1. The introduction states the issue the essay looks at. It may or may not assert the author’s position. It describes exactly what will be covered.
2. Within the body, 3-5 points are discussed from different viewpoints. Arguments and counterarguments are carefully balanced. There are different organisational styles.
3. Paragraphs begin with strong sentences on the issue, and evidence is provided.
4. The conclusion summarises the main points. The position the author takes may be inserted here.
Your coursework may require a discursive essay in order to test your ability to find and presenting balanced evidence without bias. In this assignment, you need to make a balanced examination of arguments surrounding a topic, with the option of stating your own position. You are not attempting to settle the debate, only to show the thinking that surrounds it.
Your tutor might not directly say ‘write a discursive essay’ but the essay question will give you a clue. It might be a relatively simple question, or it could just state that there is disagreement on a topic . It will not ask you to give your opinion or direct you to persuade your readers. Your essay is part of a study course, so there will be enough guidance from your tutors.
Here are some title examples that would be best discussed in discursive essays.
There are three main types of discursive essays:
Before you do anything, read the essay question/prompt several times; let it sink in. All the work you undertake will be based on this. If you study remotely and receive the essay prompt digitally, copy it onto paper to make it real. Highlight key words and make sure you thoroughly understand what you are expected to write. Are you being asked to analyse , discuss , or explain something? These keywords are important to understand.
Before you even write the first line of the introduction, you have to carry out research. Trying to write an essay before doing research is like polishing a car before washing it. Researching is a way of learning about the subject while gathering and filtering information, forming the backbone of your coursework. The research you carry out should look into the subject and more importantly, also investigate the broad range of opinions and evidence surrounding it. Your research should not focus solely on the argument you favour but should cover other views equally.
Some issues have a huge number of opinions surrounding them; you cannot include them all. Using too many will confuse the reader and make a conclusion difficult. Also, you won’t have the word limit to include everything you discover. Ask yourself if you have considered the most relevant viewpoints. Working through your discovered material, you can determine what to include based on appropriateness. It can become overwhelming, but there is plenty of help out there.
Much of your research will be done online. But you should not disregard relevant books and other print sources, some of which are also online. There is also television and video to consider, and depending on the subject, you can ask family members and friends. Variety in your research shows you have really made an effort to cover all bases.
Always consider the credibility of any source you use, and always note where you found it. You will need this information to complete your bibliography. When you feel you have enough material and researching has given you a richer understanding of the subject, you can start writing.
The first thing to write is an outline ; think of it as a framework. You are going to fill this framework with good material. Remember that every word you put into it will have to justify its inclusion. For a discursive essay, the structure will likely follow the usual format of title, introduction , main body , and conclusion , followed by a reference section.
Example: The introduction should touch on all the points you’re going to cover, even if only broadly. It should provide a concise description of the topic and what your focus will be. Everything you discuss in the body should come under the umbrella created by the introduction.
From the introduction, the reader should understand where the essay is going; it should not be a mystery tour. This is especially important if the subject is very broad. You can state your position on the subject in the introduction, but it is not necessary.
The discursive essay does not have a formal thesis statement , as with other essay types . This gives you the option of opening with something to really hook the reader. For example, any of these can be used:
After this is a rhetorical question at the centre of the discussion and a description of what the essay will cover.
Frequently asked questions, should i analyse evidence in a discursive essay.
Although you will provide evidence in a discursive essay, it is not the same as in persuasive or argumentative essays. For example, if the essay is questioning the correct interpretation of a literary work, you do not analyse or review the literary work. Rather, you look at what others say about it and present that for the reader. What you present are ideas. And you support these ideas with quotations from other people, although it’s possible to do this by referring to your own experiences.
You do not have to take a position on the subject you write about in a discursive essay. Your tutor might even instruct you not to. If you decide to tell the reader your position, you briefly say what you think and why. It shouldn’t become a major part of your assignment because this is not a persuasive or argumentative essay. The essay is not based on what you think.
Yes, it makes your work more personal if you do this. You could do this right at the start of the introduction, asking something like, “Have you ever wondered how much information big tech companies hold about you?” A direct question like this can be a useful hook to keep the reader reading. You could say that it reduces formality and brings in familiarity, but used minimally, maybe just once, it can be effective. Generally, the discursive essay should be quite formal and impersonal.
This article explains the important conceptions of rhetorical writing and provides tips on writing a first-class rhetorical analysis essay.
The following article will discuss the five elements that are essential to report writing. These components should be considered when beginning any report.
What are topic sentences? In academic writing they briefly describe what a paragprah will explore. Here is all you need to know about topic sentences.
USEFUL LINKS
LEARNING RESOURCES
COMPANY DETAILS
November 17, 2023
A discursive essay is a type of academic writing that presents both sides of an argument or issue. Unlike an argumentative essay where you take a clear stance and defend it, a discursive essay allows you to explore different perspectives and provide an objective analysis. It requires careful research, critical thinking, and the ability to present logical arguments in a structured manner.
In a discursive essay, you are expected to examine the topic thoroughly, present evidence and examples to support your points, and address counterarguments to demonstrate a balanced understanding of the issue. The purpose is not to persuade the reader to take a particular side, but rather to present a comprehensive view of the topic. By mastering the art of writing a discursive essay, you can effectively convey complex ideas and contribute to meaningful discussions on various subjects.
Writing a discursive essay differs from other types of essays in several ways. Here are some key differences to consider when approaching this particular form of academic writing:
By recognizing these key differences and adapting your writing style accordingly, you can effectively write a discursive essay that engages the reader and presents a well-rounded discussion of the topic.
Selecting a topic.
Selecting a topic for a discursive essay is a crucial first step in the writing process. Here are some considerations to help you choose an appropriate and engaging topic:
Remember, the topic sets the foundation for your discursive essay. Take time to consider these factors and select a topic that aligns with your interests, research capabilities, and the potential to present a well-rounded discussion.
Possible Discursive Essay Topics:
The thesis statement in a discursive essay serves as the central argument or main claim that sets the tone for the entire essay. It typically appears in the introductory paragraph and guides the reader’s understanding of the essay’s purpose and direction. Here are some key points to consider when crafting an effective thesis statement for a discursive essay:
By considering these factors, you can develop a thesis statement that effectively sets the tone for your discursive essay and captures the essence of your argument or analysis.
Conducting thorough research is a critical step in writing a discursive essay. Here are some essential tips to help you effectively gather information and sources:
By following these research strategies, you can gather reliable and varied sources to support your discursive essay, ensuring a balanced and well-informed discussion of the topic.
The introduction sets the tone and direction for a discursive essay, providing context and background information on the topic. Here are some key elements to include when writing the introduction to a discursive essay:
By including these elements, you can craft an effective introduction to your discursive essay that engages the reader, establishes the context for the topic, and clearly presents your thesis statement. Remember to present a balanced analysis of multiple viewpoints, maintaining the discursive style of the essay.
Presenting arguments and counterarguments is a crucial aspect of writing a discursive essay. Here are some strategies to effectively structure and present your arguments and counterarguments:
By following these strategies, you can effectively present arguments and counterarguments in your discursive essay, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the topic and engaging the reader in a thoughtful analysis.
When writing the body paragraphs of a discursive essay, it’s important to present a balanced and well-structured analysis of the topic. Here are some key strategies to consider:
Remember, in a discursive essay, the body paragraphs should explore various arguments and perspectives related to the topic, providing a balanced analysis and supporting evidence. By following these strategies, you can construct well-organized and compelling body paragraphs for your discursive essay.
