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How to Write a Discursive Essay (With Examples)
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Writing a discursive essay is an engaging way to explore various perspectives on a topic. Unlike other essay types, discursive essays provide a balanced discussion, presenting different viewpoints and arguments. This type of essay helps develop critical thinking skills and encourages a thorough understanding of the subject.
In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of discursive essays, including their definition, main types, and how they compare to other essay forms. Whether you are a student or a professional writer, mastering the art of discursive writing can enhance your analytical and writing skills.
What is a Discursive Essay
A discursive essay is an essay that presents both sides of an argument or topic without showing personal bias. “Discursive” comes from “discourse,” which involves sharing thoughts on a particular idea. In this essay, you must objectively present the topic’s pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages. The writer remains neutral throughout the essay’s body, only revealing their own opinion in the conclusion, supported by the discussion in the preceding paragraphs. This approach encourages a balanced and comprehensive exploration of the subject matter.
Main Types of Discursive Essays
Discursive essays come in three main types: for and against, opinion, and problem-solution.
- For and Against Essays : These essays present a topic’s positive and negative aspects. The writer discusses arguments for and against the issue, providing a balanced view without showing personal bias until the conclusion.
- Opinion Essays : In these essays, the writer presents their viewpoint on a particular topic, supported by arguments and evidence. Although personal opinion is expressed, supporting claims with logical reasoning and facts is essential.
- Problem-Solution Essays : These essays address a specific problem and propose one or more solutions. The writer discusses the issue in detail, explores potential solutions, and evaluates their effectiveness. This type of essay often recommends the best course of action.
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Discursive Essays vs Other Essays
Discursive essays differ significantly from other essays in their structure, purpose, and writing style. Here, we will explore how discursive essays compare to argumentative, descriptive, and narrative essays.
Discursive Essay Vs. Argumentative Essay
A discursive Essay focuses on presenting multiple perspectives on a topic without bias, objectively discussing both sides of an argument. In contrast, an argumentative essay aims to persuade the reader of a particular viewpoint, presenting solid arguments and evidence to support one side while refuting the opposing side.
Discursive Essay Vs. Descriptive Essay
A discursive essay engages in a balanced discussion on a specific topic, presenting various viewpoints and supporting evidence. In contrast, a descriptive essay focuses on describing a person, place, event, or object in detail, using sensory language to create a vivid picture for the reader without necessarily presenting arguments. You can read more on descriptive essays to get the difference better.
Discursive Essay Vs. Narrative Essay
A discursive essay involves a formal and objective discussion on a topic, weighing different perspectives without personal bias, whereas a narrative essay tells a story or recounts an event from the writer’s perspective, emphasizing personal experience and often using a more informal, creative style.
How to Write a Discursive Essay
Writing a discursive essay involves several steps to ensure a balanced and comprehensive discussion. Here is a guide to help you craft an effective discursive essay:
Step 1: Choose a Topic
- Select a topic that has clear opposing viewpoints. For example, “The impact of social media on society” is a good topic because it allows for discussing both positive and negative aspects.
- Ensure the topic is relevant and engaging to your audience.
Step 2: Research Both Sides
- Conduct thorough research to gather evidence for both sides of the argument. Use reliable sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites.
- Take notes on the pros and cons of the topic. For example, if your topic is “The benefits and drawbacks of remote work,” you would gather data on increased flexibility and productivity (pros) as well as potential isolation and communication challenges (cons).
Step 3: Plan Your Structure
Create an outline with an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Introduction : Introduce the topic and state that you will discuss both sides without bias. Example: “Remote work has become increasingly popular, offering significant benefits and notable challenges.”
- Body Paragraphs : Organize the body paragraphs to discuss one side of the argument first and then the other. For instance, the first few paragraphs could detail the benefits of remote work, while the following paragraphs cover the drawbacks.
- Conclusion : Summarize the main points and present your balanced view supported by the evidence discussed. Example: “While remote work offers flexibility and productivity benefits, addressing the challenges of isolation and communication is crucial for its success.”
Step 4: Write Objectively
- Present both sides of the argument fairly and objectively. Avoid using personal pronouns, and keep your tone neutral.
- Use transitional words to connect ideas and ensure a smooth flow. Words like “however,” “on the other hand,” and “furthermore” help maintain clarity.
- Example: “On the one hand, remote work allows employees to have a flexible schedule, which can lead to increased job satisfaction. However, it can also result in feelings of isolation, which may negatively impact mental health.”
Step 5: Revise and Edit
- Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and balance. Ensure each argument is supported by evidence and that the essay flows logically from one point to the next.
- Check for grammatical errors, proper punctuation, and adherence to the required format.
