Most young people today are obsessed with fame and imitating celebrities. What are your views?
Now, it’s your turn! Try planning an outline for the following topics:
On the other hand, there are topics which are not suited for such a binary approach. Consider questions such as:
Give yourself 10 minutes to do a proper planning. It’s useful to approach the issue at hand by exploring its significance and relevance in different spheres and domains : Education, Ethics or Morals, Technology, Law etc.
Instead of giving 3 different points from an education perspective, why not broaden your scope and look at the issue from not just an educational perspective, but also a technological perspective and an ethical perspective?
This is what makes for a matured, holistic response.
Let’s use the following topic as an example:
Young people changing the world for the better | Young people changing the world for the better |
Education] youth advocates are helping to make education available to girls in less developed countries | [Politics] many youths are politically apathetic |
[Environment] youths are advocating for leaders to change environmental policies | Environment] youths are the primary consumers of fast fashion, which depletes valuable natural resources. |
[Technology] young people are driving social media advancements | [Technology] the younger generation is abusing technology. |
If you run out of ideas, you can also examine two sides of a coin in a single domain. For example, you’ll see that in the example, that for the technological sphere, there are instances of youths making and not changing the world for the better.
Now that the brainstorming is done, let’s put pen to paper and start writing!
You can ask yourself these questions to help you with your intro:
Simply answer these questions + include your thesis. Voila, you have a solid introduction!
Young people are often described as the changemakers of society, the future leaders, and the hope of our world. From advocating for the environment to spearheading social justice causes, the young people of today undoubtedly have the potential to change our world for the better. Having said that, one must question if this potential is somewhat overshadowed by charges of laziness, selfishness, irresponsibility et. cetera that are often levelled, sometimes legitimately I might add, against the younger generation. In this essay, I assess if the actions of today’s youths truly, on balance, lead us to a brighter future by exploring the impact they are making in the domains of education, environment, and technology. |
Students, you must have heard of the PEEL method by now. We introduce the POINT in the first sentence, ELABORATE on the point, then substantiate with EVIDENCE or EXAMPLES , and finally, we round it all off by LINKING back to the point.
It sounds easy enough, doesn’t it?
Each body paragraph should only discuss one main idea , and only one! Introduce the main idea in your topic sentence (the first sentence of your body paragraph), not after you’ve given your example or when you’re wrapping up the paragraph.
A good topic sentence is straightforward and clear .
Here is an example of a coherent and concise topic sentence:
After you have crafted your topic sentence, it’s time to elaborate on your main point. A well-developed body paragraph elaborates by delving deeper into the main point and substantiating with relevant examples or evidence.
For our point on “education”, consider asking and answering the following questions:
a. Your essay must not be example-driven ! It must always be point-driven.
b. Remember to make the link from your examples/ evidence back to your topic sentence. This illustrates the relevance and strength of your evidence and reinforces your main point.
For our example, a coherent body paragraph could look like this:
[ ] In the sphere of education, youth activists are making positive changes by advocating to make education available to girls in less developed societies. [ ] It is because of their efforts that young women formerly deprived of education, due to reasons like patriarchal mindsets, are now able to access learning. [ ] A notable example is the Pakistani activist, Malala Yousafzai, who began her activism by bravely speaking out against the Taliban’s ban on education for girls. Her story did much to raise awareness about the existing barriers to education. She also co-founded the Malala Fund, which advocates for policy changes to prioritize girls’ education globally. Partnering with UNESCO, Malala’s fund has helped over 5,000 girls in countries like Egypt and Tanzania gain access to education. [ ] By giving these girls an education and helping them out of the poverty cycle, activists like Malala are helping to raise global literacy rates and reduce problems associated with poverty. Society gets a chance to benefit from what these young women can contribute to the workforce. [ ] It is clear the tireless efforts of these activists have made significant impact in the education domain. |
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Many students just reiterate the points in conclusion. But that is… you guessed it, boring. Last impression lasts! You want to provide an insight to this issue to demonstrate your maturity of thought. Apart from summarising your points, link your conclusion back to the introduction so that your essay comes a full circle. You can also use a quote or thought-provoking question for readers to make their own conclusion.
Check out this conclusion:I conclude by pointing out that it is unfair to generalise all young people; in every generation, there will be individuals who give that generation a bad name and those who, as this question suggests, make the world a better place. As shown in this essay, many youths in this generation are attempting to make an impact in different segments of society. But whether the efforts of these young trailblazers are, on balance, bettering the world is still a matter of debate. Furthermore, whether these efforts ultimately result in lasting positive changes depends not just on young people, but also on global leaders and international organisations. So perhaps the real question we should be asking is this: how can we, and not just the young people, work together to change this world for the better? |
Students, this is how you tackle a discursive essay. Try applying these tips to one of the topics above!
You might want to download a pdf copy of this article for future reference!
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Whenever you are required to write a discursive essay, you desire to create a masterpiece that will wow your professor and earn you the best marks. And this desire is so strong that it pushes you to research profoundly and sometimes spend sleepless nights to churn out the best.
