Discursive Essavs ‘A discursive essay 's a piece of formal writing which discusses a particular issue, situation or problem ‘There are three main types ofciscursive essays, |For and against essays present bath sides of an issue, discussing points in favour of a paricuar topic as well as those against, or ihe advartages and disadvaniages of a pertcular question. Each point should be supported by justifications, examples, andior reasons. The writer's own opinion should be presented only i the final paragraph ii Opinion essays present the witers personal opinion concerning the topic, clear ly stated and supported by reasons andior exampies. The opposing viewpoint ard reason should be included in a saperate paragraph before the closing one, together with an argument that shows t isan unconvincing viewpoint. The writr's Copiinion snoud be included in the intoducton, and summansedtestated in the Essays suggesting solutions to problems, in which the problems) associated wih apanicular ssue oF uation are analysed and possible solutions are aut for ward, together with any expected resuits/consequences, The writer's opirion ‘may be mentioned, directly orindecty, in th irtroducion andior conclusion ‘A good discursive essay should consist of ‘a)_ an introductory paragraph in which you clearly state the topic to be diecussas 'b) a main body, in which points ara cary slated in separate paragraphs and exemplified cr justfiad: ang ¢) a closing paragraph summarsing the main points ofthe essay. in which you stateltestate your opinion, andlor give a balanced consderaticn ofthe topic. Points to consider (© Present each pont in a separate paragraph. A wel-deveioped paregraoh contains @ Clear tople sentence, nich summarises the conten of paragraph, as well as 2 clea justification, explaraticn o example suppor ofthe point presented © Well-known quotations (eg. AS writer Somerset Maugham once sal, “It's tad enough fo krow the past; would be inolerabie to krow the future), sicotial {qunotions (2g. people today are not cenoemed anough about tomorrow, ill he future stil be thre for mar?) o: thought provoking statoments (0.9. Tho facts that ‘na's future is what ona makes it Thera is no sich thing as chance.) are useful ‘vices to make your compostion more interesting. © Belore you begin wring you should always rake alist the pcints you wil resent. © 00.n0! usa informal style (¢.g- contrasted forms, celloqual language, ote) cr vory strong language (0.9. know. lam sure.) © Use appropriate inking werds/phraces o show the links botwoen paragraph, as wel ast ink sentences within paragraphs. Foret Agatnst ” Introduction Paragraph 1 state topic (without stating Intredvetion Paragraph 1 state the topic and your * your opinion) ‘opinion Paragraphs 2-3 arguments for & justifications, ‘examples or reasons Paragraphs 4 - 5 arguments against & justifications, examples or reasons Final Paragraph balanced consideration ‘or opinion Paragraphs 2-4 viewpoints & reasons/ examples Paragraph 5 ‘opposing viewpoint and reason/example Final Paragraph summarise/restate your opinion Beginning and ending iscursive essays Inthe first paragraph, you should state the top andor your opinion, and you may include one or more of the folowing techniques. © Make reference to an unusual or striking iealscenesivation 2g. Imagine milions of people coming ‘home om schoo! oF work every dey {ot string ate wal forfour hous. © Address the reader direct ‘8g. Yoummay tink this san exaggeration andlor ask a etoricl queston. 2.9. Have you ever wondared what tho wotd would be lke without cars? © Start with a quotation or thought provoking statement 29, “Television Is an invention that parts you to be entetined in your ving room by people you wouldn't ‘have in yourhome.” ‘David Frost nce said In the last paragraph, you should state your opinion and/or give a balanced ‘consideration of the topic, and you may include one or more of the following techniques. (© Finish with a quotation ‘© Ask a thetorical question {© Give the reader something to consider @g. Perhaps then people will re- discover what It ls ike to actually ‘communicate with each other. Introducti Paragraph 1 state the problem and its cause(s)/etfect(s) Wain Body Paragraphs 2-5 suggestions & results Final Paragraph summarise your opinionFormal style '@ Discursive essays are written in formal style. This means you should use. 7 passive voice, impersonal constructions (0g. It is argued thet. te. @ common belt thet.) 7 arange of advanced vocabulary (verbs, adjectives, abstract nouns, ete) (0.9. heated debate conceming the controversial issue .. 