Discussion Text

Definition: text that contains a discussion related to an issue.

Generic structure of discussion text

Paragraph 1 An Issue, Opinion

Paragraph 2 Agree argument

Paragraph 3 Contrast argument

Paragraph 4 Conclusion

Language Feature

- use simple present

- contrast conjunction : He eats too much nevertheless, he is thin

even though he eats too much, he is thin

National Exam: Pro and Contra?

National exam becomes the hot topic in most of discussions among students, teachers, and parents. Some people believe that national exam is not necessary for students as a requirement to be able graduate from a school. In other hand, other people see national exam as an important indicator to know whether students have mastered all school materials or not. The debate among society about national examination goes on until now.

For people who agree, national exam is necessary for students as a requirement to graduate from a school. People who support the national exam explain that the quality of the Indonesia education will drop without the national exam, so they try to defend the current system. They also think that national examination can motivate students to study harder.

However there are people who disagree with the opinion. Those who against this national exam kept in school education say that it doesn’t need the national exams because the quality of education does not just depend on the national exam. Further, the national exam only measures a small portion of students’ competence in specific subjects, and does not measure students’ competences throughout the semester.

In conclusion, national examination can still be useful as an instrument to evaluate or detect the level of students’ cognitive competence in several subjects, on a national scale. However, it is not fair if only national exam score that judge whether students pass or not. Government should make a regulation that national exam is not the only requirement for students to graduate. There should be other requirements added such as students’ daily score, behavior, and achievement.

Birth Control

Most people agree that some form of family limitation or spacing is desirable for the good of the family and society. But individuals and groups– especially religious groups–differ sharply on the methods of birth control that they consider moral and acceptable.

Couples that practise birth control do so for various reasons. They may want to limit or space their children or to have no children at all. Young couples often postpone having children so that both partners can work full-time. Other couples space their children so they can give each child as much attention as possible. Some women are advised by their doctors to avoid pregnancy for health reasons. In many countries with rapidly growing populations, the government encourages couples to limit the size of their families.

Even though birth control has gained in acceptance, opposition to the practice is continuous. Some people fear that birth control encourages sexual relations outside marriage or that the government might impose birth control. Some religious groups oppose birth control on moral grounds.

Some religious groups teach that artificial methods of birth control are immoral because they separate the two purposes of intercourse in marriage–conjugal love and the procreation of children. Although they oppose all artificial birth control, they consider natural family planning acceptable.

1. What does the text discuss about?
A. Family planning.
B. The disagreement with birth control.
C. Reason to support family limitation.
D. The two different opinion on birth control.
E. The religious group which disagrees with birth control.

2. The issue of the text is ….
A. government’s population program.
B. family planning programs.
C. family limitation.
D. birth control.
E. sex control.

3. Which of the following reason do not support birth control?
A. To limit family size.
B. To space the children birth.
C. To avoid high family budget.
D. To avoid a risk-health pregnancy.
E. To share much attention with the children.

4. Some women should prevent pregnancy because of … reason.
A. unacceptable.
B. immoral.
C. artificial.
D. limited.
E. health.

5. The religious group feels objected to the birth control because of they….
A. think it doesn’t the government programs.
B. believe it is an immoral practice.
C. believe it is not a natural practice.
D. dread to the health problem.
E. are very conservatives.

6. Other couples space their children so they can give each child as much attention as possible. (par.2) The bold word refers to ….
A. couples.
B. women.
C. families.
D. people.
E. children.

7. Young couples often postpone having children ….(par.2) The bold word means ….
A. suspect.
B. suspend.
C. respect.
D. direct.
E. recall.

8. According to the religious group ….
A. artificial methods of birth control are acceptable.
B. traditional methods of birth control can be accepted.
C. sex intercourse outside the marriage is permitted.
D. intercourse in marriage doesn’t create children.
E. conjugal love in the marriage is immoral to practice.

9. From the text, we can conclude that ….
A. everyone doesn’t agree with a family limitation.
B. the government doesn’t support birth control.
C. the religious group agree of using artificial contraception.
D. some women must not pregnant because of health reason.
E. young couples don’t want to have many children because they are very busy.

10. What is the communicative purpose of the text?
A. Report the birth control in Indonesia.
B. Persuade the reader to do birth control.
C. Present two different views on birth control.
D. Amuse the readers with birth control opinions.
E. Ensure the birth control runs well in Indonesia.