But despite your hard work, this might all be in vain if you do not know how to create stellar essays. This is because discursive pieces require you to research and be equipped with the knowledge and tips to help you develop the right content.
So, how do you write this piece’s introduction, body, and conclusion? Here are more details.
The introduction of your discursive essay is an integral part. It sets the tone, gives the reader some background information, and helps you make an excellent first impression on your audience.
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Further, this part should be relevant, informative, and interesting to your readers. It should also state what you will say in your essay and why it is crucial, although subtly.
Generally, an introduction should;
To achieve all these, here are some things that you need to keep in mind
There are several different ways to start an essay, but one of the most effective techniques is to use catchy phrases. These phrases should be short but descriptive. You want to catch your reader’s attention with something interesting, but you also need to give them some information about what they will be reading.
After your research, find interesting facts about the topic and present them here, such as interesting facts. For example, if writing about texting driving and how it has become more dangerous over time, you might say that 90% of road accidents are attributed to texting driving.
Such a fact grabs a reader’s attention and would want to learn more about the topic. Further, the fact is interesting and an everyday occurrence that many readers identify with.
Further, you can use anecdotes or stories to start your essay. Has something that relates to your topic happened recently? If so, include it in your introduction. Anecdotes and stories are great ways to catch the reader’s attention immediately and get them interested in reading more about what happened.
They also help break up the flow of words without interrupting it too much and give readers little breaks that allow them to digest all the information before moving on to something else.
The introduction is likened to a door or window of your essay. It provides information about your piece and even reasons readers should read it. Ideally, it gives readers an overview of the paper and what they will learn at the end.
With this in mind, your introduction should contain a thesis statement, however, do not make your position known. This will help keep yourself and your reader on track throughout the writing process. Without it, it’s easy for things to go off course once you start writing about other topics related or unrelated to your original idea and sometimes even end up with no conclusion.
A good introduction should be short yet detailed and compelling. It should give enough information for the reader to understand what they will read. It should also encourage them to keep reading by making them want more information about your chosen topic.
Further, it should have a clear purpose and goal and have a unique angle or perspective that sets it apart from other essays.
As seen, an introduction should be short, clear, and hooking. And just like a door, it should also be welcoming. One way to achieve all these is by having background information about the topic.
Background information helps you to build up your essay in a clear way and take your readers along. In addition, including the background information allows you to show your readers how well-informed and intelligent you are and that you have done some research on the topic.
The body of a discursive essay is the part where you can make your point. Typically, it is the section where you write about the topic. The section’s length depends on the required word count and the complexity of the matter.
However, experts recommend writing as much as possible, but make sure your writing is not too repetitive or contains grammar or spelling errors.
This part’s sentences should contribute something valuable to the overall idea. It should not contain unnecessary information that has no connection whatsoever with your main idea or argument.
The following tips will help you write an effective body paragraph
Discursive essays are devoid of prejudice and personal opinions. Therefore, you must use a combination of facts and persuasive arguments.
The information should be accurate and up-to-date, not from secondary sources, as they may not be reliable enough.
Also, use examples from other sources, such as books and articles, to support your claims. This way, your argument will sound more convincing and make it easier for readers to believe you.
Similarly, you can include quotes that support your claim or prove your point. Quotes are an excellent way of showing what others think about specific issues and how they feel also show how knowledgeable you are about these issues.
However, use quotes sparingly because too many can distract readers from what you are trying to say. Use only those which support your arguments clearly and directly.
Your body entails the bulk of your essay. It is the part where readers learn more about your idea or the information the piece passes.
Also, arrange the paragraphs logically, starting with the most crucial topic and working through it to the least important. This is because essay writing is a process of building up from the foundation.
Additionally, starting with the strong points makes you sound convincing and helps you keep control of your essay throughout its length.
The trick here is to make sure you put forward one main point first and then support it by providing evidence from various sources, such as statistics and examples. You can also use ideas from other people’s work, but make sure they are relevant and do not contradict yourself.
Since the body is where you explain your argument, you need to make sure that you include a strong and relevant topic sentence. This sentence introduces your point and tells the reader what to expect in the paragraph. It should be no longer than two sentences long, and it should be a complete thought.
After this introductory sentence, you can begin listing all of your evidence for this point. You may have multiple pieces of evidence for each point you make, but each piece should be limited to one paragraph.
Generally, a paragraph should be well-organized with an introduction and a conclusion. The introduction should include a topic sentence, also called a thesis statement, and will tell you precisely what you will write about.
It should also contain some background information or facts on your topic. The main body of your paragraph should include all of your evidence, examples, or details to support your thesis statement.
The last part of the paragraph is a summary reminding the reader of what was discussed and providing a transition into the next section or paragraph if needed.
The essay’s conclusion is your last chance to make another impression on your reader; thus should be a good one. Generally, this part summarizes your main points, presents some arguments about the topic, and shows how you have reached these conclusions.
In other words, it’s your chance to drive home your argument clearly and concisely. In fact, it should not be an afterthought; instead, be at the forefront of your thinking throughout the writing process.