- Example revision: If you initially wrote, “Remote work is great because it offers flexibility,” you might revise it to, “Remote work provides significant flexibility, allowing employees to manage their schedules more effectively.”
- Cite all the sources you used to gather information for your essay. This includes books, academic journals, websites, and other reliable sources.
- Follow the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) to format your references correctly.
- Example of a reference in APA style: “Smith, J. (2020). The impact of remote work on employee productivity. Journal of Business Research, 45(2), 123-135.
Discursive Essay Examples
Examples of discursive essay topics.
Discursive essays explore various sides of a topic, presenting multiple viewpoints to encourage thoughtful discussion and analysis. Choosing the right topic is crucial for engaging readers and providing a balanced argument. Here are ten examples of discursive essay topics covering various contemporary issues.
- The Debate over Universal Basic Income : Discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing a universal basic income policy.
- The Impact of Social Media on Society : Examining social media’s positive and negative effects on human interaction and mental health.
- The Pros and Cons of Remote Work : Analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of working from home for employees and employers.
- The Legalization of Marijuana : Discussing the arguments for and against the legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational use.
- The Effects of Climate Change Policies : Evaluating the effectiveness of current climate change policies and their impact on the environment and economy.
- The Role of Technology in Education : Assessing the advantages and disadvantages of integrating technology into educational systems.
- The Ethics of Animal Testing : Debating the moral implications and scientific benefits of using animals in medical and cosmetic research.
- The Influence of Advertising on Consumer Behavior : Investigating how advertising shapes consumer choices and the ethical considerations involved.
- The Future of Renewable Energy : Exploring the potential benefits and challenges of transitioning to renewable energy sources.
- The Impact of Globalization on Local Cultures : Examining how globalization affects cultural identity and diversity in different regions.
These topics provide a foundation for balanced and comprehensive discursive essays, encouraging critical thinking and informed discussion. If you are interested in more topics, you can explore our extensive list of research topics.
Helpful Tips When Writing Discursive Essays
Writing a discursive essay requires careful planning, research, and a balanced approach to presenting arguments. Here are some helpful tips to enhance your discursive essay writing:
- Stay Neutral : Maintain an objective tone throughout the essay, presenting both sides of the argument without showing personal bias until the conclusion.
- Use Reliable Sources : Support your arguments with credible sources such as academic journals, books, and websites. It adds legitimacy to your essay and strengthens your arguments.
- Organize Logically : Structure your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs presenting both sides of the argument, and a conclusion summarizing the discussion and presenting your own balanced view.
- Use Transitional Words : Employ transitional words and phrases like “however,” “on the other hand,” “furthermore,” and “conversely” to ensure smooth flow and clarity between arguments.
- Write in Present Tense : Typically, discursive essays are written in the present tense to discuss current and ongoing issues.
- Avoid Personal Pronouns : Avoid using personal pronouns like “I” or “me” in the body paragraphs. Keep the focus on the topic and the arguments being presented.
- Provide Evidence : Back up each argument with evidence and examples. It helps to substantiate your points and make your essay more persuasive.
- Be Clear and Concise : Ensure your writing is clear and concise. Avoid unnecessary jargon or complex sentences that might confuse the reader.
- Address Counterarguments : Acknowledge counterarguments and provide rebuttals. It shows that you have considered different viewpoints and strengthens your position.
- Edit and Proofread : Review your essay for grammatical errors, coherence, and logical flow. Proofreading helps to eliminate mistakes and improve the overall quality of your writing.
- Follow the Essay Guidelines : Adhere to any specific guidelines or formatting requirements provided by your instructor or publication.
- Include a Balanced Conclusion : Summarize the main points of both sides in the conclusion and present your view in a balanced manner, supported by the evidence discussed in the essay.
Final Remarks
Discursive essays offer a valuable opportunity to explore multiple perspectives, fostering critical thinking and balanced analysis. By presenting well-researched arguments and maintaining an objective tone, writers can engage readers in meaningful discussions that promote a deeper understanding of complex issues. Whether comparing discursive essays to other essay types or providing practical writing tips, the insights shared in this article aim to equip you with the tools needed to craft compelling and informative discursive essays. Embrace the challenge, and let your writing contribute to thoughtful dialogue and informed debate.
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What are examples of discursive writing?
Examples of discursive writing include essays that explore multiple viewpoints on topics such as the impact of social media on society, the pros and cons of remote work, the legalization of marijuana, and the ethics of animal testing. In each case, the writer presents balanced arguments for and against the topic, supporting each side with evidence and maintaining an objective tone.
How do I start off a discursive essay?
To start a discursive essay, begin with an engaging introduction that introduces the topic and states that you will discuss both sides of the argument. Provide some background information to give context and highlight the importance of the topic. End the introduction with a clear thesis statement that outlines the essay’s structure without revealing your stance.
