CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

We know that there are so many different kinds of text in English, but in fact, we only
know few of them. These texts are hard to find in our daily life, even some of them are not
used in our language. But it is a part of English that we should be able to understand and to
use.
In this paper, we want to present the two of thirteen kinds of text, in this case,
Discussion text and Explanation text. These two kinds of text are hard to understand because
these texts are for advanced level students. That is why we are going to review how to create
and to understand Discussion text and Explanation text. We will explain what discussion and
explanation are, what its purpose are, what its generic structures are, what its features are, and
its examples. We will demonstrate and explain structure parts of its example.

CHAPTER II
DISCUSSION
No
.
1.

Text
Discussion
Text

Definition

Generic Structures

To explore various
perspectives
before
coming to an informed
decision
and
to
processed information
and opinions about
more than one side of
an issue (for points
and againts points).
(Th.M.Sudarwati
+
Eudia Grace. 2007.
LOOK AHEAD 3 unit
3 p.104)
A
discussion
present
differing
opinion, views point or
perspectives on an
issue, enabling the
reader
to
explore
different ideas before
making an informed
decision.
(William
Blake. 2011. Targeting
Text Stage 2 p.94)

Issue

A statement
of
position
supplying
necessary background
information. This is an
opening
statement
presenting the issue
that is being discussed.

Supporting Arguments
Arguments
or
evidence from pros
points of view and its
supporting evidence. In
this section , the author
presents the opinion
that support the issue .
In each paragraph
Supporting
Point
consists
of
two
components which are
the main ideas of
paragraphs
and
elaboration
or
explanation of the main
idea of the paragraph.

Contrasting Arguments
Argument
or
evidence from cons
points of view and its
supporting evidence. In
this section , the author
presents
further
arguments against the
issue or problem . As in
paragraph Supporting
Point , Contrasting
Points also present two

Language Features
The use of general
nouns
The general
nouns are used to
make statements.
E.g. Machines, cars.
The use of relating
verbs. E.g Is.
The use of thinking
verbs
Express a
personal point of
view.
E.g. consider.
The use of additive
connectives
Use of
connectives to link
arguments. E.g. in
addition.
The use of
contrasting
connectives
Use of
connectives to link
arguments. E.g. in
contrast.
The use of causal
connectives
Use of
connectives to link
arguments. E.g.
because.
The use of
modalities
Use of varying
degree of certainty.
E.g. perhaps, should,
might.

components
forming
the main idea of a
paragraph
is
an
elaboration
or
explanation epidermis
and the main idea of
the paragraph.

2.

Explanatio
n Text

Recommendation
or
Conclusion
A
concluding
recommendation.
In
this section the author
presents
the
conclusions or it could
be recommended to the
issue or issues that
have been discussed
above.
(William Blake. 2011.
Targeting Text Stage 2
p.95)
Title

Explanations have a
title that prepares and
leads the reader to the
text. This can appear in
a variety of forms from
a heading that names
the action to a how and
why question or a
problem that is to be
answered
by
the

explanation.

To explain the
processes involved in
the
formation
and
forking of natural or
indocultural
phenomena.
(Th.M.Sudarwati
+
Eudia Grace. 2007.
LOOK AHEAD 3 unit 2
p.83)
An explanation is
written to explain how
and why something in
the world happens. It is General Statement
A general statement
about actions rather
to
position the reader.
than
about
things.
The first paragraph has
Explanations play a
a general statement that
valuable
role
in
introduces or identifies
building and storing our
the
scientific
or
knowledge. Technical
technical phenomenon.
and scientific writing
It gives the audience a
are often expressed in

The use of adverbs

of manner.
E.g. honestly,
rapidly.
(Th.M.Sudarwati +
Eudia Grace. 2007.
LOOK AHEAD 3
unit 3 p.104)