Also see: how long should a conclusion be?
These are some of the tips on how to write a powerful conclusion
Restating your thesis is essential in writing an essay’s conclusion paragraph. This is because you want to ensure your readers remember your intent. Therefore, restating your thesis, in conclusion, helps readers remember what you are trying to prove through your essay.
Additionally, restating your thesis enables you to explain how it is supported by the evidence you have presented. A good essay will also explain how this new information helps us to understand the topic more deeply.
As highlighted earlier, the conclusion wraps up your ideas and puts them into a coherent whole. It is also where you make your most important point, so it should be brief and concise.
Therefore, as you summarize previous points, you should not introduce new ideas. So don’t add new information or examples. Instead, restate what you’ve written, tie everything together, and ensure that each part of your essay supports your claims.
A good conclusion should summarize the essay’s main points, with an argument that draws all of these points together. This is important because it gives readers a sense of closure and that everything has been explained to their satisfaction.
However, a good conclusion does not simply summarize the main points of your paper. It also addresses any unresolved issues that your argument may have raised, or it can draw some further conclusions that you’ve reached as a result of writing your paper.
As you summarize, you should also state the significance of your findings and advise other researchers who may be working in the same field.
An excellent way to do this is to use a rhetorical question at the beginning of your conclusion. Then follow up with an answer that explains how all the pieces fit together.
Another great tip for writing conclusions is showing how each point relates to another. To achieve this, ensure you show how the essay is relevant to the thesis statement. Also, you can mention a few pieces of evidence that are related and how they build up your claim
Further, this part should do more than repeat what you have already said. This means you should provide evidence for your argument by showing how different points fit together into one coherent whole.
To show the relationship between points, consider
Final thoughts in conclusions help you end on a powerful note. It is your chance to state your lessons and what you think about the whole topic or what the issue points towards. However, ensure sure not to leave any loose ends or unanswered questions. This part should be a stand-alone without having to be read with other pieces of the paper.
Sussex Centre for Language Studies
Analysing Your Essay Title Beginning the Research Process | Reading and Planning Producing a Sentence Outline | Writing a Draft Preparing for the final submission |
The Academic Writing Guide (AWG) is designed to familiarise you with the process of writing a discursive essay. A discursive essay is a genre of writing that requires you to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner. Once you have decided on your position your writing will be an attempt to persuade your reader that it is a reasonable one to take. The pages in this guide will present information and activities designed to help you develop the skill of argumentation, which as well as being the main feature of discursive writing, underpins every aspect of university study.
Before you begin working through the AWG and using the examples and activities to help you research and write your own discursive essay watch the interview with James, one of our former Foundation Year students, who worked through the AWG and is reflecting on his progress. Some of what James says may not make sense to you yet, but come back to it occasionally as your own research skills develop and see if your experience resembles his. As you listen, notice what James says about how his perspective on the learning process changed during the course of the Foundation Year.
Academic writing does not aim simply to describe (although describing will be part of the process). An essay that is too descriptive will receive a very low mark at university level. Similarly, an essay that takes a ‘balanced’ view and does little more that weigh up the pros and cons of each side of an argument is rarely appropriate for university-level study.
Your aim in writing a discursive essay is to persuade your reader that your position (your argument) is a valid one. It makes a claim about a topic and defends this claim with evidence. A discursive essay must therefore begin with a thesis or claim that is debatable. In other words, the thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. If your thesis is something that is generally agreed upon or accepted as fact then there is no reason to try to persuade your reader of its merits.
Argumentation – mass noun
2. A reason or set of reasons that you use for persuading other people to support your views, opinions, etc.
His main argument is stated in the opening paragraph.
Discursive writing
This thesis statement . Nobody would disagree with this statement as John le Carré’s background is public knowledge |
This is an example of a because reasonable people could disagree with it. Some people might think that his fictionalised settings and characters are not based in reality. Others might think that he is drawing heavily on his own experience when writing his novels. |
There is a lot of pre-writing work to do for a discursive essay. Before you can begin writing you need to:
Throughout the research and writing process you will submit a series of assessed tasks relating to this title. Each of the tasks is designed to support your writing development, and help you produce a well-argued discursive essay supported with appropriate academic evidence. Each submission carries a percentage of the overall marks for the portfolio, making it essential that you complete each one. The portfolio accounts for a large percentage of the overall marks for the two Academic Development modules (see module handbook).
At the start of each of the 3 Stages in the AWG you will be told what the aims and objectives are, as well as the different assessments you will have to complete for that Stage. You will also be told where to submit these assessments in Canvas (find details below and in the module handbook on your class Canvas site).
These voluntary, drop-in sessions offer you personalised support for your work with the Academic Writing Guide and all aspects of the Academic Development Module.
You don’t need an appointment for these sessions, just show up with any questions you have about the module or the AWG and the tutor will help you on a one-to-one basis. You are welcome to use the drop-in service as often as you like.
You can find information about the drop-in sessions on your Canvas site.