Haftsari Pradana Piliang

Discussion text about online learning

STUDY ON LINE

Study online system is a learning system without face-to-face learning between teachers and students but done online using the internet network. Study online is currently considered a solution in the midst of a pandemic, but it is starting to create controversy. For educators, online learning by studying at home is considered more suitable for assigning tasks that are done online but not effective in delivering material to students. Apart from different infrastructures, not all students have the same technology. The quality of connections, gadgets, and internet quotas which are still expensive are the main obstacles for both educators and students in Indonesian.

Pro :

1. Can be accessed easily

Simply using a smartphone or other technological device such as a laptop connected to the internet, you can access the materials and assignments given.

2. flexible study time

Most people who want to study don't have enough time. This study online is the solution. Time to study can be done at any time without being tied to study hours.

3. Expanding knowledge

Students are not only dependent on the teacher, but can also learn to do research on their own via the internet which provides a large number of learning resources.

4. Train skills in technology

Indirectly, this online learning makes students proficient in the ever-evolving science of information technology.

5. Independence in learning

Study online allows students to study independently. Students can set their own time and dependence on the teacher in carrying out learning tasks.

Counter :

1. Make students lose concentration

Quoted from the internet, the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) received many complaints from parents of students who conveyed that their children were stressed due to the large number of tasks they were given during the period.

2. Standardization of learning materials

Until now, study online in our country has no standard or standard curriculum for the material given to students. However, on average, companies that offer online tutoring are not certain in terms of quality assurance.

3. Focus on learning material

Often students are given assignments via cellphones in media applications, most of them do not focus on doing them. While doing assignments, they are also opening chat applications such as WhatsApp Etc.

4. Limited understanding

This learning is mostly theoretical and has minimal practice because it is not possible to have direct interaction with students so that sometimes students still feel the lessons they understand.

5. Lack of supervision in learning

Lack of supervision in conducting study online makes students sometimes lose focus. With the ease of access, some users tend to procrastinate their study time.

6. Less interaction with teachers

Some online learning methods are one-way. This causes less teacher and student interaction, so it will be difficult for you to get further explanationsr egarding material that has not been understood.

7. Foster envy and jealousy among student

Online learning sometimes makes students always search for all material does not rule out the possibility of finding answers when exams are carried out, sometimes students who study seriously score lower than students who rely on the internet, resulting in feelings of jealousy and envy among students.

•Conclusion :

The solution to this problem is that the government must provide a policy by opening free online application services in collaboration with internet providers and applications to help this study online process. The government must also prepare an online-based learning curriculum and syllabus. For schools it is necessary to carry out technical guidance online the implementation process online and conduct socialization to parents and students through print and social media about the procedures for implementing online learning, in relation to their roles and duties and self-awareness is needed so that the online learning process becomes focused and achieves goals.

1. What does the text discuss about?

A. Study online

B. For educators, online learning by studying at home

C. Online learning sometimes makes students always trivial

D. The positive impact of online learning

E. The influence of online learning

2. The issue of the text is ….

A. Make students lose concentration.

B. Online learning sometimes makes students always happy

C. Lots of time with family

D. Always be happy

E. Eye health depends

Advertisements

There are many reasons for both sides of the question, "Should we have printed advertisement'?" Many people have strong views and feel that ads are nothing more than useless junk mail, while other people feel it is important source information.

There are some reasons why we should have advertisement in newspaper and magazines. One reason is ads give us information about what is available. Looking at ads we can find out what is on sale and what is new in the market. This is an easy way of shopping. Another reason is that advertisement promotes business. When shop owners compete against each other the buyer saves money, more people come to their shops and they sell more goods.

On the other hand, some people argue that ads should not be put in newspapers and magazines for these various reasons. Firstly, ads cost the shopkeepers a lot of money to print onto paper. Also some people don't like finding junk mail in their letter boxes. Ads also influence people to buy items they don't need and can't really afford. Ads use up a lot of space and a lot of effort has to be made the ads eye-catching.

After looking at both sides of issue, I think we should not have advertisements because they cost a lot of money and take up a lot of room in the papers. I don't think I find some of them interesting. I mainly disagree because it's junk mail.

1. Why does the writer present two sides of opinions of advertisements?

A. She/he wants to take side

B. She/he wants to be in the affirmative side

C. She/he uses the opinions to emphasize her own stance

D. She/he wants the readers know the opinion about the issue

E. She/he wants the readers to understand her stance

answer:D

elpina dan siska

Sutiyoso Got Award

Sutiyoso will be given an Asian Air Quality Management Award Friday at an International Conference in Yogyakarta, but some people have questions whether he really deserved the honor. The critics say Sutiyoso has done little to reduce air pollution in the capital.

I think Sutiyoso deserved the award. Although we haven't seen solid air quality management, he has restored the National Monument (Monas) Park to a green cool area where families can go to jog or have a picnic.He also initiated the busway project, which I believe is a good step toward reducing air pollution in Jakarta.

