ABSTRACT
A discussion text typically begins with a short presentation of the main competing arguments. Print texts may use diagrams and pictures to strengthen the arguments, while multimedia texts can use sound and the moving image to help. Mature persuasion text starts with a clear, brief statement of the writer’s position on a subject. Persuasion texts have several things in common with discussion texts – both follow a broad pattern in which a point is stated and then elaborated. Texts that fall into the persuasion category, whether spoken or written, make the case for a particular opinion and accordingly stay closer to the writer’s viewpoint than would be the case in a discussion text. Evidence-based information books help older children to build an argument. Gaining increasing control over argument as speakers and writers helps children become critical readers of the writing of others.
