Students' Worksheet of Writing Discussion (1)

STUDENTS’ WORKSHEET OF WRITING DISCUSSION

Indicators:

-          Identifying good ordered paragraphs in a discussion text

-          Finding the synonyms of the words found in the text

-          Writing a discussion text

Task 1:

Put the following paragraphs in the correct order to get a good text.

            On the other hand, shopping online has also negative sides. People can only see what will fit one page at a time. They can’t touch the item. The wonderful product that people see on the screen may actually turn to be more of a purple shade. The material may be flimsier than what people had expected.

            As the conclusion, there are pros and cons with shopping online. For certain items, people may find shopping online an excellent way to shop. However, for other items, people had better shop in their store.

            In online shopping, people choose and buy a product over the internet. Along with the advanced development of technology, online shopping is widespread nowadays. However, there are many advantages and disadvantages to shopping online.

            Meanwhile, shipping and handling costs can be astronomical. Beside people must pay for the product, they must pay for shipping it. Of course it will be cheaper if they buy the product in the store itself.

            Besides, online shopping brings advantages for the ones who live a long way from shopping center. They can get wide variety of products within a few clicks. They can get online and find almost everything they need or want.

            Finally, online shopping really depends on the internet connection. The slow connection of the internet can take a considerable amount of time.

            On its positive side, online shopping is practical. It allows people to shop anytime they need. They can do it in twenty four hours from their homes. If the weather is not well, they don’t need to go outside. Also, if they don’t feel well, this is definitely the way to shop.

Task 2:

Find the words in Task 1 which have similar meanings to the following words!

01.  sophisticated   = …                             06. amazing     = …

02.  wish                 = …                             07. brittle         = …

03.  efficient           = …                             08. to hope      = …

04.  to permit          = …                             09. expense     = …

05.  hub                  = …                             10. foremost    = …

Task 3:

Continue the following sentences using your own words

01.  Sorry, I really want to help you. However, …

02.  The internet has brought dramatic increases in information. Nevertheless, …

03.  The river in this village is still clear. In contrast, …

04.  Online shopping is practical in spite of …

05.  I like staying in this house even though …

Task 4:

Write a discussion as the example below!

Leaflets are one of important printed materials which can be used to inform someone about something or to persuade someone to do something. Many companies use leaflets to promote their products. They believe that leaflets give them many advantages. On the contrary, the use of leaflets also has disadvantages.

            Leaflets have their advantages. The printed word has a high degree of acceptance, credibility, and prestige. Printed matter is unique in that it can be passed from person to person without distortion. It allows for the reinforcing use of photographs and graphic illustrations which can be understood by illiterates.

            Besides, it is permanent and the message will not change unless it is physically altered. It can be disseminated and read or viewed by a larger, widespread target audience. It can be reread for reinforcement. Complex and lengthy material can be explained in detail.

            Messages can be printed on almost any surface, including useful items. Printed material can gain prestige by acknowledging authoritative and expert authors. This is particularly important in those societies where the printed word is authoritative.

            On the other hand, leaflets have also disadvantages. A high illiteracy rate reduces the effectiveness and usefulness of the printed message.

            Furthermore, printing operations require special, extensive, continuing logistical support. Dissemination is time-consuming and costly, requiring the use of special facilities and complex coordination.

            Also, it is less timely than other means of communication. It can be collected and destroyed by the enemy. It can be altered by overprinting. Where prohibited, it can readily be uncovered by search and stringent penalties imposed for possession. Development and design of effective printed material requires trained and knowledgeable personnel.