Discursive WRITING 

The key to success is to show sufficient topic vocabulary, sufficient ideas and opinions,
good planning and a good use of structures and expressions!

Some tips – make sure the following statements are true about your essay
o I have answered the question ( check against rubric!)
o The sentences and organization are clear and logical- remember to use linking
expressions throughout your composition.
o Arguments are followed by reasons and examples.
o It is clear what I think by the end.
o I have used semi-formal/formal style consistently.
o I have not used strong language, colloquial expressions or personal examples.
o Make sure each paragraph has more than one sentence.
o I have used sophisticated vocabulary, instead of simplistic words.
o I have included reasonable ideas- examiners are not amused by ridiculous opinions!
 Types of
essays
a- For and Against Essay (to discuss advantages and disadvantages of a specific topic)

Format:
* INTRODUCTION – Mention the topic/s which you are going to write about. Make a
strong effort to attract the reader’s attention by using a general statement or a rhetorical
question without giving your opinion.

Useful language: “ The question of … can be looked at from several points of view.” “ The
problem of…should be considered in relation to…” “ It can be examined in terms of…” “
…must be also taken into consideration/account…” “ First of all I’d like to say that…” “
The first point I’d like to make is…” “ Many people say that/ claim/…” “Why do some
people believe that…?”

*MAIN BODY/ PARAGRAPHS 1, 2, (3), . – Allow one paragraph for each topic you
want to discuss. Support your ideas, comment on advantages and disadvantages, give
details, reasons, justifications and specific examples where possible. Remember to decide
in which order you will mention the points . You must not include opinion words ( I
believe, I Think, etc.) in the main body.

Paragraphing- Topic sentences

 First, write the topic sentence to summarize the main topic of the paragraph.
 Second, write supporting sentences to justify the argument using linking words.

e.g. Travelling by train has a lot of advantages. ( Topic Sentence) First of all, it is
comfortable as trains are spacious. What is more, trains are convenient. For example, it
is not necessary to take food or beverages because most trains have a restaurant.
(Supporting Sentence)

* CONCLUSION – Summarize the question. Always leave yourself enough time for this.
There is nothing worse than reading a very well-developed argument which doesn’t have a
good ending. Do not include new arguments or ideas because you will not be able to
support them with reasons and examples. You can only include your opinion in this final
paragraph.

Useful language: “ To sum up…” “ On balance, despite the various advantages…” “ …

has both advantages and disadvantages…” “ In conclusion…” “ On the whole…” “ To
sum up, there are arguments…”” All things considered ,although there are some
disadvantages to…I believe it is…”
b- Opinion essays ( to present your personal opinion on a specific topic. “ DO YOU
AGREE?”)
Format
* INTRODUCTION – Mention the topic/s which you are going to write about. Make a
strong effort to attract the reader’s attention by introducing the subject and giving your
opinion clearly.
* PARAGRAPHS 1, 2, (3), . – Allow one paragraph for each topic Support your ideas by
reasons, justifications and specific examples where possible. Allow one paragraph for the
opposing viewpoint. Remember to decide in which order you will mention the points .
* CONCLUSION- restate your opinion using different words

Coherence and cohesion:

To check coherence make yourself these
questions:
a- Is the objective clear? Has
communication been achieved?
b- Does it have the necessary
information to match the topic?
c- Does it have unnecessary
information or contradictory ideas?
d- Does each paragraph cover one
distinctive idea?
To check cohesion make yourself the
following questions:
a- Is punctuation correctly used?
b- Are pronouns and connectors
correctly used?
c- Are sentences written with a logical
and comprehensible order?

Variety of sentences: Remember that variety can make your written piece attractive.
- You can write long sentences, by joining your ideas with connectors, and sometimes short
ones to change the rhythm or pace of your composition. The irregular use of very short
sentences can make your argument more dramatic.

TECHNIQUES TO BEGIN OR END YOUR ESSAY MORE EFFECTIVELY

- Sometimes you can round off your paragraphs with: rhetorical questions (questions which
don’t really need to be answered), quotations (“Love is all you need,” said The Beatles),
thought-provoking statements or questions (a strong claim or question that makes the
reader think/ consider something carefully) etc.