Page 25 - E-module for English for Civil Engineering

CHAPTER 5

DISCUSSION TEXT

A. Definition

Discussion text is a text which presents a problematic discourse. This problem will be discussed
from different viewpoints.

B. The Purpose of Description Text

- To present two points of view about issue or problem.

- To present arguments from differing points of view about issue or problem

C. General structure of Discussion Text
- Issue : stating the issue to be discussed

- Argument pro : presenting the point in in supporting the presented issue

- Argument cons : presenting other points which disagree to the supporting poin

- Conclusion / recommendation : stating the writer’ recommendation of the discourse

D. The Example of Descriptive Text

Is Green Architecture a Win - Win Solution?

Expanding construction development is a two – sided knife for Indonesia. It is the main
requirement for Indonesia to become an advanced country. Economic growth of a country highly
depends on its construction development. Industrial and residential constructions lead to the
creation of job fields and increasing gross domestic products. On the other hand, construction
development possesses ecological threat to citizens of Indonesia. Many current natural disasters
which occur in Indonesia are mainly caused by its continuous development.

Those adverse effects of construction are currently being mitigated. One of the efforts is the
invention of green construction technology. Green construction technology is currently developed
to efficiently use construction materials, to efficiently use energy, and to employ sustainable
construction design. Green construction technology is expected to minimize the negative effects
of construction. The mechanism of minimizing the negative effects include replacing non –
efficient construction materials, recycling essential resources and finding alternative energy
sources.

Some construction experts argue that it can save the environment from the threat of expanding
development. While others argue that the technology is not well – developed and too costly to be
implemented.
Green construction technology such as hempcrete, solar cell, and such focuses on the well being
of the environment. It emphasizes the sustainability of the construction development and
environment. One of the example is Oasis Hotel Downtown in Singapore. Its four communal sky