What is the difference between a discursive and argumentative essay?
A discursive essay presents multiple viewpoints on a topic in a balanced and objective manner, discussing both sides without showing bias until the conclusion. An argumentative essay, on the other hand, aims to persuade the reader to accept a specific viewpoint, presenting solid arguments and evidence to support one side while refuting the opposing side.
Is a discursive essay the same as a descriptive essay?
No, a discursive essay is not the same as a descriptive essay. A discursive essay involves a balanced discussion of different perspectives, presenting arguments and evidence for both sides. A descriptive essay, however, focuses on describing a person, place, event, or object in detail, using sensory language to create a vivid picture for the reader without necessarily presenting arguments or viewpoints.
The University of Queensland. Planning a Discursive Essay. https://uq.pressbooks.pub/academicwritingskills/chapter/discursive-essay-plan/
Racquel English Tutor. How to Write a Discursive Essay[Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TnTQt7v6J4
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How to Write a Discursive Essay: Format, Topics & Examples
Table of contents, what is discursive essays, key features of a discursive essay, format of a discursive essay, types of discursive essay, different between a discursive essay and an argumentative essay, list of discursive essay topics, example of how to write a good discursive essay.
Author : Vipul Jain
Key takeaways.
- This blog, covers all the essential points and information that are needed to be covered in the discursive essay. The discursive essay explains us about designing the main outlines for the whole research papers that a student write in their whole academic journey.
- Through this blog, we discussed the structure that you should follow while you are writing a discursive essay. You have to read this blog carefully to understand the whole structure.
- We discussed the various discursive essay topics. You have to consider these topics and find out which topic can match and suit your area of interest. In this way, you can be able to choose the one which reflects your own interest.
- This blog recommends the golden tips that are crucial to writing a perfect discursive essay. Apart from that, we also discussed the major types of discursive essays in which most of the students always being confused. So, this blog can be useful for you to solve all your concerns regarding writing a discursive essay.
If you know how to write a critical essay it won’t be that hard for you to understand the format of a discursive essay. This is the reason every student is said to understand how to write a discursive essay.
As you are here that means you have not experienced how to write a Discursive essay till now. You don’t have to worry, everything that you should know about Discursive essays you will know it here.
Definition of Discursive essay is among the most common forms of writing tasks assigned to students and it consists of the examination of the chosen subject, which is a topic that has more than one side.
It is meant to make students engage their critical thinking ability and make analysis. Students face issues in the analysis part for which they look out for the best essay writing service so that they can help them.
James Joyce a famous Irish author suggests that while writing a discursive composition, a writer doesn’t have to provide a piece of biased information and present the two sides of the case arguing. Discursive essay meaning is a genre of writing in such a sense that requires proper investigation of the topic, evaluate evidence, and read all the information before writing your essay.
Here are some key features that may help you understand discursive essays more properly or you can look for Top-rates websites for academic essay writing that will help you out by providing guidance and tips.
Balanced Argument : Gives the pros and cons of an issue.
Critical Thinking : Through the use of words such as ‘it remains’, the writer tries to appeal to many possible opinions in the reader’s mind.
Objective Tone : Impartiality which means the author or speaker does not take sides in regards to the information that they are giving to an audience.
Clear Structure : Coherent and presents a progressive and comprehensible concept. If you don’t understand structure you can reach a writing service for getting services like “ Write my essays ”.
Evidence : Backs up claims with facts or statistics, or personal or other people’s opinions.
For a properly structured Discursive essay, you must follow the format to get your essay in the right structure. Make sure Arguments can be more than 2 and you have to discuss the arguments in the same manner.
Every student always facing confusion about the type of discursive essays. So to solve this confusion, we will discuss today the three main parts of the discursive essays that you have to compose in the discursive writing style. Here are three main types of discursive essays that are mentioned below-:
1. Opinion discursive essay: It shows the author’s viewpoint. The opinion discursive essay is an official academic paper where you can straightly present your point of view connected to the topic. Most of the students even don’t know the best ways to begin a reflective essay for students . The opposing perspectives and causes should be combined in the individual paragraph.
A discussion that presents the indecisive perspective. The topic that is chosen by yourself shows your perspective and offers you proof that can handle your main discussions. The format of the opinion essay is also similar to others such as the introduction part, the description or main body, and the final part which is known as the conclusion.
2. For and Against Discursive Essay: It shows the issues of both sections. In these kinds of essays, a definitive topic is allocated to the scholars. The essay outline combines a brief that supports you in dealing with the ideas and discussions. Who wants assistance with ideas? It also explains the pros and cons of an individual question.
