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. |
|
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!
Click here to Download
Follow Writing Samurai on Telegram for the latest tips and strategies for English, Chinese, and Creative Writing! Pssst... We will also share the latest compo topics during test or exam season!
Click this link to follow our channel >>> https://t.me/writingsamurai
Free picture compositions for primary 3, 4, 5, and 6..
Cancel reply
Your comment ...
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Writing Samurai is an online platform dedicated to nurturing children’s creative writing skills. Our courses are designed to be engaging and effective, without resorting to traditional teaching methods.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
2024 Copyright Writing Samurai
Select a year to see courses
Learn online or on-campus during the term or school holidays
Get HSC exam ready in just a week
Select a year to see available courses
Science guides to help you get ahead
To ensure we are showing you the most relevant content, please select your location below.
The discursive essay is a new component of Module C: The Craft of Writing. In this article, we explain what a discursive essay is and give you a step-by-step process for writing one.
Guide Chapters
Join 75,893 students who already have a head start.
" * " indicates required fields
You might also like
Vce english units 3 & 4.
Do you know what a discursive essay is? Do you know how it’s different from a persuasive essay? What does “discursive” even mean? If you’re asking yourself these questions, you’re not alone. But don’t worry! In this post, we’ll explain what a discursive essay is and how to write one worthy of a Band 6.
Download your free discursive essay cheatsheet!
Write the perfect discursive response with flair
Done! Your download has been emailed.
Please allow a few minutes for it to land in your inbox.
We take your privacy seriously. T&Cs and Privacy Policy .
A discursive essay is a type of writing that explores multiple perspectives on a topic.
NESA defines discursive texts as:
Texts whose primary focus is to explore an idea or variety of topics. These texts involve the discussion of an idea(s) or opinion(s) without the direct intention of persuading the reader, listener or viewer to adopt any single point of view. Discursive texts can be humorous or serious in tone and can have a formal or informal register.
NESA adds that discursive essays can also include the following features:
The discursive essays you produce will need to discuss ideas in this way.
But, don’t worry— it’s actually a lot more fun than it sounds.
Let’s see why.
The 2019 English Syllabus for the HSC has substantially changed Module C.
Instead of just analysing texts and writing essays, the new Module C: The Craft of Writing is aimed at helping you become a better writer.
To do this, they’ve developed a Module that requires you to write in a variety of different modes:
By teaching you to write in a variety of modes, NESA aims to make you a more confident and competent communicator.
This approach to writing will broaden your writing skills so they’re practical even outside of High School and the HSC.
There are both stylistic and structural differences between a discursive and a persuasive essay.
Most essays that you write in High School ask you to take a position on something and argue for it. Essentially, you’re being asked to persuade a reader of something – a theme, idea, or an idea’s connection to context.
In contrast, discursive essays don’t require you to take a particular position on something.
When you write a discursive essay, you can explore your topic from a few different perspectives. This gives you the opportunity to explore the pros and cons and also see what others might think on the topic.
Discursive essays are also less rigid and formal than the standard persuasive essay you’re asked to write in other Modules. In a discursive essay, you can develop your own voice and style.
The following table shows the differences in forms:
Table: Comparison of Discursive and Persuasive Essays | ||
Detail | Discursive Essay | Persuasive Essay |
Register of language | A mix of formal and informal languages with occasional colloquialisms | Formal |
Style and tone | Aim for an educated audience, but the tone and style can be friendly and more openly subjective | Academic, objective, and intellectual |
Use of first-person pronouns | First-person pronouns are fine | First person pronouns should be used cautiously and judiciously |
Use of figurative devices | Should be used throughout | Not recommended |
Use of evidence and examples | Yes, but not in a T.E.E.L or P.E.E.L format | Yes, consistently and in a particular format |
Structure | Requires an introduction, conclusion, and paragraphing. Paragraph length can vary. There is no definitive scaffold. | Introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion. Formal structure appropriate to the Module. Consistent paragraph length throughout. |
Learn how to research, structure, and write a discursive essay with expert step-by-step guidance and feedback!
Start HSC English confidently
Expert teachers, detailed feedback, one-to-one help! Learn from home with Matrix+ Online English courses.
When you’re writing an essay, your opinion always counts. It doesn’t matter if you’re writing a detailed persuasive essay for Module B or a discursive piece as part of a Module C assessment, your ideas and opinions are crucial.
However, when you write a persuasive essay, there is the assumption that it is your voice and your opinion. So, teachers often say not to use personal pronouns because adding a stronger element of your personal voice will make your writing seem too subjective and, therefore, not as persuasive.
