So, you need to write a discursive essay. The typical questions most students ask are: How do you write it? What is the meaning of discursive?
A discursive essay is an academic paper that involves a discussion on a particular topic. It is usually assigned to college students. You may be required to write a paper wherein you have to do one of the following:
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argue for the issue or against it;
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present your points of view on both sides;
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provide your unprejudiced opinion on that matter.
Don’t panic!
Check out the tips from
our site
experts below. They will assist you in discursive writing and encourage you to examine essay examples.
Contents
❓ What Is a Discursive Essay?
First of all, let’s figure out what the discursive essay is.
You may think it’s similar to the argumentative essay. Yes, but there’s a difference between them in the structure and purpose of these two types of assignments:
We will take a detailed look at how to structure a discursive essay later, and now let’s find out what are the types of this assignment.
Keep reading!
🏁 Discursive Essay: Main Types
You have to think more critically and more in-depth when reviewing all viewpoints and aspects of discursive writing. Check these three main types of essay writing:
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Opinion Essay
requires the author’s opinion on an issue which is stated in the introductory paragraph. It should be clearly presented and followed by reasons and supporting examples. Also, this essay paper should contain an opposing argument that comes before the conclusion. The writer must explain to readers why the mentioned argument is considered to be unconvincing. The writer’s opinion should be restated/summarized in the conclusion. -
For and Against Essay
provides readers with a thorough debate on the topic with the help of opposing points of view. Each point should be discussed objectively and described in details. The introductory paragraph puts the issue under consideration. The main body of this essay paper should present examples, reasons, and arguments supported by justifications. The author’s own opinion with balanced reflections on the topic should be stated only in conclusion. -
Essay Suggesting Solution to a Problem
discusses problems and finds the main solutions. The introduction paragraph explicitly declares a problem and analyses its causes and consequences. The main body of the essay should offer some suggestions for a possible solution to the problem and potential state consequences or expected results. In conclusion, author’s opinion should be distinctly summarized.
📑 How to Write a Discursive Essay
Well, it’s time to talk about the structure of a discursive essay. Like most of the assignments, a discursive paper starts with an introduction and ends with a conclusion:
Introduction
The first question you may ask is how to start a discursive essay introduction. Simple!
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Give your readers a hook – something that would sound interesting to them.
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Provide a short explanation of the problem. You may use quotations, as well as rhetorical questions.
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Show your readers both sides of the arguments and sum up.
You may be wondering…
Is there something I should avoid in my discursive essay introduction?
Yes. No stereotypes and generalizations, please!
Main Body
The next step under formal essay writing you should take is to compose the body.
There are a few points you should remember:
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First and foremost:
stay unprejudiced
. Assess all of the aspects of an issue. Leave your feelings behind or for another essay type. -
Second:
build your argumentation
. If you have several arguments for your viewpoint—provide them in separate paragraphs. This will help you to keep your essay comprehensible and distinct. Don’t forget to submit supporting evidence. -
Third:
write the body of an essay in an alternate manner.
What does it mean? If your first paragraph supports the paper’s argument, then in the second paragraph you should write something in the opposite of it. Such a combination of supporting and opposite paragraphs will make your essay look apparent, and well researched. Besides, it will help you to remain neutral. -
Fourth:
include topic sentences and evidence
. Write a summary of the argument at the beginning of the paragraph. It will allow the reader to easier understand what the paragraph is about. Provide evidence to show that you’re not making the facts up.
Conclusion
Well, you’ve almost finished your writing. Now you should focus on the last section. Keep reading, and you will learn how to write a conclusion for a discursive essay.
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The last section involves the summary of the main points, specified in the body paragraphs.
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You may also logically express your opinion. Remember: it should resonate with your evidence stated in the body paragraphs.
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Don’t repeat findings, just summarize them.
What else?
Keep it short. Your conclusion length should not exceed one paragraph.
👍 Do’s and Don’ts
Do you want more discursive essay writing tips? Fine! Just check them below:
Basic Do’s of a Discursive Essay
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Write in formal, impersonal style.
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Introduce each point in a separate paragraph
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Use topic sentences for each paragraph
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Write well-developed paragraphs
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Give reasons and examples for each point
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Use sequencing
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Use linking words and phrases
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Make references to other sources and make sure that you follow proper citation style
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Identify used sources
Basic Don’Ts of a Discursive Essay
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Don’t use short forms, like I’ll, don’t, they’ve
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Don’t use informal/colloquial language, for example: old as the hills, ain’t, gonna, etc.
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Don’t use very emotional language, since it might make your discursive article look prejudiced
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Don’t use over-generalizations. Extending the features of some elements from a group more than it is reasonable will lead to generous and inaccurate conclusions.
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Don’t express your personal opinion too insistently
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Don’t use personal examples, leave it for a personal experience essay
Well, now you know what discursive essay means, what are its main types, and how to structure it.
Good luck with your discussions and discursive essays! Be sure to check out the articles on our blog for more academic wisdom. By the way, on the Custom-Writing website, you may find the best
essay topics
for your academic writing.
And don’t forget to share your opinion in the comments below.
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✏️ Discursive Essay FAQ
❓ How to write a discursive essay?
There is no one definitely correct answer to this question. Like any other essay, the text should have a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The most important thing is that the overall book needs to be cohesive, persuasive, and exciting to read.
❓ How to start a discursive essay?
An example of a step by step guide is:
1. Take a closer look at the topic, think about the points to cover.
2. Choose the most relevant points and compose the Body of the essay.
3. Add an appropriate Introduction and Conclusion.
❓ How to conclude a discursive essay?
To write a good conclusion, you need to have the rest of the essay finished. Does the body of your essay present well-structured points? Great, then see what you can conclude based on that. If possible, make a connection between the introduction and the conclusion.
❓ How to structure a discursive essay?
To ensure that your essay has a perfect structure, start with creating an outline. Based on such a plan, you can present your points step by step. Your text should have a relevant introduction, several points in the main body (with examples), and a logical conclusion.