Effectively incorporating evidence and examples is crucial in a discursive essay to support your arguments and strengthen your analysis. Here are some strategies to consider when integrating evidence:
By incorporating evidence and examples effectively, you can provide a solid foundation for your arguments in a discursive essay, enhancing your credibility and persuasiveness.
Addressing counterarguments is an essential component of a discursive essay as it demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens your overall argument. Here are some strategies to effectively address counterarguments:
By effectively addressing counterarguments, you can strengthen your own argument and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Engaging with opposing viewpoints in a fair and persuasive manner enhances the overall credibility and impact of your discursive essay.
Concluding your discursive essay is an opportunity to summarize your main points and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Here are some strategies to effectively conclude your essay:
By following these strategies, you can effectively conclude your discursive essay, leaving a strong and memorable impression on the reader while summarizing the key points and reinforcing the significance of your argument.
Sociology Research Topics Ideas
Importance of Computer in Nursing Practice Essay
History Research Paper Topics For Students
By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related emails.
In today’s digital era, the fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) with academic writing has revolutionized how students approach essay composition....
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education is changing how things are taught and learned in standard ways. With its ability...
The advancement of artificial intelligence has made it increasingly common for essays and articles to be written by AI. But...
I want to feel as happy, as your customers do, so I'd better order now
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
A discursive essay is an essay which involves a discussion. You’re encouraged to examine different perspectives on the issue so that the discussion you provide is a balanced one! You are on the right track if your essay sheds light on the issue by looking at it from different viewpoints.
But before you go on reading… You might want to download a pdf copy of this article as it is quite long!
Click the blue download button, enter your email, and the pdf file will be delivered to your inbox! (Remember to check spam!)
Click here to Download
Let’s take a look at some of the discursive essay topics from past year papers:
2021 O-Level: “Young people are changing the world for the better.” What is your opinion?
In recent years, “What is your opinion?” and “What are your views?” are common signposts used to indicate a discursive essay topic. However, there are also instances where such questions are not used. Consider:
So note that the question can still indicate discursive writing even when it does not contain “What is your opinion?” or “What are your views?”
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s look at the differences in requirements for a discursive and an argumentative essay.
Argumentative: you are required to take an explicit stand on the issue. Your essay is structured in a manner that argues towards this stand. When writing an argumentative essay, your goal is to persuade, to convince the reader to be in support of your stand.
Discursive: you are not required to take an explicit stand on the issue. In other words, you do not need to pick a side. You may choose to pick a side; that’s perfectly fine! Just note that the goal here is not to persuade or to convince; it is to provide the reader with a balanced discussion by examining the issue from various viewpoints.
Now that you’ve learnt how to identify a discursive question and gotten a better idea of what it requires, let’s look at how to plan a discursive essay.
Some essays require a binary approach , meaning to say you tackle the issue by addressing the positive and the negative aspects of the question at hand.
Here is how you can plan your body paragraphs for such topics:
2019 O-Level: Most young people today are obsessed with fame and imitating celebrities. What are your views? | Body 1: 1 point on why and how they obsessed with fame and imitating celebrities. Body 2: 2 point on why and how they obsessed with fame and imitating celebrities. Body 3: 1 point on why and how they obsessed with fame and imitating celebrities. Body 4: 2 point on why and how they obsessed with fame and imitating celebrities. |
2012 O-Level: People all over the world are living longer. What are the advantages and disadvantages of their increased life expectancy? | Body 1: 1 of increased life expectancy Body 2: 2 of increased life expectancy Body 3: 1 of increased life expectancy Body 4: 2 of increased life expectancy |
Now, it’s your turn! Try planning an outline for the following topics:
On the other hand, there are topics which are not suited for such a binary approach. Consider questions such as:
Give yourself 10 minutes to do a proper planning. It’s useful to approach the issue at hand by exploring its significance and relevance in different spheres and domains : Education, Ethics or Morals, Technology, Law etc.
Instead of giving 3 different points from an education perspective, why not broaden your scope and look at the issue from not just an educational perspective, but also a technological perspective and an ethical perspective?
This is what makes for a matured, holistic response.
Let’s use the following topic as an example:
Young people changing the world for the better | Young people changing the world for the better |
Education] youth advocates are helping to make education available to girls in less developed countries | [Politics] many youths are politically apathetic |
[Environment] youths are advocating for leaders to change environmental policies | Environment] youths are the primary consumers of fast fashion, which depletes valuable natural resources. |
[Technology] young people are driving social media advancements | [Technology] the younger generation is abusing technology. |
If you run out of ideas, you can also examine two sides of a coin in a single domain. For example, you’ll see that in the example, that for the technological sphere, there are instances of youths making and not changing the world for the better.
Now that the brainstorming is done, let’s put pen to paper and start writing!
You can ask yourself these questions to help you with your intro:
Simply answer these questions + include your thesis. Voila, you have a solid introduction!
Young people are often described as the changemakers of society, the future leaders, and the hope of our world. From advocating for the environment to spearheading social justice causes, the young people of today undoubtedly have the potential to change our world for the better. Having said that, one must question if this potential is somewhat overshadowed by charges of laziness, selfishness, irresponsibility et. cetera that are often levelled, sometimes legitimately I might add, against the younger generation. In this essay, I assess if the actions of today’s youths truly, on balance, lead us to a brighter future by exploring the impact they are making in the domains of education, environment, and technology. |
Students, you must have heard of the PEEL method by now. We introduce the POINT in the first sentence, ELABORATE on the point, then substantiate with EVIDENCE or EXAMPLES , and finally, we round it all off by LINKING back to the point.
It sounds easy enough, doesn’t it?
Each body paragraph should only discuss one main idea , and only one! Introduce the main idea in your topic sentence (the first sentence of your body paragraph), not after you’ve given your example or when you’re wrapping up the paragraph.
A good topic sentence is straightforward and clear .
Here is an example of a coherent and concise topic sentence:
After you have crafted your topic sentence, it’s time to elaborate on your main point. A well-developed body paragraph elaborates by delving deeper into the main point and substantiating with relevant examples or evidence.
For our point on “education”, consider asking and answering the following questions:
a. Your essay must not be example-driven ! It must always be point-driven.
b. Remember to make the link from your examples/ evidence back to your topic sentence. This illustrates the relevance and strength of your evidence and reinforces your main point.
For our example, a coherent body paragraph could look like this:
[ ] In the sphere of education, youth activists are making positive changes by advocating to make education available to girls in less developed societies. [ ] It is because of their efforts that young women formerly deprived of education, due to reasons like patriarchal mindsets, are now able to access learning. [ ] A notable example is the Pakistani activist, Malala Yousafzai, who began her activism by bravely speaking out against the Taliban’s ban on education for girls. Her story did much to raise awareness about the existing barriers to education. She also co-founded the Malala Fund, which advocates for policy changes to prioritize girls’ education globally. Partnering with UNESCO, Malala’s fund has helped over 5,000 girls in countries like Egypt and Tanzania gain access to education. [ ] By giving these girls an education and helping them out of the poverty cycle, activists like Malala are helping to raise global literacy rates and reduce problems associated with poverty. Society gets a chance to benefit from what these young women can contribute to the workforce. [ ] It is clear the tireless efforts of these activists have made significant impact in the education domain. |
|
Many students just reiterate the points in conclusion. But that is… you guessed it, boring. Last impression lasts! You want to provide an insight to this issue to demonstrate your maturity of thought. Apart from summarising your points, link your conclusion back to the introduction so that your essay comes a full circle. You can also use a quote or thought-provoking question for readers to make their own conclusion.