Personal pronouns in persuasive essays are also often seen as being tautological (saying something twice, which some see as a stylistic fault).
In contrast, in a discursive essay, you can take a more personal approach. For example, including personal anecdotes and your own strong voice can help add depth and insight to the perspectives you discuss.
Discursive essays are stylistically different to persuasive essays. They can be serious or they can be humorous.
They’re not a new style of writing – discursive essays were a very common form of writing during the Renaissance and Early Modern Period.
Mary Wollstonecraft, Charles Lamb, Elizabeth Barret Browning, Samuel Johnson, GK Chesterton, and Michel de Montaigne were all famous essayists in their time who wrote discursive texts as well as persuasive ones.
Over time, the discursive essay became less common than the persuasive essay. In our context, discursive writing is becoming more common again. Contemporary writers such as Zadie Smith, Helen Garner, John D’Agata, and Ta-Nesi Coates all have discursive essays among their work.
You’ll find examples of discursive writing in publications like:
You’ll need to provide evidence in your discursive essays, but not in the same sense as your persuasive writing.
The idea is to explore ideas or a variety of topics. To do this, you’ll have to present some evidence. But this won’t necessarily include literary analysis (although it might if you so choose).
You’re not going to be writing T.E.E.L or P.E.E.L paragraphs or listing techniques and effects (not that you should ever list technique and effect!).
Instead, you’ll be writing about ideas and maybe supporting these with quotations from other people, or anecdotes and reflections from your personal experience.
In persuasive essays, you’ll draw on essay scaffolds depending on whether you’re discussing one or more texts and the Module you’re studying. You also want to ensure that your paragraphs are consistent in length and have explicit signposting – such, as topic sentences and linking sentences.
Discursive essays don’t have the same rigid structure or approach to signposting.
In a discursive essay, you may not be discussing texts, but rather ideas or things – for instance, an advertisement, political system, or a type of sneaker. This means that some paragraphs will need to be longer than others, depending on the aspect of the idea you’re discussing.
In addition, because a discursive essay will want you to discuss things from an objective point of view, but also include your anecdotal experiences, you may find that your anecdotes are shorter than your discussion of ideas.
While you will need to introduce your ideas in the introduction and at the start of each paragraph, you won’t need to have formal thesis statements and topic sentences. After all, you’re trying to be more conversational and less formal.
Like any essay, you can follow a process to produce high-quality essays and make your life easier. Don’t worry, we’ve got a process we can use.
Let’s take a look at the steps Matrix students learn.
Now we’ll discuss how to write a discursive essay. This process has the following steps:
When you write a persuasive essay, you are given a specific question. With a discursive essay, you may not have a question at all. Instead, your discursive tasks will have a variety of potential forms:
Your discursive tasks may well be far more free-ranging than a persuasive essay.
Because of the nature of discursive essays, you won’t be analysing and unpacking a question like you would for a persuasive essay. instead, you’ll need to research and explore different ideas or subjects.
As with any essay, it is important that you take the time to research and plan your work first. This is especially true if you are writing on a topic for the first time. So, this is why we begin with planning and research.
Before you start doing anything, you need to consider what you know about the topic you need to discuss.
Your first step is to produce a mind-map that lists what you know about the topic. Mindmaps should list the aspects of the topic that you think are worth exploring or would be interesting to explore.
Your mindmap is important as it will give you the points that you need to explore and research.
You’ve produced a brainstorm so that you’ve something to start from. Now you have unpacked some ideas, you need to develop these ideas. This will require you to do some research.
Fortunately, you have the power of the internet at your fingers. Look at your mindmap and start researching the topics or ideas you have noted down.
Wikipedia is a good place to start looking for information about subjects. But you can also look at videos on Youtube or check out news sites, such as the New York Times.
Make sure you try to use reputable sites. For example, a personal blog is not going to have the same level of trustworthiness as a major news site, a museum, or Wikipedia.
You want to start by looking at the broad topic you find interesting, and then pick two or three aspects to consider in detail.
Don’t let your research get too out of hand, you’re likely only going to be writing a 1000-1200 word response.
Some dos and don’ts:
Once you’ve researched your topic, you’re ready to start planning things.
Even though a discursive essay lacks the formality of a persuasive response, you’re still going to need a logical structure.
This means you’ll need:
Planning is important because it will help you structure your introduction and develop your ideas. Your introduction should briefly introduce the topic and you’re talking about it.
