The key aspects of a Discussion text are...

• The writer aims to present both sides of an issue. 

• Both sides of the issue are given equal consideration and the argument is balanced. 

• Evidence is provided to support each point in the form of examples, verifiable facts, statistics or news articles.

• Language is formal and academic, utilising subject-specific vocabulary, linking words to structure the argument and low-modality verbs/adverbs.

• Persuasive techniques focus more on using logical facts, statistics and expert testimonial to create a neutral tone.  

skills progressions

• Please note: discussion texts should not be attempted unless students have experience writing exposition/persuasive texts first in order to give sufficient time to develop the skill of providing reasons, evidence or explanations for arguments.

•  It is also suggested that discussion texts should not be taught until at least Second Level as seeing an issue from two opposing view points is a difficult cognitive developmental step to manage for younger students. The below progressions for Early and First Level are suggestions only unless teachers are confident their students can manage:

example texts