Check out this conclusion:I conclude by pointing out that it is unfair to generalise all young people; in every generation, there will be individuals who give that generation a bad name and those who, as this question suggests, make the world a better place. As shown in this essay, many youths in this generation are attempting to make an impact in different segments of society. But whether the efforts of these young trailblazers are, on balance, bettering the world is still a matter of debate. Furthermore, whether these efforts ultimately result in lasting positive changes depends not just on young people, but also on global leaders and international organisations. So perhaps the real question we should be asking is this: how can we, and not just the young people, work together to change this world for the better? |
Students, this is how you tackle a discursive essay. Try applying these tips to one of the topics above!
How to write argumentative essays.
You might want to download a pdf copy of this article for future reference!
Click here to Download
Follow Writing Samurai on Telegram for the latest tips and strategies for English, Chinese, and Creative Writing! Pssst... We will also share the latest compo topics during test or exam season!
Click this link to follow our channel >>> https://t.me/writingsamurai
Cancel reply
Your comment ...
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Writing Samurai is an online platform dedicated to nurturing children’s creative writing skills. Our courses are designed to be engaging and effective, without resorting to traditional teaching methods.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
2024 Copyright Writing Samurai
#scribendiinc
Written by Scribendi
Anyone can learn to produce an academic essay if they begin with a few basic essay-writing rules.
An academic essay must be based upon a solid but debatable thesis, supported by relevant and credible evidence, and closed with a succinct and thorough conclusion.
By adhering to the best way to write an essay, you can create valuable, persuasive papers even when you're under a time crunch!
As previously noted, the foundation of any good academic essay is its thesis statement.
Do not confuse your thesis with your opening sentence. There are many good ways to start an essay , but few essays immediately present their main ideas.
After you draft your thesis, you can begin to develop your essay around it. This development will include the main supporting points of your essay, which will scaffold its main body.
Essays also typically include a relevant and compelling introduction and conclusion.
Learn How to Write a Great Thesis Statement .
When writing an academic essay, you must take a number of qualities and characteristics into careful consideration. Focus, development, unity, coherence, and correctness all play critical roles when it comes to distinguishing an exceptional essay from one that is less than perfect.
The following essay-writing tips can help writers organize, format, and support their essays in ways that fit their intended purpose and optimize their overall persuasiveness. Here are 13 essay tips for developing and writing your next academic paper.
While untrained writers might just sit down and start typing, educated and experienced writers know that there are many steps to writing an essay.
In short, you should know what you want to say before you type a single word. The easiest way to narrow down a thesis and create a proper argument is to make a basic outline before you begin composing your essay.
Your outline should consist of rough notes that sketch out your introduction (including your thesis), the body of your essay (which should include separate paragraphs that present your main supporting points with plenty of evidence and examples), and your conclusion (which ties everything together and connects the argument back to your thesis).
Before getting into more refined essay-writing techniques, you must have a solid grasp of grammar, punctuation, and style. Without these writing fundamentals, it will be difficult to communicate your ideas effectively and ensure that they are taken seriously.
Grammar basics include subject and verb agreement, correct article and pronoun use, and well-formed sentence structures. Make sure you know the proper uses for the most common forms of punctuation. Be mindful of your comma usage and know when a period is needed.
Finally, voice is tremendously important in academic essay writing. Employ language that is as concise as possible. Avoid transition words that don't add anything to the sentence and unnecessary wordiness that detracts from your argument.
Furthermore, use the active voice instead of the passive whenever possible (e.g., "this study found" instead of "it was found by this study"). This will make your essay's tone clear and direct.
How you use language is important, especially in academic essay writing. When writing an academic essay, remember that you are persuading others that you are an expert who argues intelligently about your topic.
Using big words just to sound smart often results in the opposite effect—it is easy to detect when someone is overcompensating in their writing.
If you aren't sure of the exact meaning of a word, you risk using it incorrectly. There's no shame in checking, and it might save you from an embarrassing word misuse later!
Using obscure language can also detract from the clarity of your argument—you should consider this before pulling out a thesaurus to change a perfectly appropriate word to something completely different.
While writing a good essay, your main argument should always be at the front of your mind. While it's tempting to go off on a tangent about an interesting side note, doing so makes your writing less concise.
Always question the evidence you include in your essay; ask yourself, "Does this directly support my thesis?" If the answer is "no," then that evidence should probably be excluded.
When you are evaluating evidence, be critical and thorough. You want to use the strongest research to back up your thesis. It is not enough to simply present evidence in support of an argument. A good writer must also explain why the evidence is relevant and supportive.
Everything you include should clearly connect to your topic and argument.
One of the most overlooked steps to writing an essay is the conclusion. Your conclusion ties all your research together and proves your thesis. It should not be a restatement of your introduction or a copy-and-paste of your thesis.
A strong conclusion briefly outlines the key evidence discussed in the body of an essay and directly ties it to the thesis to show how the evidence proves or disproves the main argument of your research.
Countless great essays have been written only to be derailed by vague, weakly worded conclusions. Don't let your next essay become one of those.
A thesis is the main pillar of an essay. By selecting a specific thesis, you'll be able to develop arguments to support your central opinion. Consider writing about a unique experience or your own particular view of a topic .
Your thesis should be clear and logical, but it should also be debatable. Otherwise, it might be difficult to support it with compelling arguments.
No matter how you begin your essay, you must strive to capture the reader's interest immediately. If your opening paragraph doesn't catch the eye and engage the brain, any attempt at persuasion may end before the essay even starts.
The beginning of your essay is crucial for setting the stage for your thesis.
Any decent writer will tell you that writing is really rewriting. A good academic essay will inevitably go through multiple drafts as it slowly takes shape. When you arrive at a final draft, you must make sure that it is as close to perfect as possible.
This means subjecting your essay to close and comprehensive editing and proofreading processes. In other words, you must read your paper as many times as necessary to eliminate all grammar/punctuation mistakes and typos.
It is helpful to have a third party review your work. Consider consulting a peer or professional editing service. Keep in mind that professional editors are able to help you identify underdeveloped arguments and unnecessarily wordy language, and provide other feedback.
Hire an expert academic editor , or get a free sample, 9. when developing your essay's main body, build strong and relevant arguments.
Every sentence in the main body of your paper should explain and support your thesis. When deciding how much evidence to include in an academic essay, a good guideline is to include at least three main supporting arguments.
Those main supporting arguments, in turn, require support in the form of relevant facts, figures, examples, analogies, and observations.
You will need to engage in appropriate research to accomplish this. To organize your research efforts, you may want to develop a list of good research questions .
The final shape that your essay takes depends a great deal on what kind of format you use. Popular college essay format types include the Modern Language Association of America ( MLA ), American Psychological Association ( APA ), and Chicago Manual of Style ( Chicago style).
These formats govern everything from capitalization rules to source citation. Often, professors dictate a specific format for your essay. If they do not, you should choose the format that best suits your field.
