Discussion (SVFL)

Are you wondering about something? Something you believe is true, but you're worried that you might be wrong? Computer games are bad for you. Aha, you want to convince someone about something, but don't know if you have all the information you need. Just like you untangle a thread, you can untangle your problem - your thoughts about something you want to get straight.

You can write a discussion. In a discussion you write about a subject that is problematic in some way. Using various facts you describe different viewpoints, angles on the problem. A discussion consists of three parts: Introduction Argumentation Conclusion The introduction should be short, and present your subject. Start by telling the reader why you want to bring it up.

If your subject is Computer habits among kids you could start with: "In recent times, young people's computer habits have been discussed... Then you can choose between two approaches: You could write down a statement that you want to explore, to see if it's really true. Like: "It is good for young people to play computer games." Or... You can pose a question: "Is computer gaming good for young people?" In the argumentation you introduce all the facts needed to discuss and untangle your statement - or your question. The facts that you need might be accounts or quotes from: research made on the subject, Or articles and reports about the problem.

First you introduce the facts that support your statement -- or answer your question with a yes. These are the arguments. Then you introduce the facts that oppose your statement or say 'no' to your question: the counter arguments. The most important thing is to present different views and pose facts against each other, so that the reader can follow your reasoning and understand the subject from different viewpoints. When you discuss something, you need to explain the opinions of both sides without stating your own opinion; you need to be objective.

To make it easy for the reader to understand what you mean -- to follow the thread you untangle - it's important to have a clear structure. You'll get that by dividing the text into proper parts. How? By using subheadings in the text. Examples of subheadings: Your statement or question, that is: It is good for young people to play computer games.

Or: Is computer gaming good for young people? Arguments Counter arguments Conclusion When you use facts in the text, you need to explain where they are from: that is, from what book, paper, or web page... From what Source you got your facts. When doing this you write the name of the source and what year it's from. You write a Source reference.

Be careful to only use sources that you know are reliable. They might be authorities, large organisations, or research reports. Private persons' blogs are not reliable. If the reader can trust your sources, they know that your facts are correct and that your discussion is credible. In the closing you tie it all up by summarising your most important facts.

And now, when you are done with the summary, you are allowed to state your own opinion. You present the conclusion. Maybe like this: Many are worried about young people playing computer games, even though much research shows that playing them can improve reactions and the ability to solve problems. I myself think that gaming is beneficial because... And don't forget the title!

A simple solution: just use your statement or the question you posed in the introduction.