Discursive essay = explores both sides (advantages/disadvantages,

agree/disagree).
Argumentative essay = takes a clear stance but still acknowledges
the other side.
“People are more interested in celebrities and influencers than in
their friends and family.’ To what extent do you agree with this
statement?
[2025 June]
— is asking you to present an argument, express your opinion, and
justify it with reasons and examples.
Features expected in this genre:
 A clear introduction with the issue and your position.
 Balanced discussion (even if you strongly agree/disagree, you
should mention the counterpoint).
 Structured paragraphs: one idea per paragraph, supported with
reasoning/examples.
 Formal tone (avoid slang, but you can use persuasive devices
like rhetorical questions, statistics, contrasts).
 A conclusion that sums up your opinion.

Step-by-step guide for writing any discursive essay (IGCSE / Edexcel)

1) Quick planning (3–5 minutes)

1. Read the question and underline command words (e.g. discuss, to what extent,
evaluate).

2. Decide your stance (agree / disagree / partly agree). You can still discuss both sides.
 3. Brainstorm 3–4 points: two for, two against (or three for + one against — whatever
fits). Jot one short example for each (real life, hypothetical, historical, personal).

4. Choose structure (common: intro — 2 for — 2 against — conclusion).

2) Introduction (1 paragraph)

 Purpose: introduce the issue & state your position.

 How to write it: 1–2 sentences to frame the topic + 1 clear thesis sentence with your
stance.

 Sentence starters:

o “The statement that … raises important questions about …”

o “I partially agree/disagree because …”

Example: “Social media has increased public interest in celebrities. While it is true that this
can distract people, I believe close relationships remain more important overall.”

3) Body paragraphs — use PEEL each time

PEEL = Point → Explanation → Example → Link

 Point: topic sentence (one idea).

o E.g. “One reason people follow celebrities is…”

 Explanation: expand and explain why it matters.

 Example: 1 concrete or hypothetical example (short).

 Link: sentence linking back to question / forward to next paragraph.

Write 2–4 body paragraphs. For balance, present both sides fairly even if you favour one.

4) Language, tone & devices

 Formal tone: avoid slang and contractions.

 Varied sentences: mix simple, compound and complex sentences.

 Connectives: use signpost words (see list below).

 Devices to use sparingly: rhetorical question, contrast, conditional (“If… then…”),

modal verbs (“might”, “could”) and qualifiers (“often”, “sometimes”).
  Don’t invent facts: use general knowledge or clearly hypothetical examples.

Useful connectives:

 For/adding: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition

 Contrast/against: However, On the other hand, Although

 Cause/effect: Therefore, As a result, Consequently

 Conclusion/summary: In conclusion, To sum up, Overall

5) Conclusion (1 paragraph)

 Purpose: sum up key points and restate your judgement clearly.

 How to write: 2–3 sentences — briefly recap both sides, then final stance.

 Phrase examples: “Overall, while …, I conclude that …”

6) Editing checklist (2–4 minutes)

 Does the introduction state your stance?

 Does each paragraph have one clear idea (PEEL)?

 Are there linking phrases between sentences and paragraphs?

 Is the tone formal and vocabulary varied?

 Spelling, punctuation, and grammar — 1 quick pass.

 Word count: aim for what your teacher/exam asks (commonly 300–450 for IGCSE).

7) Quick 5-sentence template you can reuse

1. Intro: topic + thesis.

2. Body para 1: Point for + explain + example.

3. Body para 2: Point for/against + explain + example.

4. Body para 3: Other side + explain + example (or counter-argument).

5. Conclusion: summary + judgement.

Extra tips to get higher marks

  Balance: show you can discuss both sides intellectually.

 Clarity: make your argument easy to follow (one idea per paragraph).

 Vocabulary: use subject vocabulary and academic verbs (suggests, implies,

indicates).

 Evaluation: briefly weigh which side is stronger and why — that shows critical
thinking.

Essay Plan

1. Introduction

 Introduce the topic of modern society’s obsession with fame and social media.

 Mention how celebrities and influencers dominate daily conversations and platforms.

 State your stance clearly (e.g. partly true — people are fascinated by celebrities, but
real relationships still matter).

2. Argument FOR the statement

 Point: Social media promotes constant updates from celebrities/influencers.

 Evidence/Example: Millions follow TikTokers or Instagram stars, liking their posts

instantly while ignoring family dinner conversations.

 Effect: Shows that people are curious about strangers’ lives more than those close to
them.

3. Another argument FOR

 Point: Celebrities/influencers represent aspiration, glamour, or lifestyles people

dream of.

 Example: Fans copy celebrity fashion or spend hours watching YouTube influencers.

 Effect: Suggests attention shifts away from personal relationships to idealised figures.

4. Argument AGAINST the statement

 Point: Friends and family are the people who actually support us in real life.

 Example: In times of illness, stress, or celebration, it is family/friends who are

present — not celebrities.
  Effect: Shows that interest in celebrities is shallow and temporary compared to
genuine bonds.

5. Another argument AGAINST

 Point: Celebrity interest is often a passing trend, while connections with friends and
family last longer.

 Example: A celebrity scandal may grab headlines for a week, but birthdays, family
traditions, and friendships remain important over time.

 Effect: Suggests that although attention is sometimes distracted, deep loyalty

remains with loved ones.

