Discussion
(Factual and response genres)
A discussion explores several sides of an issue

Structure
• Lead-in sentence to state the topic and capture interest
• No view on the question in the introduction
• Should include signposts to the issues to be raised
• A balanced presentation of the issues
• One argument per paragraph
• Paragraphs must have a topic sentence followed by elaboration with evidence and examples
• Conclusion summarises the main points with new information
• The conclusions ncludes your own view – for/ against / on the fence. It should be a strong statement (e.g. It can be concluded that…”


Language features
• Keep a distance from the topic
• No emotional language
• Occasional dramatic questions for effect (rhetorical questions)
• Write about the topic in general terms
• Verbs iclude “agree” “ disagree” (It is believed that… ; Experts agree that…)
• Nominalisation of concepts


More information
More ideas and examples about discussions can be found in
•Targeting text (series), Blake Education, Glebe N.S.W.
• Anderson, M 1997, Text types in English, Macmillan, 1998.
• English Elements (series), Jacaranda Wiley, Milton, Qld.
• Whitfield, M 2001, Targeting writing across the curriculum, Blake Education, Glebe, N.S.W.
• Schill, J 1998, On track: working with texts, Heinemann, Port Melbourne.
• Excel essential skills (series), Pascal, Glebe, N.S.W.

Interactive example (Jenny Eather)

Printable version