Debating in class or composing a persuasive paper is a fruitful intellectual practice. Doing so, participants and writers are expected...
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Learn What is a Discursive Essay?
You have to choose your topic with great care and research it first to learn more about how to use the obtained information. No matter where your subject takes you, presenting more than one perspective is vital. A discursive essay means that some creative writing has a place. Only such an approach can present a balanced and thought-out example of a successful discursive essay. The only point that must be considered is a critical evaluation of a subject. It means that an author must avoid any biases. Even if some aspects may disturb you or go against your beliefs, do your best to provide varied opinions to present a clear picture, at least in one paragraph.
The information for your discursive essay topic must be chosen from verified, trustworthy academic sources. Construct a smart discussion and guide your audience from one idea to another. A clear thesis statement is a must. It will help you to highlight all the important sides of your chosen or given subject. Most students also find it helpful as they have to narrow things down by presenting different perspectives.
Different Types of a Discursive Writing Essay
There are several types of discursive essays that you may encounter as a college student. Three of them are the most common, which represent the following:
- Opinion Discursive Essay
An opinion type of composition is the most common. The main purpose here is to find a topic first and research it. Once done, you must offer your opinion and support it with arguments. All the opinions that go against yours are also necessary. Remember that stating only one opinion is not an option. You must present both sides of a story before coming up with the final paragraph. Re-state your main claim as well. Your conclusion should allow your audience to pick a side instead of being forced to choose.
- For and Against Discursive Essay
The complex aspect here is that you must research the facts that speak for and against a certain topic. You may choose the alcohol problem or the use of artificial intelligence in the field of healthcare as an example. The question of your research must be stated correctly and clearly. An answer must be accessible, represent academic research, and be done step-by-step. Present different perspectives and different viewpoints.
- The solution to Problem Writing
Here is where you must state a problem and explain why it matters. When asked to compose a solution to a problem discursive essay, focus on a solution and provide it. The facts and the evidence play a vital role here because a good example always matters. It is always beneficial if you can include some prior research or quote another researcher.
Important: As a way to avoid confusion, one must remember that two additional types of discursive writing can be met in most colleges these days. The talk is about argumentative writing and persuasive writing tasks.
An argumentative essay can be identified as a topic that you research with due care and depth. You still have to collect information and present it to your target audience as an argument in a body paragraph.
A persuasive essay, as the name implies, is where you persuade or convince your readers with the help of examples. The task of making someone see things your way is also an academic type of discursive writing. A different perspective must be explained before you present your main idea.
How to Write a Discursive Essay Correctly?
Regardless of the type that you are asked to present, these five steps are essential:
Step 1: Choose a relevant topic to start with.
Choose something that you know well or subjects that can be researched easily. For example, if you would like to talk about whether violent video games must be banned, research it first. The same is true for using school uniforms in the United States vs Great Britain. A thought-provoking question may be presented in the first paragraph. Discussing various viewpoints, some people may talk about traditions, while others will mention economics. As you work on your discursive essay, you must highlight more than one fact and present different opinions correctly.
Step 2: Write down a list of vital facts.
When you already know the basics about your topic, continue taking notes. You should also examine essay examples. It helps narrow things down and ensures that you do not accidentally forget some facts. For example, you may write down important dates, names, or statistical information. The more you add, the better your discursive essay will be. At the same time, remember not to overdo it, as it can turn your writing into an informative essay!
Step 3: Come up with a strong argument.
The next step is to find an argument that can explain, convince, and make your readers see the point. Your essays must focus on one argument. Do not add bias to an argument, but only work with the facts. A discursive essay introduction must have a hook. It will make your writing less biased and more balanced. The main evidence with your final position must be presented in a thesis-like form.
Step 4: Define more than one opinion to reflect the main argument.
When composing a discursive essay’s body paragraphs, you must consider more than one opinion. For example, if we take the school uniform debate, we can discuss how it can unite all children and decrease poverty. Then, we can discuss how school uniforms help support school traditions. If some people find it outdated, take your time to research why it is so!
Step 5: Work on your structure.