Although unnecessary transition words are the enemy of clarity and concision, they can be invaluable tools when it comes to separating and connecting the different sections of your essay.
Not only do they help you express your ideas but they also bring a cohesive structure to your sentences and a pleasant flow to your writing. Just be sure that you are using the right transition words for the right purpose and to the proper effect.
As a key component of MLA, APA, and Chicago Style formatting, the reference or Works Cited page is an essential part of any academic essay.
Regardless of the format used, the reference page must be well organized and easy to read so that your audience can see exactly where your outside information came from.
To produce a properly formatted reference page, you may have to familiarize yourself with specialized phrases and abbreviations, such as " et al ."
Incorporating inclusive language in your academic writing ensures that your work is respectful and accessible to all readers. Use gender-neutral pronouns like "they/them" and replace gender-specific terms with inclusive alternatives, such as "firefighter" instead of "fireman."
You can also respect cultural diversity by avoiding stereotypes and generalizations, specifying details like "Japanese, Thai, and Indian cuisine" rather than "Asian cuisine." Engaging with diverse audiences for feedback and staying updated on inclusive language practices will help you continuously improve your writing.
The key to a good hook is to introduce an unexplored or absorbing line of inquiry in your introduction that addresses the main point of your thesis.
By carefully choosing your language and slowly revealing details, you can build reader anticipation for what follows.
Much like an actual worm-baited fishing hook, a successful hook will lure and capture readers, allowing the writer to "reel them in."
You can get better at writing essays the same way that you improve at anything else: practice, practice, practice! However, there are a few ways that you can improve your writing quickly so you can turn in a quality academic essay on time.
In addition to following the 13 essay tips and guidelines above, you can familiarize yourself with a few common practices and structures for essay development.
Great writing techniques for essays include brainstorming and tree diagrams, especially when coming up with a topic for your thesis statement. Becoming familiar with different structures for organizing your essay (order of importance, chronological, etc.) is also extremely helpful.
To learn how to write a good essay, you must also learn how to write a good introduction.
Most effective essay introductions begin with relatively broad and general subject matter and then gradually narrow in focus and scope until they arrive at something extremely specific: the thesis. This is why writers tend to place their thesis statements at the very end of their introductory paragraph(s).
Because they are generally broad and often relate only tangentially to an essay's main point, there is virtually no limit on what the beginning of a good introduction can look like. However, writers still tend to rely on somewhat cliché opening sentences, such as quotations and rhetorical questions.
Briefly put, a good conclusion does two things. It wraps up any loose ends and drives home the main point of your essay.
To learn how to write a good conclusion, you will want to ensure that no unanswered questions remain in the reader's mind. A good conclusion will restate the thesis and reinforce the essay's main supporting points.
About the author.
Scribendi's in-house editors work with writers from all over the globe to perfect their writing. They know that no piece of writing is complete without a professional edit, and they love to see a good piece of writing turn into a great one after the editing process. Scribendi's in-house editors are unrivaled in both experience and education, having collectively edited millions of words and obtained nearly 20 degrees collectively. They love consuming caffeinated beverages, reading books of various genres, and relaxing in quiet, dimly lit spaces.
Have You Read?
"The Complete Beginner's Guide to Academic Writing"
Upload your file(s) so we can calculate your word count, or enter your word count manually.
We will also recommend a service based on the file(s) you upload.
File | Word Count | Include in Price? |
---|
English is not my first language. I need English editing and proofreading so that I sound like a native speaker.
I need to have my journal article, dissertation, or term paper edited and proofread, or I need help with an admissions essay or proposal.
I have a novel, manuscript, play, or ebook. I need editing, copy editing, proofreading, a critique of my work, or a query package.
I need editing and proofreading for my white papers, reports, manuals, press releases, marketing materials, and other business documents.
I need to have my essay, project, assignment, or term paper edited and proofread.
I want to sound professional and to get hired. I have a resume, letter, email, or personal document that I need to have edited and proofread.
Prices include your personal % discount.
Prices include % sales tax ( ).
This page is devoted to writing in language tests, for anyone that needs to do this. In language tests, as well as in academic and language-based courses, it is extremely common to see discussion-type essay questions. Usually, questions like this will ask you to provide either a summary of the arguments for and against a particular viewpoint, or your own opinion about a topic or subject of general interest. Make sure that you read the question carefully. In a test, you will lose marks for answering the wrong question, even if your English is good. Try to bear in mind the points below and remember them on the day of your test.
1. Is it useful to learn and memorise some ‘ready-made’ essay-type phrases for this type of writing?
2. What are the qualities of a good discussion essay?
3. A question of style – should the first person pronoun (“I”) be used in discussion essays?
Check out the following items:
When preparing for a written test of English, a natural first strategy is to memorise a number of ‘ready-made’ phrases (for example: “The first aspect that I shall discuss is….”).
In some respects, learning set phrases can be positive, because:
However, this method also has some disadvantages:
Our recommendation is to get a balanced view - do use set expressions here and there, but try to avoid over-using them. Otherwise, you writing may sound rather 'pompous' and 'over-bearing'. Remember to show something of your own personality, too, and do not be afraid to express yourself in your own words.
back ^
A basic level of competence is usually characterised by an ability on the part of the candidate to:
A higher level of competence is indicated by the candidate’s ability, in addition to the above, to:
These qualities may be phrased in various ways within the assessment criteria and test specifications of different language tests.
Many researchers have spent considerable time examining the use of the personal pronoun (“I”) in academic writing. Most specialists agree that the use of “I” probably has little direct effect on the ‘academic’ nature of the writing. In other words, using “I” does not necessarily make the writing less formal, and avoiding “I’ does not automatically make it more academic. It is really your overall use of vocabulary and language, rather than your selection of the personal pronoun, which has a greater impact on the ‘academic’ tone of your writing.
It is useful to bear in mind the following general rules about the use of the first person:
When you are preparing for a test, it is useful to use mnemonic devices. Mnemonic devices are word systems that help you to remember key points. Below is an example of a mnemonic device for remembering important aspects in a discussion essay. You can remember it just by remembering the initial letters of each word in the phrase: “ G ood S tudents R ead E very C hapter”.
G rammar - is your grammar correct and accurate?
S tructure - is your essay well organised?
R elevance - have you answered the question asked of you?
E xamples - have you included illustrations to reinforce your points?
Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.
Academic writing is a formal style of writing used in universities and scholarly publications. You’ll encounter it in journal articles and books on academic topics, and you’ll be expected to write your essays , research papers , and dissertation in academic style.
Academic writing follows the same writing process as other types of texts, but it has specific conventions in terms of content, structure and style.
Academic writing is… | Academic writing is not… |
---|---|
Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes
Types of academic writing, academic writing is…, academic writing is not…, useful tools for academic writing, academic writing checklist.
Academics mostly write texts intended for publication, such as journal articles, reports, books, and chapters in edited collections. For students, the most common types of academic writing assignments are listed below.
Type of academic text | Definition |
---|---|
A fairly short, self-contained argument, often using sources from a class in response to a question provided by an instructor. | |
A more in-depth investigation based on independent research, often in response to a question chosen by the student. | |
The large final research project undertaken at the end of a degree, usually on a of the student’s choice. | |
An outline of a potential topic and plan for a future dissertation or research project. | |
A critical synthesis of existing research on a topic, usually written in order to inform the approach of a new piece of research. | |
A write-up of the aims, methods, results, and conclusions of a lab experiment. | |
A list of source references with a short description or evaluation of each source. |
Different fields of study have different priorities in terms of the writing they produce. For example, in scientific writing it’s crucial to clearly and accurately report methods and results; in the humanities, the focus is on constructing convincing arguments through the use of textual evidence. However, most academic writing shares certain key principles intended to help convey information as effectively as possible.