7 formal linking wordsiphrases (6.g. furthermore, however, nonetheless) ‘7 complex sentences with a variety of inks, dependent clauses, ete (0.9. Athough It s widaly accepted that compulsory miltary service, ‘hich provides an army with abundant manpower, is beneficial to. country’s abity to defend tse, closer analysis of military ‘offclency suggests that tis advanced weeponry which plays @ ‘onic! role in. & inversion, especially in conditionals (0.g. Wore this rue, we would ..: Never has this bean more obvious ..) © You should not use: X shor forms (2g. Pm, ft) except when these are part of a quotation X colloquial expressions, phrasal verbs, idioms (2.9. lots of, put up with, be over the moon about.) X simplistic vocabulary (e.g. Experts say they think this is bad.) X a seri of short sentences (e.g. Many people think so. They are wrong.) X- simple inking words (@.g. and, but, $0) except for variety Useful Tips for Discursive Essays fo Wien wrting a discursive essay. you should use formal, impersonal style (see Formal Spe, p. 56) 7 use topic sentences to introduce the subject ofeach paragraph 7 ‘ite wel-develoned paragraphs, ving reasonsiexamples 7 use generalisation (.g ln most developed counties, education. 7 use sequencing eg. Firstly, Secondly, ete) and linking wordsiphrases (09. however, athough, etc) 1 make references to other sources (6g. Experts have proved that.) 7 use quotations, etter word-for-word orn paraphrase, being careful 10 ideny the source (.g.As Winston Church said, *..) © You should not 20 use shor forms, intormalcoloquial language, et (see Formal Se, P. 56) 2 use very emotional language (2.9 absolutely dotast poople who ..) XX express personal opinions too sironaly (eg. Anow..): instead, Use midor expressions (e.g. 896m to mo tht.) use over generaisaion(o.g Al politician ae.) X refer bindly to statistics wihout accurate reference to their source (0.9. “Arocont study showed ..” — which study?) X use cichés (eg. Rome was not but ina day.) 2 use personal examples (eg. In my schoo.) ‘The Discussion Clock When considering a topic you may refer tothe discussion clock, which wil lp you think of das when planning your essay (© Referring tothe discussion clock isa useful brainstorming” technique, as itheips you examine a topic from varus viewpoints and decide on ideas! pints 0 include in your essay. {© Keep in mind tha atopic may not relate to all he aspects presanted in the discussion clock ‘© Remember that for each viewpoint you have thought of, there is usualy ‘an opposing argument, Think ofthe opposing arguments when planning your essay. DS stones ema someting vie on cusses in ttay’s mia each iter ocur aongiow-ncome gop. - world, Hardly @ day goes by without the subject of money being On the ther hand, many people claim that one ofthe factors in ‘rised in mast people's ves. However, its highly debatable whether wich is undoubtedly of greater importance than money sheath it's more important than other considerations, such as heath and zaak Walon said heath is "a blessing that money cannat bu happiness, which some people considerto be of greater significance. Whats mor, money i of litle consoiaton to those who are suf To begin wth, itis often argued thathaving money enables people ing rom heath problems. Despite the fact that money can pay for to exert influence over others. Wealthy businessmen, for example, best medical care avaiable, ths is no guarantee of a longer ie are offen the mast highly respected members of society, and bus In alton, most people would agree that personal happin ness tycoons are offen consited by world leaders, who then make easiy outweighs money in importance. Even i an individual policies which affect the whole poouatin. As 2 consequence, extremely rich, tis does not necessarily lead to happiness. In so money can be seen asthe single most important factor in daly Ife. cases, the contrary is tue and vast weath brings with ita wh Secondly, rom the point of view o the incvcual, money is val for range of problems and insecurities. Genuine happiness cannot survival. Wester society is structured in such a way that, without ought and is usualy independent of financial status, ‘money; people are deprived ofthe means to obiain proper nutiton On the whole, athough there are those who would rank money and heath care. Furthermore in some cases where state benefits are the single most important thing in ie, the vast majorty would ¢ inadequate the inabilty to pay