The discursive essay writing is one of the most convincing ways in which one can give the reader an neutral perspective of an event. This essay style convinces the readers to have more outlook in the way they attain at the conclusion. If being a student, you want to score the highest mark in writing a discursive essay, you can enhance your abilities in writing through this blog. Just note that having a clear concept of discursive essay structure will be is helpful. This blog will assist you in how to write a discursive essay for the completion of your goals.
What is a Discursive Essay?
A discursive is that type of an essay that usually requires the writer to change sides of an argument or a topic. Discursive essays are more balanced. The writer explores various viewpoints. It offers evidence and examples to support both sides before concluding with his/her reasonable opinion. This kind of essay proves practical in academic contexts. It aids students in developing their ability of critical thinking and the capability to see issues from many viewpoints.
Types of Discursive Essays
There are three major types of discursive essays. These types provide a balanced discussion under its way of reflection. Some types have been listed below:
For and Against Essays
It talks about the topic’s pros and cons. Every point finds itself discussed in separate paragraphs. Each paragraph has a balanced discussion. It considers the merits and the demerits of the argument and only comes up with a perception of the writer in the assumption.
Opinion Essays
The writer makes a judgment about a topic. It relies on evidence to influence the reader to approve the same perspective.
Solution to a Problem Essays
Its aim is to discuss a specific problem and propose potential solutions to the issue. The problem gets examined, and at length, a few solutions are defined and valued for their feasibility.
Format of a Discursive Essay
The format of a discursive essay is like any other essay. Only that it presents a balanced discussion. Here is the outline:
Introduction
- Hook: The first sentence should be an attention-grabbing statement or question.
- Background Information: Give background information on the discussion.
- Thesis Statement: Explain the purpose of the essay.
Body Paragraphs
For and Against Essays
- Paragraph 1: State arguments in support of the topic.
- Paragraph 2: State arguments against the topic.
- Paragraph 3: Describe the benefits or downside.
Opinion Essays
- Paragraph 1: Justify an opinion and prove it with evidence.
- Paragraph 2: Consider opinions opposing yours and argue against these.
- Paragraph 3: Support your opinion with more evidence and clear perspective.
Solution to a Problem Essays
- Paragraph 1: Describe the problem.
- Paragraph 2: Discuss potential solutions and assess how effective they would be.
- Paragraph 3: Base the best solution on the evidence.
Conclusion
- Summary of Key Points: Reproduce the main arguments that were discussed.
- Final Opinion: Gives a well-balanced and reasoned conclusion.
- Closing Statement: This either is in thought-provoking tones or in question form.
This format makes the essay very clear and logical, as it ensures the logic of the discussion.
Features of Discursive Writing
Discursive writing has several features that make this type of essay writing quite different from the rest. Knowing them will help you in presenting a well-structured and balanced essay. The major features of discursive writing include:
Balanced Presentation
Discursive essays involve giving a balanced view about the topic. Look at different perspectives without falling prey to bias. Here, Present both sides of the issue to the reader, who can then balance them and come to their own conclusion. No strong attitude that must be overcome should be written in the early part of the essay. However, you should present every point of view fairly and objectively.
Logical Structure
The development of a good typological perspective is essential which means that the essay needs to be clearly and logically structured. Each paragraph should develop one argument. The structure should not be hard to follow, with fluent moves from one paragraph to the next. This will ensure the flow of ideas is logical and progressive in your essay.
Formal Tone
Discursive essays are formally written. However, it will be written excluding slang, contractions, and other overly casual language. This formal tone gives confidence to the discussion and guarantees that an essay will be seriously taken by the reader. The language should be clear and particular without pointlessly hard vocabulary.
Use of Evidence
All arguments must be evidence-based in your essay. These improve the argument by making it more convincing. The evidence used should, therefore, be relevant and trustworthy and must emerge from credible sources. You should also ensure that you polished such use of evidence into the essay by appropriate citation and referencing.
Objective Language
The language used shall be objective. There shall be no emotive or biased expression. You must present facts and evidence in as unbiased and balanced a way as possible.
Conclusion with Reasoned Opinion
The essay should be concluded with your opinion. At least, it has to be done on the grounds of the evidence and discussion shown above. The final opinion needs to be reasoned and balanced to reflect a reflective consideration of views.
Knowing these features, you can write a discursive essay that is not only informative but also an interestingly thought-provoking one.