Consider coming up with a clear structure or pattern that can help your readers see your points. Choose your discursive essay format next. The most accessible and popular discursive essay structure example is given below:
A Discursive Essay Introduction – Main Argument – Evidence – Second Paragraph Argument – Example – Third Argument – Importance – Opposing Argument – Explanation with Supporting Evidence- Conclusion.
When and if necessary, you may add a thesis after an introduction if the task is to find a good solution to a specified problem. Always consult your grading rubric and your teacher to be sure!
Helpful Tips for Writing a Discursive Essay
As a way to overcome initial confusion and set the tone of discursive writing, let’s ask several important questions:
- What three main things matter the most about your chosen topic? Think about at least three facts that talk about your subject. It will help to create a strong thesis statement and a conclusion.
- What ideas help to deliver specific facts and information? Add good examples that can persuade people. Avoid using a personal opinion.
- What sources can provide support for the main arguments? Good scientific sources or statistical data are recommended.
- Can I compose a strong thesis based on my facts? Compose a strong thesis statement claim first.
- Did I provide an opposite opinion? Think about what others have to say.
- Have I checked for a personal bias and a critical analysis? Avoid talking about a sole opinion unless you are asked to do so!
- What type of discursive writing must be written? An informative, critical, argumentative, solution-and-a-problem essay, etc.
- Did I provide several verified sources? At least one source per page is recommended! If you talk about an example, a resource to support it will make your writing more valid.
These eight questions must be asked before you start writing. Once you find the answers, writing and thinking about your writing will be much easier. Remember that all of your claims and counterclaims must be supported with examples and align with each other. Provide a healthy balance between the pros and cons of a certain issue or a problem you choose to discuss. Make your conclusion in a logical manner.
When you choose a topic, do not make it harder or more complex than it has to be. Keep your writing accessible and use persuasive writing techniques. Start with a claim followed by an example. If it needs to be clarified, add an explanation to make understanding all the different viewpoints easier.
If you are stuck with the lack of counterarguments to your claim, you may add a simple “arguments against” tag to your search string in Google or any other search engine. It is also helpful if you start with a Google Scholar or similar research databases. Look for opinion essays or argumentative essays as you research. Seeing what other researchers have to say always helps to find unusual opinions and fill the gaps as you construct your discourse.
DOs and DONT’s to Remember
Accidental mistakes are always possible, but have no fear ─ we have a checklist of things you must do and a list of the most common mistakes that must be avoided in the writing process!
| DO | DON’T |
| The use of formal language and an impersonal tone is recommended. It is not only about what you think but also about an essay that informs and sets the main arguments. | Avoid the use of colloquial language as you explain things. It is not a personal essay or something creative! Do not use overly short paragraphs or overfill your paper with endless statistics. |
| Your paragraphs must be developed in the best way possible. Write from your most important different arguments to the least ones. Separate paragraphs if and when necessary. | Do not keep things vague, as your readers will not appreciate it. If you can do so, provide sufficient details to explain things. An overly generalized paper with a vague body paragraph is never good! |
| Always check with the source data. Work within a specified writing style. Sort your sources alphabetically unless your writing style requires otherwise. | Using personal examples is not recommended as you work with different arguments. These cannot be verified or used as a piece of evidence. Some cases, like a personal interview or first-hand data as a part of some project, may be acceptable. When in doubt, always consult your academic advisor. |
| Use topic sentences to start your paragraphs. It will help to create and balance viewpoints related. | Avoid adding any new information in the conclusion part. |
| Writing a discursive essay, add an introductory paragraph where you introduce your subject. Talk about a problem and explain what your readers will read below. | Never add information you cannot support with a piece of evidence. Making a claim is insufficient if no example is used to back it up. |
| Provide sufficient examples and data samples that can help to support your claims. | An overly emotional language must be avoided, even if it’s an argumentative piece of writing. Keep things strict when writing a discursive essay! |
Remember to edit and proofread your work aloud if you wish to make things impressive. It is one of those things that help to improve readability. You have to keep things accessible and use persuasive and explanatory language. It must be close to an argumentative essay writing. Besides, proofreading your work aloud always helps avoid mistakes and correct them. It might take more time but always pays off in the end!
Possible Discursive Essay Topics
Choosing a good discursive essay topic may appear more challenging than it seems. If you cannot find a good essay-type idea, brainstorm some of these topics below with our brief explanations:
- Are heavy video games harmful or useful for kids?
