Discursive Essay
English General Paper 2020
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Learning Objectives
To understand what a discursive essay
involves.
To identify the format of the essay.
To consider possible topics for your essay.
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What is Discursive Writing?
What is a discursive essay?
A discursive essay is an essay where you are required to write on something,
which can be either argued for the topic or against the topic.
However, some discursive essays can also be written in a way where you don’t
have to choose any particular side but to present your views on both the sides in a
balanced manner.
Sometimes you might also be required to write a discursive essay wherein you
don’t argue for or against the topic or statement but instead need to present your
own unbiased views and opinions on that matter.
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What is Discursive essay?
Writing a discursive essay forces you to review all aspects and viewpoints
of a particular topic, allowing you to think deeper and more critical. There
are three types of discursive essays:
[Link] essay – which requires the writer to state their opinion on a topic
and then put forward arguments to support it. However, before concluding
the essay, the writer must put forward arguments against the topic and say
why they are unconvincing.
[Link] and against essay – explains the reasons for and against a
particular topic. Before concluding, the writer must state their opinion on the
topic by giving their preference.
[Link] suggesting a solution to a problem – outlines a problem and
explains several ways to solve the problem. In conclusion, the writer should
give their opinion on the best solution to the problem and why.
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What is Discursive essay ?
( cont)
A discursive essay can look like just another argumentative or persuasive essay but the fact
is that it differs from both of them as the arguments are presented in a better and balanced
manner.
Normally, you are required to present your views on the topic in a balanced way after taking
consideration of all the factors, which include ‘for and against’.
While writing a discursive essay, you should follow some conventions as they will not only
help you in making the right choice of words and sentences but will also guide you in using
the appropriate language for the essay.
For example, the voice expressed in the essay should be calm and the tone should be
as balanced as possible.
Further, you should use a writing structure that can easily alternate from one stand to the
other. Like in one paragraph you should be able to write something against a topic and in the
next paragraph in favour of the topic/statement, but the transition between the paragraphs
should be seamless - as smooth as possible.
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Success Criteria
The main requirements of a discursive essay are that it will:
Communicate clear lines of argument
Present both sides of an argument (or more, if applicable)
Convey a calm tone which is measured, reasonable and yet carries
personal conviction
Communicate to the reader a sense that the writer has a clear line of
thought which leads to a reasonable conclusion
Make use of a number of argumentative techniques such as comparison,
contrast, proof, disproof.
Use impersonal tone, by putting into practice the PASSIVE VOICE. Eg:
Instead of writing, “ I believe...” , it is much better to say “ It is
believed...”
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And use connectors/ discourse
markers/ transition words!!!
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One of the main ways that authors help guide readers through discourse is by “marking” how the
coming sentence or clause (NB discourse markers generally come at the beginning of clauses and
sentences) relates back to previous discourse. Thus if the author wants to show a continuation of
a previous line of thought, s/he will begin the coming sentence with a marker such as in addition
or moreover. This automatically helps the reader to approach the coming sentence with the
knowledge of how it relates to the theme the author is constructing (i.e. this is another sentence
in support of an idea previously posited). If, on the other hand, the author wants to signal a
change in direction of the discourse, s/he will utilize a marker such as on the other hand or
conversely (now go back to the beginning of this sentence and note how the phrase on the other
hand prepared you to understand that the sentence would pose an idea in opposition to the
previously presented idea of supporting a previous theme, replaced by the concept of contrasting
a previous theme).
There are many markers and, perhaps even more importantly, some of them are used more in
speech than in writing, or vice versa or some of them are more informally used than formally and
so on and so on. The best way to understand an effective use of discourse markers (which,
remember, is essential for academic writing!) is to read a lot. However, reading without paying
special attentions to discourse markers may be somewhat helpful, but not completely. You
must take a step back from the reading process in order to pick out and notice how the author is
employing discourse markers and what they add to the reading experience. In this way, you can
begin to develop both a conscious and unconscious knowledge of how to use them yourself.
What’s important is NOT to simply throw discourse markers haphazardly into your writing.
This is the case, for example, of learners who remember suddenly, “oh yeah, I’m supposed to
be using those discourse markers” and then arbitrarily write one of the common ones
remembered at the moment (indeed, for some unknown reason, Italian students love moreover
and use it constantly, often when it’s not appropriate).