heating bits can indeed become a agree, Money, they argue, has an important part to play but peri matter of life and death. This is clearly iustrated by the fac that, the word would be a more harmonious place to ve in his w according to Social Services, the majority of deats due to hypothe ket in proportion and society put more emphasis on mora issue© Toll For and Against Essays "Afr anc againt” essay & a formal piace of wring in which a topic is considered ‘rom opposng points of view. You should present oth ss in afar way by dis cussing them objectively and in aqua deta ‘A good essay ofthis type should const of: 2) 2 introductory paragraph in wrich you cleary state the topic tobe discussed, without ing your opnion: 'b)a main body in which the points for and against along with your justiscatons, ‘examples 0” reasons ar presented in soparate paragraphs ang «) 8 elosing paragraph in which you state your opinion or gue a balanced consi ‘ration of the top Note: Opinion word (think, 1 baive, In my ophion,ef:) can only be used in the closing paragraph where you gve your opinion on the onic. Points to consider Before you start writing your essay you should make alist ofthe points for and agaist Each paragraph should start with atopic sentence which summarises the topic of the paragraph, 129. In ation, many people feel reading ks relaxing and worthwhile actly ‘Do not use informal style (@.g. shor forms, colloquial Janguage, etc.) or strong language to express your opnion (a. I know .., et). Express your opinion ina ‘Ron-emotonal way (6g seems tha, I thereto ol, ., et) Well-known quotations relevant othe topic you are wating about will ake your Compostion more interesting, For rampio, you ae wring an essay on education, {8 quotation you may include is: “Edueaton Is a progressive dscovery of our own Ignorance." (Wl Durant Useful expressions and linking words/phrases © Tolist points: Festi, First ofan the frst place, To beginsten with Secondly, Thirdly, Finally © Tolist advantages: One‘Anather/A further/An addtional (major) advantage of. is ‘The mainigreatestist advantage of. disadvantages: (One(Another A tuthor/An addtional (major) aisadvantageldrawback of ‘The main/greatestimost serousfistcisadvantage fdrawback of Another negatve aspect of © To introduce points/arguments for or against (ne (very convincing) poinvargument in favour of. against ‘Afurtner common ertcism of ./ could be argued that often | claknadisuggested Wis widely | argued/maintained! | that generally | folvbeievedineld | claim/suggest/arguete! that some/many! rantin/bebevelpoint owiagreinld that most peoplelexperts) | advocate (=inginoun Support the view that Scienstsisceptcs/ | oppose the view that enies a Tavour apart sre | of te opinion tatlconvnced that opposed to © Toadd more points to the same topic: in addition (to this), furthermore, moreover, besides, apart from, what is more, as well as, not to mention (the fact) that, also, not only. but also/as ‘well, both... and, There is another side to the issue/question/argument of (@ To make contrasting points: ‘on the other hand, | it may be said/arguediclaimed that, however, stil, yet, | others! T oppase this viewpoint but, nonetheless, | many people (strongly) disagree nevertheless, even so, Claimfeelbelieve this arguments incorrectimisquided although, though, even though, while, whist, whereas, despitefin spite of (the fact thal), regardless ofthe fact that Opponents of. argue/believelciaim that ‘The fact that .. contradicts the belefidea that While itis true to say tht... in fact \While/Although .,tcannot be denied that© To introduce examples: for example, for instance, such as, lke, in particular, particularly, especially, This is (clearly ilustrated'shown by the fact that. (One/A clear/strking/ typical example of this) The fact that... showsillustrates that © Toemphasise a point: clearly, obviously, its obvious, naturally, of course, needless to say, indeed © To express reality: In fact, the fact (of the matter is, actually, in practice, it's a fact that, in effect ‘© To make general statements: {sa (general) rule, generally in general, on the whole, by and large. inmost casos (© To make partially correct statemen toa certain extent/degree, to some extent/degres, in a way/sense, this is parlly true (but), to a limited extent, there Is some truth in (this), in some cases, up to a point © To explain(clarity a point: in other words, that isto say, this/which means that Conclusion expressing balanced considerations/opinion indirectly it can/must be