This topic may talk about how the use of video games can lead to violence from one side. Talk about the media bias and attitude. Then talk about the positive cognitive effect that positively affects our memory and attention. Use all perspectives related to provide evidence and offer valuable insights. A thorough research must be done here!
- The pros and cons of using AI in education
Although it is one of the most discussed subjects these days, you may choose it as an idea. Talk about how it helps to do things faster yet deters our creativity. You can talk about good examples and quote psychologists, students, and teachers. Providing supporting evidence, you must recap key points and include all the negative aspects as well.
- The negative and positive sides of rock music
It is a good subject for most college students who listen to rock artists. Think about all the cons and pros, such as attitude or political activism. Do not focus on two or three bands but talk about statistical data before you end up with particular examples. An alternate manner must be used as you work on your main idea, where you offer various perspectives and start a balanced discussion.
- Bullying and social media effect
You must avoid a personal bias and never use any personal examples. Talk about how this problem exists and why this particular topic is so important. Use statistical data next to present ideas. Explain why bullying occurs on social media by offering multiple perspectives. Provide examples with a logical structure. Talk about the solutions and initiatives similar to working on an argumentative essay.
- Solar energy: pros and cons
If you choose engineering or similar discursive essay topics, think about making your discursive essay more accessible. Talk about the presence of solar energy and how affordable and well-known it is. Add more opposing viewpoints, and share some practical tips. Then make a table with the facts that speak for and against your essay topic sentence. Come up with a conclusion to sum things up!
You can talk about anything you wish to discuss. If some topic is uncommon, add the words “important facts” and “stats” as you research. It will make things easier as you try to locate your sources. If a topic sentence has already been provided, seek relevant research papers to find some trustworthy academic resources.
FAQ on Discursive Essays
- What is the best way to compose a conclusion for a discursive essay?
A strong conclusion must re-state a thesis with the main argument to help your readers reach their conclusion. It has to sum things up and make a call to action. An attention-grabbing element must be used to remind your readers about your problem. Remember that no new ideas or viewpoints can be added to your essay. Anything not supported before in relevant body paragraphs must be eliminated. A conclusion should discuss both sides that speak for and against your essay thesis.
- What is the recommended length for a discursive paper?
No strict length is usually specified. Including an introduction with a thesis and at least three body paragraphs is important. Since we have to add two or three counter-arguments, they may be in one or two body paragraphs. A discursive essay conclusion ends up things. It may help you to see how much must be included. Most discursive essays these days vary from 1,500 to 3,000 words for college students. At least three body paragraphs must be included for ideas.
- What makes discursive essay writing different from persuasive tasks?
A good persuasive essay only focuses on one point related to a problem. It means that you must talk about what you believe in. A discursive essay writing must talk about three to five different opinions. Persuasion essays only bring up a topic with a persuasion, while discourse is always about an explanation and a proper academic analysis.
- What is an example of good discursive essay evidence?
If you choose a topic for a summer camp for boys and girls, you may talk about gender segregation in the past. This means that starting with statistical data can help set the tone and make a comparison. This way, you can talk about the past and the present by explaining how opinions have changed. An interview, basic facts, sample data, and a good timetable can be good examples of learning how to write a discursive essay.
Useful Sources to Consider for Your Essays
As a way to assist you in learning how to write a discursive essay, take a closer look at some of these academic resources:
- Purdue Owl Guide. One of the best databases for college and university students. It has amazing APA, MLA, Chicago, and many other free guides with examples.
- What is Discursive Writing Univesity of Sussex Guide. A brief instruction that you can print to have a good checklist.
- University of Michigan-Flint’s List of Most Discussed Ideas. A list of current events you should take a look at. When you feel stuck, this database can help you become more inspired.
- Google Scholar. One of the most famous scientific databases where you can search things by keyword and receive citation data in different formats.
- Web of Science. Another great database you can access and find things based on various academic subjects.
- Jstor. It is one of the best and constantly updated scientific archives that host both old and newest articles.
- PubMed. If you are studying medical subjects, it is one of the best database examples, even for those not-so-common ideas.
All of these links will assist you in composing a successful discursive essay. Make sure to take your time and always remember to proofread!