This resource will help you to develop your Academic Skills whilst at Sussex. It brings together all of the web resources, workshops and support that are available to you as a Sussex student. Academic Skills are essential to successful study; from time management and note making, all the way through to reference management and exam writing techniques. These skills will help you to fully engage with, and excel, in your studies. Use the navigation on the left side of the page to find the section you are after or use the search box in the header.
As you work through the Academic Writing Guide (AWG) you will create a range of documents that need to be saved as you go and then uploaded to an assessment point at the end of each stage.
As a Sussex student you can download Microsoft Office 365.
With Office 365 you can get Microsoft Office for your personally-owned computer and mobile device(s) at no cost, as well as access to online versions of Office products and 1TB of free cloud storage in OneDrive.
Remember you are not expected to have all these skills already - you will develop them throughout your time at Sussex.
Each Stage requires several hours of self-study to complete, and each Stage is assessed. You will have plenty of time to work through the 3 Stages, and at regular intervals will submit formal assessments that will be included in your assessed portfolio for the Academic Development module at the end of the year. After each submission your Academic Development tutor will give you feedback, which you will use to inform the process of developing your discursive essay further. Each assessed task carries a percentage of the overall marks for the portfolio, making it essential that you complete each one. The portfolio itself carries a large percentage of the overall marks for the Academic Development module.
You will find details about each of the assessments at relevant points in this Guide, and will need to pay close attention to them. Your Academic Development tutor will also be introducing and supporting the process in your Academic Development seminars.
The following is an overview:
After completing all of the sections in this stage you will be assessed on your ability to: • Create a mind-map that shows how you intend to decode the essay question to support your continued research. • Produce a table with at least 5 sources with annotations showing the relevance of the sources to help inform the development of your essay. These sources will be written using either the MLA or Chicago referencing systems. • Write a short reflection on what you have learned about academic writing from completing this stage of the guide and how you can continue developing relevant academic skills to suit your context.
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After completing all of the sections in this stage you will be assessed on your ability to: • Produce an annotated bibliography for the 5 sources you will use in your essay (in addition to the core texts) that includes: • Produce a sentence outline/plan for your essay that includes: • Write a short reflection on what you have learned about academic writing from completing this stage of the Guide and how you can continue developing relevant academic skills to suit your context. |
• Provide a Turnitin report of your draft • Write a short reflection on what you have learned about academic writing from completing this stage of the guide and how you can continue developing relevant academic skills to suit your context |
More Assessment Criteria | Summative Assessment |
Now you have read and understood what is required and what resources are available to you move on to |
Published by Grace Graffin at March 28th, 2022 , Revised On July 26, 2023
You can see the word ‘discursive’ is close to the word ‘discourse’; in short, it means involving discussion. “In a discursive essay, you explore the discussion and perspectives surrounding a topic. Then proceeding with reason and argument, you reach a conclusion in which you may or may not agree with one of the perspectives you have presented.”
Example: The discursive essay discusses ideas and opinions on a topic without the aim of persuading the reader to take a given view. It is your unbiased presenting of differing viewpoints that allows the reader to decide which is best. This allows you to present the topic from several viewpoints, showing the pros and cons of them all.
During the Renaissance, discursive essays were quite popular, though they have become much less so over time. Many consider the discursive essay to be one of the more difficult to approach. As such, many students struggle with them, and it is quite common to seek essay writing assistance .
The purpose of a discursive essay is to show that there are different and often competing viewpoints around a subject. The subject often raises a controversy or describes a problem requiring a solution. As such, discursive essay assignments are often used when comparing subjective opinions on literary works. Discursive essays highlight different opinions and arguments but do not argue either way.
It is not the author’s job to solve a problem. The problem could be a long-running one with no solution in sight. For example, in a discursive text, you do not examine a problem or literary text; instead, you discuss the opposing ideas and opinions surrounding them. These essays benefit readers by presenting a collection of various views on a subject all in one place, saving them from doing the research themselves.
Apart from creating the essay, the author’s role is minimal. That is, the essay should not be a personal opinion piece. The author stands in the centre of the ongoing debate, selects some of the best arguments and presents them to the reader. In this way, the author is more like a facilitator providing a clear view of the arguments surrounding the topic .
The role requires the author to stay mostly neutral, but it is acceptable for authors to take a stance. Whether you include your own stance in the essay is either up to you or your tutor. There is no rule that says you have to. You can clarify where you stand early in the essay, or you can wait until the conclusion.
You should present the views of others in the best possible light; showing balance between the arguments is essential. When presenting others’ viewpoints, you should not try to prejudice readers or persuade them your view is best. This is not an argumentative essay .