said/claimed that In conclusion, itseems/appears that (On balance, it would seem that All things considered, its tkely/untkelypossible/oreseeable that Taking everything into | itis clear/obvious that accountconsideration, | there is notte doubt that To conclude, the best course of action would be to To sumup, | achieving a balance between ... would be Alin al, itis true to say that Finaly/Lasty, athough it must be said that... it may be concludedisaid that Al things considered, the obvious conclusion to be drawn is that. There is no absolute answer to the question of ., Inthe light ofthis evidence, itis clear/obviousiete that In conclusion, | clear/apparent labove [evidence Allinall, itis |plaijobvious | from the #70" | points To sum up, evident 9993) arguments Conclusion expressing opinion directly In conctusion, | On balance, itis my beiopinion that All things considered, | (firmly) believerfeel/think that Taking everything nto | Lam convinced that accounlconsideration, | | am inlined to believe that To condude, | (donot) agree that Tosumup, Alina ‘Taking everything into account, | therefore conclude/teelbelieve (that) For the above-mentioned reasons, therefore, | (firmly) believe that en othe ent r pesonal nd sc eda rd 8 pon a esos nreased personal happiness ty det ean poco Casco sapere Ween soe ran onan ger 2 a ranarennes One eren emda rp 0 mach Fon re singe acy goneg co Conceguer sthing new than they tire of it, They find short-term : ce ecard Smeg sen possesion, Cnsecuenily. estore bu oredom and usraton soon send tem loking fe osha Ds intr gode an ran cman Ta as owt ue erty of fs tony, social ana mor ate a tpn a aces ow os each eae, oem in human eas. Ts eh ere rare, Novorhdes, some people bave at fs erease # toe Pac a esa cal probe hey age ah eck SDs oS nn url sans ronda corner ta sats ot secraservices pee tor nape 8 sople have more opportunities to raise their standard of he tn ars hpi One sancti ates Wh aoa at Mod SO ae 8 verte years, marin has econo inert soci acrencaments ee ace Ho ee mace oul! arg tat eat Heecor NS rst, tise hat pee a arta ne coc oreo, th pope more aur te ns erat erence radon can ead fer eco fate gous arabeOpinion Essays {An opinion essay is formal piece of wring. requires your opinion on atopic, which ‘must be stated clearly, giving various vewpoinis on the topic supported by reasons ndjor examples. You should also include the opposing vewpoint in another para: raph ‘A successtul opinion essay should have: 2). an introductory paragraph in wnich you state the topic and your opinion 'b)_amain body which consists of several paragraghs, each presenting a separate ‘Viewpoint suppored by reasons. You also inckde a paragraph presenting the ‘opposing viewooint and reason why you think itis an uncorwneing viewpoint and ©) @.conclusion in which you restate your opinion using aiferent words. Points to consider (© Decide whether you agree or disagree with the subject ofthe topic, then make alist ‘of your viewpoints and reasons. © Write well-developed paragraphs, joining the sentences with appropriate linking ‘words and phrases, Do not forge to start each paragraph with atopic sentence which summarises what the paragraph is about (© Linking words and phrases should also be usod to join one paragraph withthe other ‘© Apply techniques presented on p. 56 o!begin an end your essay. Useful Expressions for Giving Opinions: ‘@ Tomy mind/To my way of thinking, itis my (rm) beiietiopinionview/convicton (hel) In my opinioniview My opinion is that, | irmiy) believe | (Gefnitey) feeithin that |.am {not convinced that... am inclined to believe that | (Go not) agree thatiith...._I'seemsiappears to me Ie strikes me that ‘As far as |am concemed, “The mass media have an adverse effect on moral standards Do you agree? ,Newsp2p2s. in one form or another, have been in existence for centres, the purpose being to spread news. Public radio and television services, on the other hand, have only been availabe in the UK since 1922 and 1932 respectively, and were introduced with the intention of informing, educating and entertaining. While radio seems to have largely maintained its standards, newspapers and TV have, in ‘my opinion, totaly abused their position of power, resulting ina serious decine in moral standards. As Richard Hoggart said, “They are full of a corupt brightness, of improper appeals and moral evasions Perhaps the most serious offender is television, as today's broadcasters seem to have completely abandoned the issue of ethics. This is more than apparent