Discursive essay

1. DISCURSIVE ESSAY

2. ■ A discursive essay is a piece of formal writing which discusses a particular
issue, solution or problem

3. Three types of discursive essays:
• For and against essays
• Opinion essays
• Essays suggesting solutions to problems

4. For and against essays
• They present both sides of an issue, discussing points in favour of a particular
topic as well as those against, or the advantages and disadvantages of a
particular question.
• Each point should be supported by justification, examples, and / or reasons.
• The writer's own opinion should be presented only in the final paragraph.

5. Opinion essays
• They present the writer's personal opinion concerning the topic, clearly stated
and supported by reasons and/or examples.
• The opposing viewpoint and reason should be included in a separate paragraph
before the conclusion, together with the argument that shows it is an
unconvincing viewpoint.
• The writer's opinion should be included in the introduction and summarised /
restated in the conclusion.

6. Essays suggesting solutions to
problems
• They analyse the problem(s) associated with a particular issue or situation and
put forward possible solutions, together with any expected results/
consequences.
• The writer's opinion may be mentioned, directly or indirectly, in the introduction
and/or the conclusion.

7. A good discursive essay should
consist of:
• An introductory paragraph, in which you clearly state the topic to be discussed;
• A main body, in which points are clearly stated in separate paragraphs and
exemplified or justified; and
• A concluding paragraph, summarising the main points of the essay, and in which
you state/restate your opinion, and /or give a balanced consideration of the
topic.

8. • Present each point in a separate paragraph (containing a topic sentence and
clear justification).
• Well-known quotations, rhetorical questions or thought provoking statements are
useful devices to make your composition more interesting.
• Before you begin writing, you should always make a list of the points you will
present.
• Do not use informal style or very strong language.
• Use appropriate linking words/phrases to show the links between paragraphs,
as well as to link sentences within paragraphs.

9. ■ One of the distinguishing elements of a discursive essay is its objectivity.
■ It is important that the writer present the problem in an unbiased manner, discussing all points of
argument thoroughly and carefully.
■ If instructions allow the writer to side with one point, he should first present all sides before
choosing one.
■ To make the essay more objective, it is recommended that the essay be written in a third-person
perspective and avoid using first-person phrases such as “in my opinion,” “I believe,” and “I fully
support.”
■ In this way, a discursive essay is different from an argumentative essay, as the latter only presents
one side of the issue and discusses details for or against that side.