Discursive Essays | Argumentative Essays | |
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Purpose | To give a credible and fair assessment of discussion on a given issue. The essay avoids and emotional language. However, it is not always totally neutral; the writer may take a position in the argument. It is written using well-researched relevant facts and presents both sides of the issue equally. | To convince readers that your position is best by providing supporting evidence. This is done with thorough research that produces valid material to persuade and inform the reader. Although a counterargument is included, it does not need to be in equal balance. |
Style and Structure | As the author is presenting the views of others, the style is impersonal and formal, although it can be acceptable to write in a light-hearted style. It mostly conveys the thoughts of others, not necessarily those of the author. 1. The introduction states the issue the essay looks at. It may or may not assert the author’s position. It describes exactly what will be covered. 2. Within the body, 3-5 points are discussed from different viewpoints. Arguments and counterarguments are carefully balanced. There are different organisational styles. 3. Paragraphs begin with strong sentences on the issue, and evidence is provided. 4. The conclusion summarises the main points. The position the author takes may be inserted here. | Argumentative essays are in the general style for academic writing. They are slightly less formal in tone than discursive essays. 1. The introduction includes a very concise and accurate thesis statement, which makes clear the author’s position. 2. The body paragraphs go on to explain with good evidence why this position is correct. The evidence provided will be persuasive. 3. The conclusion restates the writer’s stance, summarises the main points, and invites the reader to agree with the author’s position. |
Your coursework may require a discursive essay in order to test your ability to find and presenting balanced evidence without bias. In this assignment, you need to make a balanced examination of arguments surrounding a topic, with the option of stating your own position. You are not attempting to settle the debate, only to show the thinking that surrounds it.
Your tutor might not directly say ‘write a discursive essay’ but the essay question will give you a clue. It might be a relatively simple question, or it could just state that there is disagreement on a topic . It will not ask you to give your opinion or direct you to persuade your readers. Your essay is part of a study course, so there will be enough guidance from your tutors.
Here are some title examples that would be best discussed in discursive essays.
There are three main types of discursive essays:
Before you do anything, read the essay question/prompt several times; let it sink in. All the work you undertake will be based on this. If you study remotely and receive the essay prompt digitally, copy it onto paper to make it real. Highlight key words and make sure you thoroughly understand what you are expected to write. Are you being asked to analyse , discuss , or explain something? These keywords are important to understand.
Before you even write the first line of the introduction, you have to carry out research. Trying to write an essay before doing research is like polishing a car before washing it. Researching is a way of learning about the subject while gathering and filtering information, forming the backbone of your coursework. The research you carry out should look into the subject and more importantly, also investigate the broad range of opinions and evidence surrounding it. Your research should not focus solely on the argument you favour but should cover other views equally.
Some issues have a huge number of opinions surrounding them; you cannot include them all. Using too many will confuse the reader and make a conclusion difficult. Also, you won’t have the word limit to include everything you discover. Ask yourself if you have considered the most relevant viewpoints. Working through your discovered material, you can determine what to include based on appropriateness. It can become overwhelming, but there is plenty of help out there.
Much of your research will be done online. But you should not disregard relevant books and other print sources, some of which are also online. There is also television and video to consider, and depending on the subject, you can ask family members and friends. Variety in your research shows you have really made an effort to cover all bases.
Always consider the credibility of any source you use, and always note where you found it. You will need this information to complete your bibliography. When you feel you have enough material and researching has given you a richer understanding of the subject, you can start writing.
The first thing to write is an outline ; think of it as a framework. You are going to fill this framework with good material. Remember that every word you put into it will have to justify its inclusion. For a discursive essay, the structure will likely follow the usual format of title, introduction , main body , and conclusion , followed by a reference section.
Example: The introduction should touch on all the points you’re going to cover, even if only broadly. It should provide a concise description of the topic and what your focus will be. Everything you discuss in the body should come under the umbrella created by the introduction.
From the introduction, the reader should understand where the essay is going; it should not be a mystery tour. This is especially important if the subject is very broad. You can state your position on the subject in the introduction, but it is not necessary.
The discursive essay does not have a formal thesis statement , as with other essay types . This gives you the option of opening with something to really hook the reader. For example, any of these can be used:
After this is a rhetorical question at the centre of the discussion and a description of what the essay will cover.
Frequently asked questions, should i analyse evidence in a discursive essay.
Although you will provide evidence in a discursive essay, it is not the same as in persuasive or argumentative essays. For example, if the essay is questioning the correct interpretation of a literary work, you do not analyse or review the literary work. Rather, you look at what others say about it and present that for the reader. What you present are ideas. And you support these ideas with quotations from other people, although it’s possible to do this by referring to your own experiences.
You do not have to take a position on the subject you write about in a discursive essay. Your tutor might even instruct you not to. If you decide to tell the reader your position, you briefly say what you think and why. It shouldn’t become a major part of your assignment because this is not a persuasive or argumentative essay. The essay is not based on what you think.
Yes, it makes your work more personal if you do this. You could do this right at the start of the introduction, asking something like, “Have you ever wondered how much information big tech companies hold about you?” A direct question like this can be a useful hook to keep the reader reading. You could say that it reduces formality and brings in familiarity, but used minimally, maybe just once, it can be effective. Generally, the discursive essay should be quite formal and impersonal.
Narrative essays let the authors provide an account of their personal experience in the form of a story. In a narrative essay, you can let your creativity and ideas flow freely.
