DISCURSIVE

WRITING
  It is a piece of formal writing
which discusses a particular
issue, solution or problem.
 It is more informative, requires a
WHAT IS A
DISCURSIVE thorough investigation and
ESSAY? observation.
 The writer discusses a range of
possible views and then outlines
his/her own thoughts on the
subject.
 There are three types of essay
writing:
Discursive essay
TYPES OF For and against essay
ESSAY (argumentative writing)
WRITING Opinion essay (persuasive
writing)
Essays suggesting solutions to
problems (proposal)
  They present both sides of an issue, discussing
points in favor of a particular topic as well as
those against.

 Likewise, they may present the advantages or

disadvantages of a particular question.
DISCURSIV
E WRITING  Each point should be supported by justification,
examples and/or reasons.

 The writer presents a balanced view on the

topic.

 The writer’s own opinion should be presented

  They present the writer’s personal opinion
concerning the topic clearly stated and supported
by reasons and/or examples.

 The opposing viewpoint and reason should be

included in a separate paragraph before the
ARGUMENTAT conclusion, together with the argument that
shows it is an unconvincing viewpoint.
IVE ESSAY
 The writer’s opinion should be included in the
introduction and summarized / restated in the
conclusion.

 The writer takes a side and persuades the reader

of his / her opinion in such a way to convince
them.
Argumentative Discursive
 Opening statement – giving opinion

• Establish your opinion

Series of paragraphs – each containing the following:

DISCURSIVE
• Arguments for and supporting evidence
ESSAY • Arguments against and supporting evidence
STRUCTURE

Summary / Conclusion

• Restating opinion
 Opening statement – giving
opinion
• State clearly where your position is

Series of paragraphs – each

ARGUMENTAT containing the following:
IVE ESSAY
• Counter argument
STRUCTURE
• Refute counter argument

Summary / Conclusion
• Restating opinion
 First person
(argumentative) or
Present Tense
third person
(discursive) GENERAL
LANGUAG
Connectives E FEATURE
Topic Sentences (Linking Words and
Phrases)
FOR
DISCURSIV
E WRITING
Similes or
Phrases to give own Metaphors or any
opinion other figurative
language
 Type of link Example
furthermore, likewise, in addition,
similarly, also, moreover - numbering your
points (‘firstly’, ‘secondly’, etc) is a rather
Same line of thought mechanical method of linking and is best
avoided

thus, therefore, consequently,

accordingly, in retrospect, hence, in
Conclusion or summary conclusion, in brief, as a result
LINKING
IDEAS Definite statement
without question, without doubt,
unquestionably, absolutely

yet, on the other hand, nevertheless,

however, although, conversely, otherwise,
Contrasting idea on the contrary

because, for instance, since, for example,

so that, despite the fact that, accordingly,
Further examples although, if, though, unless
  Please create a topic sentence for
LET’S both discursive and argumentative
PRACTICE writing relating to a topic of “fox
hunting”
Discursive writing:

• Fox hunting is a traditional sport in which

the hunters chase the fox and kill it if caught.
They bring a pack of dogs to sniff out the fox
scent and chase it on horseback.
INTRODUC
TION
Argumentative writing:

• Fox hunting is a cruel and selfish sport.

Foxes in general are not a threat to humans.
Yet, some hunters cruelly catch and kill these
foxes for their own pleasure. When they
aren’t caught,……
 Fox hunting is a common activity in some
particular countries where people hunt foxes
with the use of a specific equipment. As for
some individuals, fox hunting may be a fun
DISCURSIV activity for them where it is considered as a
fun activity to fill their leisure time. However,
E WRITING for some people, fox hunting seem to be a
horrible activity.
YOUR TASK
Find an article in the news or in a blog about the older generations or the changing role
of teachers or parents nowadays.

Using the information in the text / in the article, please write an argumentative essay
relating to the ideas of:
• Teachers shouldn’t try to be friends or role models.
• It is natural and right that the older generations should tell young people what to do. Older people have the
experience to know what is right and wrong.

250 – 350 words.