When you plan, you want to note down your ideas and think about how to best present them so a reader can understand the topics you are discussing. This means planning what you will discuss in each paragraph and what bits of evidence are going to best assist this.
You might think about structuring your body paragraphs like this 4 paragraph structure:
This scaffold isn’t rigid. You could quite easily switch around where you put your anecdote. Rather than exploring different perspectives in different paragraphs, you may want to contrast these views in the same paragraph. In a discursive essay, you have flexibility.
Make sure you write this plan down on paper and make some notes about what bits of evidence or quotations
Now you’ve planned everything, you’re in a position to start writing.
Don’t feel ready to write yet? Do you need to see an exemplary discursive essay to see what you should be doing?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Read a sample response, here .
Step 4: Write your introduction
The introduction of a discursive responsive is different to other essays in that you don’t have a formal thesis statement and thematic framework.
Instead, you can ask questions to introduce the topic or you can use an anecdote to frame the topic. You also don’t need to lay out a roadmap of how your essay will unfold, so you can spend time explaining your interest in the topic.
Some effective ways to start discursive essays are:
The length of your introduction can vary widely. As you’re not trying to explain the structure of your argument, you can focus on introducing the topic in the manner you find most engaging
This is where your planning comes in handy. When you’re writing the body of your discursive response, you want to think about the order of information your reader needs to make sense of your discussion. So, use your planning notes to structure your body paragraphs.
While you don’t need a topic sentence per se , you need to get to the subject of the paragraph within the first couple of sentences. You can vary the length of your paragraphs to suit the amount of material you want to discuss.
Some useful rules for writing your paragraphs:
Your conclusion needs to summarise things. While you’re not trying to reassert your ideas a’ la the persuasive essay, you do need to tie things together.
You don’t need to follow the rigid formula of :
Instead, you need to tie together the various perspectives that you’ve looked at in your essay.
Remember, the point of a discursive essay is to explore a subject from different perspectives and not persuade of a single perspective.
Because of this, you want to take your reader back through the different perspectives you’ve encountered. Perhaps you might present the perspective on a matter you hold – for example, “Yes, I do prefer dark chocolate to white chocolate, but that doesn’t mean that white chocolate is not without its uses, benefits, or zealots.”
Once you’ve finished your conclusion…
Congratulations!
You’ve finished your first draft. Now you’re ready to proofread and edit it to produce a second draft.
Once you’ve completed your first draft, you want to put it aside for a couple of hours or a day or two before you reread and edit it. This will let you look at it with “fresh eyes”, meaning that you will have forgotten bits of what you’ve written. Fresh eyes will allow you to a bit more objective when proofing your first draft.
ideally, you want to print out your first draft, so you can annotate it as you go. But that is not always convenient and it’s certainly not environmentally friendly. Using track changes on a Word, Pages, or GoogleDoc will also work.
Do take the time to annotate and use track changes. You want to keep track of your changes and you may also have to demonstrate that you’ve employed an editing process for your teachers
To proofread and edit your response you want to do the following:
It’s important to be objective about your writing.
It’s often hard to separate ourselves and our feelings from the things that we produce.
This can make it hard to give an honest appraisal about what works and what doesn’t. Do your best to be as objective and critical about your work as you can.
You need to use these notes and edits to write a second draft.
Once you’ve finished proofing and editing your work you’re ready to write your second draft.
You really should write a second draft from the beginning rather than editing an existing document.
Rewriting sounds like a lot of work, doesn’t it? But it’ll be worth it.
Rewriting drafts from scratch will always improve the quality of the writing. Because you are not already working with sentences on a page but, rather, are rewriting them, you will be less inclined not to change them and make them better.
What do I mean?
Do you ever look at a sentence in a word document that you’re editing and say to yourself, “I know I should change that sentence, but I really like it so I’m going to make it work?”
You’re not alone if you do. But it’s a bad habit to get into.
Rewriting your second draft from a blank page will make you less inclined to hang onto sentences that may seem beautiful to you, but aren’t great at conveying your ideas. In addition, rewriting your essay will make it easier to include new rhetorical devices and literary techniques, rearrange things, and make large structural changes.
Don’t hesitate to use the drafting process as a way to experiment with your writing and make it better.
What do I do once I’ve got a second draft of my discursive essay?
If you must, you can submit your second draft. Ideally, though, you should try and get a second opinion.
How should you do this?
Maybe you can run it by a friend or family member. Matrix students get feedback from their teachers and workshop tutors to help them develop their second drafts. If you approach your schoolteacher politely, they might give you some feedback if the task allows for it.
