Discussion text adalah salah satu jenis teks yang sering muncul dalam ujian bahasa Inggris kelas 12.
Berbeda dari hortatory atau analytical exposition, discussion text menyajikan dua sisi argumen secara seimbang.
Artikel ini akan memberikan kamu contoh soal discussion text kelas 12 pilihan ganda dan jawaban lengkap dengan pembahasan untuk persiapan ujian.
Karakteristik Discussion Text
Menurut Cambridge English Assessment (2024), discussion text memiliki ciri khas yang membedakannya dari jenis teks lain:
Tujuan: Menyajikan berbagai perspektif tentang suatu isu secara objektif.
Struktur: Issue, Arguments For, Arguments Against, Conclusion/Recommendation.
Tone: Netral dan objektif, bukan memihak salah satu sisi.
Language Features: Menggunakan connectives untuk menunjukkan kontras seperti “however,” “on the other hand,” “in contrast.”
Text 1: Online Learning
Read the following text and answer questions 1-5.
The rise of online learning has sparked intense debate in education circles. While some celebrate its flexibility and accessibility, others worry about its effectiveness and social impact. This issue requires careful examination of both perspectives.
Proponents argue that online learning offers unprecedented flexibility. Students can access materials anytime, learn at their own pace, and balance education with work or family responsibilities. Geographic barriers disappear, allowing rural students to access quality courses from top universities. Additionally, digital platforms provide diverse learning resources including videos, interactive simulations, and global discussion forums.
However, critics raise valid concerns about online learning’s limitations. The lack of face-to-face interaction reduces opportunities for spontaneous discussion and collaborative learning. Students miss informal networking and mentorship that traditional classrooms provide. Technical issues and internet connectivity problems create barriers, especially for disadvantaged students. Furthermore, online formats require high self-discipline that many students lack.
In conclusion, online learning offers significant benefits but cannot completely replace traditional education. A hybrid approach combining online flexibility with in-person interaction may provide the optimal solution for modern education.
Questions:
1. What is the main purpose of this text? A. To convince readers that online learning is superior B. To explain how online learning works C. To present both advantages and disadvantages of online learning D. To criticize traditional education E. To promote online courses
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Discussion text menyajikan berbagai perspektif secara seimbang. Teks ini memberikan argumen pro (paragraf 2) dan kontra (paragraf 3) tentang online learning.
2. Which paragraph contains arguments supporting online learning? A. Paragraph 1 B. Paragraph 2 C. Paragraph 3 D. Paragraph 4 E. Paragraph 1 and 2
Jawaban: B Pembahasan: Paragraf 2 dimulai dengan “Proponents argue” yang menunjukkan argumen pendukung, menyebutkan flexibility, accessibility, dan diverse resources.
3. What is NOT mentioned as a benefit of online learning? A. Flexibility in scheduling B. Access for rural students C. Lower tuition costs D. Diverse learning resources E. Self-paced learning
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Teks tidak menyebutkan biaya kuliah yang lebih rendah sebagai keuntungan. Yang disebutkan adalah flexibility, access, resources, dan self-paced learning.
4. The phrase “valid concerns” in paragraph 3 indicates… A. The concerns are completely wrong B. The concerns deserve consideration C. The concerns are minor issues D. The concerns are exaggerated E. The concerns should be ignored
Jawaban: B Pembahasan: “Valid” berarti sah atau layak. “Valid concerns” menunjukkan bahwa kekhawatiran tersebut pantas dipertimbangkan dan bukan tanpa dasar.
5. What solution does the text suggest? A. Eliminate traditional education B. Ban online learning C. Use only online learning D. Combine online and traditional approaches E. Keep education as it is
Jawaban: D Pembahasan: Kesimpulan menyatakan “A hybrid approach combining online flexibility with in-person interaction may provide the optimal solution.”
Text 2: School Uniforms
Read the text and answer questions 6-10.
The debate over mandatory school uniforms continues to divide educators, parents, and students. This contentious issue has compelling arguments on both sides that merit serious consideration.
Supporters of school uniforms present several strong arguments. Uniforms promote equality by eliminating visible economic disparities between students from different backgrounds. When everyone dresses similarly, bullying based on clothing decreases significantly. Uniforms also simplify morning routines and reduce family clothing expenses. Research from the University of Nevada shows that schools with uniform policies report 12% fewer discipline incidents.