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Planning and Research
ARE ESSENTIAL!
There is not a particularly organic way to do this
essay – you have the have a succinct structure.
This takes PLANNING.
You will need RESEARCH – facts and figures
from newspapers and articles, etc etc etc.
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PLANNING
Start an essay with an introduction that sounds interesting to the readers. Try to avoid generalizations and stereotypes
in your approach.
Give a clear stance in the opening paragraph of the essay itself – you can be for or against a topic or statement if the essay
asks you to do so. However, in essays that do not require a particular stance, you need to wait till the end to present
your own views on the matter.
In the subsequent paragraphs, try to build your arguments. You might have several arguments for your essay but you
should write them in separate paragraphs so that they are coherent and distinct. Whenever you are building your argument
– either in favour of or against of the topic, you need to provide supporting evidence from internal or external sources
to strengthen your argument.
Make sure you alternate from one argument to the other in an alternate manner, i.e., if you have written the first paragraph
in support of the topic, then your second paragraph should be something against the topic and not in support of it. However,
the third paragraph could be similar to paragraph one, supporting the topic as before. The next paragraph should be again
similar to paragraph two, arguing against the topic. This combination of alternate for and against paragraphs will make your
essay look distinct, better and thoroughly researched and will result in a lasting impact on the reader ’s mind.
After you have put all your thoughts and opinions in the body section, you now need to focus on the ending section, which is
the conclusion. To write the conclusion you need to sum up the key points, which you have mentioned in the body
paragraphs above and based on the essay type, you can state your final position on the topic/statement, which can be
either for or against, or even can be neither of the two. However, whatever you write in the conclusion should resonate with
your main body paragraphs. You can also write your personal opinion here if the essay requires you to do so but you should
also express it in a logical way, clearly referencing it with your findings in the body paragraphs. Remember that your
conclusion is not just a repetition of the arguments you have mentioned in the above body paragraphs but a summary of the
main findings.
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The Structure: Introduction
State your subject and stance. It may include rhetorical questions, or quotes, or statistics, or
even an interesting anecdote, to trigger off the reader’s curiosity
At times, you need to tell/ show the reader what he/she will find in the essay.
EG:
A matter of considerable controversy is the issue of whether works of art should
remain in their country of origin, or rather the owners of such works should be
allowed to sell them abroad., thus depriving the country’s population of a vital part of
its cultural heritage. Strong arguments exist in support of both sides of this debate,
which implies that it is worth examining both points of view before reaching any
conclusions.
........is a very controversial topic which often arises heated debates. While some
followers believe that......., its detractors are convinced that........... This essay will
present both aspects of the issue in question and will round off with a fair/ logical
conclusion
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Paragraphs 2 to 4-6
Here is where your planning will shine.
BEFORE writing a discursive essay, you need arguments- in favour and against.
You will have your own opinion on the topic, logically, but you will keep it for you till the
very end.
Start writing the arguments you do NOT agree with, and classify them from the weakest
to the strongest.
Include a sentence that will show the reader that you are now going to focus on the
other aspect of the argument in question. Eg:
However, the arguments stated above can easily be refuted. Take,…… , for instance.
Then, do the same with the arguments supporting your view, and do the same.
This means that your last argument is surely YOUR STRONGEST ONE.
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Conclusion
Your discursive essay ending is the climax of your
argument, a final link that organically locks up a chain
of previously described points. This part is devoted to
the restatement of the main arguments that sum up
your attitude to the topic. And just like with
introduction, the conclusion should leave a trace in
readers’ minds. To achieve this result, your closing
paragraph should include a call to action, warning or
any other food for thought that will encourage people
to ponder on the issue and make relevant conclusions.
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Selecting a Topic
Choose a topic that you are genuinely
interested in. If you hate the subject, it
will come across in your writing.
(… It will also make researching the essay
the bane of your life for the next few
weeks. No Thanks.)
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See some examples
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IS ADVERTISING HARMFUL?
‘Every day we are exposed to countless commercials
scattered throughout countless mediums. Is this
exposure healthy for our society? Is it responsible for
the ‘brat culture’ and constant need to spend that we
experience?’
OR
‘Where would small businesses be without advertising?
How would be select the product that best suits our
needs without having the companies keep us informed?
