HOW TO WRITE A

DISCURSIVE
ESSAY
NELDA OPPERMAN
2020
WHAT DOES THE WORD DISCURSIVE MEAN?
It refers to the clever, well-informed analysis of an argument or dilemma, to
weigh all pros and cons.
In the process, it is important that the writer or speaker proceeds to a
conclusion by reason or argument, rather than intuition or personal bias.
PLANNING
• Planning is key to a successful essay
• Always make a list of “for and against” arguments first.
• Make sure that you have sufficient arguments for both sides of the
point
• Use SOLID evidence, based on PREVIOUS experience, what you read
in the media or heard on the news to support your point.
• Do not construct fake statistics. Avoid LYING OR FABRICATION at
all costs: They say...(Who are they?)

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 POSSIBLE PLANNING
INTRODUCTION
METHOD NO 1
PROBLEM STATEMENT
PARAGRAPH 1-STATE AFRGUMENT IN FAVOUR OF SILENT
PROBLEM STATEMENT PLUS EVIDENCE
PARAGRAPH 2- STATE ARGUMENT IN FAVOUR OF SILENT
PROBLEM STATEMENT PLUS EVIDENCE
SILENT PARAGRAPH 3-REFUTE PARAGRAPH 1 PLUS
EVIDENCE
SILENT PARAGRAPH 4-REFUTE PARAGRAPH 2 PLUS
EVIDENCE
SECOND LAST PARAGRAPH-(Can swop with last paragraph as well) STATE WHAT IS YOUR OPINION, BUT DO
NOT CHOOSE A SIDE LIKE IN AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY. IT SHOULD NOT BE WITH THE SAME ZEST AND
ENERGY- MERELY A STATEMENT OF YOUR POINT OF VIEW

FINAL PARAGRAPH- WRAP UP ALL ARGUMENTS. IT WILL BE EXCELLENT IF YOU COULD RESTATE THE
DILEMMA WITH A SATIRICAL TWIST TO LIGHTEN UP THE SITUATION A BIT.
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PLANNINGss METHOD TWO SECOND PLANNING OPTION

Step 2 SUPPORTIVE
Step 3 SUPPORTIVE Step 4 WHAT IS YOUR
Step 1 MAIN ARGUMENT ARGUMENT
ARGUMENT 3 OPINION
1 &2

STATE THE DILEMMA- WRITE FOR THIS ARGUMENT- HOLD BACK A STATE WHAT YOU THINK BUT DO
STRONG, ACTION VERBS. FORMAL FOR THE 1ST AND 2ND ARGUMENT- LITTLE. IT IS POSSIBLE TO HIDE A NOT INSIST ON IT- MAKE SURE YOU
STYLE BUT USE CLEVER FIGURES OF MAKE SURE YOUR WRITING IS VERY LITTLE IF YOU HAVE RUN OUT OF WRITE WITH HUMOUR AND CHECK
SPEECH. STRONG. THIS MUST BE YOUR STRONG REASONING YOUR TONE AND STYLE
REFLECT ON THE STEPS YOU TAKE TO STRONGEST ARGUMENT. WRAP UP THE MAIN ARGUMENT BUT
INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE. THINK LIKE A COUNTERARGUMENT- MAKE SURE COUNTERARGUMENT- HOLD BACK DO NOT CHOOSE SIDES
JUDGE THAT MUST CONSIDER BOTH YOU USE STRONG VERBS, GOOD
SIDES OF A COURT CASE SUPPORTIVE RESEARCH WITH BOTH-
QUOTES TO REFUTE THAT FIERCE DOES NOT NEED TO BE AS STRONG AS
IDENTIFY MAIN ARGUMENTS OF ATTACK THE FIRST 2
BOTH PARTIES- DO NOT LET BIAS REPEAT THE PATTERN FOR
OVERTAKE YOUR WRITING ARGUMENT 2
CLEVER QUOTE, ANALOGY, SATIRICAL SUPPORTIVE RESEARCH WITH BOTH-
TWIST TO SPICE UP YOUR WRITING COME WITH BLAZING GUNS IN BOTH
POINTS

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 INTRODUCTION
STATE WHAT WILL HAPPEN
In this essay I will be discussing the issue of……(
refer to the essay title)
In this essay the issue of.... (better option)
Give a reason why you are writing about this:
This subject is very topical and affects many
people
State what you are going to do:
I will examine arguments for and against this
topic and draw a conclusion based on the facts
presented.
Arguments for an against will be…(better)

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 HOW TO PUT
FORWARD YOUR FOR
ARGUMENTS
STUDY THE JARGON
FIND MORE EXAMPLES
WRITE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

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 POSSIBLE STARTERS

People in favour of Supporters of + Advocates of + Campaigners of +

Pressure groups in
Proponents of + Those who support
favour of +agree Believers in + topic
topic feel that + topic suggest that
that

Followers of + topic Users of + topic ADD YOUR OWN ADD YOUR OWN

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HOW TO ADD FURTHER INFORMATION TO
SUPPORT YOUR ARGUMENT

AND
is used when you want to join two similar ideas.
Some alternatives are:
therefore
moreover, also, apart from that, as a result
accordingly
on top of that, consequently, in addition
thus
furthermore, hence, what is more
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 REFORMULATING
YOUR IDEAS
OR
is used when you want to put two different ideas
together or reformulate what you have stated earlier.
Some alternatives are:
* in other words
* to put it more simply
* it would be better to say
* Alternatively
* to put it straightforwardly
*Also
*In the same way
*Likewise