Focus on generic,
non-human
participants
Usually the
subject is not
human.
E.g. mountain, rain,
video.
The use of general
and abstract nouns.
E.g. heat.
The use of action
verbs
Use action verbs
to explain cause.
E.g. from, started
from.
The use of simple
present tense
The use of passive
voice
Use of passive
voice and nominal

this form.
(William Blake. 2011.
Targeting Text Stage 1
p.50)

brief introduction to the

event or thing and an
understanding of the
type of text that is to
follow.
Sequenced Statements
A
sequenced
explaination of why of
how something occurs.
The logically sequenced
paragraphs explain why
or
how
something
happens rather than
focusing on an object.
The
explanation
sequence should consist
of
a
series
of
happenings,
actions,
causes or processes
thatare the focus of the
text type. This chain of
actions, causes or events
results
in
the
phenomenon
about
which the explanation is
written.
Closing
An
optional
concluding
statement
can
tie
up
the
explanation.
(Crown. 2001. National
Literacy Strategy unit 8
p.1)

CHAPTER III

to link the events

through cause and
effect.
The use of
conjunctions of time
To sequence and
link events and to
keep the text
flowing.
E.g. as, when.
The use of noun
phrases
Use of complex
noun groups to build
detailed
descriptions.
E.g. The enormous
expanse of arid land;
The rampaging,
threatening river.
The use of complex
sentences
The use of technical
language
Use of technical
terms or word
chains about a
subject. E.g. a spider
falls into the family
of arachnids.
(Th.M.Sudarwati
+
Eudia Grace. 2007.
LOOK AHEAD 3 unit 2
p.83)

EXAMPLES

1. DISCUSSION TEXT
2.1 Junior High School
No example
2.2 Senior High School

Is X-Ray Examination Necessary?

Students, can you show me your hands? Right! And can you show me your head?
Excellent! But, can you show me your stomach? Hmmm... can you show me your lungs? No?
Why? Yeah, youre right. Because they are inside our body. So what do you think, how can
we see the internal parts of our body? Yes. We use an X-Ray. So, what is an X-Ray? Does
anybody know? No? Well, an X-Ray is a spectrum of light. It is radiated through our body. It
is used for detecting our internal body organs. Am I making myself clear? Well, let me
continue. Where can you find an X-Ray? Yes, Thats right. It is in a hospital. And do you
know who invented the X-Ray? Does anybody knows? No? Oh come on... nobody
remembers the name? Well, the X-Ray was invented by a German scientist, William Conrad
Rontgen. Where was I? Oh, OK. Hm... when do people use an X-Ray? Correct. When they
are ill. I mean when there is something wrong in their internal parts of their body. Can you
give any examples of illnesses? When people have these diseases they need an X-Ray in
check. Yes. Cancer... kidney trouble, ...heart trouble, ...tumors, etc.
Students, do you know that here are many conflicting opinions about the use of an XRay in a hospital?
Well, look at the chart! 60% of people agree that an X-Ray examination is beneficial.
They say that doctors should use an X-Ray in examining a severe disease. If doctors
dont use an X-Ray, they could miss some important information which is very useful in

making a diagnosis on a patients disease. And this will sometimes cause a doctor to be
inaccurate in prescribing medicine to cure an illness.
However, not all patients agree with the use of an X-Ray examination. Look at the chart
again. 40% of patients disagree with the use of an X-Ray examination. Do you know why?
Guess what?
They think that using an X-Ray will cost them a lot of money. Im not surprised. Thats
really true. Another reason is the radiation of an X-Ray has some risks to body tissues.
Well, as a result of this controversy, many people use a traditional heath care to avoid
the high cost of hospital care. However, hospital will insist on having X-Ray examinations on
patients to get an accurate diagnosis although the cost is very high.
( Look Ahead 3, p.93 )
GENERIC STRUCTURES
Opening Statement