How to Start a Discursive Essay – Step by step guide
Getting started with a discursive essay can be tough. However, you can set the right platform for your discussion in a clear plan and approach. Here are some guidelines which help you to start this essay:
Choice of the Correct Topic
Pick a topic that is relevant and interesting and has numerous different perspectives to it. The topic chosen should be one on which you can write a meaningful argument. Similarly, one for which you have enough proof to support the two sides of the issue.
Do Relevant Research
Before you begin to put down your thoughts, research the topic at hand as thoroughly as possible. Devise supporting details like evidence, statistics, and expert opinions for the discussion. The more knowledgeable you become on the subject, the easier it becomes to present a balanced discussion.
Outline your essay
It is required to draw the sketch of the main points you desire to outline in your given essay. This aids in making efficient the ideas flow in procedures. What is to be done should be outlined and this incorporates showing its consideration from the introduction to the body and in conclusion.
Effective Introduction
Start with interest, briefly describe the topic, and formulate the thesis. This normally sets the tone of the essay and gives the reader perspective, knowing where the essay is led.
Keep Neutral
At the outset of the essay, just discuss the different views without being biased. That means you will be aiming for a fully balanced discussion. Hence, you need to avoid a hard opinion early in the essay.
Following these steps will set you right for your discursive essay and lead toward the base for a well-balanced discussion.
Examples of Discursive Writing
Discursive writing can range from academic essays to opinion pieces in newspapers. Here are some examples of discursive writing:
Academic Essays
Most essays that are set by colleges and universities make students write discursive essays on a given subject. This may involve issues, morals, or even government policy. For example, you can take a discursive essay on global warming to argue for and against government action on reducing carbon emissions.
Opinion Editorials
This is a discursive approach taken by opinion editorials in newspapers and magazines. Where the journalist considers the various sides of the issue before giving his opinion. For example, anyone trying to write an opinion editorial on how technology has impacted education. It may present views on the benefits of digital tools for learning, and the risks associated with screen time and digital distractions.
Debate Speeches
This kind of writing is used in debate competitions, where students are to present points for and against something. The student will take both sides of the issue, provide supporting evidence, and then conclude what, according to his personal view, is right or wrong. For example, when arguing on the legalization of marijuana, he should be able to argue on the point that maybe it might be valuable in medicine and how dangerous it is.
Policy Papers
Policy papers are essentially discursive in nature. They go on to review the different available options of policy with their possible impact and later they give recommendations. A case in example is a policy paper on health-care reform, which can go into merits and demerits of a single-payer system and that of the market-based approach.
All these examples show the flexibility of the discursive genre in writing and how well it is applied in many contexts.
Discursive Essay for GCSE
A GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) discursive essay needs to show that the student has a very clear understanding of the subject matter, thought-out planning, and the ability to present a balanced argument. Here are some guidelines to help you write a discursive essay at GCSE level:
The Marking Criteria
Know what the marking criteria are for your GCSE before doing anything else. It can help you put your concentration on what exactly the examiners are looking for, namely, structure, coherence, and use of evidence.
Choose a Topic with Multiple Perspectives
Select one which has at least signs of having arguable evidence on both sides of the debate. This will enable you to have a balanced discussion and to signify that you are able to present different viewpoints regarding the topic. Be sure it is relevant to the syllabus and something which can be researched effectively.
Plan Your Essay
Ensure you have a sketch of what you want to convey is your essay format and what you would like to pass across up to your conclusion. This plan shall be vital in the organization of your thoughts so that your essay has clear and logical development.
Formality of Language
Use formal language with no slang words or expressions. It needs to be clear and precise with a view to presenting a balanced discussion. The language throughout the essay must be grammatically correct with proper punctuation.
Provide Evidence to Your Arguments
Use facts, statistics, expert opinions, or illustrations from real-life situations to prove each point in the essay. Also, make sure that the evidence you provide is relevant and credible.
Write under timed conditions
Make sure you get enough practice writing discursive essays under timed conditions to train yourself with the exam format. This will help you manage your time effectively during the exam and ensure that you can complete your essay in time.
By following these tips, a discursive essay meeting GCSE requirements will be attainable.
Conclusion
This blog is going to be a very fundamental tool in the learning of students toward perfecting the writing of a discursive essay. Having learned the guidelines and helpful tips herein provided, you will be prepared with skills in critical thinking and presentation of balanced arguments. You can comprehensively convey your ideas.
Whether you’re preparing for exams or working on assignments, this blog offers clear and practical advice on how to write with confidence. BY Assignment Expert contains numerous, clearly written blogs to help students achieve specific academic writing tasks. By visiting us often, you’ll find information that will improve your writing. Stay tuned to our blog as a resource that will make writing easier and more rewarding now and in years to come.