6. Conclusion

 Reiterate both sides: yes, people are fascinated by celebrities/influencers, especially

with the rise of social media.

 But real emotional interest and long-term care are usually focused on friends and
family.

 Give a final judgement: people may be distracted by celebrities, but committed to

their family and friends.

Sample Essay (1)

In today’s world, the rise of social media has made celebrities and influencers more visible
than ever before. Their lives are constantly displayed on screens, from glamorous events to
ordinary daily routines. Some argue that this has caused people to value these figures more
than their own friends and families. While there is truth in this idea, I believe that, despite
growing interest in celebrities, people’s real loyalty and care remain centred on their close
relationships.

On the one hand, it is undeniable that celebrities and influencers attract enormous
attention. Millions of people follow their favourite singers, actors or content creators on
platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. They know what these stars eat, where they travel,
and what clothes they wear. Meanwhile, they may not even notice what their own family
members are doing at the dinner table. This shows how people sometimes prioritise the
glamorous lives of strangers over the quieter presence of those closest to them.

Another reason people are drawn to celebrities is that they represent ideals and aspirations.
Influencers often promote a lifestyle filled with fashion, luxury and excitement, which seems
far more appealing than the ordinary struggles of daily life. For instance, young people often
imitate the style or opinions of famous YouTubers, showing that they invest more time and
energy in admiring distant figures than in paying attention to the advice of parents or
friends.

However, fascination with celebrities does not mean they truly replace personal
relationships. Friends and family are the people who offer emotional support,
encouragement, and practical help. A celebrity may post an inspiring message online, but
they will not visit you when you are ill or celebrate your birthday by your side. In difficult
times, people inevitably turn to those they trust and love in real life.

Moreover, the attention people give to celebrities is usually short-lived. A celebrity scandal
may dominate headlines for a week, but soon it fades and another figure takes the spotlight.
In contrast, bonds with friends and family tend to endure through years of shared
experiences. This demonstrates that while celebrity culture is a distraction, it cannot
compete with the depth of real relationships.

In conclusion, people today are certainly fascinated by celebrities and influencers, often
giving them more attention than they give to loved ones. Yet this fascination is temporary
and shallow compared with the genuine commitment people feel towards their friends and
families. Celebrities may capture interest, but true importance lies with those who remain
present in our daily lives.

Essay Plan for the question (2)

‘We are never too old to try something new.’ To what extent do you agree with this
statement?

Introduction

 Introduce the idea of age and learning/trying new experiences.

 State your position (e.g. largely agree, though age may bring challenges).

Arguments FOR the statement

1. Learning has no age limit

o Older people can still learn skills, such as painting, cooking, or languages.

o Example: many retirees take courses or travel abroad.

2. Trying new things keeps the mind and body active

o Helps prevent boredom, boosts confidence, and encourages healthier

lifestyles.
 o Example: elderly people joining fitness or yoga classes.

Arguments AGAINST the statement

3. Physical limitations

o Some activities may be harder with age, such as extreme sports or very
demanding tasks.

o Example: running a marathon might be unrealistic for someone in their 80s.

4. Fear of change or lack of opportunity

o Older generations may feel uncomfortable with new technology or modern

trends.

o Example: some elderly people struggle to adapt to smartphones or social

media.

Conclusion

 Summarise both sides: while age can bring limitations, people can still try new things
in suitable ways.

 Final judgement: Yes, we are never too old to try something new, but “new” should
be adapted to personal circumstances.

Sample Essay

The saying that “we are never too old to try something new” challenges the idea that age
places strict limits on our choices. In a world where people are living longer and staying
active into their later years, it is important to consider whether opportunities for new
experiences are truly open to all. I believe that although age can bring certain challenges,
people are never too old to explore new activities, provided they are realistic about what
suits them best.

Firstly, learning and trying new things is not restricted to the young. Many older people
enjoy discovering hobbies such as painting, gardening or learning a foreign language. For
example, universities and community centres often offer courses for retirees who want to
broaden their knowledge. This shows that curiosity and creativity do not fade with age, but
can actually grow stronger once people have more free time.

In addition, trying something new can benefit both the mind and the body. Research has
shown that staying mentally active helps prevent memory loss, while physical activities keep
the body healthier for longer. For instance, elderly people who take up gentle exercise, such
as yoga or swimming, often report improved wellbeing. In this way, new experiences are not
only possible in later life but also highly valuable.

On the other hand, it must be recognised that certain activities do become more difficult
with age. A person in their eighties may not be able to climb mountains or run marathons.
Furthermore, some older people find it hard to adapt to modern technologies, such as
smartphones or social media, which younger generations use naturally. These examples
suggest that age can create barriers to trying certain kinds of new things.

Nevertheless, being “too old” should never be an excuse to give up on growth and discovery.
The key lies in choosing activities that are both safe and enjoyable for one’s stage of life.

In conclusion, while age may limit some opportunities, it does not erase the possibility of
learning, experimenting or beginning new experiences. I strongly agree with the statement:
we are never too old to try something new, although we must recognise our personal
circumstances and embrace what is achievable. [380 words]

This essay has:

 Balanced discussion (both sides).

 Clear examples (realistic, exam-friendly).

 Formal style + structured paragraphs.