TEXT
Is X-Ray Examination Necessary?
Students, can you show me your
hands? Right! And can you show me your
head? Excellent! But, can you show me your
stomach? Hmmm... can you show me your
lungs? No? Why? Yeah, youre right.
Because they are inside our body. So what do
you think, how can we see the internal parts
of our body? Yes. We use an X-Ray. So, what
is an X-Ray? Does anybody know? No?
Well, an X-Ray is a spectrum of light. It is
radiated through our body. It is used for
detecting our internal body organs. Am I
making myself clear? Well, let me continue.
Where can you find an X-Ray? Yes, Thats
right. It is in a hospital. And do you know
who invented the X-Ray? Does anybody
knows? No? Oh come on... nobody
remembers the name? Well, the X-Ray was
invented by a German scientist, William
Conrad Rontgen. Where was I? Oh, OK.
Hm... when do people use an X-Ray?
Correct. When they are ill. I mean when there

is something wrong in their internal parts of

their body. Can you give any examples of
illnesses? When people have these diseases
they need an X-Ray in check. Yes. Cancer...
kidney trouble, ...heart trouble, ...tumors, etc.
Students, do you know that here are
many conflicting opinions about the use of an
X-Ray in a hospital?

Argument For

Elaboration

Argument Againts

Elaboration

Conclusion

Well, look at the chart! 60% of people

agree that an X-Ray examination is
beneficial.
They say that doctors should use an XRay in examining a severe disease. If doctors
dont use an X-Ray, they could miss some
important information which is very useful in
making a diagnosis on a patients disease.
And this will sometimes cause a doctor to be
inaccurate in prescribing medicine to cure an
illness.
However, not all patients agree with the
use of an X-Ray examination. Look at the
chart again. 40% of patients disagree with the
use of an X-Ray examination. Do you know
why? Guess what?
They think that using an X-Ray will
cost them a lot of money. Im not surprised.
Thats really true. Another reason is the
radiation of an X-Ray has some risks to body
tissues.
Well, as a result of this controversy,
many people use a traditional heath care to
avoid the high cost of hospital care.
However, hospital will insist on having XRay examinations on patients to get an
accurate diagnosis although the cost is very
high.
( Look Ahead 3, p.93 )

2. EXPLANATION TEXT
2.1 Junior High School
No example
2.2 Senior High School

Sound Recording and Reproduction

Sound recordings and reproductions are two separate processes used to record, store,
and play back sounds. Sound recordings use microphones to pick up sound waves in the air.
The pressure changes associated with the waves are converted into electrical signals, which
can be coded and stored for future access. Sound reproduction, or play back, uses additional
devices to retrieve the stored information and convert it back into electrical signals. The
signals are then send to a loudspeaker, which converts them back into sound.
To record sound, a microphone changes the acoustic energy of sound wave in the air
into electrical signals. Inside a microphone is a thin, flat, metallic surface, called a
diaphragm, that is suspended in a magnetic field. When a sound wave reaches the
microphone, the air pressure changes around diaphragm, causing diaphragm to move. This
movement within a magnetic field creates an electrical signal. The signal is then transfered to
a storage medium, such as a cassette tape, a compact disc (CD), or a phonograph record.
To reproduce sound, a playing device such as a CD player, cassette deck, or
phonograph access the stored data. The playing device reads the data and converts the
information back into electric energy. The electrical signal is send to a loudspeaker, which
has a diaphragm housed in a magnetic field in much the same way as a microphones
diaphragm is housed. The electrical signal creates a disturbance in the magnetic field. These
resultant variations in the magnetic field cause the diaphragm to move. As the diaphragm

moves, it pushes out and pulls in, creating changes in air pressure to recreate the sound that
was originally recorded.
Sound recordings and reproduction form the foundation of many industries, including
entertainment, communications, and multimedia businesses. Recording and reproduction of
sound allow people to play their favorite music, whether it was recorded yesterday or many
years ago. Radio networks rely on sound recording and reproduction for storing news and
other type of programming. Television and motion pictures combine images with music,
speech, and sound effects to provide the viewer with an enriched experience. Computer
programs, multimedia software, and video games also use sound in make programs more
engaging.
( Look Ahead 3, p.69-70 )
GENERIC STRUCTURES

