How to Write a Discursive Essay

What is Discursive Writing?

Discursive writing is a form of writing that explores a topic or argument in a balanced and thoughtful way. It often discusses different perspectives or opinions on a subject without necessarily trying to persuade the reader to adopt any particular viewpoint.

Discursive writing includes exploration and discussion rather than outright persuasion, making it a valuable tool for understanding complex issues, for fostering understanding and critical thinking.

Here are some key aspects of discursive writing:

• Purpose: The main goal is to present an unbiased discussion of a topic, considering various angles and opinions.
• Tone: The tone can vary from serious to humorous, formal to informal, depending on the context and the writer’s intent.
• Content: Discursive essays may include both facts and subjective opinions, aiming to provide a comprehensive view of the topic.
• Balance: One of the hallmarks of discursive writing is its balanced approach, presenting multiple sides of an argument before reaching a conclusion.

What is a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay is a type of essay that discusses a problem, controversy, or recent issue. It aims to present a balanced and objective analysis of both sides of an argument. A discursive essay is a form of critical writing that aims to provide the reader with a balanced analysis of a particular topic. Unlike an argumentative essay, which takes a firm stance on a single perspective, a discursive essay explores multiple sides of an issue, presenting different arguments, counter arguments, and viewpoints in a structured and organized manner.

Discursive Essay Definition:

• A discursive essay presents both sides of an argument, then states your own stance.
• The goal is to provide a fair evaluation of different viewpoints on a topic.
• Keep in mind that some topics may be more nuanced, requiring examination of three or more positions rather than a simple for-or-against argument.

Tone and Organization:

• The discursive essay maintains a formal tone.
• Write in a third person point of view to evaluate arguments and express your opinion.
• Use formal language to maintain the essay’s tone.
• Avoid including positive, leading statements for one side while being sarcastic about the other side. Balance is crucial.

Discursive Essay Structure and Tips

A discursive essay outline typically involves an introduction, a series of arguments or discussions, and a conclusion. It is designed to flow logically from one point to the next.

Introduction (introduce your topic and provide context):

• Begin with an engaging opening that introduces the topic.
• Provide background information and context.
• Clearly state the purpose of the essay.

Body Paragraphs (present your arguments or discussions related to the topic):

• Start each paragraph with a topic sentence introducing a new argument or perspective.
• Support your claims with evidence, examples, and relevant details.
• Address counterarguments and present rebuttals, demonstrating your ability to consider different viewpoints.
• Use transitional words to maintain a smooth flow between paragraphs.

Controlling Ideas:

• Choose a topic carefully. Consider more than one perspective.
• Identify the three main controlling ideas for your essay (recommended for a 1000-word essay).
• Each controlling idea will need arguments both for and against.
• Research thoroughly and find academic sources to support your claims and counterclaims.

Thesis Statement:

• Ensure that your own ideas align with available research.
• Claims and counterclaims must be about the same idea.
• Avoid making the topic harder than necessary by choosing a well-researched subject.

Conclude by summarizing the main points and stating your own position.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Discursive Essay

When writing a discursive essay, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes to ensure your essay is well-structured, coherent, and persuasive. Here are some typical errors to watch out for:

Word Repetition:

• Repeating the same nouns or verbs can make your essay dull and less engaging.
• Use synonyms and word substitutes to maintain variety and clarity.

Excessive Passive Voice:

• Overusing passive structures can weaken your writing.
• Aim for a balance between active and passive voice.

Sentence Length:

• Avoid overly long or excessively short sentences.
• Vary sentence lengths to maintain reader interest.

Starting Sentences with Coordinating Conjunctions:

• While it’s acceptable in creative writing, academic essays should avoid starting sentences with words like “and,” “but,” or “so.”
• Opt for more formal sentence structures.

Inconsistent Tone and Language:

• Maintain a consistent tone throughout your essay.
• Avoid abrupt shifts from formal to informal language or vice versa.

Common Topics For Discursive Essay

Discursive writing covers a wide range of topics, allowing for thoughtful exploration and discussion. Here are 20 discursive essay topics that you might find interesting:

