Discursive Essay Writing
Discursive (adj) [dis-ker-siv]: Meaning:
Talking or writing about things that are not highly organised.
Moving from topic to topic without order.
Passing aimlessly from one topic to another.
SYNONYMS: Rambling, digressive, erratic, long-winded.
Think of discursive as a BLEND of expository and argumentative because it uses
elements from both:
It explains the issue’s pros and cons WITHOUT bias.
It uses point-counterpoint at time, when reasoning through a point it can argue in favour
of one angle or it can stay neutral.
It seamlessly transitions.
It observes logical progression of thought.
It analyses and draws conclusions based on these analyses.
DISCURSIVE PROMPTS
Discursive prompts tend to utilise the following trigger words/phrases/clauses in the
prompt to initiate such a discussion:
How far do you agree...
To what extent do you agree...
How fair is the comment that...
Evaluate....
Discuss...
Assess...
Assess the ability of…
Examine the value of…
These prompts will ALMOST always indicate that it is a discursive prompt— make sure
you take into consideration the entire prompt and what it is asking.
STRUCTURE OF A DISCURSIVE ESSAY
Unlike expository and argumentative, there is no set structure for a discursive essay
However, you can follow this general guideline:
Introduction:
General statement about essay topic.
1 to 3 sentences that indicate shifts perspective.
Thesis.
Body Paragraphs Should: Either begin or end with a transitional statement, such as a
point/counterpoint statement or transitional word/phrase.
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Each paragraph should evaluate and address one claim (and/or counterclaim), providing
evidence in support (or refutation) of that claim.
keep an objective tone by avoiding logical fallacies, opinion, and personal pronouns.
Conclusion: The conclusion should either:
A) remain neutral and short up points made OR
B) choose a side
WRITING A DISCURSIVE ESSAY
Unpack the Prompt
Star the directive or command (this tells you whether it’s expository, argumentative, or
discursive)
Underline constraints (i.e., time, location) and tasks
Circle the key words that you should use in your thesis
Brainstorm
So a level of brainstorming is clearly in order before attempting this style (or any style for
that matter)— it’s not an entirely untamed form. But students aren’t expected to know the
answer upfront, and they aren’t encouraged to be overly assertive in tone either because
they are supposed to reason THROUGH the topic rather than demand the reader’s
allegiance or protest against it.
Don’t treat this like an argumentative essay. Yes, you will employ point/counterpoint, but
in a more rhetorical way rather than an agree-with-my-point way. Remember that you
don’t get to choose a side until the conclusion. EACH POINT AND COUNTERPOINT IS
GIVEN EQUAL WEIGHT.
Avoid Rambling, Circumlocution, and Digression
Keep topically related paragraphs near one another — this makes seamless transitioning
easier.
Avoid talking about the environment in paragraph #1, then remembering something about
it just after paragraph #4 and doubling back (“...like I said earlier in this essay...” or “back
to my point earlier about...”)
“Quite a few candidates used the introduction to give unnecessary and sometimes
lengthy history/background of the topic instead of focusing immediately on the wording of
the questions and exploring the arising issues.”
-Examiner’s Report, Paper 11, October/November 2012
Prompt: To what extent does a country both bene t and su er from where it is situated
CRAFTING THE INTRODUCTION:
Essay intentions and organisation should be customised according to the key terms in the
prompt.
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To help you craft this element of the essay, remember that introductions should:
Immediately connect to the language of the prompt. What words might you use from this
prompt?
Clearly introduce the topic; no need for lengthy histories or to outline each part of your
arguments. Keep it simple.
Clarify any terms that could be interpreted in di erent ways (i.e art, history, knowledge,
etc.). Attempt to convey these de nitions as concretely as possible. For instance, instead
of leaving it at ‘art’, note that you will only be concerned with traditional painting and
sculpture, not photography and graphic design. Let them know what to expect HERE.
Use the thesis statement to make the style of the essay clear: discursive, argumentative,
or expository intentions should be conveyed before beginning the argument.
DRAFTING A THESIS
With your partner, write a thesis statement for three of the following prompts:
1. To what extent should a nation try to forget its past?
2. Consider the view that ‘conservation of wilderness and wildlife should be the priority
of all nations’.
3. Given the misery in both human and personal history, is it possible to believe in
compassionate Divinity?
4. To what extent do our genes determine our future?
5. Is it democratically acceptable not to vote in elections?
6. Which foreign culture appeals most to you? Give reasons for your choice.
7. Choose two well-known people and assess their importance in the culture of our
times.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN BODY PARAGRAPHS:
A. Topic Sentence: What is a topic sentence? What is its purpose?
B. Student Logic: Give an example of fact-based reasoning from your sample essay.
C. Concrete Examples: speci c and fact-based, these help to support student logic.
Outline one example from your sample essay.
D. Point/Counterpoint: not necessary in every paragraph, but you want to be sure to stay
balanced and unbiased by presenting both sides an equal amount.
E. Transitions: Although this may include transitional words or phrases, this also refers to
the more sophisticated style of seamless transitions. Underline words or phrases that
are used in one paragraph and then repeated in the transitional sentence of the
proceeding paragraph.
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THE DISCURSIVE CONCLUSION SHOULD:
1. Provide some sort of TRANSITION to trigger the essay’s closing, but do not
necessarily use the traditional ‘in conclusion’ format:
Clearly, Evidently, It appears, Therefore, Ultimately, etc.
2. Brie y summarise the main points you have covered in the essay without going
overboard on detail reiteration.
Develop parallels or highlight direct contrasts if possible.
Limit this to 1-3 sentences.
