DISCURSIVE ESSAY NOTES
Structure 1. Introduction (hook, outline of viewpoints)
2. Viewpoint 1
3. Viewpoint 2
4. Viewpoint 3
*at least one should be an opposing view
5. Conclusion (summary of viewpoints and concluding thoughts)
Introduction ● Introduce the topic and explain its significance.
● Provide background information if necessary.
● Clearly state that you will discuss multiple perspectives.
● Avoid stating your personal opinion too early.
"Social media has changed the way people interact, but its impact
on society is a widely debated issue."
Body Paras Use PEEL Structure
Point: sentence should have the main point of the para
- (eg: a vital advantage would be… )
Explanation/Elaboration: provide a convincing elaboration of the point
in that paragraph
Example/Evidence: try to illustrate your point with examples or
evidence. You may use statistics or facts to support your idea
Link: the linking statement links your paragraph back to the question
- (therefore, this is paramount… )
"One major advantage of social media is its ability to connect people
worldwide. Platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram allow individuals to
communicate instantly, strengthening relationships across long
distances. According to a 2022 survey by Pew Research, 78% of
teenagers say social media helps them stay connected with friends.
However, excessive screen time may lead to social isolation,
highlighting the need for balance in its usage."
Brainstorming Key Points
1. Look at different areas of impact
● Society (How does this issue impact people as a whole?)
● Environment (Does it have any effect on nature or climate?)
● Economy (Does it affect money, jobs, or businesses?)
● Moral (Is there a right or wrong side to it?)
● Scientific (Is there scientific research or technological impact?)
Should people work from home instead of going to the office?
● Society: Working from home reduces traffic and makes life
more flexible, but it can also make people feel lonely.
● Environment: Less commuting means less pollution and a
smaller carbon footprint.
● Economy: Businesses save money on office space, but small
shops near offices may lose customers.
● Moral: Is it fair for some jobs to allow work from home while
others don’t?
● Scientific: Studies show that some people are more
productive at home, but others find it harder to focus.
2. Look at different groups affected by the issue
● Individual (How does it impact a single person?)
● Family (How does it affect family life?)
● Community (How does it influence people living in the same area?)
● Global (How does it affect the world as a whole?)
Should students be allowed to use mobile phones in school?
● Individual: Students can use phones to access learning
materials, but they may also get distracted.
● Family: Parents feel reassured when they can contact their
children anytime, but it may also lead to excessive screen
time.
● Community: Schools may find it harder to enforce discipline
if students use phones during lessons.
● Global: Many countries are debating whether schools
should ban phones to improve focus and mental health.
Conclusion 1. Sum up main points
2. Relate it to the writer’s opinion on the issue
3. Leave some food for thought
Strategies
1. Summary: summarise the main points in relation to personal opinion
"Ultimately, social media has both good and bad sides. While it helps
people stay connected, it can also cause stress and anxiety. That’s why
it’s important to use it wisely and not let it control our lives."
2. Call to Actions: A call to the readers, asking them to take a particular
action related to the theme of the writing
climate change
"Each of us has a role to play in protecting the environment. Small
actions like recycling, saving electricity, and using less plastic can make
a big difference. Let’s start today and work towards a greener planet!"
3. Anecdote: an interesting story that leaves a great impression
importance of hard work
"When I first learned how to ride a bicycle, I kept falling. I wanted to give
up, but my parents told me to keep trying. After many attempts, I finally
rode on my own. This reminds us that success doesn’t come
instantly—we have to keep trying, even when things get tough."
4. Quotation: a thought-provoking quotation about the topic
why teamwork is important:
"As the saying goes, ‘Alone we can do so little, together we can do so
much.’ This means that when we work together, we achieve more than
we could on our own. Whether in school, sports, or life, teamwork
makes us stronger."
5. Universal Connection:how the topic relates to a broader, more
universal topic/issue
how technology changes human relationships
"Technology has made life easier, but it has also changed how we
communicate. While we can talk to anyone in the world instantly, we
must remember to also spend time with people face-to-face. After all,
real friendships are built on human connection, not just messages on a
screen."
6. Future Outlook: comment on the future; what might happen
artificial intelligence
"AI is developing fast, and in the future, it could change how we live and
work. While it can make life easier, we must also think about how to use
it responsibly. The decisions we make today will shape the world of
tomorrow."
Vocab Phrases
Introducing Ideas Adding & Developing Contrast & Opposing
Points Views
Firstly, Moreover, On the other hand,
To begin with, In addition, However,
It is often argued that… Furthermore, Nevertheless,
One common perspective is Not only that, but… Conversely,
that…
Similarly, In contrast,
Some people believe that…
Another point to consider Despite this,
Many argue that… is…
While some argue that…
It is widely accepted that… others believe that…
Presenting Implications & Future Concluding &
Generalizations Outlook Summarizing
Generally speaking, This raises the question of… In conclusion,
On the whole, Looking ahead, Taking everything into
account,
In most cases, In the long run,
It is evident that…
Broadly speaking, If this trend continues…
Ultimately,
It is often assumed that…
Given the arguments above,
it is clear that…
Vocab Words for Common Essay topics
Technology & Social Media Education & Learning
Innovation Cognitive development
Automation Holistic learning
Digital era Critical thinking
Cybersecurity Knowledge acquisition
Virtual communication Pedagogy
Algorithm Literacy rate
Connectivity Higher education
Ethical concerns Skill-based learning
Misinformation
Environment & Sustainability Health & Well-being
Climate change Mental health
Carbon footprint Nutrition
Conservation efforts Preventive healthcare
Sustainable development Lifestyle diseases
Green technology Sedentary lifestyle
Eco-friendly Stress management
Immunity
Psychological well-being
Work-life balance
Youth & Social Responsibility Media & Fake News
Social awareness Sensationalism
Altruism Propaganda
Ethical responsibility Bias
Philanthropy Media literacy
Leadership skills Misinformation
Role models Censorship
Moral compass Freedom of speech
Civic engagement Public perception
