HOW TO WRITE A DISCURSIVE

ESSAYNELDA OPPERMAN

2020

WHAT DOES THE WORD DISCURSIVE MEAN?It refers to the clever, well-informed analysis of an argument or dilemma, to weigh all pros and cons.

In the process, it is important that the writer or speaker proceeds to a conclusion by reason or argument, rather than intuition or personal bias.

PLANNING

• Planning is key to a successful essay• Always make a list of “for and against” arguments first.• Make sure that you have sufficient arguments for both sides of the

point• Use SOLID evidence, based on PREVIOUS experience, what you read

in the media or heard on the news to support your point.• Do not construct fake statistics. Avoid LYING OR FABRICATION at

all costs: They say...(Who are they?)

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POSSIBLE PLANNING METHOD NO 1INTRODUCTION

PROBLEM STATEMENT

PARAGRAPH 1-STATE AFRGUMENT IN FAVOUR OF PROBLEM STATEMENT PLUS EVIDENCE

SILENT

PARAGRAPH 2- STATE ARGUMENT IN FAVOUR OF PROBLEM STATEMENT PLUS EVIDENCE

SILENT

SILENT PARAGRAPH 3-REFUTE PARAGRAPH 1 PLUS EVIDENCE

SILENT PARAGRAPH 4-REFUTE PARAGRAPH 2 PLUS EVIDENCE

SECOND LAST PARAGRAPH-(Can swop with last paragraph as well) STATE WHAT IS YOUR OPINION, BUT DO NOT CHOOSE A SIDE LIKE IN AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY. IT SHOULD NOT BE WITH THE SAME ZEST AND ENERGY- MERELY A STATEMENT OF YOUR POINT OF VIEW

FINAL PARAGRAPH- WRAP UP ALL ARGUMENTS. IT WILL BE EXCELLENT IF YOU COULD RESTATE THE DILEMMA WITH A SATIRICAL TWIST TO LIGHTEN UP THE SITUATION A BIT.

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PLANNINGss METHOD TWO

Step 1 MAIN ARGUMENT

STATE THE DILEMMA- WRITE STRONG, ACTION VERBS. FORMAL STYLE BUT USE CLEVER FIGURES OF SPEECH.

REFLECT ON THE STEPS YOU TAKE TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE. THINK LIKE A JUDGE THAT MUST CONSIDER BOTH SIDES OF A COURT CASE

IDENTIFY MAIN ARGUMENTS OF BOTH PARTIES- DO NOT LET BIAS OVERTAKE YOUR WRITING

CLEVER QUOTE, ANALOGY, SATIRICAL TWIST TO SPICE UP YOUR WRITING

Step 2 SUPPORTIVE

ARGUMENT

1 &2

FOR THE 1ST AND 2ND ARGUMENT-MAKE SURE YOUR WRITING IS VERY STRONG. THIS MUST BE YOUR STRONGEST ARGUMENT.

COUNTERARGUMENT- MAKE SURE YOU USE STRONG VERBS, GOOD QUOTES TO REFUTE THAT FIERCE ATTACK

REPEAT THE PATTERN FOR ARGUMENT 2

SUPPORTIVE RESEARCH WITH BOTH-COME WITH BLAZING GUNS IN BOTH POINTS

Step 3 SUPPORTIVE ARGUMENT 3

FOR THIS ARGUMENT- HOLD BACK A LITTLE. IT IS POSSIBLE TO HIDE A LITTLE IF YOU HAVE RUN OUT OF STRONG REASONING

COUNTERARGUMENT- HOLD BACK

SUPPORTIVE RESEARCH WITH BOTH-DOES NOT NEED TO BE AS STRONG AS THE FIRST 2

Step 4 WHAT IS YOUR OPINION

STATE WHAT YOU THINK BUT DO NOT INSIST ON IT- MAKE SURE YOU WRITE WITH HUMOUR AND CHECK YOUR TONE AND STYLE

WRAP UP THE MAIN ARGUMENT BUT DO NOT CHOOSE SIDES

SECOND PLANNING OPTION

INTRODUCTIONSTATE WHAT WILL HAPPEN

In this essay I will be discussing the issue of……( refer to the essay title)

In this essay the issue of.... (better option)

Give a reason why you are writing about this:

This subject is very topical and affects many people

State what you are going to do:

I will examine arguments for and against this topic and draw a conclusion based on the facts presented.

Arguments for an against will be…(better)

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HOW TO PUT FORWARD YOUR FOR

ARGUMENTSSTUDY THE JARGON

FIND MORE EXAMPLES

WRITE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

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POSSIBLE STARTERS

People in favour of + topic argue that

Supporters of + topic believe that

Advocates of +

topic maintain that

Campaigners of + topic claim that

Proponents of + topic feel that

Those who support + topic suggest that

Pressure groups in favour of +agree that

Believers in + topic

Followers of + topic Users of + topic ADD YOUR OWN ADD YOUR OWN

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HOW TO ADD FURTHER INFORMATION TO SUPPORT YOUR ARGUMENT

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AND

is used when you want to join two similar ideas.