The drafting process doesn’t have to finish with the 3rd or, even, the fourth draft. You should keep refining your work to make sure it is as good as it can possibly be. Band 6 results don’t just miraculously appear, they are developed over time.
Once you have a 3rd draft, you’re to SUBMIT!
Written by Matrix English Team
© Matrix Education and www.matrix.edu.au, 2023. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Matrix Education and www.matrix.edu.au with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Year 12 English Advanced tutoring at Matrix will help you gain strong reading and writing skills for the HSC.
Learning methods available
Year 12 English tutoring at Matrix will help your child improve their reading and writing skills.
Congratulations Year 12 on getting through some of the toughest challenges in your schooling! The Matrix Maths team has put together the 2023 HSC Maths Extension 2 Solutions, so you don't have to wait to see how you went!
Read how Natalie scored an ATAR of 99.95 without Maths!
Syed aced his HSC. In this post, he shares his hacks for success.
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 !
The term "discursive" comes from the Latin word "discursus," meaning to move around or traverse. A discursive essay reflects this by exploring multiple viewpoints and offering a thorough discussion on a specific topic.
In this article, our term paper writing service will define what a discursive essay is, distinguish it from an argumentative essay, provide practical tips on how to write one effectively, and examine essay examples to illustrate its structure and approach.
A discursive essay is a type of essay where you discuss a topic from various viewpoints. The goal is to provide a balanced analysis by exploring different perspectives. Your essay should present arguments on the topic, showing both sides to give a comprehensive view.
Features of discursive essays typically include:
From discursive writing to academic triumphs, let your words soar with our essay writing service!
Writing a discursive essay involves examining a topic from different angles and presenting balanced viewpoints. Whether you're tackling a controversial issue or analyzing a complex subject, following these steps will help you craft a well-structured discursive essay.
1. Understand the Topic
Before you start writing, make sure you grasp the topic thoroughly. Identify key terms and concepts to clarify what you need to discuss. Consider the different aspects and perspectives related to the topic that you will explore in your essay.
2. Research and Gather Evidence
Research is crucial for a discursive essay. Gather information from reliable sources such as books, academic journals, and reputable websites. Collect evidence that supports various viewpoints on the topic. Note down quotes, statistics, and examples that you can use to strengthen your arguments.
3. Plan Your Structure
Organize your essay effectively to ensure clarity and coherence. Start with an introduction that states your thesis or main argument. Outline the main points or perspectives you will discuss in the body paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a different aspect or viewpoint, supported by evidence. Consider including a paragraph that addresses counterarguments to strengthen your position.
4. Write the Introduction
Begin your essay with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader's attention. Start with a hook or an intriguing fact related to the topic. Clearly state your thesis statement, which outlines your position on the issue and previews the main points you will discuss. The introduction sets the tone for your essay and provides a roadmap for what follows.
5. Develop the Body Paragraphs
The body of your essay should present a balanced discussion of the topic. Each paragraph should focus on a different perspective or argument. Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea. Support your points with evidence, examples, and quotes from your research. Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs to maintain the flow of your argument.
6. Conclude Effectively
Wrap up your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes the main points and reinforces your thesis statement. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. Instead, reflect on the significance of your arguments and how they contribute to the broader understanding of the topic. End with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action, encouraging readers to consider the complexities of the issue.
If you find this kind of writing challenging, simply say ' write my paper ', and professional writers will handle it for you.
Aspect 📝 | Checklist ✅ |
---|---|
Understanding the Topic | Have I thoroughly understood the topic and its key terms? Have I identified the different perspectives or viewpoints related to the topic? |
Research and Evidence | Have I conducted comprehensive research using reliable sources? Have I gathered sufficient evidence, including quotes, statistics, and to support each perspective? |
Structuring the Essay | Have I planned a clear and logical structure for my essay? Does my introduction include a strong thesis statement that outlines my position? |
Introduction | Does my introduction effectively grab the reader's attention? Have I clearly stated my thesis statement that previews the main arguments? |
Body Paragraphs | Do my body paragraphs each focus on a different perspective or argument? Have I provided evidence and examples to support each argument? |
Counterarguments | Have I addressed potential counterarguments to strengthen my position? Have I acknowledged and responded to opposing viewpoints where necessary? |
Conclusion | Does my conclusion effectively summarize the main points discussed? Have I reinforced my thesis statement and the significance of my arguments? |
Clarity and Coherence | Are my ideas presented in a clear and coherent manner? Do my paragraphs flow logically from one to the next? |
Language and Style | Have I used clear and concise language throughout the essay? Is my writing style appropriate for the academic context, avoiding overly casual language? |
Editing and Proofreading | Have I proofread my essay for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors? Have I checked the overall structure and flow of my essay for coherence? |
Here, let’s take a look at our samples and see how different topics are discussed from different viewpoints in real discursive essays.
