This document provides guidance on writing a discursive essay. It discusses organizing the essay into an introduction with 4 paragraphs, focusing the first and last paragraphs on making a good impression and tying together conclusions. It suggests an neutral style and provides words and phrases to link ideas and opinions. The document also notes the importance of consistency and knowing the intended audience when 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.