3. Draw conclusions based on the bigger picture ideas/themes addressed in your essay.
From a cultural perspective,(the prompt) holds true, but from a political perspective
(the prompt) does not apply.
4. Determine a nal direction:
Maintain NEUTRALITY, if you feel the topic is highly circumstantial OR you don’t feel
strongly about the topic.
PICK A SIDE, if you feel that more often than not, one side holds true over the other
OR you feel very strongly about one side.
5. LOOK TO THE FUTURE, if the prompt permits you to, or simply END on an
OPTIMISTIC note.
6. As always, include PROMPT LANGUAGE as you wrap up your address of the topic.
Discursive Essay Vs Argumentative Essay
Purpose:
DISCURSIVE ESSAY
It presents a balanced and objective examination of a subject.
The topic may be controversial, but the discursive essay attempts to present a much
more balanced discussion of the issue.
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
It presents the advantages and disadvantages of a certain subject. .
Its purpose is to both educate and persuade the reader on a particular point of view.
Style:
DISCURSIVE ESSAY
They are written in a more formal and impersonal style than other essays.
Each issue should be discussed in a separate paragraph and each paragraph should
begin with a strong topic sentence.
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ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
They follow a general format. The writer states an initial thesis that contains the point of
view for which the author is arguing.
The body generally presents both sides of the argument.
Plan:
DISCURSIVE ESSAY
Introduction
1st Issue, situation or problem, 2nd Issue, situation or problem, Conclusion.
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
Introduction
Arguments for/against, Arguments against/for, Conclusion.
A Good Discursive Essay Has:
• An introductory paragraph (you clearly state the topic to be discussed),
• A main body (points are clearly stated in separate paragraphs (2-3) and exempli ed or
justi ed),
• A closing paragraph summarising the main points of the essay.
(you restate your opinion, and/or give a balanced consideration of the topic).
Formal Style of The Discursive Essay: This means you should do the following:
• Passive voice, impersonal constructions (e.g. It is argued that...; It is a common belief
that...)
• A range of advanced vocabulary (verbs, adjectives, abstract nouns, etc) (e.g. heated
debate concerning the controversial issue...)
• Formal linking words/phrases (e.g. furthermore, however, nonetheless)
• Complex sentences with a variety of links, dependent clauses (e.g. Furthermore, a
tendency to self-concentration and egoism might rise when one start measuring
everything from a pro t making perspective.)
• Inversion, especially in conditionals (e.g. Never has this been more obvious...)
You Should NOT Use:
• Short forms (e.g. I'm; It’s) except when these are part of a quotation.
• Colloquial expressions, phrasal verbs, idioms (e.g. lots of, put up with, be over the
moon about...).
• Simplistic vocabulary (e.g. Experts say they think this is bad....).
• A series of short sentences (e.g. Many people think so. They are wrong.).
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• Simple linking words (e.g. and, but, so)
Do Do not use
Write in proper, complete sentences Abbreviations (i.e./e.g./etc./UK/&)
Use complete words and expressions Contractions (isn't/don't/won't)
Use proper, standard English Slang (e.g. bloke/geezer etc)
Colloquial language (mate/bolshy etc.)
In Simple Terms It Means The Following:
Linking Words: To Provide An Illustration/ To Give an Example:
For example that is, that is to say for instance, in other words namely, such as, as follows,
a typical/particular/key example, typical of this including especially, in particular mainly,
most importantly, a good illustration of this is, it is interesting to note.
Linking Words: To Extend a Point/ To Add:
Similarly, equally, likewise, also, furthermore, indeed, in the same way, besides, above all,
as well, in addition, moreover.
Linking Words: To Show The Next Step:
First(ly), second(ly), third(ly), nally, to begin/start with, in the rst/second place, rst and
foremost, rst and most importantly, another, then, after, next, afterwards, ultimately.
Linking Words: To Indicate or Contrast:
However, on the other hand, alternatively, in contrast, instead (of), conversely, on the
contrary, in fact, in comparison, another possibility, while, whereas, but, better/worst,
despite this, in spite of, although, nevertheless, notwithstanding for all that, yet, in
opposition to this.
Linking Words: To Show Cause and E ect:
So, therefore, accordingly, hence, as a result/consequence, resulting from, in
consequence of this, consequently, because of this/that, for this reason, owing to/due to
the fact, this demonstrates, it follows that, this suggests that, accepting/assuming this.
Linking Words: To Conclude:
In conclusion, it can be concluded, this implies, in short, to conclude, to sum up, all in all,
in brief, all things, considered, taking everything into account.
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The Role Of Marriage In Today’s Society
If there is one thing that virtually all the world’s cultures have in common, it is marriage.
Beliefs, diet and languages vary greatly, but the desire people have to share their lives
with another seems universal. Why, then, is marriage so popular? Psychologists have said
that people have a deep need for the emotional security which marriage provide. Knowing
that one has a partner in life makes it easier to cope with the problems of daily life. On the
other hand, the fact that many single people are content to live alone suggests that the
“emotional need” theory is incomplete.
British novelist Fay Weldon once stated, “Marriage has nothing to do with emotion and
everything to do with property.” According to the supporters of this view, people marry in
order to increase their wealth, either by marrying a rich partner or because, as the saying
goes, “two can live cheaply as one.” It is true that nancial considerations are often the
primary reason that people marry. However, there are countless examples of people
“marrying for love”, regardless of their mate’s lack of money.
All in all, marriage continues to be extremely popular in many societies. Most of us have a
need for love and support and want to have children at some point in our lives. Fully
understanding the reason why people marry, though, may be as di cult as understanding
the human mind itself.
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