The process of discursive writing involves presenting and analysing more than one viewpoint on an issue, thus promoting rationality and fair argumentation. Whether you are a student writing your first discursive essay or an experienced writer in need of tips on how to improve your writing skills for this type of assignment, learning the proper way of writing a discursive essay can help you convince and persuade your audience effectively. This guide will introduce the reader to what discursive writing is, how to plan a discursive essay, how to choose good discursive topics, and how to argue when writing a discursive essay.
What is discursive writing?
Discursive writing is different from other types of essays, including argumentative and descriptive`s, because instead of persuading the reader to support a certain stance, the writer presents various opinions. A discursive essay is a type of writing that makes the writer come up with different aspects of a subject and provide fair opinions on the same. Discursive writing is greatly used in academic terms, as critical thinking and balanced analysis of issues are highly welcomed.
In discursive essays, one may present arguments from both sides of an issue, compare advantages and disadvantages of a particular strategy, or compare effects of various factors. It is important to provide a rational approach to the subject and take into consideration the views of other people, although the writer can still express personal opinion.
Structure of a Discursive Essay
A well-structured discursive essay will typically include the following sections:
- Introduction
- Body Paragraphs
- Counterarguments
- Conclusion
1. Introduction: Set the Stage
The first paragraph should briefly present the topic and may contain some background information. The first sentence you should use is the hook, to capture the reader’s interest; you should not start with phrases like ‘This essay will aim to…’. First, start with an opinion or a question that would lead to the topic. For instance, if you are writing a paper on the effects of social media, your first statement might be, “Has social media a positive impact on society, or is it a tool that has been detrimental to society?”
In this section, you may briefly introduce the different perspectives you will discuss, setting the stage for a balanced analysis.
2. Body Paragraphs: Presenting Arguments
In the body of the paper, every paragraph should focus on a different argument or opinion where possible, backing it up with evidence. The final and most crucial aspect of the essay is the body of the work, where you will explain the various aspects of the topic in detail. For instance, if you are writing an essay about the effects of technology in education, you can have one paragraph with all the positive effects of technology and another paragraph with all the negative effects of technology.
It will be vital to begin each paragraph with a topic that defines the particular position to be discussed, then evidence and examples, and a short discussion.
3. Counterarguments: Acknowledging Opposing Views
One of the essentials of discursive essay writing is the consideration of the counterarguments. It also helps to look at the other side of the argument so that you are able to make your own argument more robust. In a paragraph or two, take the time to make counterarguments and explain why you do not agree with them as much as the rest of the points.
4. Conclusion: Summarise and Reflect
Your conclusion is the final section of the essay, where you should, therefore, restate the key arguments and findings discussed in the essay. In a discursive essay, the conclusion part is usually more philosophical or could leave the readers with something to think about. It is always helpful to have a clear stand if you are in a position to do so, but it is also acceptable to end a piece without making a clear conclusion that leaves the reader to consider the matter for themselves.
Choosing discursive essay topics
It is therefore important to choose a good topic for any discursive essay. The best discursive topics for essays are those that are timely, polemical, and have different points of view. Here are some guidelines to follow when selecting a topic and then a few ideas to consider.
Tips for Choosing a Discursive Essay Topic
- Relevance: Choose a topic that has some relation to present-day issues or controversies. This may be a topic that is being debated on in the news, in politics, or even in other social groups.
- Controversy: Look for topics that have clear opposing viewpoints. Discursive writing is at its best when there is a genuine debate surrounding the subject.
- Personal Interest: Choose a topic that interests you personally. This will make the research process more enjoyable and improve the quality of your writing.
- Research Availability: Ensure there is enough information available on the topic to support a balanced discussion.
Suggested discursive essay topics
1. Technology and Society
- Has social media done more harm than good to society?
- Should artificial intelligence be used to make decisions in the workplace?
- Are self-driving cars a safe solution for the future of transportation?
2. Education and Learning
- Is traditional education better than online learning?
- Should schools implement stricter regulations on smartphone usage?
- Are exams an accurate measure of a student’s ability?
3. Environment and Conservation
- Should single-use plastics be banned globally?
- Can individual actions effectively combat climate change?
- Is nuclear energy a viable solution to the energy crisis?
4. Health and Lifestyle
- Is veganism the most sustainable dietary choice?