However, the government has to take further action, such as limiting the number of motorcycles in Jakarta. All of the motorcycles on the roads contribute to air pollution in the city.

On the other hand, some people can't understand how Sutiyoso can win this award because he hasn't made any improvement in Jakarta's air management.

Jakarta is becoming more polluted as the authorities cut down more and more trees for transportation projects. And they don't bother to plant new trees to replace the old ones, let alone develop new green areas.The authorities should build more parks in the city to make Jakarta greener and less polluted. Monas park is greener now, but the fences prevent people from getting in. In countries like Singapore and Australia, public parks are pleasant places to hang out.

Questions:

1. Why did people say that Sutiyoso deserved the award?

A. Monas park is green now.

B. Jakarta is becoming more polluted.

C. He has improved Jakarta's air management.

D. He limited the number of motorcycles in the city.

E. He restored the Monas park and initiated the busway project.

2. What has Sutiyoso done to reduce air pollution in Jakarta?

A. Initiating the bus project.

B. Holding an international conference.

C. Limiting the number of motorcycles.

D. Building fences around the Monas park.

E. Cutting down more and more trees.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A. To explain why Sutiyoso got an Asian Air Quality Management Award.

B. To present point of views about the award given to Sutiyoso.

C. To tell readers how to provide solid air quality management.

D. To describe an Asian Air Quality Management Award.

E. To assure readers that Sutiyoso deserved the award.

4. It is not easy to get in the Monas park because ...

A. more and more trees were cut down.

B. It is use for having a picnic.

C. It is use for jogging track.

D. There is a cool area.

E. There are fences.

Muslim's Headscarf

The right to freedom of religion is enshrined in the UN charter and considered by many to be a basic human right. Some religions require special diet, others prayer at specific times. Why should a religious mode of dress receive as much protection as these other aspects of religious freedom?

Many Muslim women view the veil as a means to protect their modesty and privacy. Just as we would not force any women to be seen in public in her underwear if she did not feel comfortable doing so, why should a woman be forced to show her hair if she does not want to? Modesty is a personal judgement, some are comfortable in the smallest bikini while others prefer a lot more clothing. No one but the woman herself should make that decision.

Muslim women are not the only ones to feel coerced over their mode of dress. Most people are affected by the societal norms surrounding them. Fashion trends could be seen in exactly the same light as religious traditions.

Banning head coverings is only likely to provoke a more extreme reaction among highly religious communities. Framing laws to ban only Islamic forms of dress could be considered an attack on one religion. Feeling under attack could cause the Islamic community to close off into itself. They could set up religious schools where their children can dress as they want them to and not mix with children from other faiths. These effects could never be good for the integration of society and would further the influence of extremists. Internationally, the perceived attack on Islamic values would inflame wider Muslim opinion, feed conspiracy theories and add to the dangerous feeling that there is a clash of civilizations.

Intolerant schools make up problems as an excuse for not allowing Muslims freedom of religious expression. In a multicultural society, students should be aware of the different religious practice and cultural traditions of their classmates, and be taught to understand and respect these.

Based on the above discussion, the government should not banned Muslim’s headscarf as a part of school or office uniforms.

1. What is the first paragraph called?

A. Issue

B. Orientation

C. Argument

D. Preview

E. Conclusion

2. What is Muslim women’s view on the veil?

A. It is an obstacle of their freedom

B. It is to protect their modesty and privacy

C. It is a fashion trend among them

D. They feel being forced to wear it

E. It is what their parents told them to wear

3. Paragraph 4 tells us that banning on Muslim headscarf could ….

A. Arouse social conflict among social communities

B. Maintain solidarity among social communities

C. Provoke a more extreme reaction among highly religious communities

D. Teach students social awareness

E. Make Muslim women loose their identity

4. What does the writer suggest?

A. Schools should not be tolerant to any freedom of religious expression

B. Students should know various social groups among the society

C. The government should ban Muslims headscarf because it may arouse conflicts

D. Muslim’s headscarf as a part of school or office uniforms should not be banned

E. Schools are allowed to ban Muslim headscarf because it may arouse many problems

5. “Intolerant schools make up problems as an excuse for not allowing…..” (paragraph 5) The underlined word is synonymous with ……

A. Reason

B. Custom

C. Expectation

D. Evidence

E. Requirement

Pros of Using Contact Lenses

There are undeniable benefits that come when you are using contact lenses:

Full Field of Vision: Contact lenses give you the same vision benefits as your glasses. But they can improve overall vision because you have an entire field of sharp vision wherever you are looking. In addition, contacts move with your eyes, eliminating the distortions or reflections that can occur with glasses. As a result, you have a wider field of vision.