Whether your goal is to pass your degree, apply to graduate school , or build an academic career, effective writing is an essential skill.
The academic proofreading tool has been trained on 1000s of academic texts. Making it the most accurate and reliable proofreading tool for students. Free citation check included.
Try for free
Academic writing aims to convey information in an impartial way. The goal is to base arguments on the evidence under consideration, not the author’s preconceptions. All claims should be supported with relevant evidence, not just asserted.
To avoid bias, it’s important to represent the work of other researchers and the results of your own research fairly and accurately. This means clearly outlining your methodology and being honest about the limitations of your research.
The formal style used in academic writing ensures that research is presented consistently across different texts, so that studies can be objectively assessed and compared with other research.
Because of this, it’s important to strike the right tone with your language choices. Avoid informal language , including slang, contractions , clichés, and conversational phrases:
It’s important to use clear and precise language to ensure that your reader knows exactly what you mean. This means being as specific as possible and avoiding vague language :
Avoid hedging your claims with words like “perhaps,” as this can give the impression that you lack confidence in your arguments. Reflect on your word choice to ensure it accurately and directly conveys your meaning:
Specialist language or jargon is common and often necessary in academic writing, which generally targets an audience of other academics in related fields.
However, jargon should be used to make your writing more concise and accurate, not to make it more complicated. A specialist term should be used when:
The best way to familiarize yourself with the kind of jargon used in your field is to read papers by other researchers and pay attention to their language.
An academic text is not just a collection of ideas about a topic—it needs to have a clear purpose. Start with a relevant research question or thesis statement , and use it to develop a focused argument. Only include information that is relevant to your overall purpose.
A coherent structure is crucial to organize your ideas. Pay attention to structure at three levels: the structure of the whole text, paragraph structure, and sentence structure.
Overall structure | and a . . |
---|---|
Paragraph structure | when you move onto a new idea. at the start of each paragraph to indicate what it’s about, and make clear between paragraphs. |
Sentence structure | to express the connections between different ideas within and between sentences. to avoid . |
Academic writing uses sources to support its claims. Sources are other texts (or media objects like photographs or films) that the author analyzes or uses as evidence. Many of your sources will be written by other academics; academic writing is collaborative and builds on previous research.
It’s important to consider which sources are credible and appropriate to use in academic writing. For example, citing Wikipedia is typically discouraged. Don’t rely on websites for information; instead, use academic databases and your university library to find credible sources.
You must always cite your sources in academic writing. This means acknowledging whenever you quote or paraphrase someone else’s work by including a citation in the text and a reference list at the end.
In-text citation | Elsewhere, it has been argued that the method is “the best currently available” (Smith, 2019, p. 25). |
Reference list | Smith, J. (2019). (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Norton. |
There are many different citation styles with different rules. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago . Make sure to consistently follow whatever style your institution requires. If you don’t cite correctly, you may get in trouble for plagiarism . A good plagiarism checker can help you catch any issues before it’s too late.
You can easily create accurate citations in APA or MLA style using our Citation Generators.
APA Citation Generator MLA Citation Generator
As well as following the rules of grammar, punctuation, and citation, it’s important to consistently apply stylistic conventions regarding:
In some cases there are several acceptable approaches that you can choose between—the most important thing is to apply the same rules consistently and to carefully proofread your text before you submit. If you don’t feel confident in your own proofreading abilities, you can get help from Scribbr’s professional proofreading services or Grammar Checker .
Academic writing generally tries to avoid being too personal. Information about the author may come in at some points—for example in the acknowledgements or in a personal reflection—but for the most part the text should focus on the research itself.
Always avoid addressing the reader directly with the second-person pronoun “you.” Use the impersonal pronoun “one” or an alternate phrasing instead for generalizations:
The use of the first-person pronoun “I” used to be similarly discouraged in academic writing, but it is increasingly accepted in many fields. If you’re unsure whether to use the first person, pay attention to conventions in your field or ask your instructor.
When you refer to yourself, it should be for good reason. You can position yourself and describe what you did during the research, but avoid arbitrarily inserting your personal thoughts and feelings:
Many students think their writing isn’t academic unless it’s over-complicated and long-winded. This isn’t a good approach—instead, aim to be as concise and direct as possible.
If a term can be cut or replaced with a more straightforward one without affecting your meaning, it should be. Avoid redundant phrasings in your text, and try replacing phrasal verbs with their one-word equivalents where possible:
Repetition is a part of academic writing—for example, summarizing earlier information in the conclusion—but it’s important to avoid unnecessary repetition. Make sure that none of your sentences are repeating a point you’ve already made in different words.
An academic text is not the same thing as a literary, journalistic, or marketing text. Though you’re still trying to be persuasive, a lot of techniques from these styles are not appropriate in an academic context. Specifically, you should avoid appeals to emotion and inflated claims.
Though you may be writing about a topic that’s sensitive or important to you, the point of academic writing is to clearly communicate ideas, information, and arguments, not to inspire an emotional response. Avoid using emotive or subjective language :
Students are sometimes tempted to make the case for their topic with exaggerated , unsupported claims and flowery language. Stick to specific, grounded arguments that you can support with evidence, and don’t overstate your point:
There are a a lot of writing tools that will make your writing process faster and easier. We’ll highlight three of them below.
AI writing tools like ChatGPT and a paraphrasing tool can help you rewrite text so that your ideas are clearer, you don’t repeat yourself, and your writing has a consistent tone.
They can also help you write more clearly about sources without having to quote them directly. Be warned, though: it’s still crucial to give credit to all sources in the right way to prevent plagiarism .
Writing tools that scan your text for punctuation, spelling, and grammar mistakes. When it detects a mistake the grammar checke r will give instant feedback and suggest corrections. Helping you write clearly and avoid common mistakes .
You can use a summarizer if you want to condense text into its most important and useful ideas. With a summarizer tool, you can make it easier to understand complicated sources. You can also use the tool to make your research question clearer and summarize your main argument.
Discover proofreading & editing
Use the checklist below to assess whether you have followed the rules of effective academic writing.
I avoid informal terms and contractions .
I avoid second-person pronouns (“you”).
I avoid emotive or exaggerated language.
I avoid redundant words and phrases.
I avoid unnecessary jargon and define terms where needed.
I present information as precisely and accurately as possible.
I use appropriate transitions to show the connections between my ideas.
My text is logically organized using paragraphs .
Each paragraph is focused on a single idea, expressed in a clear topic sentence .
Every part of the text relates to my central thesis or research question .
I support my claims with evidence.
I use the appropriate verb tenses in each section.
I consistently use either UK or US English .
I format numbers consistently.
I cite my sources using a consistent citation style .
Your text follows the most important rules of academic style. Make sure it's perfect with the help of a Scribbr editor!
Other students also liked.
✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts
Mar 30, 2024 | 0 comments
Mar 30, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments
A discursive essay requires the writer to present balanced arguments on a particular topic. This type of essay demands critical thinking and analytical skills to argue both sides of an issue effectively. Whether for a school assignment or a professional publication, mastering the art of writing a discursive essay is essential for any writer. In this article, we will discuss the key components of a discursive essay and provide tips on how to structure and write one effectively. From choosing a topic to researching and presenting arguments, we will guide you through crafting a well-rounded and persuasive discursive essay. By the end of this article, you will have the tools and knowledge needed to tackle this challenging form of writing confidently. So, let’s dive in and learn how to write a discursive essay that will impress your readers.
At its core, a discursive essay is an essay that investigates an issue, situation, or problem from differing points of view. It presents a balanced, multi-perspective overview, considering all major positions on the topic in a balanced way.
The overarching goal is to inform and explore – not to argue a one-sided case. Discursive essays demonstrate your ability to think critically and add nuance to complex issues by being open to opposing arguments and representing them fairly.
This open-minded approach is why these essays are valuable across many academic disciplines like philosophy, history, and the social sciences. Being able to weigh multiple sides develops crucial research and reasoning abilities.
There are several key reasons instructors assign writing such essays:
Unlock your potential with our Critical Thinking Writing Service - the ultimate solution for crafting compelling arguments and outsmarting the competition!
Opinionated discursive writing : As the name suggests, these present the writer’s opinion or perspective on an issue while objectively considering other potential positions. The writer’s view remains at the core of the essay.
Argumentative Discursive Essays : These essays use factual evidence and logical reasoning to make a case for a particular stance on an issue. While other views may be mentioned, the purpose is to persuade the reader toward the writer’s position.
Solution Essays : These essays examine a problem or situation and propose one or more potential solutions, weighing the merits of each approach. The essay itself doesn’t argue for a single solution.
Descriptive discursive writing : This is a discursive essay type that vividly describes and analyzes a particular topic, event, or phenomenon from multiple perspectives. It aims to paint a detailed, multi-faceted picture of the subject matter, exploring various viewpoints and arguments objectively and balanced.
You may think, “Don’t argumentative and discursive essays present different positions on a topic? What’s the real difference?”
It’s a fair question, so let’s clarify how discursive essays are distinct from argumentative and expository pieces:
Argumentative Essays aim to persuade the reader that one particular position is correct by presenting a clear thesis statement and building logical arguments supported by evidence to prove it. While they may acknowledge counterarguments, the ultimate goal is to convince the reader of the writer’s stance.
On the other hand, Expository Essays are entirely objective explanations of a topic, concept or process. They avoid persuasion or arguing with any one perspective. The purpose is solely to provide factual information to inform the reader.
A discursive essay sits between these two – it doesn’t persuade toward one viewpoint like an argumentative essay but doesn’t remain completely neutral like an expository piece. The goal is to provide an overview that gives equal, unbiased consideration to all major perspectives on an issue.
So, in summary:
With the theory out of the way, let’s learn how to write a good discursive essay!
There are several key phases in writing an effective discursive essay: choosing a topic, planning the structure, researching different perspectives, and putting it all together cohesively. Let’s break it down:
The first step is selecting an appropriate topic that allows you to offer a well-rounded, multi-perspective analysis. When choosing your topic, keep these tips in mind:
Some potential good discursive essay topics could analyze complex societal issues like climate change policies, ethical use of new technologies, criminal justice reforms, or systemic inequalities. Just be sure the topic truly has multiple perspectives to explore.
Once you have identified your discursive essay topic, it’s time to start mapping your approach and structure.
Discover the secret to top grades and stress-free academics with our unbeatable Custom Essay Writing Service – your shortcut to academic excellence!
A solid essay plan ensures your discursive essay flows logically and gives equal attention to the various viewpoints. Generally, essays will follow this structure: a discursive essay:
Introduction Paragraph :
Body of the Essay :
When writing the body, use transition words to connect paragraphs logically and indicate shifts between viewpoints. Words like “conversely,” “additionally,” and “however” keep the flow coherent.
Most importantly, the body of your essay needs to address all major perspectives related to your thesis in a neutral, impartial tone without favouring any one side. Your credibility hinges on representing each stance accurately.
Conclusion Paragraph :
With the core outline in place, you can start gathering the evidence, examples, data sources, and expert commentary to substantiate each position and counterargument within the body paragraphs .
Thorough, wide-ranging research from credible, authoritative sources allows you to adequately explore all sides of an issue. When gathering source materials:
In addition to conducting secondary research through written sources, consider:
The deeper and broader your research base, the more nuanced and fully developed your essay analysis can be.
As you start writing the body paragraphs, smartly integrate your evidence by:
The introduction is crucial as it sets the stage for your balanced argument on a topic. You don’t write a bland, generic opening. Instead, for a discursive essay, you must grab the reader’s attention with an interesting hook, such as a thought-provoking question, shocking fact, or vivid anecdote related to your topic.
Then, provide relevant background information to give context before clearly stating your thesis, introducing the main issue and outlining the different sides of the issue you’ll explore. Your thesis must be specifically focused and present an arguable, nuanced claim – not just a self-evident fact.
The essay’s main body is where you systematically analyze the various perspectives and positions using logical reasoning and supporting evidence. Each new argument should be addressed in a separate paragraph with a clear topic sentence stating the claim.
Expand on that viewpoint using facts, examples or evidence, expert opinions, and analysis. Fully flesh out each position before introducing any counterarguments or rebuttals in the following paragraphs.
When representing the opposing argument, do so objectively. Don’t exaggerate or misrepresent the claims – identify a discursive essay’s different stances accurately first, then provide evidence challenging or qualifying that stance. Avoid dismissing counterarguments entirely.
Maintain an academic tone throughout – don’t write with excessive informal language or personal bias. Use transitional phrases between paragraphs to connect ideas logically.
In concluding the essay, you don’t simply restate your original thesis from the introduction. Certainly summarize the key points made, but avoid redundancy.
More importantly, it offers a meaningful analysis that weighs the relative strengths and weaknesses of each perspective explored in the essay. If appropriate, propose potential solutions or resolutions for the issue at hand.
The conclusion is also where you can express insightful opinions if done judiciously. Just don’t introduce entirely new arguments or evidence.
Finally, end with a thought-provoking closing statement that reveals deeper implications, leaves the reader with a call to action, or opens avenues for further discussion.
With the overall structure and research in place, the focus now shifts to the execution – how you craft insightful analysis in a balanced, academic tone. Key techniques include:
Use Clear, Precise Language
Apply a Formal, Objective Tone
Substantiate All Claims
Address Counterarguments
To illustrate how all these components come together into an actual discursive essay, let’s quickly analyze an example:
This brief example illustrates how a discursive essay comprehensively lays out all the perspectives and key arguments around a complex issue like AI ethics. Each view is represented using objective language and substantiated by relevant evidence and expert viewpoints.
The conclusion doesn’t definitively “solve” the dilemma but provides analysis, allowing the reader to weigh the positions and acknowledge the nuances.
After going through this guide, you should now feel more equipped to expertly know the discursive essay definition, the structure of a discursive essay, how to start a discursive essay introduction, and how to plan a discursive essay that meets the high standards. of this challenge. Crafting a strong discursive essay thesis statement and organizing your thoughts in an outlined manner allows you to build a nuanced, multi-perspective analysis methodically. While honing the skills required to produce top-tier discursive writing takes diligence and real-world practice, the long-term benefits of enhancing your critical thinking abilities and strengthening how you communicate complex, multifaceted ideas and arguments are immensely valuable.