If you found these examples helpful, you can order custom essay now and receive one on any topic you choose.
Here are a range of topics that encourage exploration of different perspectives and critical analysis. Choose a topic that interests you and allows for a balanced analysis of arguments and evidence.
By the way, we also have a great collection of narrative essay topics to inspire your creativity.
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 (discursive) or to argue for a specific viewpoint (argumentative). Here’s a more detailed look at how they differ:
Key Differences 📌 | Discursive Essay 📝 | Argumentative Essay 🗣️ |
---|---|---|
Purpose 🎯 | Provides a balanced discussion on a topic | Persuades the reader to agree with a specific viewpoint. |
Approach 🔍 | Examines multiple perspectives without taking a definitive stance | Takes a clear position and argues for or against it throughout the essay. |
Thesis Statement 📜 | Often states a general overview or acknowledges different viewpoints. | States a strong and specific thesis that outlines the writer's position clearly. |
Argumentation 💬 | Presents arguments from various angles to provide a comprehensive view. | Presents arguments that support the writer's position and refute opposing views. |
Before writing a discursive essay, keep in mind that they can be categorized into different types based on their specific purposes and structures. Here are some common types of discursive essays:
Opinion Essays:
Problem-Solution Essays:
Compare and Contrast Essays:
Cause and Effect Essays:
Argumentative Essays:
Pro-Con Essays:
Exploratory Essays:
These types of discursive essays offer different approaches to presenting information, and the choice of type depends on the specific goals of the essay and the preferences of the writer.
Writing a discursive essay needs careful planning to make sure it’s clear and flows well while presenting different viewpoints on a topic. Here’s how to structure your discursive essay:
Introduction
"Should genetically modified foods be more strictly regulated for consumer safety? This question sparks debates among scientists, policymakers, and consumers alike. This essay explores the different perspectives on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to give a complete view of the issues."
Body Paragraphs
"Supporters of GMOs argue that genetically engineered crops can help solve global food shortages by increasing crop yields and resistance to pests. For example, studies have shown that GMOs like insect-resistant corn have reduced the need for chemical pesticides, which benefits both farmers and the environment."
Counterarguments
"However, critics of GMOs worry about potential long-term health effects and environmental impacts. They argue that there isn’t enough research to ensure the safety of eating genetically modified foods over long periods."
"In conclusion, the debate over genetically modified foods highlights the need to balance scientific innovation with public health and environmental concerns. While GMOs offer potential benefits for global food security, ongoing research and transparent regulation are essential to address uncertainties and ensure consumer safety."
Formatting Tips
Remember, besides writing compositions, you’ll also need to do math homework , something we can assist you with right away.
In learning how to write a discursive essay, certain do's and don'ts serve as guiding principles throughout the writing process. By adhering to these guidelines, writers can navigate the complexities of presenting arguments, counterarguments, and nuanced analyses, ensuring the essay resonates with clarity and persuasiveness.
Yays 👍 | Nays 👎 |
---|---|
Conduct thorough research to ensure a well-informed discussion. | Don’t express personal opinions in the body of the essay. Save personal commentary for the conclusion. |
Explore various arguments and viewpoints on the issue. | Don't introduce new information or arguments in the conclusion. This section should summarize and reflect on existing content. |
Maintain a balanced and neutral tone. Present arguments objectively without personal bias. | Don’t use overly emotional or subjective language. Maintain a professional and objective tone. |
Structure your essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use paragraphs to organize your ideas. | Ensure your arguments are supported by credible evidence. Don’t rely on personal opinions without sufficient research. |
Include clear topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph to guide the reader through your arguments. | Don’t have an ambiguous or unclear thesis statement. Clearly state the purpose of your essay in the introduction. |
Use credible evidence from reputable sources to support your arguments. | Don’t ignore counterarguments. Address opposing viewpoints to strengthen your overall argument. |
Ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs and ideas with transitional words and phrases. | Don’t use overly complex language if it doesn’t add to the clarity of your arguments. Aim for clarity and simplicity. |
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments and viewpoints. | Don’t present ideas in a disorganized manner. Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs and ideas. |
Recap key points in the conclusion, summarizing the main arguments and perspectives discussed. | Don’t excessively repeat the same points. Present a variety of arguments and perspectives to keep the essay engaging. |
Correct any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors by proofreading your essay. | Don’t ignore the guidelines provided for your assignment. Follow any specific instructions or requirements given by your instructor or institution. |
Throughout this guide, you have acquired valuable insights into the art of crafting compelling arguments and presenting diverse perspectives. By delving into the nuances of topic selection, structuring, and incorporating evidence, you could hone your critical thinking skills and sharpen your ability to engage in informed discourse.
