Discussion Essay

Discussion Essay

What is a Discussion Essay?

We write a Discussion Essay when we want to

present a balanced argument, giving points for
and against a topic.
We normally find this type of essay when there
is controversy over an issue.
Ex.
“Animals should not be used in experiments”:
Discuss.
“Should the use of mobile phones be allowed in
schools?”
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Structure of a Discussion Essay
A Discussion Essay needs, at least, four

paragraphs:
-Introduction.
-Arguments “For”.
-Arguments “Against”
-Conclusion.
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Introduction
In the introduction, we write a general

statement that introduces the topic
Topic: Has communication improved thanks to
the internet? Discuss.
Nowadays, we cannot think of a life without the
use of the internet to communicate.
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Introduction
…. we mention the fact that there are

arguments both in favour and against.
Nowadays, we cannot think of a life without the

use of the internet to communicate. Whereas
most people would claim that it is undeniable
that the internet has meant a huge
improvement in communication, others argue
that its use can lead to social isolation or
confinement.
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Body
The body is the main part of our essay.

Here we give arguments that support both
sides, arguments in favour and arguments
against.
Each side must be presented in a separate
paragraph.
Each paragraph will include 1-2 main ideas
(topic sentences).
Each main idea will be supported with reasons
or examples of the argument given.
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Paragraph “for”
Topic Sentence
On the one hand, the internet has made our
lives more convenient in many aspects,
including our approach to communication. In
the past, we only used mail or the telephone
to send our messages across the globe,
whereas today, the internet allows us to reach
out to almost everyone in just a few seconds.
For example, the internet connects people
whose relatives or families are abroad,
through Facebook, Twitter or Skype
Explaining how it anytime
has helped commu
and anywhere.
An example of
how we can communicate
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Paragraph “against”
Topic
On the other hand, Sentence
this technological
development has its drawbacks. The most
important one is the lack of interpersonal skills.
Both teenagers and adults use much of their time
online. For instance, a study from 2015 by The
Social Media Explorer saw that over 93% of
teenagers aged 16-19 have a social media
presence, with more than three social accounts
per person. Consequently, this does not allow
them to socialise physically with people; on the
Explaining why
contrary, they isolate themselves in this virtual
world. An example Consequence
that supports the argument
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Conclusion
In the conclusion we re-estate both points of

view, but now we add our opinion: Which side do
I agree with?
In conclusion, it is a fact that the internet has

brought more convenience into society and
allowed many people to be closer. However, in my
opinion, people should take responsibility to
balance the use of the internet so that other
aspects of their lives will not become neglected.
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Introduction: helpful expressions
Giving facts (general statement)

In recent years /In the last few decades, it has become very popular to….
Nowadays, we are bombarded with …
Today, we cannot think of a world without….
Everyone knows that….
More and more people….nowadays.
Saying that there are arguments both for and against:
Today it is widely believed that…; however, some other people disagree, claiming that…
Many people feel that...whereas other people believe/argue/say that…
While/Though some people claim that….., others believe that…
...but it has its drawbacks as well as benefits.
As I see it, ….. has advantages and disadvantages.
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Body
For (adding new arguments)

1)On the one hand, ….
-One argument in favour of…. is ….
-Another argument is ….
-Moreover,….
-In addition….
-What is more, ….
-Besides….
2)-Firstly,.../ Secondly…./ Finally...
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Body
Against (adding arguments against)

1)On the other hand, ….
-One argument against…. is ….
-Another argument is ….
-Moreover,….
-In addition….
-What is more, ….
-Besides….
2)-Firstly,.../ Secondly…./ Finally...
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Body
Giving reasons:
-Since .../As …
-Due to the fact that…./Owing to the fact that…
-Due to.../Owing to.../Because of…./Thanks to…
-That is the reason why…
Giving examples:
-For instance, …./ For example…
-...like…./ …such as….
Talking about consequence:
-Therefore, …. / Consequently, .../ As a consequence, ...
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Conclusion
-To sum up, despite/in spite of the fact that ……

-In conclusion, even though/although it is true
that……., in my opinion…
-To summarise, I agree that…… but, as I see it /
in my opinion, the benefits of… outweigh the
disadvantages as….
-To conclude, I personally believe that the
advantages of…. are more important than the
disadvantages as / because...
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Watch out!!
1-Do not overuse ready-made phrases,

as it could look unnatural for the reader.
If your English is poor or you do not
provide interesting, well-organised
ideas, the examiner will quickly notice it
and these ready-made expressions will
not help you.
2-Do not use contractions (I´ll.../He´s…,
etc)
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What to do
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What about grammar, vocabulary and
paragraph organisation?
Grammar:
Think of all the grammar you have learnt so far!!
-Passive, conditionals, relatives, a variety of verb
tenses…
Vocabulary:
Try to remember (and use) specific vocabulary that is
related to the topic.
Organising your paragraphs:
-Do not use simple sentences (and, but because…);
instead, use more complex estructures that you have
studied (see connector of reason, result, contrast,
purpose….)
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Finally….
Read as many discussion essays as you

can (search the web). This will help you
learn how to write yours.
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Discussion Essay

What is a Discussion Essay?

We write a Discussion Essay when we want to

A Discussion Essay needs, at least, four

In the introduction, we write a general

…. we mention the fact that there are

Nowadays, we cannot think of a life without the

The body is the main part of our essay.

In the conclusion we re-estate both points of

In conclusion, it is a fact that the internet has

Giving facts (general statement)

For (adding new arguments)

Against (adding arguments against)

-To sum up, despite/in spite of the fact that ……

1-Do not overuse ready-made phrases,

Read as many discussion essays as you

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