Learn what is the difference between essays and reports so you can work out why and you should prefer one form of writing over the other.
An essay outline – an underrated part of essay writing – brings forth the structure for the writers as they initiate the essay drafting process.
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FOR STUDENTS : ALL THE INGREDIENTS OF A GOOD ESSAY
Guide details:.
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A discursive essay thoroughly investigates an argument by offering two opposing perspectives. It’s a practical method of establishing the writer’s opinion on a topic and persuading one’s stance by exploring the reasons why each view may or may not be valid. The author usually maintains a calm and neutral stance throughout the text to establish an unbiased and informative argument.
Before you begin your essay you need to define what the topic is. Discursive essay topics can be about anything, but they are primarily used to argue ideas about controversial topics such as gun control or abortion. You should decide at this point which side you are supporting.
The foundation of any well structured essay is an outline. A discursive essay should have:
Image source: http://larrybuttrose.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/discursive.html
Knowing in advance which points you will discuss will help during the actual writing process. Make sure that each point has a counterargument. For example, if you have 3 points for one side, you should have 3 points against it to balance it out. This ensures your argument is unbiased as well as thorough. Hint: Try to choose strong and valid points that would be difficult to argue against. This makes it more exciting and informative to the reader when you DO introduce its counter-argument. The points should descend in order from strongest argument to least supportive argument. Alternate back and forth between each perspective to illustrate the argument. Think of it like a “ping-pong” match. The body of the outline should appear as follows: Body:
Each individual argument is a paragraph. The amount of paragraphs is up to your discretion, but if this is for a class there should be at least 4.
Now that you’ve fully outlined your essay, it’s time to flesh it out. Establish credibility by citing valid sources. Don’t believe everything you read. Look for scientific studies or valid statistics. Hard facts enrich any argument. Your tone should be neutral throughout the body, giving each point its turn to truly speak. Try to be as thorough and unbiased as possible.
In the last paragraph you will wrap up the argument by stating your personal stance on the issue. Try to explain why you feel the way you do, and if you don’t actually have an opinion, try to define as to why that is. Mention again why the issue is important and should be evaluated further.
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Writing discursive essays is a common task that can be encountered in high school and college environments. Mastering the nuances of writing them will be a lot easier with this guide. Our team has prepared recommendations that cover the basics of discursive essays and their format. Additionally, you will find some helpful tips about improving your work. Let’s get started!
💎 developing a discursive writing style, 📎 references, 🧐 discursive writing: definition & purpose.
Discursive essays are different from the argumentative and persuasive papers you might be used to. Discursive writing allows students to investigate various topics in depth and present different opinions on particular issues. Creating one involves gathering, reading, and assessing supportive evidence. As with other academic papers, discursive ones are built around a thesis statement that outlines the arguments.
Unlike other paper genres like persuasive essays , discursive essays are scarce on personal thoughts. They favor an unbiased look at the subject through the lens of facts and statistics. You can use them to discuss issues related to social norms, the economy, political movements, technology, and similar subjects. Whatever you write about, ensure you methodically cover every side of the issue.
Students often confuse these essay types, so we’ve decided to help you understand the difference. These descriptions will show you how to identify the purpose and tone of these papers and choose the appropriate one to match your writing goals.
🤔 Argumentative | 🧐 Discursive |
---|---|
present supporting evidence and disprove opposing claims. | serve as an analysis of the subject from different points of view. |
If your professor tasks you with this kind of assignment, you have a couple of ways to approach it. As we’ve mentioned before, there are several types of discursive essays. This segment of our article goes into some detail about each of them.
If you get to write a discursive essay on any subject you wish, this is the right segment for you. Here, we provide several pressing, engaging, and diverse topics for your work.
You may be tempted to write right away after choosing the appropriate topic for your discursive essay. However, before you do this, get acquainted with this paper’s format. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide for each section of the work.
Crafting a compelling intro is the foundation of a successful discursive essay. This section outlines the essential elements and strategies to grab the audience’s attention. Read it to master the art of engaging intros.
The body paragraphs offer a platform for in-depth analysis and presentation of multiple perspectives. The ones in discursive essays have distinctive characteristics that distinguish them from other papers.
This section will show you how to restate your main points, complete your arguments, and leave a lasting impression .
You’re one step closer to writing your perfect essay. We recommend practicing to ensure that you triumph over these academic tasks. Follow our tips, and you will see the quality of your papers reach new heights.
