what is the purpose of discussion text ?

What is the generic structure of discussion text?

What is the contrast conjunction used in the discussion text ?

There are differences of opinions on the Avian Flu. Some said this disease may claim 150 million deaths but there are others who said current alarm on avian flu is unwarranted as there is no proof of spreading between humans.

According to United Nation's chief coordinator on bird flu said 150 million or more could die from the disease, if a pandemic strike. One of the frightening issues for a human flu pandemic arising from avian influenza is its unpredictability.

It is difficult to estimate the death toll should H5N1 virus mutates into a form. Which can be easily transmitted between human. It is not possible to predict whether a pandemic would occur once or it would repeat. However, an epidemiologist recommended that Government should take every possible precaution the threat of bird flu, seriously.

Contrary to all dire talks about avian flu pandemic coming, an Ecologist dismissed the current panic as unsubstantiated and guess work.

Ecologists commented that H5N 1 virus still remains a bird virus and has no scientific evidences of human‑to‑human transmission. They said there are billions of people across Asia which only 118 are reported being affected by avian flu. So, how do they calculate to show that 150 million or more deaths will come from avian flu. The global panic, according to the Ecologist, is the result of “scare tactics" created by politicians, medical officers, and the media.

It is premature to predict the outcome of avian flu. Health scientist could confirm the possibility of human‑to‑human transmission. The advice is to keep calm and stay alert because if you do, you will weaken your resistance and reduce your immune system.

What does the text discuss?

Everywhere you go nowadays, you see people using mobile phones. From school children to the people, you see them talking in the supermarket, on trains, in the street, everywhere!

So what are the advantages of mobile phones?

First of all, they are very convenient because you can phone from nearly everywhere. Another advantage is that they are really useful in emergency situations.

For example, if you are alone in your car and it breaks down, you can get help quickly. In addition, you can also use mobile to text your friends or connect to the net.

However, there are disadvantages such as the cost. Mobile phone calls cost more than normal calls. Furthermore, it can be annoying if you are on the train or a bus, and you have to listen to someone else’s boring conversation. It happens because people can contact you anywhere, at anytime, unless you switch your phone off!

In conclusion, there are both advantages and disadvantages. Personally, I feel mobile phones are a good thing because they give us more freedom and make communication easier.

What the text is about?

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

“Another advantage is that they are really useful in emergency situations.

The similar meaning of the underlined word is . . .

Cancer is a very dangerous disease, which can affect humans, animal and plants. According to the American Cancer Society, 7,6 million people died from cancer in the world during 2007. Many researchers think that the risk of cancer can be minimized. On the other hand, there are some opinions that it cannot be minimized.

Research carried out by Harvard University showed one third of the seven million cancer deaths in the world could have been avoided if the victims had eaten sufficient fruit and vegetables, refrained from smoking, consumed less salt, sugar and oil, done more exercises, cut down on red meat consumption and watched their weight. Overindulgence in unhealthy habits is the key factor for cancers.

However, some doctors say cancer is a multi-factor disease. It’s a combination of environmental factors and family history. There is no clear definition to pinpoint there exact risk factor. There is no guarantee that a person who rigidly follows good health procedure will not suffer from cancer or vice versa.

This is a very subjective issue. Therefore people who totally ignore the healthy are advised to give up or at least reduce their unhealthy habits before it’s too late. Following a healthy lifestyle by occasionally eating less red meat, deep fried food or ice cream is not going to hurt them. To prevent is better than to cure, so go for a clinical check up regularly. Consult a doctor immediately. If cancer is detected earlier, there will be a better chance of cure.

The purpose of the text is ….

What is the function of seat belts?

The contrastive words used in the discussion text are as follow, except....

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.

What is the writer's suggestion about homework?

Discussion texts talk about a controversial issue from a single point of view.

A discussion text starts with recommendation from the author.

The communicative purpose of a discussion text is to present issue from both sides, pro and con.

What is the communicative purpose of the text?

Multi Level Company (MLM), which has been mushrooming in our country, still becomes debates among those who agree with the system and those who disagree. Here are some of the arguments.

On the other hand, there are people who believe that the strategy can improve their income and way of life. By selling products, an MLMer will get an active income that is 20% - 30% profit of the price of the products.

If someone,let’s say Mr.Arnold can prosper people by becoming his/her downline, but he will receive a percentage from the goods the downlie buys. If the downline can also expand the network, Mr.Arnold will also get percentages.

Being an MLMer, one can develop one’s personality and encourage oneself to work harder. Since people are offer financial freedom by MLM, they will try to avoid inconvidence and shyness in promoting their products. MLM companies also conduct seminars and meetings to encourage people to work harder.

On the other hand, there are many MLMers fail to encourage people either to become members or buy their products. This is because MLM is neither advertised nor sold their products in general markets. Therefore, MLMers should spend more time in persuading people to consider the quality of their products. This really needs much spirit and not many people have this.

There are also people who do not agree that the company can improve people’s income. They say they see a cheesy, obvious, and blatant appeal to greed and materialism.

The few anti membership arguments do not discourage people to become an MLM. It depends on how people control and motivate themselves. Moreover, the marketing strategy has been legalized by government and has been the most expensive profession ever known.

QUESTION:

What is the purpose of the text ?

Presenting other points which disagree to the supporting point.

We call it ...

For many smokers, Smoking bans is one of the government’s ways of interfering in their life style.

The sentence above includes the opinion categories of ...

"Using modalities" is one of language features of discussion text. Which of the following IS NOT example of modalities?