- Should junk food advertisements be banned to protect public health?
- Can alternative medicine be as effective as traditional treatments?
5. Ethics and Morality
- Should capital punishment be abolished worldwide?
- Is animal testing justified for the advancement of science?
- Can human cloning be ethically justified?
6. Politics and Governance
- Should voting be mandatory in democratic societies?
- Is censorship necessary in modern media?
- Should governments have the right to monitor citizens’ online activity?
Writing Tips for Discursive Essay Writing
Maintain a neutral tone.
Discursive writing is about presenting a balanced view, so it’s essential to maintain a neutral tone throughout the essay. Avoid emotional language or extreme opinions; instead, focus on logical, well-supported arguments.
Back Up Each Argument with Evidence
Use facts, statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples to support each viewpoint. Credible evidence strengthens your arguments and helps to build trust with the reader.
Transition smoothly between points
Each paragraph should transition smoothly into the next, guiding the reader through the essay. Using transitional phrases like “On the other hand,” “in contrast,” or “Similarly” can help to maintain the flow and coherence of your argument.
Use clear and concise language.
However, when explaining the intricate concepts, try not to make the language too technical. It is important that your arguments are well understood by the reader; therefore, do not use complicated language or industry-specific terms.
Address counterarguments respectfully.
When presenting counterarguments, please ensure that you do so without being condescending or disrespecting the other party’s opinion. The author should not merely dismiss the opponent’s arguments but rather accept them and refute them logically.
Common Pitfalls in Discursive Writing
Discursive essays are perhaps some of the most difficult to write, and there are certain pitfalls that seem to capture most writers. Here are a few common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Bias and one-sided arguments
As a rule, discursive writing should not lean towards one side of the argument unless you have clearly stated this in your conclusion. Ensure that you do not bias the presentation of your ideas as much as possible and ensure that each side of the given topic is given equal consideration.
Lack of Research
Insufficient research can result in a discursive essay being very biased or having very little substance. It is important to ensure that you gather several sources that have been written concerning the subject in question to help you get different opinions.
Overuse of personal opinions
It is, however, appropriate to write one’s opinion, but in discursive essays, the writer should provide facts and references to support the arguments made. Avoid generalisations and do not concentrate on personal experiences.
Failure to Transition
There should be coherence between one paragraph and another one. This is because if you jump from one idea to another, the reader will be in a position to lose track of the main argument you are putting across.
Examples of Discursive Writing in Action
Let’s take a look at a sample topic to illustrate how you might approach discursive essay writing in practice.
Sample Topic: Has Social Media Done More Harm Than Good to Society?
1. Introduction
Start with a hook that will create interest and lead to a fair debate and not prejudice any side to the discussion. For instance, “Within the current society where technology has taken over the management of communication, social media is both a boon and a bane. But have they done more harm than good to society?”
2 Body paragraphs: Presenting the arguments
- Argument 1: Positive Aspects of Social Media
Explain how social media has promoted connections across the globe, raised awareness of social justice issues, and provided a voice. - Argument 2: Negative Aspects of Social Media
Explain the negative implication of social media, including cyberbullying, the negative impact on mental health, and technology addiction.
3. Counterargument Section
You should consider how to respond to the counterarguments politely. For instance, on the one hand, critics of social media claim that it has adverse effects on the health of users, while, on the other hand, it emerges that it creates a platform for support in cases of crisis.
4 Conclusion
Put all the ideas discussed in the above points in your own words without adding new information. You could conclude by arguing that the level of impact of social media is therefore positive or negative depending on the manner in which people decide to use it.
Final Thoughts on Discursive Writing
Discursive writing is a useful tool for discussing issues, as it makes the reader engage their thoughts and consider different viewpoints. When you are able to present an equal perspective, then you will be able to show that you know the details of the case and your capability of coming up with the arguments on the given case. To write a good discursive essay in academic writing or for the benefit of society, there are certain tips that may be followed: First, it is advisable to select good issues that would be interesting to write about; secondly, the writer should ensure that facts and figures are used in coming up with the writer’s points of view; and lastly, the language used should be neutral.
It is therefore possible for a student to engagingly develop a discursive essay that can effectively present an argument. When the next discursive writing task is assigned in your class, use the
guidelines presented in this guide to write a well-argued and persuasive piece of writing that will convince your readers.
