Discursive Essay Writing
Remember that without your points clearly
established, you will be unable to structure a
sound argument.
Make sure that you explain all evidence used
to support your argument with great detail
and depth, while being clear and concise;
avoid any ambiguity.
DISCURSIVE ESSAY
The goal of a discursive essay is to:
• Present a balanced and objective examination of a subject.
• Like an argumentative essay, the topic may be controversial, but the discursive essay attempts to
present a much more balanced discussion of the issue.
• It does not, however, have to be expressly neutral.
• The essay should present both sides of the discussion, supported by facts and research.
• The author may draw tentative conclusions about the subject and suggest them to the reader.
• CORE SKILL: The ability to develop and defend an argument.
Aspects of a discursive essay:
• Type of essay that discusses a problem, a controversy or recent issue.
• Written in 3rd person and from an objective point of view.
• Present the issue in an unbiased manner, discussing ALL points of the argument thoroughly and
carefully.
• Main steps:
• Engage in the controversial topic fully
• Take a stand
• Argue that stand and provide support
• Indicate other view points and counter-argue them
What constitutes a good discursive essay?
• Engages with the various viewpoints on a topic
• Provides detailed examples to develop viewpoints
• Provides the learner’s stance on the topic
• Is well-structured and logical
• Is formal and avoids obvious bias
• Avoid emotive and bias language
• Use your research/articles as a support for your arguments – quote experts, use stats – no
bibliography needed
Structure:
INTRODUCTION
ARGUMENT 1
ARGUMENT 2
ARGUMENT 3
REBUTTAL / COUNTER-ARGUMENT 1
REBUTTAL / COUNTER-ARGUMENT 2
CONCLUSION
Planning:
• Is essential
• Make a list of arguments for and against the statement
• Outline evidence / content to be used in the essays
• Outline the structure of the essay
• Checklist:
• Have I considered all viewpoint?
• Have I considered what evidence I am going to include?
• Have I structured my essay?
Introduction:
• This is the ‘map’ of the essay
• One – two sentences providing context
• Learner should state both their argument as well as areas of focus
• Learner must not try to make entire argument in the introduction; rather just outline it
• Concise and focused
Paragraphs:
• ‘Substance’ of the essay
• 1 idea = 1 paragraph
TOPIC SENTENCE
EVIDENCE AND ELABORATION
Counter-Argument:
• Consider views / stance different to yours
• Same structure as other paragraphs (P.E.E.L)
• A good essay will diminish / minimise this point of view
Conclusion:
• Emphasises argument and main points of the essay
• Must not contradict learner’s position
• Do not introduce new information in a conclusion
• The conclusion is not the space to make the argument
Quantity v Quality
• Don’t penalize yourself by writing too little or too much.
• Understand the question – what are you being asked and only answer that question.
• Checklist:
• Does each paragraph have a topic sentence?
• Is the evidence to the question?
• Have I linked the evidence to the question?
• Do my paragraphs each deal with one main issue only?
Argument: QUESTION: TOPIC Counter-Argument:
YOUR STANCE
POINT ONE: INTRODUCTION
POINT ONE:
CONTEXTUALISE YOUR TOPIC, INTRODUCE YOUR
EVIDENCE: STANCE
EVIDENCE:
Use peel element for
EXPLANATION:
each paragraph
EXPLANATION:
POINT
EVIDENCE = Examples +
POINT TWO: facts from sources &
own viewpoint
EXPLANATION
POINT THREE:
EVIDENCE: LINK
Write in 3rd person!
EVIDENCE:
EXPLANATION:
EXPLANATION:
POINT THREE:
EVIDENCE:
CONCLUSION
EXPLANATION: