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Writing Essays
Discursive Essays
? Definition
? A discursive essay is a piece of formal writing
which discusses a particular issue, situation or
problem.
? Types
1. For and against essays
2. Opinion essays
3. Essays suggesting solutions to problems
Suggested Structure
FOR AND AGAINST OPINION SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS
Introduction Introduction Introduction
P1: State opinion (without
stating your opinion)
P1: State the topic and
your opinion
P1: State the problem and
cause(s) or effect(s)
Main Body Main Body Main Body
P2-3: Arguments for &
justifications, examples or
reasons
P4-5: Arguments against &
justifications, examples or
reasons
P2-4: Viewpoints & reasons
or examples
P5: Opposing viewpoint
and reason or example
P2-5: Suggestions & results
Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion
P6: Balanced consideration
or opinion
P6: Summarise or restate
your opinion
P6: Summarise your
opinion
Formal Style
? Passive voice, impersonal constructions
It is argued that¡­It is a common belief that¡­
? A range of vocabulary: verbs, adjectives,
abstract nouns, etc.
A heated debate concerning the controversial
issue¡­
? Formal linking words/phrases
Furthermore, however, nonetheless, etc.
Formal Style
? Complex sentences with a variety of links,
dependent clauses, etc.
? Inversion, especially in conditionals
(If this were true, we would¡­)
Were this true, we would¡­
(This has never been more obvious¡­)
Never has this been more obvious¡­
Beginning and Ending Discursive
Essays: Techniques
First paragraph
? Make reference to an unusual or striking
idea/scene/situation.
? Address the reader directly and/or ask a
rhetorical question.
? Start with a quotation or thought-provoking
statement.
Beginning and Ending Discursive
Essays: Techniques
Last paragraph
? Finish with a quotation.
? Ask a rhetorical question.
? Give the reader something to consider.
One Brainstorming Technique: The Discussion Clock

More Related Content

Writing essays

  • 2. Discursive Essays ? Definition ? A discursive essay is a piece of formal writing which discusses a particular issue, situation or problem. ? Types 1. For and against essays 2. Opinion essays 3. Essays suggesting solutions to problems
  • 3. Suggested Structure FOR AND AGAINST OPINION SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS Introduction Introduction Introduction P1: State opinion (without stating your opinion) P1: State the topic and your opinion P1: State the problem and cause(s) or effect(s) Main Body Main Body Main Body P2-3: Arguments for & justifications, examples or reasons P4-5: Arguments against & justifications, examples or reasons P2-4: Viewpoints & reasons or examples P5: Opposing viewpoint and reason or example P2-5: Suggestions & results Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion P6: Balanced consideration or opinion P6: Summarise or restate your opinion P6: Summarise your opinion
  • 4. Formal Style ? Passive voice, impersonal constructions It is argued that¡­It is a common belief that¡­ ? A range of vocabulary: verbs, adjectives, abstract nouns, etc. A heated debate concerning the controversial issue¡­ ? Formal linking words/phrases Furthermore, however, nonetheless, etc.
  • 5. Formal Style ? Complex sentences with a variety of links, dependent clauses, etc. ? Inversion, especially in conditionals (If this were true, we would¡­) Were this true, we would¡­ (This has never been more obvious¡­) Never has this been more obvious¡­
  • 6. Beginning and Ending Discursive Essays: Techniques First paragraph ? Make reference to an unusual or striking idea/scene/situation. ? Address the reader directly and/or ask a rhetorical question. ? Start with a quotation or thought-provoking statement.
  • 7. Beginning and Ending Discursive Essays: Techniques Last paragraph ? Finish with a quotation. ? Ask a rhetorical question. ? Give the reader something to consider.
  • 8. One Brainstorming Technique: The Discussion Clock