking verbs .

These verbs describe mental processes or cognitive actions, such as thinking, believing, understanding, considering, or assuming. They can be employed in a discussion text to present the thoughts or opinions of the writer, experts, or others involved in the debate.

Example: Many believe that the government should invest more in renewable energy.

2. Modal verbs 

Modal verbs (such as can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must) express possibility, probability, necessity, or obligation. They can be used in discussion texts to indicate the level of certainty or commitment to a particular viewpoint. 

Example: Parents should encourage their children to read more books.

3. Adverbs of manner

Adverbs of manners describe how an action is performed, giving more information about a verb. They can be helpful in a discussion text to provide emphasis or to clarify the way a point is being made. Some common adverbs of manners include clearly, quickly, slowly, carefully, and strongly.

Example: The economy has grown rapidly in recent years, leading to an increase in job opportunities.

4. Connectives 

Connectives are words or phrases that link ideas, sentences, or paragraphs. They help guide the reader through the text and show the relationships between the different arguments. Some common connectives used in discussion texts include ‘however,’ ‘on the other hand’, ‘in contrast’, ‘moreover’, ‘furthermore’.

Example: The new law is expected to improve public safety, however , some critics argue that it infringes on personal freedom.

5. Passive voice 

Passive voice can be used in discussion texts to provide a more neutral tone or to focus on the action rather than the agent performing it. For example, “It is believed that…” or “It has been suggested that…” are passive constructions that emphasize the point being made without referring to a specific person or group

Example: It is believed that practising mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress and improve overall well being.

6. Reported speech 

Reported speech, otherwise known as indirect speech is a way to convey what someone else has said or written without quoting them directly. This can be useful in discussion texts when referring to the opinions or arguments of experts or other sources. 

Example: According to various studies, people who exercise regularly are less likely to develop chronic health issues. 

What is the structure of a discussion text?

1. statement of issue .

This is the opening part of a discussion text, where the writer introduces the topic or issue that will be discussed. The statement of issue provides a brief overview and sets the context for the debate. It should be clear, concise, and engaging to capture the reader’s attention.

So, it might look something like this…

Over the past decade, the rise of social media platforms has transformed the way people communicate and interact with each other. Although social media offers numerous benefits, such as increased connectivity and access to information, concerns have emerged about its potential impact on mental health, especially among young people. This discussion will explore the advantages and drawbacks of social media usage, aiming to provide a balanced understanding of its effects on mental well-being.

2. List of supporting points 

After presenting the issue, the writer should provide a list of points that support one side of the debate. These points should be well-reasoned and backed by evidence, such as facts, examples, or expert opinions. Each supporting point should be presented in a separate paragraph, with a clear topic sentence and relevant details.

Based on the above example, the supporting points can be…

One of the best things about social media is that it connects people all over the world. This means that people can keep in touch with friends and family even when they live far away. This virtual connection can offer emotional support and foster a sense of belonging, which can be particularly important for those who may feel isolated or disconnected in their daily lives

Social media also serves as a powerful tool for sharing information and raising awareness about important issues, such as social justice, environmental concerns, and public health. By providing a platform for individuals and organizations to amplify their voices, social media can contribute to positive change and promote global awareness

3. List of contrast points

Following the supporting points, the writer should present a list of contrast points that represent the opposing side of the debate. Like the supporting points, these points should be well-reasoned and backed by evidence. Presenting contrast points helps to provide a balanced view of the issue and encourages the reader to consider different perspectives.

Continuing from the example above, you can write…

Despite these benefits, excessive use of social media has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Studies suggest that constantly comparing oneself to others online may lead to feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem, which can negatively impact mental health.

Moreover, the prevalence of cyberbullying and online harassment on social media platforms can create toxic environments and exacerbate mental health issues. Victims of cyberbullying may experience increased stress, anxiety, and depression, and in some cases, these negative experiences can have long-lasting consequences.

4. Recommendations 

After presenting both supporting and contrast points, the writer may choose to offer recommendations based on the discussion. In this section, the writer synthesizes the information from the discussion and offers practical suggestions that take into account both the positive and negative aspects of the issue. This helps the reader to consider possible actions or changes that could address the problem or improve the situation.

You know the drill! We are continuing the previous text!

Considering the potential benefits and drawbacks of social media use, it is recommended that individuals set boundaries and practice moderation to maintain a healthy balance in their online lives. Moreover, educational institutions and parents can play a crucial role in promoting digital literacy and responsible social media usage among young people.

That’s it! Now, you’ve mastered all about the discussion text! Easy peasy lemon squeezy right?

Now, go forth and create engaging and thought provoking discussion texts to inspire meaningful conversation! 