Conversely, opponents raise important objections to mandatory uniforms. They argue that uniforms suppress individual expression and creativity, which are essential for adolescent development. The initial cost of purchasing uniforms creates financial burden for low-income families. Additionally, enforcing uniform policies consumes administrative time and creates unnecessary conflicts between students and authorities. Critics also question whether correlation between uniforms and improved behavior proves causation.
Given the valid points on both sides, schools should make uniform policies based on their specific community needs rather than applying universal mandates. Local circumstances should determine the best approach.
Questions:
6. What type of text is this? A. Analytical exposition B. Hortatory exposition C. Discussion text D. Narrative text E. Descriptive text
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Teks ini discussion text karena menyajikan arguments for (paragraf 2) dan arguments against (paragraf 3) secara seimbang tentang isu school uniforms.
7. According to supporters, how do uniforms affect discipline? A. Increase discipline problems by 12% B. Have no effect on discipline C. Reduce discipline incidents by 12% D. Completely eliminate discipline issues E. Make discipline harder to enforce
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Paragraf 2 menyatakan “schools with uniform policies report 12% fewer discipline incidents.”
8. Which argument is presented by opponents of uniforms? A. Uniforms promote equality B. Uniforms simplify morning routines C. Uniforms suppress individual expression D. Uniforms reduce bullying E. Uniforms decrease expenses
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Paragraf 3 (opponents) menyebutkan “uniforms suppress individual expression and creativity.”
9. What does the conclusion recommend? A. All schools must require uniforms B. All schools should ban uniforms C. Schools should decide based on community needs D. Parents should choose individually E. Students should vote on the policy
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Kesimpulan menyatakan “schools should make uniform policies based on their specific community needs.”
10. The word “contentious” in paragraph 1 means… A. Simple and easy B. Controversial and disputed C. Popular and accepted D. Boring and unimportant E. Ancient and outdated
Jawaban: B Pembahasan: “Contentious” berarti controversial atau diperdebatkan, sesuai dengan konteks bahwa isu ini “divides educators, parents, and students.”
Baca Juga: Materi Bahasa Inggris Kelas 12 Semester 1 & 2: Ringkasan Lengkap
Text 3: Social Media Age Limits
Read the text and answer questions 11-15.
Should social media platforms enforce strict age limits of 16 or older? This question has sparked heated debate among parents, educators, and policymakers worldwide.
Those favoring strict age limits cite serious developmental concerns. Adolescent brains are still developing, making young teens particularly vulnerable to social media’s addictive features and negative mental health impacts. The Journal of Adolescent Health (2024) links heavy social media use before age 16 to increased anxiety and depression. Younger users also lack maturity to navigate online dangers including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and predators. Age restrictions would provide crucial protection during vulnerable developmental years.
However, opponents argue that age limits are impractical and counterproductive. Determined teens easily bypass age verification using false information, making restrictions ineffective. Rather than blanket bans, critics advocate for better digital literacy education and parental involvement. They point out that social media offers valuable benefits including connection with peers, access to information, and platforms for creative expression. Prohibiting access may drive usage underground where parental monitoring becomes impossible.
This complex issue requires balanced solutions. Rather than choosing between unrestricted access and total prohibition, stakeholders should focus on improving platform safety features, enhancing digital education, and supporting parental guidance tools.
Questions:
11. What is the issue being discussed? A. Banning social media completely B. Enforcing age limits of 16+ for social media C. Improving social media algorithms D. Creating new social media platforms E. Reducing social media usage time
Jawaban: B Pembahasan: Paragraf pembuka jelas menyatakan pertanyaan: “Should social media platforms enforce strict age limits of 16 or older?”
12. According to supporters of age limits, why are young teens vulnerable? A. They use social media too much B. Their brains are still developing C. They don’t have smartphones D. They can’t read well E. They don’t understand technology
Jawaban: B Pembahasan: Paragraf 2 menyatakan “Adolescent brains are still developing, making young teens particularly vulnerable.”
13. What do opponents say about age restrictions? A. They are very effective B. They are easy to enforce C. Teens can easily bypass them D. They should be stricter E. They work perfectly
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Paragraf 3 menyatakan “Determined teens easily bypass age verification using false information.”