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 To put forward a contrasting
argument:
Normally you would use “but” Introduction and example:
Topic: The telephone is the better way to communicate
to contrast one state with
another • It is certainly faster to telephone than to write a
letter, but it may not always be the best way to
but try an alternative communicate. The use depends, like so many
other things in life, on the circumstances.
• however
• Telephoning is ideal if you want immediate
• nevertheless action. You would not want to write to the
• nonetheless plumber if you had water pouring through your
ceiling, for example. It is also the obvious choice
• yet if you need a quick answer to a question like
‘What time is the next train to Oxford?’ or ‘Did I
• in spite of leave my wallet in your shop?’ Many problems
• despite can be solved more easily, and decisions taken
more quickly if you can discuss them with
• on the contrary someone on the phone rather than wait for a
reply to a letter. Finally, few people would
• all the same disagree that telephoning is a pleasant way to
• Notwithstanding stay connected with friends and family.
• all the same…
• On the other hand

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 HOW TO PUT FORWARD
YOUR AGAINST
ARGUMENTS
*People against + topic argue that
* Critics of + topic believe that
* Opponents of + topic maintain that
* Challengers of + topic claim that
* Campaigners against + topic feel that
* Those opposed to + topic suggest that
*Pressure groups against + topic agree that
Example paragraph:
‘ The Future is Bright’
The health condition of the future is a mystery to everyone. Campaigners of a bright future
proposition would argue that the future is bright because modern technology will soon be able
to solve most problems in our society. Opponents predict that modern technology will bring
about the destruction of the world. If the recent negative environmental and social trends in
the world today are considered objectively, it seems to be impossible to be optimistic about the
future, however…
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 HOW TO INTRODUCE
EVIDENCE AND
EXAMPLES
• However, modern technology also brings many
This clearly demonstrates disadvantages.[ Pollution is one result of
increased technology and industrialization. There
that... is clear evidence that the effects of this can be
seen in the destruction of the ozone layer as well
This illustrates how……………. as global warming.
There is some/clear evidence • A recent study found that the improvements in
technology have also increased the effectiveness of
that… weapons, especially weapons of mass destruction.
There is mounting evidence • As a direct result of modern technology, certainly
in the future new diseases will appear.
that… • Although transport has improved, it brings with it
the danger of air pollution and traffic congestion.
A recent study found that… [Overpopulation and starvation will increase in
the future because natural resources are limited
Research tells us that……. and undoubtedly the amount of fertile land is
decreasing steadily.

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 HOW TO EXPLAIN
CONSEQUENCES
• because of
• due to • What is more, / Furthermore, /Moreover,/ likewise
• as a result of • If this were not enough, / To make matters worse,
• as a consequence of Above all, / On top of all this
• on account of • In these circumstances
• in response to • With regard to, / For that matter
• owing to • As for…
• following on from • Another advantage/ disadvantage is
• Both … and / not only … • Besides this
but also …
• In addition, / additionally,
/ in addition to this

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 CONCLUSION
• Sum up your main points • In conclusion, it is clear that for
• State your point of view
most people in the world the
future is not bright because
• Give your reason for this. mankind is destroying the
• To conclude environment through
unsustainable development.
• To sum up Modern technology can solve
• On balance some problems but without
• All in all/All facts careful planning the future looks
considered bleak.
• Taking everything into • In my opinion…
consideration...
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 Basic Do’s of a Discursive Essay
▪ Write in formal, impersonal style.
▪ Introduce each point in a separate paragraph
▪ Use topic sentences for each paragraph
▪ Write well-developed paragraphs
▪ Give reasons and examples for each point
▪ Use sequencing
▪ Use linking words and phrases
▪ Make references to other sources and make
sure that you follow proper citation style
▪ Identify used sources
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 BASIC DO NOTS OF A DISCURSIVE ESSAY
• Do not use short forms, like I’ll, • Do not use informal/colloquial
don’t, they’ve language, for example: old as the
• .Do not use very emotional language, hills, ain’t, gonna, etc.
since it might make your discursive • Do not use generalizations. To
article look prejudiced emphasise the features of some
• Do not express your opinion too elements from a group more than it
persistently. is reasonable because it will/may
lead to generous and inaccurate
• Do not refer to statistics without conclusions
proper referencing.
• Do not use personal examples, leave it
for a personal experience essay

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 THREE WRITING TIPS FOR THE PRACTISE
MAKES PERFECT STAGE
• Keep neutrality. Present the essay topic with two opposite
points of view.
• Select sources. Look through various sources and
form your attitude to the issue. Do not forget about
proper citation in the practice phase. It will help you
to remember when you sit in the exam room with no
resources.
• Provide your opinion in conclusion. End your essay
after both sides of the topic are described in body
paragraphs and then present your opinion.
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REFERENCES:
• https://custom-writing.org/blog/discursive-essay
• http://englishadvanced2.blogspot.com/2013/10/speakout-advanced-
p-25-examples-of.html
• https://nsargumentwritingblog.wordpress.com/2012/11/11/transitio
n-words-useful-for-argument-writing/

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