✅ Be straightforward | Try using simple words and phrases whenever possible. This way, you’ll be less likely to make mistakes. It also helps people unfamiliar with the topic to understand it better. |
✅ Cut down on long sentences | When writing papers, stick to shorter sentence structures. If you see lengthy ones, cut them down into two or more. There’s no need to chop up every single one – do this when necessary. Practice and you’ll see better which sentences to separate or keep as they are. |
✅ Clear the clutter | Everybody sometimes writes words, phrases, or sentences that don’t add more information to the paper. Or they make the same remarks several times in the text. If the meaning doesn’t change with their removal, it’s best to exclude them. |
✅ Experiment with sentence structure | Sticking to the same sentence structure throughout the text makes it dull and uninteresting. If you want to impact readers, change things from time to time. |
✅ Rely on an active voice | Try writing in an , as it’s more direct and requires fewer words than its passive counterpart. This makes papers easier to follow and comprehend. You’ll also avoid wordiness. |
✅ Write in a formal tone | As essays are academic tasks, you should write in a formal tone. Avoid colloquialisms, slang, and other devices not associated with this style. Remember to write in the third person. |
✅ Stick to familiar vocabulary | When , you will come across new words and phrases. Never use them if you don’t fully comprehend their meaning. Instead, stick to the terms and phrases you’re sure of. |
We thank you for your attention. Hopefully, you’ve found the guide helpful. If you need any more ideas for your discursive essay, you can create one using our topic generator !
November 17, 2023
A discursive essay is a type of academic writing that presents both sides of an argument or issue. Unlike an argumentative essay where you take a clear stance and defend it, a discursive essay allows you to explore different perspectives and provide an objective analysis. It requires careful research, critical thinking, and the ability to present logical arguments in a structured manner.
In a discursive essay, you are expected to examine the topic thoroughly, present evidence and examples to support your points, and address counterarguments to demonstrate a balanced understanding of the issue. The purpose is not to persuade the reader to take a particular side, but rather to present a comprehensive view of the topic. By mastering the art of writing a discursive essay, you can effectively convey complex ideas and contribute to meaningful discussions on various subjects.
Writing a discursive essay differs from other types of essays in several ways. Here are some key differences to consider when approaching this particular form of academic writing:
By recognizing these key differences and adapting your writing style accordingly, you can effectively write a discursive essay that engages the reader and presents a well-rounded discussion of the topic.
Selecting a topic.
Selecting a topic for a discursive essay is a crucial first step in the writing process. Here are some considerations to help you choose an appropriate and engaging topic:
Remember, the topic sets the foundation for your discursive essay. Take time to consider these factors and select a topic that aligns with your interests, research capabilities, and the potential to present a well-rounded discussion.
Possible Discursive Essay Topics:
The thesis statement in a discursive essay serves as the central argument or main claim that sets the tone for the entire essay. It typically appears in the introductory paragraph and guides the reader’s understanding of the essay’s purpose and direction. Here are some key points to consider when crafting an effective thesis statement for a discursive essay:
By considering these factors, you can develop a thesis statement that effectively sets the tone for your discursive essay and captures the essence of your argument or analysis.
Conducting thorough research is a critical step in writing a discursive essay. Here are some essential tips to help you effectively gather information and sources:
By following these research strategies, you can gather reliable and varied sources to support your discursive essay, ensuring a balanced and well-informed discussion of the topic.
The introduction sets the tone and direction for a discursive essay, providing context and background information on the topic. Here are some key elements to include when writing the introduction to a discursive essay:
By including these elements, you can craft an effective introduction to your discursive essay that engages the reader, establishes the context for the topic, and clearly presents your thesis statement. Remember to present a balanced analysis of multiple viewpoints, maintaining the discursive style of the essay.
Presenting arguments and counterarguments is a crucial aspect of writing a discursive essay. Here are some strategies to effectively structure and present your arguments and counterarguments:
By following these strategies, you can effectively present arguments and counterarguments in your discursive essay, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the topic and engaging the reader in a thoughtful analysis.
When writing the body paragraphs of a discursive essay, it’s important to present a balanced and well-structured analysis of the topic. Here are some key strategies to consider:
Remember, in a discursive essay, the body paragraphs should explore various arguments and perspectives related to the topic, providing a balanced analysis and supporting evidence. By following these strategies, you can construct well-organized and compelling body paragraphs for your discursive essay.
Effectively incorporating evidence and examples is crucial in a discursive essay to support your arguments and strengthen your analysis. Here are some strategies to consider when integrating evidence:
By incorporating evidence and examples effectively, you can provide a solid foundation for your arguments in a discursive essay, enhancing your credibility and persuasiveness.
Addressing counterarguments is an essential component of a discursive essay as it demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens your overall argument. Here are some strategies to effectively address counterarguments:
By effectively addressing counterarguments, you can strengthen your own argument and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Engaging with opposing viewpoints in a fair and persuasive manner enhances the overall credibility and impact of your discursive essay.
Concluding your discursive essay is an opportunity to summarize your main points and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Here are some strategies to effectively conclude your essay:
By following these strategies, you can effectively conclude your discursive essay, leaving a strong and memorable impression on the reader while summarizing the key points and reinforcing the significance of your argument.
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COMMENTS
State your opinion in the introduction, supported by examples and reasons. Present the opposing argument before the conclusion, explaining why you find it unconvincing. Summarize your important points in the conclusion. 2. Essay providing a solution to a problem. Focus on discussing an issue and proposing solutions.