Clearer Sight: Glasses get water spots or fog up when exposed to temperature fluctuations or steam. You don’t have these issues with contact lenses. Additionally, contacts eliminate problems with light reflection on the glass.

Active Lifestyle: Wearing contact lenses can improve your freedom and movement throughout the day. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, it’s nice to participate without worrying about glasses on your face. Contacts don’t bounce around like glasses, and you don’t need to worry about interference with protective headgear (like sports helmets).

Confidence: Many people feel more confident about their appearance when wearing contact lenses. There’s no need to obscure your face with glasses frames.

Cons of Wearing Contact Lenses

While there are many benefits of using contact lenses, there are also a few notable drawbacks that should be considered:

Hygiene Commitment: Caring for your contact lenses requires extra commitment and time to keep up with the cleaning and maintenance routines.

Possible Complications: If you don’t follow proper care and instructions for wearing your contact lenses, you could experience complications or eye infections.

Cost Considerations: Depending on the type of contact lenses you are wearing, it’s possible that contacts will cost more than glasses. Glasses can be worn indefinitely until the prescription needs to be changed. But contact lenses need to be replaced regularly.

These potential cons are easy to overcome, and many people choose to wear contact lenses because the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

1. What does the text discuss about?

A. Pro and cons using Contact Lens

B. Pro and cons using Glasses

C. Pro and cons using Contact Phone

D. Pro and cons using Virtual Lens

E. Pro and cons using Phone

2. Why do people need to take care of their Contact Lens?

A. To keep it from viruses

B. To keep it Hygiene and prevent the entry of germs and bacteria

C. To keep it dehydrated

D. To keep it Hygiene and prevent people using it

E. To keep it Hygiene and polished it with color so your eyes become colorful

3. Who will mostly use Contact Lens?

A. Someone who have issues with ears

B. Someone who have issues with lips

C. Someone who have issues with eyes

D. Someone who have issues with hair

E. Someone who have issues with Eyebrows

4. When will you clean the contact lens?

A. Every time when it's dirty

B. Every week

C. Every time when it's clean

D. Every time according to the routine

E. Every day

5. Where will you use those contact lens?

A. You use it on your eyes

B. You use it on your eyes in the pupil

C. You use it on your eyes in the pupil on each eyes

D. You use it on your eyes exactly on the center

E. You use it in your eyes on the pupil right on the iris

Pros and Cons of National Exam

National exam becomes the hot topic in most of discussions. Though the Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by the government on the organization of the national exams, the controversy over whether it is necessary to maintain the national exams (UN) has continued.

People, who support the national exam explain that the quality of the Indonesia education system will drop without the national exam, so they try to defend the current system. Students tend not to study if there is not an exam.

However there are people who disagree with the opinion. Those who against this national exam kept in our high school education say that it doesn’t need the national exams because the quality of education does not just depend on the national exam. Further, the national exam only measures a small portion of students’ competence in specific subjects, and does not measure students’ competences throughout the semester

In fact, the national examination can still be useful as an instrument to evaluate or detect the level of students’ cognitive competence in several subjects, on a national scale.
Ditulis ulang dari: www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/12/19/quality-education-and-national-exams.html

Example :

There are a lot of discussions as to whether children should be given homework or not.

Some people claim that children to enough work in school already. They also argue that children have hobbies that they want to do after school, such as sports or music. A further point they make is that a lot of homework is pointless and doesn't help the child learn at all.

However, there are also strong arguments against this point of view. Parents and teachers argue that it is important to find out whether children can work on their own without the support from the teacher. They say that the evening is a good time for children to sit down and think about what they have learned in school.

Furthermore they claim that the school day is too short to get anything done that needs doing and it makes sense to send home tasks like independent reading or further writing tasks that don't need teacher's support.

On balance, I think that some homework is a good idea but that it should only given at the weekend when children have more time.

How many reasons are presented by those who are against homework ....

A. 1
*B. 2*
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5

RS.Farel

4. Some women should prevent pregnancy because of … reason.

A. unacceptable.

B. immoral.

C. artificial.

D. limited.

E. health.

5. The religious group feels objected to the birth control because of they….

A. think it doesn’t the government programs.

B. believe it is an immoral practice.

C. believe it is not a natural practice.

D. dread to the health problem.

E. are very conservatives.

Prayoga

B. traditional methods of birth control can be accepted.
C. sex intercourse outside the marriage is permitted.
D. intercourse in marriage doesn’t create children.
E. conjugal love in the marriage is immoral to practice.