Happy discussing! 

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How to write a discussion text

A Discussion text gives both sides of an argument and may (or may not) include your opinion at the end.  If you are learning English to study a subject at an English-speaking college or university or are preparing for examinations such as Cambridge FCE and CAE, you will need to know how to write a Discussion.

There are 9 tasks in this lesson.  When you see the word Task , stop for a moment and do the exercise.  You will learn more that way.

In this lesson, we are going to look at the idea that:

Smoking in public places, even outside, should be illegal

Ordering the text

How you order the text is called 'text staging'.  In English, readers will expect the text to be ordered in a particular way.  This is often different from the way the information is ordered in other languages.  There are really only two ways to order the text:

The first way:

In this way, you give all the positive points and explain them before you give the negative points.

The second way:

In this way, you mix positive and negative points in the middle of the text.

Task 2 : what are these sentences doing?  Where do they belong in the diagrams?

• This is a difficult issue and there are arguments on both sides.
• In general, I believe that .... because ....
• Firstly, the research shows that this is a good thing because ...
• However, on the other hand, many people argue that ...
• Smoking in public places, even outside, is now illegal in many countries.

Click here when you have an answer .

• This is a difficult issue and there are arguments on both sides. This belongs in the introduction after you have said what the subject is.  It is the general comment.
• In general, I believe that .... because .... This is a statement of your view and should come at the end of the text.
• Firstly, the research shows that this is a good thing because ... This is the first argument for the idea.
• However, on the other hand, many people argue that ... This is an argument against the idea.
• Smoking in public places, even outside, is now illegal in many countries. This is a good opening sentence which tells the reader clearly what the subject is.

The introduction

For a discussion, you don't need to write much here.  For our example, something like the following is enough:

Whether people should be allowed to smoke in public spaces such as in the street, on beaches and in parks is not a simple problem.  There are arguments on both sides: protecting the health of other people and allowing the individual his or her freedom.

Task 3 : We have done three things here.  What are they?  Click here when you have an answer .

• We have told the reader the subject of the discussion: Whether people should be allowed to smoke in public spaces
• We have said what we understand by public spaces outside: such as in the street, on beaches and in parks
• We have made a general comment about the sorts of arguments which will follow: protecting the health of other people and allowing the individual his or her freedom

The main part of the text

This is where you must set out your arguments carefully.  Remember to have both negative and positive points.  It doesn't matter here what you think personally.  This is a Discussion!

Task 4 : in the diagrams above, there were two ways to organise this part.  Without looking back, can you remember what they are? Click here when you have the answer .

• You can put all the positive things first and then put all the negative ones or
• You can mix them up: positive but negative, positive but negative and so on.

Task 5 : Did you do Task 1 ?  If not, do it now.  It asked you to think of two things in favour of allowing smoking in public places and two things against allowing it.  Here are some possibilities:

When you have your list, you can start to link the ideas together.

Joining the ideas

Task 6 : Try putting the ideas on the left with the ideas on the right and using linking words such as but, However, On the other hand and although . Put each set of two ideas in separate paragraphs. Click here when you have done that to see an example paragraph .

Here's an example.  You may have something very different but that doesn't matter.  It's the ordering which is important.  Notice the words in red that link the ideas together. Paragraph 1: Although individuals have rights which the society must be careful about, we should always think about the good of society as a whole.  An individual can smoke at home or in private but on the streets or in parks, it is the majority we must think about.  The majority of people don't smoke. Paragraph 2: In the open air, when there is a little wind, nobody can smell the smoke so it can't hurt them but in very busy places, that is not always true. Paragraph 3: Smoking makes the beach and the streets look bad with cigarette ends all over them.  However , it will be very difficult for the police to control what people do in public places.  The police are very busy people with more important things to think about. Paragraph 4: It is probably true that some people will always want to smoke.  On the other hand , it is clear that smoking is bad for you and costs the hospitals and the government a lot of money.  So it is the government's job to help people to stop smoking.  Making smoking in public spaces illegal will do that.

Adding examples

In a Discussion, you need to keep the style appropriate and avoid things like I am sure that, obviously, I know and so on.  Try to use words which make you sound more objective such as we should, it is probably true and so on.

The conclusion

Now we have the text almost finished.  All we need to put in is a final paragraph.  This should say again what the general point was in the introduction and give your own opinion. Task 8 : Write your paragraph for this text and then click here for an example .

As we see, it is not easy to keep the rights of the individual and the good of society together and there are no easy answers.  However, on balance, I believe that the rights of individuals are very important and, personally, I would not make smoking in open public spaces illegal.

Task 9 : Finally, try this gap-fill test to see if you can put words and phrases into the right parts of a Discussion text .

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