26 Planning a Discursive Essay Discursive Essay - Description. A discursive essay is a form of critical essay that attempts to provide the reader with a balanced argument on a topic, supported by evidence. ... Conclusion. Mirror the introduction. The essay outline should have stated the plan for the essay - "This essay will discuss ...
Start with an introduction to the topic. Discuss each essay question in a single paragraph. Begin each paragraph with a powerful issue sentence. Paragraphs with one point usually followed by a counterpoint paragraph. Its style is general for essays as the reader should understand what you stand for.
How to Write a Conclusion for a Discursive Essay. The conclusion is not a mere repetition but a synthesis of your main findings. Recap key points and, depending on the essay type, state your final position. Express your personal opinion logically, aligning it with the evidence presented in the body. For example, "While technology offers ...
The typical structure of a discursive essay doesn't differ much from that of other academic papers. It is usually a five or six-paragraph work that includes an introduction, three or more body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Here's what a standard structure should look like: Introductory paragraph. Body.
Clear Introduction: Start with a concise introduction that provides context and grabs the reader's attention. Clearly state your thesis or main argument. Well-structured Paragraphs: Divide your essay into paragraphs that focus on specific points. Each paragraph should present a new idea or support a previous one.
Step 1: Return to your thesis. To begin your conclusion, signal that the essay is coming to an end by returning to your overall argument. Don't just repeat your thesis statement —instead, try to rephrase your argument in a way that shows how it has been developed since the introduction. Example: Returning to the thesis.
Discursive essays and argumentative essays share similarities but have distinct differences in their approach and purpose. While both essay types involve critical thinking and analysis, the main difference lies in the writer's approach to the topic and the overall goal of the essay—whether it aims to explore and discuss multiple perspectives ...
Your essay is structured in a manner that argues towards this stand. When writing an argumentative essay, your goal is to persuade, to convince the reader to be in support of your stand. Discursive: you are not required to take an explicit stand on the issue. In other words, you do not need to pick a side. You may choose to pick a side; that ...
A discursive essay is organized like most essays, with a clear introduction and concise thesis statement, body paragraphs, and conclusion. ... The goal of discursive essay is to present both sides of an argument equally and then draw some tentative conclusions based on the evidence.
How to Write the Introduction of a Discursive Essay. Use catchy phrases and anecdote. Provide an overview. Make it short. Should have background information. How to Write the Body of a Discursive Essay. Remain unbiased. Arrange your points logically, starting from the strongest argument. Flesh your paragraph.
In this video, you'll learn how to write a strong essay conclusion paragraph that ties together the essay's main points, shows why your argument matters, and...
The Academic Writing Guide (AWG) is designed to familiarise you with the process of writing a discursive essay. A discursive essay is a genre of writing that requires you to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner. Once you have decided on your position your ...
The discursive essay discusses ideas and opinions on a topic without the aim of persuading the reader to take a given view. It is your unbiased presenting of differing viewpoints that allows the reader to decide which is best. This allows you to present the topic from several viewpoints, showing the pros and cons of them all.
5. Write a conclusion. In the last paragraph you will wrap up the argument by stating your personal stance on the issue. Try to explain why you feel the way you do, and if you don't actually have an opinion, try to define as to why that is. Mention again why the issue is important and should be evaluated further.
Instead, show how the paper helped expand upon it. Explain the importance of your work in the broader discussion. Remind about the critical points of the paper. Give a rundown of the main takeaways of your paper and why they matter. Stay brief and remember that the conclusion should be about one paragraph long.
Writing a discursive essay differs from other types of essays in several ways. Here are some key differences to consider when approaching this particular form of academic writing: Explores multiple perspectives: Unlike an argumentative essay, a discursive essay examines different viewpoints on a given topic.
The last section is the conclusion. Your finishing remarks should clearly articulate your position toward this or that issue, with a close connection to the main ideas in the essay body. Discursive Essay Thesis. To construct a good thesis for your discursive essay, you'll need to describe the general stance your work will argue.
Writing Part 1 - the discursive essay Lesson summary The topic of this lesson is technology. In the lesson you will: • review the format and focus of the Writing Part 1 paper • research a topic online in English • make notes on useful ideas and vocabulary to help you write a discursive essay
Narrative Essays. A narrative essay tells a story. It is usually written in informal language, and it usually incorporates aspects of descriptive writing. It uses details to tell a story and draw the reader in. Think of all the classic fairy-tales, like Cinderella, or Goldilocks and the Three Bears. These are all examples of narrative writing.
Discursive Essay Conclusion: Final Thoughts with Coherent Statements. Reinventing the wheel in the closing text section has no point. You can almost rewrite the core points in your paper to create a conclusion. However, it should be unique and not consist of direct quotes from the paper text.
Don't know what a discursive essay is? Do you know what the differences between a discursive and persuasive essay are? Don't worry. In this article, we explain what discursive writing for Year 12 Module C: The Craft of Writing is and give you a step-by-step process for writing a discursive essay.
A week after an assassination attempt led him to call for unity, former President Donald J. Trump returned to the campaign trail, lashing out at his rivals and claiming persecution.