Modern advertising tends to promote healthy lifestyles
and attitudes – people have only become annoyed at
adverts because they make them feel guilty about their
less-than-perfect lifestyle.’
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IS ADVERTISING HARMFUL?
Agree Disagree
There are too many Small businesses need
advertisements in everyday life. advertisements to make their
products known.
People are given too much choice,
which makes them less happy.
Advertising helps us choose
Advertisements are an attempt to between different goods.
brainwash customers.
Advertisements promote
Advertisements try to make healthy products and
people feel bad about not having lifestyles.
the product.
Advertising is only as annoying
Advertisements tell children that as you want it to be.
they should have everything they
want.
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SHOULD WE FORCE FEED SUFFERERS OF
ANOREXIA NERVOSA?
‘Anorexia has become an epidemic in our culture. Many
blame society and the media as they constantly push
ideals of the ultra-skinny model to younger and
younger women (and now men). In the grip of this
mental illness, it becomes necessary to make the
decisions that the patient cannot make for
themselves: to prioritise the life of the individual over
their dignity. Sometimes this means that force feeding
is a necessary treatment.’
‘Force feeding patients who are vulnerable and under a
great deal of stress can be both physically and
mentally harmful. It leaves the patient in a position
that they feel they cannot trust their doctors.’ 22
SHOULD WE FORCE FEED SUFFERERS OF
ANOREXIA NERVOSA
?
Agree Disagree
Life more important than Compulsory treatment is
dignity not a long term solution
Doctors must act to keep Patients should be able
patients alive to trust their doctors
Force Feeding can Help Force feeding can be
Psychologically physically harmful
Anorexic patients cannot The focus should be on
make decisions for the relief of pain rather
themselves than causing more
distress. 23
SHOULD WE BAN COSMETIC
SURGERY?
Is it needless, life-threatening surgery sought
after by those who have been brain-washed by
the beauty media?
OR
Is it confidence-raising craftsmanship that
empowers those who choose to change the
bodies they live in for the better?
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SHOULD WE BAN COSMETIC
SURGERY?
Agree Disagree
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SHOULD SMOKERS BE DENIED
ACCESS TO STATE
HEALTHCARE?
‘They choose to abuse their bodies despite
constant warning. Why spend the money of the
tax payer on easily prevented ailments?’
‘Is it right to discriminate against someone for a
lifestyle choice? Can we ethically tell them to
pay for their own healthcare, or worse – leave
them to die?’
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SHOULD SMOKERS BE DENIED
ACCESS TO PUBLIC HEALTH CARE?
Agree Disagree
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MODERN MEDIA IS CAUSING THE
YOUTH OF TODAY TO CHOOSE BAD
ROLMODELS. DISCUSS.
‘Today the media has such a huge influence that
children and teenagers are no longer presented with
feasible role models – only reality stars with fake tan,
fake accents and no brain power.’
‘Today’s role models are a product of necessity – they
appeal to youth’s who are perhaps not academic and
teach them to market themselves and become shrewd
business people. They also promote style and
confidence no matter their personality.’ 28
MODERN MEDIA IS CAUSING THE YOUTH OF
TODAY TO CHOOSE BAD ROLE MODELS.
DISCUSS
Agree Disagree
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Death Penalty- A curse or a Blessing?
Watch the following videos on the topic, and then make your own list with
three arguments in favour and three against.
Remember to organize them according to slide 16 – weakest to strongest.
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
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Complete this slide on DEATH PENALTY:
AGREE DISAGREE
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Other Ideas
SHOULD THERE BE AGE RATINGS PLACED ON BOOKS IN
THE SAME WAY THAT THERE ARE VIDEO GAMES AND
FILMS?
SHOULD CHILD PERFORMERS BE BANNED?
SHOULD WE BAN MUSIC CONTAINING LYRICS THAT
GLORIFY VIOLENCE AND CRIMINAL LIFESTYLES?
SHOULD WE GRANT THOSE DIAGNOSED WITH
TERMINAL ILLNESSES THE RIGHT TO ACCESS
TREATMENTS THAT HAVE NOT COMPLETED CLINICAL
TESTING?
ARE SPORT STARS PAID TOO MUCH?
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PLAGIARISM
Use sources and research (NOT WIKI),
but DO NOT quote or lift without giving
due credit.
The majority of the essay should be in
your on words!
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