Tips to do a discursive writing

1.  to discuss the good and bad points of something
to express your views on a particular subject
1. Giving reasons
2. Making suggestions
3. Giving recommendations
DISCURSIVEWRITING
(forandagainst)

2. ORGANIZATION
You have only 120-180 words in which to write your answer, so you will
need 4 paragraphs:
An introduction which sets the subject of discussion
Two paragraphs in which you give your ideas
A conclusion which in some way “summarises” what you’ve said or
restates your main feeling, opinion, etc.

3. First and last paragraphs
Both are very important
The first paragraph should give a good first impression (or even a
surprising one) and make the reader want to go on.
The last paragraph should leave the reader with a clear idea of what
your conclusions are. It should feel as if you have tied all the ends
togehter neatly, not just stopped because you’ve written enough.
• Use a word or phrase at the beginning to tell the reader this is the end.
• Summarize the main points.
• Relate back to the original question.

4. STYLE
An essay that asks for your ideas fairly neutral neither too formal
nor too informal
SO
• Don’t use conversational language, eg. direct speech.
• Use connecting words and phrases to link your ideas

5. Discursive words and phrases
A First, Firstly, First of all,
To start with, To begin with,
B Second(ly), Third(ly), Moreover,
Furthermore, In addition, What is more,
Apart from that, also
C Finally, Lastly,
D Not only … but also
E On the one hand … on the other hand
F For this reason, Because of this, As a result,
Therefore, Thus,
G However, but although
though Even though In spite of
despite nevertheless
H for example for instance such as
like
I In my opinion As I see it To my mind
I believe (that)
J Some people believe (that) According to
It is said (that)
K To conclude, In conclusion To sum up,
In summary,
1.Expressing
contrast
2. Introducing a
further point in a
list of points
3. Expressing
results
4. Presenting two
opposing points of view
5. Introducing a final
point in a list of points
6. Expressing
someone else’s
opinion
7. Introducing the
first point in a list
of points
8. Introducing a
conclusion
9. Expressing your
opinion
10. Giving examples
11. Presenting two
(disa)dvantages
together

6. Important things
Remember who you are writing for (fellow students, your teacher, the
local newspaper, a friend)
Be consistent, e.g. do not suddenly introduce a “chatty” phrase into a
serious discussion.

7. Suggested approach for writing
articles

8. An international magazine is investigating the question: ‘Can the ordinary person do anything
to prevent a crime happening?’ Write a shor article for this magazine.
Look at the sample text which follows and answer the questions

9. BibliographyBibliography
Evans, Virgina and Dooley, Jenny (1999).
Reading and Writing. Targets 3. Student’s
Book. Swansea: Express Publishing.72-75.
 Mann, Malcom and Taylore_Knowles,
Steve (2006). Skills for First Certificate.
Writing. Oxford: Macmillan. 72-75.

10. BibliographyBibliography
Evans, Virgina and Dooley, Jenny (1999).
Reading and Writing. Targets 3. Student’s
Book. Swansea: Express Publishing.72-75.
 Mann, Malcom and Taylore_Knowles,
Steve (2006). Skills for First Certificate.
Writing. Oxford: Macmillan. 72-75.