Discussion Purpose
Typical language features
• To present a reasoned and balanced view of an issue
• Formal and impersonal
Audience • Someone who is interested in an issue
Forms • Essay or article arguing from two of more points of view
Typical structure • Logical order with introduction, points for and against in paragraphs and conclusion • Statement of the question or argument, perhaps followed by preview of the main arguments on each side • Arguments for, including supporting evidence • Arguments against, including supporting evidence • Finally, a conclusion, which may come down on one side of the argument and includes clinching evidence
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IPEELL Stage 1: Text Type Examples
• Third person objective voice. Perhaps first person in conclusion • Topic sentences start with nounsdebate, developer, the logging industry. • Mostly active, present tense verbs and passive is used when identity of agent is not relevant – e.g. It can be argued that… • Discourse markers relate to providing evidence - such as, like or contrasting argument- alternatively, whereas or emphasis – Moreover, significantly • Cohesion developed with phrases to aid counter-argument – e.g. There are those who argue that… • Conclusion may be introduced by phrases such as: In conclusion… Weighing up all these arguments…