General Statement

Sequenced Explaination

TEXT
Sound Recording and Reproduction
Sound recordings and reproductions are
two separate processes used to record, store,
and play back sounds. Sound recordings use
microphones to pick up sound waves in the
air. The pressure changes associated with the
waves are converted into electrical signals,
which can be coded and stored for future
access. Sound reproduction, or play back,
uses additional devices to retrieve the stored
information and convert it back into electrical
signals. The signals are then send to a
loudspeaker, which converts them back into
sound.
To record sound, a microphone changes
the acoustic energy of sound wave in the air
into electrical signals. Inside a microphone is
a thin, flat, metallic surface, called a
diaphragm, that is suspended in a magnetic
field. When a sound wave reaches the
microphone, the air pressure changes around
diaphragm, causing diaphragm to move. This

Closing

movement within a magnetic field creates an

electrical signal. The signal is then transfered
to a storage medium, such as a cassette tape,
a compact disc (CD), or a phonograph
record.
To reproduce sound, a playing device
such as a CD player, cassette deck, or
phonograph access the stored data. The
playing device reads the data and converts
the information back into electric energy. The
electrical signal is send to a loudspeaker,
which has a diaphragm housed in a magnetic
field in much the same way as a
microphones diaphragm is housed. The
electrical signal creates a disturbance in the
magnetic field. These resultant variations in
the magnetic field cause the diaphragm to
move. As the diaphragm moves, it pushes out
and pulls in, creating changes in air pressure
to recreate the sound that was originally
recorded.
Sound recordings and reproduction
form the foundation of many industries,
including entertainment, communications,
and multimedia businesses. Recording and
reproduction of sound allow people to play
their favorite music, whether it was recorded
yesterday or many years ago. Radio networks
rely on sound recording and reproduction for
storing news and other type of programming.
Television and motion pictures combine
images with music, speech, and sound effects
to provide the viewer with an enriched
experience. Computer programs, multimedia
software, and video games also use sound in
make programs more engaging.
( Look Ahead 3, p.69-70 )

CHAPTER IV
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

A. Conclusion
It is conluded that both kind of texts have different purpose, structures and features.
These differences are the very fundamental that each one of them is easy to differenciate.
And from this discussion, it is known that for every one of them, there are several
theories for its purpose, generic stuructures, and language features. Even though there are
several theories for each texts, but they share the same core and understanding.
The reason of there are no junior high school examples for these texts is because
these texts are not yet taught in junior high school and these text are for advanced level
students.
B. Suggestion
We are using three sources of books for the text, and it is proved to be insufficient.
For more thorough explanation to understand discussion text and explanation text,
multiple sources are recommended.

CHAPTER V
REFERENCESS
Th.M.Sudarwati + Eudia Grace. 2007. LOOK AHEAD 3. ERLANGGA.
William Blake. 2011. Targeting Text. Blake Education.
______. 2001. National Literacy Strategy. Crown.

REVISED GROUP ASSIGNMENT

READING V
DISCUSSION TEXT AND EXPLAINATION TEXT

GROUP 2

KODE MATA KULIAH : BENG 351

NAMA DOSEN PENGAJAR : Drs. Aris Djinal

BY:
Agus Dwiriyanto ( 306.12.12.012)
Mutia Rezki ( 306.12.12.005)
Murdiana (306.12.12.018)
Nadia Savitri (306.12.12.019)
Leny Aprianti (306.13.12.256)

JURUSAN PENDIDIKAN BAHASA INGGRIS

SEKOLAH TINGGI KEGURUAN DAN ILMU PENDIDIKAN

PERSATUAN GURU REPUBLIK INDONESIA
(STKIP-PGRI)
BANJARMASIN
2014