Discursive Writing

DISCURSIVE WRITING

What Is a Discursive Essay?

• Discursive writing is a type of formal writing

that discusses a certain topic.
• The topic can be anything from an issue, a

situation, or a problem.
Types of discursive essays
• There are two basic types of discursive

essays:
• Persuasive essays which aim to persuade

the reader that your opinion matters.
• Argumentative essay which basically tries

to argue a certain topic based on fact.
Features of a Good Discursive Essay
• Just like any other type of essays, a discursive essay
has three basic parts.
1. Introduction
• The introduction of a discursive essay will be the part of your essay
that will discuss what the main topic of the essay will be.
2. Main Body
• The main body of the essay will contain the main points of the topic.
Typically, it is separated into three paragraphs where the main points
will be justified or exemplified.
3. Conclusion
• The closing paragraph will summarize everything that you have
discussed in the earlier paragraphs wherein your opinions will be
restated.
Considerations with Discursive Writing
1. Present Each Point in an Organized Manner
• Every paragraph in the main body of your essay should start with one of
the main points that you have for your essay. Justifications should also
follow the main points.
2. Catchy Statements
• Catchy statements can include
– famous quotations,
– rhetorical questions, and
– thought-provoking questions.
3. List Down Points

• When you get started on your essay outline, make sure that you also
include the main points that you have. This will help to ensure that you
have included everything that needs to be included in the essay.
4. Formal Language
• Keep the language formal and appropriate for the writing style that you
have.
The Basic DOs and DON’Ts of
Discursive Writing
1. When You are Writing a Discursive Essay, DO
• stick to a formal writing style,
• introduce each main point in a clear and concise statement,
• make sure that your paragraphs are well-developed and well-written,
• give examples for every main point,
• write in a sequential manner,
• properly use linking words, and
• cite sources and references.
2. When You are Writing a Discursive Essay, DON’T

• make use of shortened sentences or phrases,
• make use of informal language,
• make use of language that is biased or emotional,
• over-generalize,
• be insistent on your opinions, and
• make use of personal examples.
Discursive Writing
vs. Argumentative Writing
• Discursive writing and argumentative writing often get used interchangeably.

However, both differ in structure and in purpose.
Purpose
• The main purpose of a discursive essay is to present a topic in a balanced and objective
manner. It does not necessarily have to be a neutral write-up but it can totally try to balance
the positive and negative aspects of the subject or topic at hand. Both the negative and
positive aspects should be backed up by research and credible (honest & reliable)
information.
• An argumentative writing style, on the other hand, presents one side deemed (judged) by the
writer as the stronger one. The main purpose of an argumentative essay is to educate and
persuade the reader about what your point of view is. This is typically targeted at an audience
that has the opposite point of view as you.
Structure
• A discursive essay is written in a more formal and impersonal manner. The introduction will
typically be more about what the topic is all about. Issues or main points are presented in
every paragraph. The transitional wording is also pretty common with discursive essays.
Personal opinions are typically low-key for these types of essays.
• Argumentative essay is typically written in a format that is common for argumentative essays.
It starts with a thesis statement (topics carrying out a strong argument and are a broad
debatable topic of focus) which is what establishes what the argument will be all about. The
body will include both sides of the argument. Pros are typically written first followed by the
cons. Personal opinions are very common with argumentative essays.

Discursive Writing

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DISCURSIVE WRITING

What Is a Discursive Essay?

• Discursive writing is a type of formal writing

• The topic can be anything from an issue, a

• There are two basic types of discursive

• Persuasive essays which aim to persuade

• Argumentative essay which basically tries

3. List Down Points

2. When You are Writing a Discursive Essay, DON’T

• Discursive writing and argumentative writing often get used interchangeably.

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