Here are the key takeaways to conclude:
What is a discursive essay format.
A discursive essay follows a specific structure that includes an introductory paragraph with a clear topic sentence, several paragraphs alternately presenting arguments, and a conclusion summarizing the main points.
To start a discursive essay, begin with an introduction or the first paragraph that catches the reader’s attention and clearly explains the topic you will discuss.
Discursive writing can take various forms, such as opinion essays, writing that presents both sides of an argument, or essays that propose a solution to a problem.
Linking words is essential for connecting ideas within a discursive essay. These words help structure your essay and make it cohesive. Commonly used linking words include “moreover,” “however,” “on the other hand,” and “therefore.
Through my engaging and informative blog posts, I aim to provide helpful tips on topics such as essay writing, research skills, and academic planning, empowering students to thrive in their academic pursuits.
Racism thesis statement example, how to rephrase a thesis statement, capstone project topic suggestions, how to write an abortion essay, should students wear school uniforms essay, list causal essay topics write, respect essay, signal words, great synonyms, informative speech examples, essay writing guide, introduction paragraph for an essay, argumentative essay writing, essay outline templates, write an autobiographical essay, personal narrative essay ideas, descriptive essay writing, how to write a reflective-essay, how to write a lab report abstract, how to write a grant proposal, point of view in an essay, debate topics for youth at church, theatre research paper topics, privacy overview.
Writing discursive essays is a common task that can be encountered in high school and college environments. Mastering the nuances of writing them will be a lot easier with this guide. Our team has prepared recommendations that cover the basics of discursive essays and their format. Additionally, you will find some helpful tips about improving your work. Let’s get started!
💎 developing a discursive writing style, 📎 references, 🧐 discursive writing: definition & purpose.
Discursive essays are different from the argumentative and persuasive papers you might be used to. Discursive writing allows students to investigate various topics in depth and present different opinions on particular issues. Creating one involves gathering, reading, and assessing supportive evidence. As with other academic papers, discursive ones are built around a thesis statement that outlines the arguments.
Unlike other paper genres like persuasive essays , discursive essays are scarce on personal thoughts. They favor an unbiased look at the subject through the lens of facts and statistics. You can use them to discuss issues related to social norms, the economy, political movements, technology, and similar subjects. Whatever you write about, ensure you methodically cover every side of the issue.
Students often confuse these essay types, so we’ve decided to help you understand the difference. These descriptions will show you how to identify the purpose and tone of these papers and choose the appropriate one to match your writing goals.
🤔 Argumentative | 🧐 Discursive |
---|---|
present supporting evidence and disprove opposing claims. | serve as an analysis of the subject from different points of view. |
If your professor tasks you with this kind of assignment, you have a couple of ways to approach it. As we’ve mentioned before, there are several types of discursive essays. This segment of our article goes into some detail about each of them.
If you get to write a discursive essay on any subject you wish, this is the right segment for you. Here, we provide several pressing, engaging, and diverse topics for your work.
You may be tempted to write right away after choosing the appropriate topic for your discursive essay. However, before you do this, get acquainted with this paper’s format. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide for each section of the work.
Crafting a compelling intro is the foundation of a successful discursive essay. This section outlines the essential elements and strategies to grab the audience’s attention. Read it to master the art of engaging intros.
The body paragraphs offer a platform for in-depth analysis and presentation of multiple perspectives. The ones in discursive essays have distinctive characteristics that distinguish them from other papers.
This section will show you how to restate your main points, complete your arguments, and leave a lasting impression .
You’re one step closer to writing your perfect essay. We recommend practicing to ensure that you triumph over these academic tasks. Follow our tips, and you will see the quality of your papers reach new heights.
✅ Be straightforward | Try using simple words and phrases whenever possible. This way, you’ll be less likely to make mistakes. It also helps people unfamiliar with the topic to understand it better. |
✅ Cut down on long sentences | When writing papers, stick to shorter sentence structures. If you see lengthy ones, cut them down into two or more. There’s no need to chop up every single one – do this when necessary. Practice and you’ll see better which sentences to separate or keep as they are. |
✅ Clear the clutter | Everybody sometimes writes words, phrases, or sentences that don’t add more information to the paper. Or they make the same remarks several times in the text. If the meaning doesn’t change with their removal, it’s best to exclude them. |
✅ Experiment with sentence structure | Sticking to the same sentence structure throughout the text makes it dull and uninteresting. If you want to impact readers, change things from time to time. |
✅ Rely on an active voice | Try writing in an , as it’s more direct and requires fewer words than its passive counterpart. This makes papers easier to follow and comprehend. You’ll also avoid wordiness. |
✅ Write in a formal tone | As essays are academic tasks, you should write in a formal tone. Avoid colloquialisms, slang, and other devices not associated with this style. Remember to write in the third person. |
✅ Stick to familiar vocabulary | When , you will come across new words and phrases. Never use them if you don’t fully comprehend their meaning. Instead, stick to the terms and phrases you’re sure of. |
We thank you for your attention. Hopefully, you’ve found the guide helpful. If you need any more ideas for your discursive essay, you can create one using our topic generator !
This site uses cookies to make sure you get the best experience. By continuing you are agreeing with our cookie policy .
Finding interesting discursive essay topics might be a difficult task, especially for students who aren’t fond of writing or dislike their subject. Fortunately, this problem has a quick and simple solution, but before we get to it, let’s shed light on the most common question first.
What is a discursive essay? This type of essay is a piece of academic writing that describes a topic, details its background, and explores all the main perspectives on it. When writing such an essay, it is essential to look into various points of view, analyzing and comparing them. Virginia Woolf once said, "It is the nature of the artist to mind excessively what is said about him. Literature is strewn with the wreckage of those who have minded beyond reason the opinions of others." This quote underscores the importance of maintaining objectivity and embracing various perspectives without bias, which is a basic principle of writing balanced discussion essays.
These essays are a very common college writing assignment, so learners of all levels must know how best to write them. That’s why we are here! Today, we’ll discuss everything about discursive essay writing as well as outline some creative paper topics. If your professor assigned this type of task to you and now you’re searching for a good topic, consider it found! Our guide will not only explain how to write such essays but also answer questions and offer you a list of original topics you may like.
Locating a great topic is important because students’ entire research depends on it. Here are five top ways to do it:
So, what should premium quality discursive writing look like? Be sure your essay includes these four aspects:
Are you interested in exploring the latest trends and news that concern students worldwide? Then check out these discursive topics:
UK students who study higher English should know everything about it, from language to literature to its history. Does that sound intriguing? Then, on to the higher discursive essay topics!
High-school students can get away with researching simpler concepts. Here are some examples of topics for discourse essays of this level:
College requires more complicated research. Look at these good discursive essay topics:
Controversy generates passion, making our blood run hotter. It intimidates some students, pushing them to contact us, asking, “Please write my essay for me ” sometimes. That said, if you want to write your paper yourself, try these best discursive essay topics:
Life can be pressing, and mental health issues are becoming ever more relevant. That’s why writing discursive essays on them is always interesting. Here are just a few mental health-related essay topics you can explore:
Enough of tragedies and depression. Have some amusing discursive writing topics instead:
Here’s a list of diverse topics that our experts find personally stimulating. Who knows, you might share some of their preferences.
