Discussion text

1. Generic Structure

1.1. 1) General statement/ statement of issue

1.2. 2) Arguments

1.2.1. Arguments for/pro

1.2.2. Arguments against/contra

1.3. 3) Conclusion or recomendation

2. Grammar and Language Features

2.1. 1) Use of the Simple Present Tense

2.2. 2) Use of medium to high degrees of modality

2.3. 3) Use of quoted and reported speech to support arguments

2.4. 4) Use of passive voice to change focus of sentences

2.5. 5) Focus on beginning of sentences

2.6. 6) Use of complex combination of clauses

2.7. 7) Use of complex sentences

3. Definition

3.1. Discussion Text is a text aimed at presenting argument and information from at least two different viewpoints

4. Social/ Language Function

4.1. to present arguments from differing points of view about issue or problem

4.2. to present (at least) two points of view about issue or problem