in the ‘films and programmes which are intended to entertain, a they bombard the viewer with explicit language, sex and violence. Similarly, the news “informs” us using dev- astating images of grief, desperation and death. Itis often felt that by exposing the public to such graphic depictions, television producers have contributed to our becoming immune to shocking behaviour and events which, in the past, we would have been upset or offended by. Furthermore, newspapers, especially the tabloids, have come to depend on overiy-explcit articles and pictures in order to guarantee sales. It is commonplace nowadays to see, for instance, photographs of celebrities’ most private moments or horrific scenes of death occupying the front pages of daily publications. The fact that these images are intended — and generally manage — to sell newspapers displays the craving for sensationalism which exists within society today. In contrast, it must be admitted that the mass media have a lotto offer in the way of information and entertainment. The news and documentaries can be very infor- mative and educational as long as the material is handled in a responsible manner. ‘The problem is that, because people are wiling victims of the media's irresponsibil- ity, the media continue to produce material which is unacceptable by all moral stan- dards. To conclude, itis clear that the public have a right to know and that producers should be allowed a certain degree of artistic licence, but should we not draw the ine some- where before we lose sight of our principles altogether?Essays Suggesting Solutions 10 Problems Yeu sre sia he prior and is Gases eat then present your suggestions anc the expected resus or consenvences these might have. ‘A auocesafulossay of his typo should consist of |) an introguctory paragraph in vinich you clsary Site the protiem, what has caused I, an ie consequences; 1) main body in wich you presen! sevel suggested solutions, eachin a separate paragraph together with is consequencesiresus; end ©) 8 onclusion in which you summarse your oprion Points to consider (© Each paragrach should start with a tapie gantance which summarses what the peragraph about {© Aporoptate liking words and phrases should be used to sho bbetneen paragraphs as well stork sentences within a paragraph, (© Use ma tocrniques shown on p. 86 10 begin and end your essay Useful Language © Tocexpress cause: sincs/bocause, In vow ottbocause olfowingtojdua to [te tet thal. Th roason that why or. thal To express effect: thusthereforesolconseauenty. as 2 resullcorsequence, te result of. would be, . would repute To express purpose: £9 that... 50 asin older (no). wih the pursose offen ton of (+ ings To express posetlity/probabity: it can|coulc/aygt is posebia/arobabe) (urvielytoreseeaDecetan that. (unl tobound tncenaln o/possbe! probable, Tha telneod!posstity/orobably o inginoun is connection Useful Expressions: Problems & Solutions eee Nosaces Mt PEUREY orig Gouna ‘Serious attempts to haliprevenisoWve .. must be made. © crepe) | |solomcm® | i welon on ae So ng 1° Cem open rai ane eee ee sien ta eet cece too eo oe sto a rg © It stepsimeasures were taken to. | the effectirest ie expectancy increases, the average syns e |Past oes oo os fattempts were made to address the problem ‘would be {etrement. As a result the elerty make wa eecomiy wero 3 Pokeriren aed Sietiawewnes | be improv the es of serio irs. Soegascnts ain mii See tetas pect er ny sm ns pa ERLE ees i ran Sey rsa wa Eeoteeauror i ven meneame meratcee a ea ce a ae eee ee carl sawiavcmen tomers a hi ceahane cy aarp None Se uaristineecraynses trocar "What could be ch ray cele py teen Hones hee ey can ae ord ‘the-clock nursing, or, atthe very east. providing medication fre of charpe to all poqple can Same po soy oe Nae ‘ Sasa er ue ar done fo improve — ivr ; Te Saipan ep ei ‘roblam of social isolation which so mary of then face. ¥ we organised tips forthe the live of the ‘cyt communty caves, vss ra social workas or ree bus pases to alow pen- es fiscaniy srantont nanan tices Swe stata oe roo te sr ae ath elderly? cornanty tars renbes; wal ale Seas are on 0-- Saveactator toson ante trans gtr Sresbapetieteegen micas ene ‘Bo, TTis wouid help scelety as @ whole, and encourage apprectation of te rol tha ok’ ‘people can stil play today. etn renner ta oa Jp mpsatonm anes rs Sheena rentaemntaartnaet By (4+ing) .., welgovernmentsietc, can ensure that pr The .. situation coulé be improved i oe. ‘deat etfecticonsequence | utcomeiresut rent othe | ot teneuning