4.8 & 4.

9: Practice
Writing to Explore and Discuss (Discursive Writing)

What will I learn?

By the end of this unit, I should be able to:
either
(level 1)
● I can explore different aspects of an issue using some evidence to support what I
say.
● I can structure a paragraph so that it presents my point of view clearly.
● I can write a sequence of paragraphs that clearly sets out my arguments.
or
(level 2)
● I can explore a wide range of aspects of an issue using well-chosen evidence to
support what I say.
● I can structure a paragraph in different ways for a range of effects.
● I can write and adapt a sequence of paragraphs that clearly sets out my arguments.

Discursive writing can be personal but it has a less definite (more ‘measured’) tone.

1. Highlight the phrases below in yellow that have a measured tone, suitable for
discursive writing.

● I strongly believe that…

● It could be argued that…
● It is clear for all to see that…
● It seems that…
● It might be the case that…
● I am not quite convinced that…
● I implore you to take action…
● It will definitely lead to…
● One possible consideration is…
● A possible explanation is…
● The obvious reason is…
● I am utterly certain that…
● What is patently clear is that…
● One might decide to…

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2. Write two opening paragraphs to an article about online shopping. The first should
include an anecdote and second should include some surprising information. Use
these prompts to help you:

Kavya’s

● First paragraph: The other day, I needed to buy a present for my best friend,
and browsed through Amazon’s website. There was a wide range of collections
and it was hard for me to choose.

● Second paragraph: Did you know that more people now prefer to shop online,
rather than in person! Online shopping has grown to become more popular over
the years because of the experience they are able to provide to their customers.
59% of the people of online shoppers shop for clothes.

Is there connection between both the paragraphs?

After making a point, have you substantiated it with fact/s or statistics?

Improved

● First paragraph: The other day, I needed to buy a present for my best friend,
and browsed through Amazon - world’s largest online store. There was a wide
range of collections and it was hard for me to choose: it took me almost an hour
to zero in on just a pair of jeans!

● Second paragraph: Did you know that more people now prefer to shop online,
rather than in person? Online shopping has grown to become more popular over
the years because of the experience they are able to provide to their customers.
59% of the online shoppers shop for clothes. A Raymonds clothes store is just a
couple blocks away from us but most of our neighbours still buy clothes online.

A good discursive text will also consider the subject from a range of angles…

3. List some ideas for and against online shopping.

For Against

Can be cheaper as some brands do not have If you have to pay delivery charges, that can
physical shops to support. push actual costs up.

More convenient - from the comfort of home Shipping and delivery delays

Larger range of collection/more variety Product does not match what is displayed

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 Better prices Issues with returning items - refunding

Can look at brands all over the world Can’t negotiate/bargain

View other peoples reviews and comments on Products might be from unethical sources
the product

Discursive writing includes factual information or examples related to the topic.

4. Highlight in yellow the information which is most likely to be used in a discursive

article about online shopping.
a. Amazon (an online company) is the third largest retailer in the world.
b. My friend always uses Google to search for information.
c. Online fashion brands like ASOS have seen increased sales.
d. Shops without a strong online presence have often closed down.
e. Systems like PayPal make it very easy to shop online.
f. eBay is popular with online shoppers, but there are smaller brands too.
g. Our town has lots of independent shops which many parents use.
h. My brother plays e-sports the whole time.

5. Decide which of the points above could fit into the following structure for a
discursive piece. Write the letters next to the paragraph.

Introductory paragraph: anecdote of personal experience or surprising fact. A

Second paragraph: developing point made in first paragraph. C, E, D, F
Third paragraph: introduces alternative viewpoint. G
Forth (concluding) paragraph: weighing up both sides.

6. Write an article in response to the following task.

You have been asked by a magazine to write an article about the rise of online shopping.
Use the information from question 3, 4 and 5. Include:

● An explanation of what online shopping is

● Examples of how it is used and some popular brands
● Views for or against online shopping
Checklist for success

✔ Begin with an anecdote, personal experience and/or background information to the

topic.
✔ Continue with a range of viewpoints.
✔ Link your ideas carefully, using appropriate connective words and phrases.

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 ✔ Keep a balanced, measured tone throughout.
✔ End with a conclusion that provides some idea of your own viewpoint.

Start writing below

Xyz

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