Writing discursive essay. Upper-intermediate

1. How to Write a
Discursive Essay?

2. Table of contents
What is the purpose
of a discursive essay?
The structure of a
discursive essay
Elements that make
up a discursive essay
Steps to organize
Your essay
01
02
03
04

3. ➔ The purpose of a discursive essay is to
provide a balanced and objective
discussion of different perspectives on
a topic, with the aim of allowing readers to
arrive at their own informed conclusions
01. What is the purpose of a discursive
essay?
➔ While it may seem similar to an
argumentative essay, the main
difference between the two is that an
argumentative essay requires the author
to pick one side and argue for it, while a
discursive essay requires the author
to present different sides of one
argument to form a more complete
vision of the subject

4. 02. The structure of a discursive essay
Introduction Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2 Conclusion
Watching TV is very popular and has both
advantages and disadvantages
To start with TV can have an educational function.
On the other hand, it’s easy to waste our valuable
time watching TV.
I think that if we choose carefully, TV can benefit us
all.
Introduction
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 2
Conclusion
When writing a discursive essay, students should follow a specific format and
structure.
The first paragraph
should include
arguments
supporting the
main idea.
The second paragraph
should present possible
opposing arguments against
the main idea.
You should avoid expressing personal opinions
anywhere except for the conclusion

5. 03. Elements that make up a discursive essay
Your purpose of an essay
should be expressed here
The body of the essay should
consist of separate
paragraphs, each dedicated to
a separate idea.
Each paragraph should begin
with the main idea, followed by
a summary of the argument,
and the supporting evidence
Finally, the most important
aspects of the topic are
summarized and a conclusion
is drawn based on all the
information provided. It can
take the form of an opinion
Introduction Body Conclusion
The most common discursive essay format includes an introduction, the body of the essay,
and the conclusion

6. The introduction of a discursive essay
should set the tone and prepare the
readers for the content of the essay. A
good idea is to use a hook as the first
sentence of the introduction, followed by a
brief overview of the problem and the
sides of the argument that will be
discussed further . You should avoid using
informal/colloquial language, emotional
language, over-generalizations, and
personal examples in the introduction

7. The main body should consists of 2 separate
paragraphs with one point and a counterpoint
paragraph. In the body paragraphs, you should
explain why they are right and present arguments
for and against the topic, followed by supporting
examples and/or evidence. The examples should
be linked to the main idea of the essay to make the
essay coherent. You should avoid using unclear
expressions in the paragraphs and instead, they
should develop their statements step by step,
describing the whole ‘picture’ of their ideas for or
against the topic.

8. To write an effective conclusion, you must
remember the purpose of the conclusion, which is to
establish your personal opinion on the argument
and explain why. While a discursive essay presents
a balanced point of view, the conclusion is an
opportunity to express your opinion on the matter.
However, it is important to note that the conclusion
should not simply copy the introduction.

9. 04. Steps to organize a discursive essay
01
The first step is to choose a topic
that you feel strongly about and
that has two or more sides to it.
You can choose a topic from a list
or come up with your own unique
topic
Choose a topic
After choosing a topic write down
ideas for and against it supported
by examples.
Brainstorm!!!
Once you have chosen your topic,
it's time to create an outline. The
outline should include the
introduction, main body, and
conclusion of your essay. Each
section should have a specific
purpose and should be structured
in a logical way.
Write an outline
02 03