Looking to Relax Instead of Writing Essays?
GRAB 20% DISCOUNT
Multiple UK students love their subjects. They pick a topic they’re interested in, but sometimes they choose to buy an essay anyway. Why is that? In truth, writing a powerful discursive paper might be frustrating. Look at these frequent problems and check our experts’ solutions:
Too much research data is available | It is easy to get lost in a sea of information. Determine how many views you will include in your paper, then choose several articles or books that represent them. |
The topic is not unique enough | It’s challenging to find unique discursive essay topics, but you can do it by browsing lists like ours and hiring an expert to create an exclusive theme just for you. |
The lack of good sources | If the topic is rare, students may struggle with locating a sufficient number of credible sources in their library. Try Google Scholar. As an alternative, consult your professor. They might appreciate your serious approach. |
The structure is too complex | Combining all the views can be hard. The best approach is writing down all the points you’ll cover and then breaking them into categories based on their differences/similarities. Dedicate one paragraph to the supporters of the idea and the next to those who oppose it. |
Writers are verified and tested to comply with quality standards.
Work is completed in time and delivered before deadline.
Wide range of subjects and topics of any difficulty covered.
Read testimonials to learn why customers trust us.
See how it works from order placement to delivery.
Client id #: 000229
You managed to please my supervisor on the first try! Whoa, I've been working with him for over a year and never turned in a paper without having to rewrite it at least once, lol I wonder if he thinks something's wrong with me now.
Client id #: 000154
Your attention to details cannot but makes me happy. Your professional writer followed every single instruction I gave and met the deadline. The text itself is full of sophisticated lexis and well-structured. I was on cloud nine when I looked through it. And my professor is satisfied as well. Million thanks!
Client id #: 000234
I contacted their call-center to specify the possible custom deadline dates prior to making an order decision and it felt like they hadn't even considered a possibility of going beyond the standard urgency. I didn't even want an additional discount for the extended time, just want to make sure I'll have enough time for editing if necessary. Made an order for standard 14 days, we'll see.
Client id #: 000098
I have no idea how you managed to do this research paper so quickly and professionally. But the result is magnificent. Well-structured, brilliantly written and with all the elements I asked for. I am already filling out my next order from you.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
State your opinion in the introduction, supported by examples and reasons. Present the opposing argument before the conclusion, explaining why you find it unconvincing. Summarize your important points in the conclusion. 2. Essay providing a solution to a problem. Focus on discussing an issue and proposing solutions.
Three sets of pros and cons will be required for your discursive essay. One set for each body paragraph. These become your claims and counter claims. For a longer essay, you would need further claims and counter claims. Some instructors prefer students to keep the pros and cons in the same order across the body paragraphs.
Jeffrey R. Wilson's Academic Writing is a no-nonsense guide to the long and complex writing process. Packed with concrete examples, helpful visuals, and practical tips, the book is an essential guide for academic writing at the highest level. Empowering writers to be creators—not just
Start with an introduction to the topic. Discuss each essay question in a single paragraph. Begin each paragraph with a powerful issue sentence. Paragraphs with one point usually followed by a counterpoint paragraph. Its style is general for essays as the reader should understand what you stand for.
The thesis statement begins with a capital letter) followed by your title or, in the case of your discursive essay, the thesis statement. Technically, the running header should be no more than 50 characters, including letters, spaces, and punctuation. Though in the case of the discursive essay, it is more important to your instructor / grader ...
1. Introduction: Hook: Begin with a captivating hook or attention-grabbing statement to engage the reader's interest. Contextualization: Provide a brief overview of the topic and its relevance, setting the stage for the discussion. Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main argument or the purpose of the essay.
The Academic Writing Guide (AWG) is designed to familiarise you with the process of writing a discursive essay. A discursive essay is a genre of writing that requires you to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner. Once you have decided on your position your ...
Harvard College Writing Center 8 Thesis Your thesis is the central claim in your essay—your main insight or idea about your source or topic. Your thesis should appear early in an academic essay, followed by a logically constructed argument that supports this central claim. A strong thesis is
Discursive Essay Writing Tips. Utilise connectives: Use words like 'however,' 'in contrast,' or 'conversely' for smooth transitions between opposing viewpoints. For instance, "While some argue for the benefits of online learning, others vehemently oppose it. However, a nuanced perspective considers both sides.".
The points you use while writing a discursive essay need to flow smoothly so that readers could see a logical organization of the work. For this, you can use transition words that'll make your paper easily readable and crisp. For example, if you want to list some points, opt for such words as firstly, to begin with, secondly, lastly, finally ...
Discursive Essay Format. Writing a discursive essay needs careful planning to make sure it's clear and flows well while presenting different viewpoints on a topic. Here's how to structure your discursive essay: Introduction. Start with an interesting opening sentence to catch the reader's attention.
The discursive essay discusses ideas and opinions on a topic without the aim of persuading the reader to take a given view. It is your unbiased presenting of differing viewpoints that allows the reader to decide which is best. This allows you to present the topic from several viewpoints, showing the pros and cons of them all.
A discursive essay is a type of academic writing that presents both sides of an argument or issue. Unlike an argumentative essay where you take a clear stance and defend it, a discursive essay allows you to explore different perspectives and provide an objective analysis. ... Importance of research: Good research is essential for a discursive ...
Your essay is structured in a manner that argues towards this stand. When writing an argumentative essay, your goal is to persuade, to convince the reader to be in support of your stand. Discursive: you are not required to take an explicit stand on the issue. In other words, you do not need to pick a side. You may choose to pick a side; that ...
Avoid transition words that don't add anything to the sentence and unnecessary wordiness that detracts from your argument. Furthermore, use the active voice instead of the passive whenever possible (e.g., "this study found" instead of "it was found by this study"). This will make your essay's tone clear and direct. 3.
write thoughtfully when formulating a response to the task. write with a good sense of register and style. write with a degree of persuasion. write with a very high standard of accuracy. evaluate the subject in a deeper and more critical fashion, given normal constraints of time. use appropriate academic vocabulary.
Academic writing is a formal style of writing used in universities and scholarly publications. You'll encounter it in journal articles and books on academic topics, and you'll be expected to write your essays, research papers, and dissertation in academic style. Academic writing follows the same writing process as other types of texts, but ...
A discursive essay requires the writer to present balanced arguments on a particular topic. This type of essay demands critical thinking and analytical skills to argue both sides of an issue effectively. Whether for a school assignment or a professional publication, mastering the art of writing a discursive essay is essential for any writer.
Instead, show how the paper helped expand upon it. Explain the importance of your work in the broader discussion. Remind about the critical points of the paper. Give a rundown of the main takeaways of your paper and why they matter. Stay brief and remember that the conclusion should be about one paragraph long.
A discursive essay on this topic would explore the various facets of academic writing and its significance in the realm of job skills.To begin, academic writing is characterized by clarity, coherence, and the ability to articulate complex ideas in a structured manner.
Maintain a strict academic tone. Avoid contractions, phrasal verbs, and other informalities. Extensive research. Include plenty of credible sources in your essay. Equality. Present all the points equally. It's not okay to dedicate 10 sentences to one argument and just 2 sentences to another one.
style, a more subjective or objective viewpoint, and more personal or impersonal. involvement in a variously direct or indirect argumentative line. Armenian Folia Anglistika Linguistics. 8. 2 ...