The document discusses the differences between argumentative and discursive essays. An argumentative essay requires taking a stance on an issue and using evidence to convince the audience that the arguments are valid. The goal is to further convince readers that the author's position is right. A discursive essay presents both sides of an argument equally and draws tentative conclusions based on the evidence without trying to convince readers of a particular position. Sample topics are provided for both types of essays.

1. Differences Between
Argumentative & Discursive
Essay Writing
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The Learning board

2. The goal of an argumentative essay is to take
a stance on a topic and convince
your audience that your arguments are valid.
Sure, you include a discussion of
the counterargument and rebuttal to the
counterargument in an argumentative essay.
But the whole purpose in doing so is to
further convince your readers that your
arguments are stronger—essentially
that you’re right, and they’re wrong.
The goal of discursive essay is to
present both sides of an argument equally and
then draw some tentative conclusions based on
the evidence.
Though some readers may be convinced by
your arguments and conclusions, the goal isn’t
to convince anyone. Your goal is to objectively
evaluate the topic.
Taking a stand vs Neutrality

3. What is an argumentative essay?
An argumentative essay requires you to pick a debatable topic, do extensive research on it, choose
a side in the debate, and then argue for that side by citing the evidence you have gathered. When
writing this essay, you’ll take a stance on a topic and include evidence from research sources to
convince your audience.
Purpose:
To convince and/or persuade the audience
Key features
Takes a strong stance on a debatable issue
Examines both sides of the topic
Uses credible research sources to support thesis
Refutes opposing viewpoints
Organization pattern
Develops a clear thesis statement to indicate stance
Includes at least two key points to support thesis
Integrates evidence from research sources to support claims
Point of view
Third person point of view

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Argumentative Essay Outline Structure
The very basics of an argumentative essay is made of four main sections:
1.Introduction
2.Key arguments
3.Counterargument and rebuttal
4.Conclusion
Argumentative essays samples:
Should sports be segregated by gender?
Should religion be taught in schools?
Should people in prison be allowed to vote?
Should animal testing be allowed?
Position on one side of the argument, defending only one stance

5. Sample essay:
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What Is a Discursive Essay?
A discursive essay presents both sides of an argument, then states your stance.
The purpose
The goal of a discursive essay is to present a balanced and objective analysis of both
sides of the argument. (Note: Sometimes you may need to examine three or more
positions as topics may be more nuanced than basic for-or-against arguments,
opinion essay, suggesting a solution to a problem.)
Key features
The discursive essay is a formal essay that requires a formal tone. This means that
you’ll write in third person point of view to evaluate arguments and express your
opinion.

7. Structure:
A discursive essay is organized like most essays in 3 main sections:
1.- Introduction (hook, background, thesis statament
2.- Body Paragraphs (for/against)
3.- Conclusion
Strategies:
•Thesis statement: The thesis statement in a discursive essay should not take a stance on the argument. The
goal is to present both sides of the argument equally.
Ex.: Even though some studies indicate that professor comments written in red have no effect on students’
emotions, other studies suggest that seeing red ink on papers can cause students unnecessary stress.
•Body paragraphs: A discursive essay should develop both sides of the argument equally and provide just
as much evidence to support one side as it does to support the other. (Don’t try to slip in more evidence for
one side just because it happens to be the side you agree with.)
•Conclusion: The concluding paragraph of a discursive essay is your chance to explain your conclusions
based on the evidence you’ve presented. Your conclusion won’t express a definitive answer. But it will leave
room for your audience to consider both sides of the argument and your tentative conclusions.
Ex.: Based on the evidence, it seems fair to conclude that professors who use red ink to grade papers do not
cause their students unnecessary psychological stress.

8. 1. Do Energy drinks pose health risks to people under 18
2. Do all adults need eight hours of sleep each night?
3. Is technology addition a real additction?
4. Discuss the various pros and cons of video games among teenagers.
5. What are the various advantages and disadvantages of globalisation?
6. Is the society becoming over-regulated?
7. Is homeschooling a major disadvantage for the students?
8. Is social media having a negative/positive impact on our lives?
9. What are the different advantages and disadvantages of peer pressure?
10. Can virtual reality turn out to be dangerous for the youngsters?
11. Weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of studying/beginning to work at 18... of living alone/with other people... and so on.
12. All marketing strategies are essentially manipulative." Discuss, using examples from your experience.
13. To what extent are gender roles and stereotypes influenced by the media?
Discursive essay topic #1: Do energy drinks pose health risks to people under 18?
Many swear by energy drinks and the boost of energy from caffeine they provide,
but others claim that such high levels of caffeine are too dangerous for young people.
Discursive essay topic #2: Do all adults need eight hours of sleep each night?
Many experts state that adults require eight hours of sleep to stay healthy.
But others argue that sleep needs vary, and some people may require fewer (or even more) hours of restful sleep each night.
Discursive essay topic #3: Is technology addiction a real addiction?
Some believe that technology is a tool and that limiting technology use is simply a matter of putting down the gaming system, tablet,
or phone. Yet others argue that tech addiction is real. They claim people need professional medical treatment to manage their
addictions.
Discursive Topics Samples:

9.  Are electric cars a replacement for those powered by fossil fuels?
Electric cars are currently being developed by many well-known automotive companies. Many
people still question whether electric cars are a feasible replacement for petrol and diesel-fuelled
vehicles. In this essay, I will explore the opinions for and against the use of electric cars and their
replacement of petrol and diesel-fuelled cars.
On one hand, electric cars are environmentally friendly. Not only are they powered by renewable
energy sources, but they are clean to run and maintain on the road. To support this opinion, recent
studies show that the use of electric cars helps to minimize pollution in urban and rural areas.
Clearly, electric cars are one way to tackle ecological concerns and support a ‘greener’
environment.
On the other hand, electric cars are inconvenient to maintain and to dispose of. The driver of an
electric vehicle must recharge his car approximately every 100 kilometres. In addition, the
plutonium battery of an electric car is toxic to the environment and must be safely disposed of
through expensive means. In brief, scientists are still exploring ways to produce these types of
vehicles so that they are easier to manufacture, maintain and use safely.
To sum up, it is evident that there are both pros and cons in the development of electric vehicles.
Despite the expense of development and the inconvenience of recharging electric cars, I strongly
believe that continuing with the research and production of these vehicles is well worth the
investment and that we should remain supportive to the use of electric cars and to their
development in the future.
From: Ieltspodcast

10. Cómo escribir un essay – Varona’s Institute Blog
Sentence starters for Essays – Lab Web de Inglés
How to write a discurssive Essay – Slideshire
How to write a Discursive Essay – Solid Essay
All types of Essays Guides – Handmade Writing
Good topics for Argumentative Essays - Essay Shark
50 Great Argumentatie Essays Topics for any assigment - PrepScholar
20 Discursive Essay Topics – Kibin
What is a Thesis Statement - 7ESL
Difference Between Argumentative and Discursive Essays – Iwriteessays.com
Academic Writing: Essays – Bethlehem College
How to begin an Essay – ThoughtCo.
Writing Paragraphs – Butte College
Argumentative Essays Samples – Examples.com
IELTS Writings Samples – Writing9
Discurssive Essay IELTS – IELTS Podcast
Dated: 28 Sept 2021
References and helpful material retrieved from:

11. Mª Ascensión Villalba Varona – avillalba@varonas.com
Sep 2021