Scribd
Upload
321 views2 pages

Discursive Writing

The document discusses discursive writing and provides examples. Discursive writing presents arguments in a balanced way and does not take a stance throughout, though a position is generally stated in the conclusion. Key characteristics include a non-committal thesis, an objective style, and weighing different perspectives impartially. Examples of discursive prompts ask the writer to discuss various issues by considering multiple viewpoints. The assignment is to write a two-page discursive essay on a narrow topic that introduces the issue, weighs arguments, and draws a conclusion.

Uploaded by

Azizul Zulzaha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
321 views2 pages

Discursive Writing

The document discusses discursive writing and provides examples. Discursive writing presents arguments in a balanced way and does not take a stance throughout, though a position is generally stated in the conclusion. Key characteristics include a non-committal thesis, an objective style, and weighing different perspectives impartially. Examples of discursive prompts ask the writer to discuss various issues by considering multiple viewpoints. The assignment is to write a two-page discursive essay on a narrow topic that introduces the issue, weighs arguments, and draws a conclusion.

Uploaded by

Azizul Zulzaha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Jane Dewhurst

Discursive Essays Writing I

Discursive writing discusses. It presents an argument in a more balanced way than argumentative
and persuasive writing and does not argue for or against a point throughout the essay. After having
assessed and evaluated all arguments, however, the writer generally states his/her opinion.

General characteristics of discursive writing:


➢ Discursive essays are often written in answer to questions such as "Do you agree (or disagree)...",
"Discuss..." or "To what extent..."

➢ The thesis statement is generally non-comittal, i.e., it merely presents the controversy, without
indicating what conclusion the writer will come to. A typical thesis statement for a discursive
essay would be: "In order to come to a considered conclusion about ..., we must take a number
of factors into account".

➢ The essay is written in an objective, impersonal style, without the personal opinion of the writer
intruding. Opinions or arguments are often attributed to some anonymous "authority", for
example: "Whilst some people argue that ... others are of the opinion that...".

➢ The topic sentences of the paragraphs may stress continuity between similar arguments, for
example: "It is also argued that...", "A further argument that one frequently encounters in this
context is that ..."

➢ However, the topic sentence may also highlight the progression of the discussion by pointing out
the contrasts between the opposing arguments. For example: "However there are also strong
arguments against this point of view...", "Another counter argument is that..."

➢ In the conclusion, the writer often comes to a conclusion and gives his/her opinion more or less
tentatively. Again, this is often expressed impersonally, for example: "Given the reaction this issue
has caused...., it seems fair to conclude that...", "After evaluating these arguments, the
conclusion seems inescapable that...", "After examining all the evidence, one is bound to admit
that..."

Examples of discursive writing assignments:

➢ Weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of studying/beginning to work at 18... of living


alone/with other people... and so on.

➢ "All marketing strategies are essentially manipulative." Discuss, using examples from your
experience.

➢ "All students, regardless of faculty and course of study, should have to spend a year abroad." To
what extent do you agree with this statement?

➢ To what extent are gender roles and stereotypes influenced by the media?

N.B.: Most of these questions could also be answered in a persuasive or an argumentative essay
(where the writer argues for or against the statement or for or against one side of the issue).

Your assignment:

➢ Write a discursive essay least two pages.

➢ The topic is up to you. Be careful not to choose a topic that is too broad for an essay of this
length!
Jane Dewhurst
Discursive Essays Writing I

➢ The essay should have:


o an interesting question (to which the essay ultimately supplies an answer)
o an introduction that draws the reader into the essay, announces the topic and has a
clear (but balanced) thesis statement
o supporting paragraphs which clearly and logically develop the ideas and link up similar
and opposing arguments
o a conclusion which draws everything together and in which the writer gives his/her
personal opinion.

You might also like