This guide serves as a roadmap, offering not just a set of rules but a toolkit to empower students in their academic journey. As you embark on future writing endeavors, armed with the knowledge gained here, you can confidently navigate the challenges of constructing well-reasoned, balanced discursive essays that contribute meaningfully to academic discourse and foster a deeper understanding of complex issues. If you want to continue your academic learning journey right now, we suggest that you read about the IEEE format next.
Let professional writers be your writing wingman. No stress - just success!
What is the difference between a discursive and argumentative essay, what are the 2 types of discursive writing.
Daniel Parker
is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.
is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.
Difference between discursive and argumentative essay, no comments :, post a comment, english grammar, subscribe to my feed.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Argumentative and discursive writing form a large portion of the Paper 1 Syllabus, albeit often mistaken for each other due to their similarities and overlaps in writing techniques. In the first part of this two-part series, let us iron out the differences between these two text types so that we can tackle them better in our writing.
6. REBUTTAL. Now, do you spot the difference in these two structures? Discursive writing focuses on one's perspective and thoughts in regards of the subject. It is more of a discussion rather than an argument. Thus, opinions are needed for both "for" and "against". However, on the other hand, argumentative writing focuses on making a ...
The document summarizes the key differences between argumentative and discursive essay writing. An argumentative essay aims to take a stance and convince the audience of a position, while examining counterarguments to further support the stance. In contrast, a discursive essay presents both sides of an issue equally and draws tentative conclusions based on the evidence without trying to ...
The discursive style is written in a more formal and impersonal style than other essays. It begins with a introduction to the topic. Each issue should be discussed in a separate paragraph and each paragraph should begin with a strong topic sentence. The essay will typically alternate a paragraph of point followed by a paragraph of counterpoint.
Discursive essays investigate and analyze an argument by offering two or more opposing perspectives. Argumentative essays investigate and analyze a topic by offering one perspective. Writers of both essays should thoroughly research the topic or issue and choose concrete evidence to support these perspectives. While ...
In other words, the major difference between expository and argumentative essays is that argumentative essays try to convince, while expository essays do not. In an argumentative essay you can take a position. You can say things like: "This essay will show that the best course of action is…". "It is evident that the best course of ...
Kinds of argumentative academic essays and their purposes. Published on November 5, 2014 by Shane Bryson.Revised on July 23, 2023. Most of the time, when your supervisors and others talk about academic essays what they mean is essays that present well-reasoned points of view on various topics.This article explains some essential kinds of these essays—exegetical, discursive, expository, and ...
An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays. Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and ...
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 ...
Read a sample response, here. Step 4: Write your introduction. The introduction of a discursive responsive is different to other essays in that you don't have a formal thesis statement and thematic framework. Instead, you can ask questions to introduce the topic or you can use an anecdote to frame the topic.
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.
Key Differences 📌 Discursive Essay 📝 Argumentative Essay 🗣️; Purpose 🎯: Provides a balanced discussion on a topic: Persuades the reader to agree with a specific viewpoint. Approach 🔍: Examines multiple perspectives without taking a definitive stance: Takes a clear position and argues for or against it throughout the essay ...
The goal of discursive essay is to present both sides of an argument equally and then draw some tentative conclusions based on the evidence. Though some readers may be convinced by your arguments and conclusions, the goal isn't to convince anyone. Your goal is to objectively evaluate the topic.
The document discusses the differences between discursive and argumentative essays. A discursive essay examines two opposing perspectives on an issue in an unbiased manner, while an argumentative essay argues a single perspective. Additionally, a discursive essay maintains a neutral stance and explores the validity of different views, whereas an argumentative essay uses rhetorical strategies ...
1. Topic Selection: A discursive essay is mainly written on two or more topics or issues. It presents the two opposing perspectives in a balanced manner. On the other hand, argumentative essay discusses about a particular topic or issue. It gives a set of reasons to convince the reader to a specific point of view. 2.