14. The text structure follows which pattern? A. Issue – For – Against – Conclusion B. Problem – Solution only C. Cause – Effect – Solution D. Chronological order E. Comparison only
Jawaban: A Pembahasan: Struktur discussion text standar: Issue (para 1), Arguments For (para 2), Arguments Against (para 3), Conclusion (para 4).
15. What balanced solution does the conclusion suggest? A. Complete ban on social media for teens B. No restrictions at all C. Focus on safety features, education, and parental tools D. Let teens decide for themselves E. Only allow social media at school
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Kesimpulan menyatakan “stakeholders should focus on improving platform safety features, enhancing digital education, and supporting parental guidance tools.”
Baca Juga: Contoh Discussion Text Tentang Fast Food dan Artinya: Panduan Praktis untuk Siswa SMA
Tips Mengerjakan Soal Discussion Text
1. Identifikasi Struktur dengan Cepat
Discussion text selalu punya struktur: Issue, Arguments For, Arguments Against, Conclusion. Tandai setiap bagian saat membaca.
2. Perhatikan Signal Words
For Arguments: “Proponents argue,” “Supporters claim,” “Advocates believe”
Against Arguments: “Critics argue,” “Opponents claim,” “However,” “Conversely”
3. Jangan Bingung dengan Exposition
Analytical/Hortatory Exposition: Memihak satu sisi, meyakinkan pembaca.
Discussion Text: Objektif, menyajikan kedua sisi secara seimbang.
4. Focus pada Conclusion
Conclusion discussion text biasanya:
- Menyatakan kedua sisi punya poin valid
- Menyarankan solusi seimbang atau compromise
- Tidak memihak salah satu sisi secara ekstrem
5. Pahami Vocabulary in Context
Soal sering menanyakan arti kata seperti “contentious,” “proponents,” “advocates.” Pahami dari konteks kalimat.
6. Hitung Argumen dengan Teliti
Perhatikan berapa argumen untuk masing-masing sisi. Biasanya seimbang (2-3 argumen per sisi).
Pola Soal yang Sering Muncul
Berdasarkan analisis soal ujian nasional:
Text Type Questions (20%)
- What type of text is this?
- What genre does this belong to?
- Is this discussion or exposition?
Structure Questions (25%)
- Which paragraph contains arguments for?
- Where are the opposing views?
- What is the organization pattern?
Issue Identification (15%)
- What is being discussed?
- What is the main issue?
- What topic does the text address?
Detail Questions (20%)
- According to supporters, what…?
- What do critics argue?
- Which is NOT mentioned as a benefit?
Conclusion Questions (10%)
- What solution does the text suggest?
- What is the author’s final recommendation?
- What balanced approach is proposed?
Vocabulary Questions (10%)
- What does “X” mean?
- The word “X” refers to…
- What is the closest meaning of…?
Strategi Time Management
Alokasi Waktu per Text (7-8 menit)
- 2 menit: Baca dan identifikasi struktur
- 1 menit: Tandai arguments for dan against
- 3 menit: Jawab semua soal
- 1 menit: Review jawaban
Urutan Pengerjaan Efisien
- Text type question (paling mudah)
- Structure questions (lokasi argumen)
- Detail questions (fakta eksplisit)
- Issue dan conclusion (pemahaman keseluruhan)
- Vocabulary (jika masih ada waktu)
Kesimpulan
Menguasai soal discussion text kelas 12 memerlukan pemahaman tentang struktur objektif dan balanced presentation of arguments. Dengan mempelajari contoh soal discussion text kelas 12 pilihan ganda dan jawaban di atas, kamu bisa:
- Membedakan discussion text dari jenis teks lain dengan cepat
- Mengidentifikasi issue, arguments for, against, dan conclusion
- Memahami bahwa discussion text bersifat objektif dan seimbang
- Menjawab berbagai pola soal dengan akurat
Kunci sukses adalah memahami bahwa discussion text tidak memihak. Jika teks meyakinkan kamu untuk satu sisi, itu bukan discussion text.
Latihan konsisten dengan berbagai topik discussion text akan membuat kamu familiar dengan pola dan struktur. Focus pada understanding balanced argumentation, bukan hanya menghafal.
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Meta Description: Kumpulan contoh soal discussion text kelas 12 pilihan ganda dan jawaban lengkap dengan pembahasan. 15 soal reading comprehension dengan strategi menjawab untuk persiapan ujian!
