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Discursive Essay Writing

Essay writing

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lareycm
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21 views7 pages

Discursive Essay Writing

Essay writing

Uploaded by

lareycm
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
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Discursive Essay Writing

Remember that without your points clearly


established, you will be unable to structure a
sound argument.

Make sure that you explain all evidence used


to support your argument with great detail
and depth, while being clear and concise;
avoid any ambiguity.

DISCURSIVE ESSAY

The goal of a discursive essay is to:

• Present a balanced and objective examination of a subject.

• Like an argumentative essay, the topic may be controversial, but the discursive essay attempts to
present a much more balanced discussion of the issue.

• It does not, however, have to be expressly neutral.

• The essay should present both sides of the discussion, supported by facts and research.

• The author may draw tentative conclusions about the subject and suggest them to the reader.

• CORE SKILL: The ability to develop and defend an argument.

Aspects of a discursive essay:

• Type of essay that discusses a problem, a controversy or recent issue.

• Written in 3rd person and from an objective point of view.

• Present the issue in an unbiased manner, discussing ALL points of the argument thoroughly and
carefully.

• Main steps:

• Engage in the controversial topic fully

• Take a stand

• Argue that stand and provide support

• Indicate other view points and counter-argue them


What constitutes a good discursive essay?

• Engages with the various viewpoints on a topic

• Provides detailed examples to develop viewpoints

• Provides the learner’s stance on the topic

• Is well-structured and logical

• Is formal and avoids obvious bias

• Avoid emotive and bias language

• Use your research/articles as a support for your arguments – quote experts, use stats – no
bibliography needed

Structure:

INTRODUCTION

ARGUMENT 1

ARGUMENT 2

ARGUMENT 3
REBUTTAL / COUNTER-ARGUMENT 1

REBUTTAL / COUNTER-ARGUMENT 2

CONCLUSION
Planning:

• Is essential
• Make a list of arguments for and against the statement
• Outline evidence / content to be used in the essays
• Outline the structure of the essay
• Checklist:
• Have I considered all viewpoint?
• Have I considered what evidence I am going to include?
• Have I structured my essay?

Introduction:

• This is the ‘map’ of the essay

• One – two sentences providing context

• Learner should state both their argument as well as areas of focus

• Learner must not try to make entire argument in the introduction; rather just outline it

• Concise and focused

Paragraphs:

• ‘Substance’ of the essay

• 1 idea = 1 paragraph

TOPIC SENTENCE

EVIDENCE AND ELABORATION


Counter-Argument:

• Consider views / stance different to yours

• Same structure as other paragraphs (P.E.E.L)

• A good essay will diminish / minimise this point of view

Conclusion:

• Emphasises argument and main points of the essay

• Must not contradict learner’s position

• Do not introduce new information in a conclusion

• The conclusion is not the space to make the argument


Quantity v Quality

• Don’t penalize yourself by writing too little or too much.

• Understand the question – what are you being asked and only answer that question.

• Checklist:

• Does each paragraph have a topic sentence?

• Is the evidence to the question?

• Have I linked the evidence to the question?

• Do my paragraphs each deal with one main issue only?


Argument: QUESTION: TOPIC Counter-Argument:
YOUR STANCE
POINT ONE: INTRODUCTION
POINT ONE:
CONTEXTUALISE YOUR TOPIC, INTRODUCE YOUR
EVIDENCE: STANCE
EVIDENCE:

Use peel element for


EXPLANATION:
each paragraph
EXPLANATION:
POINT
EVIDENCE = Examples +
POINT TWO: facts from sources &
own viewpoint
EXPLANATION
POINT THREE:
EVIDENCE: LINK

Write in 3rd person!


EVIDENCE:
EXPLANATION:

EXPLANATION:
POINT THREE:

EVIDENCE:
CONCLUSION

EXPLANATION:

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