• Energy Drinks: Some swear by energy drinks and the boost of energy from caffeine they provide, while others claim that such high levels of caffeine are too dangerous for young people.
• GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms): While some feel that GMOs are harmless and essential for food supply, others argue that they pose serious health risks.
• Sleep Requirements: Experts state that adults require eight hours of sleep to stay healthy, but others argue that sleep needs vary, and some people may require fewer (or even more) hours of restful sleep each night.
• Technology Addiction: Is technology merely a tool, or is tech addiction real? Some believe people need professional medical treatment to manage their addictions.
• Social Media Impact: Explore the impact of social media on mental health, relationships, and society.
• Climate Change: Discuss the causes, consequences, and potential solutions related to climate change.
• Gun Control: Analyze different perspectives on gun control laws and their effectiveness.
• Education System: Debate the merits of traditional education versus alternative approaches.
• Animal Testing: Consider the ethical implications of animal testing in scientific research.
• Privacy vs. Security: Explore the balance between privacy rights and national security measures.
• Universal Basic Income: Discuss the pros and cons of implementing a universal basic income.
• Legalization of Marijuana: Examine arguments for and against legalizing marijuana for recreational use.
• Online Privacy: Delve into issues related to online privacy, data collection, and surveillance.
• Nuclear Energy: Weigh the benefits and risks of nuclear energy as an alternative power source.
• Euthanasia: Discuss the ethical and legal aspects of assisted suicide.
• Gender Equality: Explore gender disparities in various aspects of life and propose solutions.
• Veganism: Analyze the environmental, health, and ethical implications of a vegan lifestyle.
• Space Exploration: Consider the importance of space exploration and its impact on humanity.
• Artificial Intelligence: Discuss the benefits and risks of AI in various fields.
• Fashion Industry: Explore the environmental impact, labor conditions, and consumerism in the fashion industry.

When choosing a topic for your discursive essay, aim for something a little controversial or debatable.

Discursive Essay Examples

Let’s explore discursive essay examples to understand its structure and how different viewpoints are presented.

In this discursive essay example, we’ll discuss the topic of electric cars and their potential to replace petrol and diesel-fueled vehicles.

Discursive Essay Topic: Electric Cars vs. Petrol/Diesel Cars

Introduction

Electric cars are currently being developed by many well-known automotive companies. However, there is ongoing debate about whether electric cars can fully replace traditional petrol and diesel-fueled vehicles. In this essay, we will explore the opinions for and against the use of electric cars as a replacement.

Body Paragraphs

• Argument/Opinion 1 (For Electric Cars)

On one hand, electric cars are environmentally friendly. They require no non-renewable energy and are clean to run and maintain on the road. Recent studies show that the use of electric cars helps minimize pollution in both urban and rural areas.

• Argument/Opinion 2 (Against Electric Cars)

On the other hand, critics argue that electric cars face limitations in terms of range and charging infrastructure. The lack of widespread charging stations and the need for longer charging times can be inconvenient for users. Additionally, the production of electric car batteries has its own environmental impact.

• Argument/Opinion 3 (Balanced View)

Taking a balanced view, it’s essential to recognize that electric cars have made significant advancements. Improvements in battery technology and the growing network of charging stations are addressing some of the initial challenges. However, a complete transition to electric cars requires further investment and infrastructure development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, electric cars offer a promising solution for reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. While challenges remain, ongoing research and innovation will likely lead to a future where electric cars play a more significant role in our transportation system.

Here’s another example of a discursive essay topic along with a brief outline to help you get started:

Discursive Essay Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Society

Introduction

• Introduce the topic of social media and its prevalence in modern society.
• Mention the purpose of the essay: to explore the positive and negative impacts of social media.

Body Paragraphs

Positive Impact of Social Media

• Connectivity: Discuss how social media connects people across the globe, fostering communication and relationships.
• Awareness: Explain how it raises awareness about various social and global issues.
• Business Growth: Highlight how businesses use social media for marketing and customer engagement.

Negative Impact of Social Media

• Privacy Concerns: Address the issues related to data privacy and the potential for personal information misuse.
• Mental Health: Explore the correlation between social media use and mental health problems like anxiety and depression.
• Misinformation: Discuss the spread of fake news and its consequences on public opinion and behavior.

Conclusion

• Summarize the main points discussed in the essay.
• Reflect on the overarching influence of social media and its dual role in society.
• Conclude with a thought-provoking statement or question that encourages further contemplation.

This topic allows you to delve into a contemporary issue that affects a large portion of the population. It’s broad enough to cover various aspects and provides ample scope for discussion and analysis.

Discursive Essay Writing Services, Main Advantages

When it comes to discursive essay writing services, there are several advantages that students can benefit from:

Expert Writers:

• Professional essay writers with expertise in various fields can craft well-researched and well-structured discursive essays.
• They understand the nuances of discursive writing, including presenting balanced arguments and exploring multiple viewpoints.

Customization:

• Essay writing services offer customized solutions tailored to your specific topic and requirements.
• You can provide guidelines, choose a topic, and even request specific viewpoints to be covered.

Time-Saving:

• Hiring a writing service saves you time and effort.
• Instead of spending hours researching and writing, you can focus on other academic tasks or personal activities.

Quality Assurance:

• Reputable services ensure high-quality content.
• Essays undergo thorough proofreading, editing, and plagiarism checks.

Structured Essays:

• Professional writers follow a logical structure for discursive essays.
• They organize paragraphs, address counterarguments, and maintain coherence.

Research Skills:

• Writers have access to credible sources and can incorporate relevant research.
• This enhances the depth and credibility of your essay.

Confidentiality:

• Reliable services maintain strict confidentiality.
• Your personal information and the content of your essay remain private.

Choose a reputable essay writing service as TopWritingService.com that aligns with your academic needs and provides quality work.