Some alternatives are:

therefore

moreover, also, apart from that, as a result

accordingly

on top of that, consequently, in addition

thus

furthermore, hence, what is more

REFORMULATING YOUR IDEAS

OR is used when you want to put two different ideas together or reformulate what you have stated earlier.

Some alternatives are:

* in other words* to put it more simply* it would be better to say* Alternatively* to put it straightforwardly

*Also

*In the same way

*Likewise

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To put forward a contrasting argument:

Normally you would use “but” to contrast one state with

anotherbut try an alternative

Introduction and example:Topic: The telephone is the better way to communicate

• It is certainly faster to telephone than to write a letter, but it may not always be the best way to communicate. The use depends, like so many other things in life, on the circumstances.

• Telephoning is ideal if you want immediate action. You would not want to write to the plumber if you had water pouring through your ceiling, for example. It is also the obvious choice if you need a quick answer to a question like ‘What time is the next train to Oxford?’ or ‘Did I leave my wallet in your shop?’ Many problems can be solved more easily, and decisions taken more quickly if you can discuss them with someone on the phone rather than wait for a reply to a letter. Finally, few people would disagree that telephoning is a pleasant way to stay connected with friends and family.

• however

• nevertheless

• nonetheless

• yet

• in spite of

• despite

• on the contrary

• all the same

• Notwithstanding

• all the same…

• On the other hand

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HOW TO PUT FORWARD YOUR AGAINST ARGUMENTS

* People against + topic argue that

* Critics of + topic believe that

* Opponents of + topic maintain that

* Challengers of + topic claim that

* Campaigners against + topic feel that

* Those opposed to + topic suggest that

*Pressure groups against + topic agree that

Example paragraph:

‘The Future is Bright’

The health condition of the future is a mystery to everyone. Campaigners of a bright future proposition would argue that the future is bright because modern technology will soon be able to solve most problems in our society. Opponents predict that modern technology will bring about the destruction of the world. If the recent negative environmental and social trends in the world today are considered objectively, it seems to be impossible to be optimistic about the future, however…

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HOW TO INTRODUCE EVIDENCE AND EXAMPLES

• However, modern technology also brings many disadvantages.[ Pollution is one result of increased technology and industrialization. There is clear evidence that the effects of this can be seen in the destruction of the ozone layer as well as global warming.

• A recent study found that the improvements in technology have also increased the effectiveness of weapons, especially weapons of mass destruction.

• As a direct result of modern technology, certainly in the future new diseases will appear.

• Although transport has improved, it brings with it the danger of air pollution and traffic congestion. [Overpopulation and starvation will increase in the future because natural resources are limited and undoubtedly the amount of fertile land is decreasing steadily.

This clearly demonstrates that...

This illustrates how…………….

There is some/clear evidence that…

There is mounting evidence that…

A recent study found that…

Research tells us that…….

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HOW TO EXPLAIN CONSEQUENCES

• What is more, / Furthermore, /Moreover,/ likewise

• If this were not enough, / To make matters worse,

Above all, / On top of all this

• In these circumstances

• With regard to, / For that matter

• As for…

• Another advantage/ disadvantage is

• Besides this

• because of

• due to

• as a result of

• as a consequence of

• on account of

• in response to

• owing to

• following on from

• Both … and / not only … but also …

• In addition, / additionally, / in addition to this

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CONCLUSION• In conclusion, it is clear that for

most people in the world the future is not bright because mankind is destroying the environment through unsustainable development. Modern technology can solve some problems but without careful planning the future looks bleak.

• In my opinion…

• Sum up your main points

• State your point of view

• Give your reason for this.

• To conclude

• To sum up

• On balance

• All in all/All facts considered

• Taking everything into consideration...

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Basic Do’s of a Discursive Essay

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▪ Write in formal, impersonal style.

▪ Introduce each point in a separate paragraph

▪ Use topic sentences for each paragraph

▪ Write well-developed paragraphs

▪ Give reasons and examples for each point

▪ Use sequencing

▪ Use linking words and phrases

▪ Make references to other sources and make sure that you follow proper citation style

▪ Identify used sources

BASIC DO NOTS OF A DISCURSIVE ESSAY

• Do not use short forms, like I’ll, don’t, they’ve

• .Do not use very emotional language, since it might make your discursive article look prejudiced

• Do not express your opinion too persistently.

• Do not refer to statistics without proper referencing.

• Do not use informal/colloquial language, for example: old as the hills, ain’t, gonna, etc.

• Do not use generalizations. To emphasise the features of some elements from a group more than it is reasonable because it will/may lead to generous and inaccurate conclusions

• Do not use personal examples, leave it for a personal experience essay

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THREE WRITING TIPS FOR THE PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT STAGE

• Keep neutrality. Present the essay topic with two opposite points of view.

•Select sources. Look through various sources and form your attitude to the issue. Do not forget about proper citation in the practice phase. It will help you to remember when you sit in the exam room with no resources.•Provide your opinion in conclusion. End your essay after both sides of the topic are described in body paragraphs and then present your opinion.

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REFERENCES:

• https://custom-writing.org/blog/discursive-essay

• http://englishadvanced2.blogspot.com/2013/10/speakout-advanced-p-25-examples-of.html

• https://nsargumentwritingblog.wordpress.com/2012/11/11/transition-words-useful-for-argument-writing/

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