The Problems of Reading
within a particular s core.‖
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This statement defines that a text is more than an objective, a text is constructed through meaning. A text is valued from the
meaning listed in. There are two main categories of texts, literary and factual.
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Within these, there are various text types. Each type has a common and usual way of using
language. Literary text is constructed to appeal to our emotion and imagination. There are main text types in this category such as narrative, poetic and drama.
Meanwhile, Factual present information or ideas and aim to show, tell or invite the audience. The main text types of factual text are recount, response,
explanation, discussion, information report, exposition and procedure. In other word, discussion text is one types of factual text that present to the audience both
sides of the topic either it is a good point or bad point. Anderson in his book state that discussion text is a text that gives the for and
against, the positive and negative, or the good points and the bad points towards a topic discussed. The purpose of a discussion text is to present to the audience
different opinions on a topic and, at the end, your opinion. It can be understood that discussion text is a type of text that presents both side of the case including
the positive or negative statement. Experiencing discussion texts can help students to think clearly and
critically. It encourages students to listen and respond to others‘ opinions, and ask related question. Therefore, discussion texts make students become aware that
actually the facts can be interpreted in different ways and that a variety of opinions toward an issue may be valid. In short, by learning discussion text
students will be wise in facing a determined issue. Throughout their live students will need to make decisions. Either it is a
big decision or a simple one. Hence, it is important for students to develop the skills to look both of sides of an argument objectively before making a decision.
Discussion text will give students opportunity to develop the skills of finding
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Daniel Cottom. Text and Culture: The Politics of Interpretation.. Minneapolis: The University of Minnesota Press, 1989, p. 40.
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Mark Anderson Kathy Anderson, Text Types in English 2, South Yarra: Macmillan, 2003, p. 1.
information to support their arguments and emphasis the importance of anticipating arguments and responding to this.
In addition, Discussion texts are concerned with the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of issues. In effective discussion, all points of view
on an issue are considered and attitudes change when different perspectives are seen.
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It can be concluded, discussion text gives students opportunity to explore different perspective toward an issue. Students are accustomed to the ability in
involving and persuading audience while evaluating the strength of different argument.
There is a summary that can be picked up based on the definition explains above. A discussion text is a text that presenting different opinion of an issue
consists of argument for and arguments again. Learning discussion text related to the real life situation that students will be faced. They have to make a decision,
and the skills in making decision can be learned through learning a discussion text.