Discussion

Purpose

The purpose of a discussion is to consider an issue, topic or themes from different points of view. Where an exposition requires you to demonstrate the reasons for your opinion, a discussion requires you to demonstrate your understanding behind various opinions. Usually you will be required to 'debate' a topic - for and against. Always remember that you are not to give your own opinion, rather, you are to examine the opinions as objectively as possible.

Tone

The tone and register of a discussion should be formal and serious. Always remember that you are examining, objectively, different sides of an argument.

Features of a discussion

• Formal tone - avoid slang and colloquialisms and use formal language wherever possible.
  
  
• Third person - avoid 'I'.
  
  
• Opinion - this text form does not utilise your own opinion. Be careful not to include it. The task is designed for you to demonstrate how well and clearly you can understand different sides of an argument. Of course, you may well have your own opinion, but it is important that you are capable of considering issues from other people's perspectives.
  
  
• Another aspect of avoiding bias in a discussion form is to ensure that you include an equal number of points for both sides of the argument.

Hints for writing a discussion

• You cannot be wrong in English, as long as you have evidence to support each opinion. How you support these opinions is more important than the opinions themselves.
  
  
• Avoid any bias in your composition. Try very carefully to deliver an equal discussion on both sides of an argument. Consider it as though you are writing for an audience that needs to make up their own minds. You really need to make sure that you keep your language formal and objective at all times to avoid bias.
  
  
• Using quotes is a great way to demonstrate a really good knowledge of a text or subject. Be sure to know how your teacher expects you to cite other people's work and do this accurately.
  
  
• Where possible, try to make your arguments for and 'against' on similar topics. For example, if you have one argument that states that "15-year-olds should have drivers licences because they are responsible", your equivalent against argument should be evidence that demonstrates that 15-year-olds are irresponsible.
  
  
• When you are planning make sure that you have understood exactly what the question is asking you and what the marking guidelines mean. Refer to Topic 1 Chapter 2 for more practical information.
  
  
• When you are editing, do more than check for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Always ask, "Am I fulfilling the requirements for this task?"

Structure

Introduction (refer to Topic 1 Chapter 5 for more detail)

• Define the topic
• Briefly outline points for and against
• Note: You should not include anything in your introduction that is not addressed in the body of your composition.

Body/paragraphs (refer to Topic 1 Chapter 4 for more detail)

For:

• Topic sentence
• Supporting points and elaboration
• Linking sentence
• Note: refer to the question as often as possible. A good way to do this is to consistently use the keywords from the question and from your introduction throughout your essay.

Against:

• Topic sentence
• Supporting points and elaboration
• Linking sentence
• Note: refer to the question as often as possible. A good way to do this is to consistently use the keywords from the question and from your introduction throughout the essay.

Conclusion (refer to Topic 1 Chapter 5 for more detail)

• Restate the arguments for and against.