Just the author’s self point of view should be shown in the section. If you want to write a research paper on your own then it requires a lot of effort and hard work. The discursive essay format is the same for all the discursive essays. The introduction part explains the topic’s importance and the conclusion part is essential for briefing the whole topic ideas.
3. Discursive essay suggestion solutions to problems: The essays that show the solutions for the individual problems or issues, it usually analyze the problems that are directly connected to the issue. The self point of view of the scholar is always specified in the final part or conclusion.
If you want to critically discuss a topic then you have to check the precise information in depth. The author’s point of view can be specified straightly or indirectly in the beginning (intro) and the final part( conclusion).
A discursive essay and an argumentative essay both sections are not easy to learn. You have to do a lot of research and read the journals and articles to know the difference. But in the end, you can’t get the proper information and you are always confused.
So, in today’s blog, we are going to discuss the usual differences between a discursive essay and an argumentative essay. To know the difference between an argumentative and discursive essay you have to read the below differences.
Below are the suggestions of some discursive essay ideas and topics for your help in selecting the right and perfect essay discursive essay for you. Among these, you can also have topics for discursive essays in higher English as well.
Social Issues of Discursive Essay Topics
- Is euthanasia entitled to be legal?
- Is the use of social media bad for one’s mental health?
- Genetically modified organisms should be used in food production.
Technology of Discursive Essay Topics
- Is the use of artificial intelligence and automation helpful for society?
- Should the government control the utilization of technology?
- Is Technology making people less social?
Many students find it very hard to do assignments on technology-related topics or subjects, if you also feel so you can seek help from an Assignment helper in uk , they can help you out with all types of assignments.
Education of Discursive Essay Topics
- Should colleges and universities remove the use of standardized tests from admissions?
- Should students prefer online classes or classroom-style instructions?
- Should schools pay more emphasis on offering job-oriented training?
Politics of Discursive Essay Topics
- Does it mean that democracy is the best form of government?
- There is one question that is always raised regarding guns: Should gun control laws be more rigorous?
- What are the effects of globalization on developing countries?
Environment of Discursive Essay Topics
- Is climate change a result of human-induced?
- Should people use renewable sources of energy?
- Do GMOs pose a threat or hurt the environment?
Similar technology, topics, and subjects related to the environment also require proper research and proper collection of evidence in writing the proper assignment. So, you can get help from the assignment writing Services uk for this.
Below are some points working as examples of discursive essays that can help you understand how can you write a perfect discursive essay.
Research Thoroughly : It is necessary to gather information from reliable sources to argue for the solutions. Understand research methodology and use it very wisely while writing your essay.
Maintain Objectivity : Do not express oneself in a manner that is in any way prejudiced or appeals to the emotional sentiments of the concerned parties.
Use Clear and Concise Language : Writing is to be formal and academic.
Proofread Carefully : Ensure that the paper complies with various rules about writing, particularly grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Get Feedback : It is recommended to show your essay to a friend, teacher, or tutor and hear their opinion on the material.
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A discursive essay is an important piece of writing and requires proper research and collection of evidence in the right manner. Discursive essays help you in your future assignments as well by improving your basic writing skills.
This blog discussed the format that you must follow for writing a discursive essay you must properly go through the format to understand the complete format. Other than this you must also know how to write an essay structure , a normal essay, and not any particular type.
The format includes an introduction, then next comes 1 argument, then you have to discuss 2nd argument, as a discursive essay can never be biased, and should talk about 2 or more arguments.
After this several discursive essay topics have been mentioned for your essay, you can select any one of them for your Discursive essay. And in last to get a complete understanding of the examples of how to write a dissertation is mentioned to give important lessons on what things you must use while writing.
Frequently asked questions
Can i get help from somewhere for writing my discursive essay.
Yes, you can surely get help from any writing service and ask them for help with essays, and discuss everything with them regarding your essay.
Where can I find the best examples for a Discursive essay?
You can find the best examples of a discursive essay in validly published news articles, note that it does not include personal stories. Articles that are properly researched and discuss some serious topic.
What is the Difference between argumentative essays and discursive essays?
By understanding how to write an argumentative essay you understand that the main objective of an argumentative essay is to convince the reader of a specific viewpoint. In the case of discursive essays, both sides of the story are explained and the decision is left to the reader.
What is the definition of discursive essay?
A discursive essay is one type of essay in which a writer provides 2 arguments for the same topic after proper research and using proper evidence leaving it to the reader to decide what must be the right decision.
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Hi, I am Vipul Jain ( Founder of Workingment). I have contributed my writing expertise and collaborated with a team of experts to support UK students in achieving higher grades. My mission is to assist students who face various challenges in completing their academic writing projects.
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