Many college students ask themselves this when they are first introduced to this essay. How to write a discursive essay: As a college student, it is essential to learn a discursive essay as it will help them better understand complex topics and arguments.
What is a discursive essay? A discursive essay is a piece of writing that discusses a particular topic in a straightforward and informative way.
Discursive essays are a vital part of many college students’ education. These essays provide an opportunity to explore a topic in-depth, critically evaluate different points of view, and develop well-reasoned arguments. By engaging with various perspectives on a given issue, students can learn to think flexibly and see the world from multiple angles. In addition, discursive essays promote clear and logical thinking and help students sharpen their writing skills. As such, they can be special tools for preparing students for the challenges of college and beyond. Therefore, college students must take the time to learn how to write discursive essays effectively.
This complete writing guide will discuss everything you need to know about writing a successful discursive essay!
The Difference Between a Discursive Essay and an Argumentative Essay
| Features | Discursive Essay | Argumentative Essay |
| The Purpose | Firm Stand | Neutrality |
| The Structure | Less rigid with the sequence of paragraphs being logical | Rigid in format |
| Writing style | Formal and impersonality style | Universal Style |
Similarities Between a Discursive and Argumentative Essay.
Just like an argumentative essay, a discursive essay can be very controversial depending on the chosen topic and the supporting evidence. The essays are both presented with factual research and discussion. The purpose of the two papers is to educate the readers on a particular topic.
Now that you know the differences and similarities between a discursive essay and an argumentative essay, we can learn more about the three main types of a discursive essay.
The Main Types of a Discursive Essay
As a student, you need to achieve writing an excellent discursive essay. Below is the definition of the three main types of a discursive essay:
Opinion Essay
An opinion essay is a discursive essay presenting an argument responding to a topic. This essay aims to persuade the reader to agree with the writer’s opinion. To do this, the writer must present a well-reasoned case supported by evidence and examples.
The organization is vital in an opinion essay; the argument must be clear and easy to follow. Furthermore, the writer must be careful not to allow personal bias to cloud the discussion. When done correctly, an opinion essay can be a powerful tool for persuasion.
For and Against Essay
The for and against is an essay where you discuss two or more conflicting viewpoints on a single issue. You can either focus on one side or present a balanced view of both sides. When writing this type of essay, it is essential to be aware of the different arguments on the topic and present them fairly and honestly.
To do this, you must research the topic thoroughly and consider all sides of the argument before concluding.
Essay Offering a Solution To a Problem
When writing a discursive essay offering a solution, it is essential to remain impartial and objectively present both sides of the argument. The paper should also be well-organized and well-researched. To write a successful discursive essay, you must consider your audience and ensure that your discussion is presented. It would help if you also were prepared to refute the opposing viewpoint. If you are looking for an exciting topic for your following discursive essay, consider discussing the pros and cons of offering a solution to a problem.
How to Write a Discursive Essay Step-by-Step Process
Now, let’s begin with a straightforward step-by-step procedure when tasked with an assignment to write a discursive essay.
Follow these key steps carefully:
Choose a Topic
When writing a discursive essay, one of the most important things to remember is choosing a good topic. It can be difficult, as there are so many options to choose from. However, there are a few key things that you should keep in mind when making your decision.
First, you must ensure that the topic is something you are interested in. Writing a good essay will be very difficult if you are not interested in the subject.
Secondly, you must ensure that the topic is easy to research. If you choose a topic that is too difficult to study, you will likely struggle to find information.
Finally, it would be best if you made sure that the subject is something that has two sides. A good discursive essay will explore both sides of an issue to conclude. By keeping these three things in mind, you will be well in choosing a good topic for your discursive essay.
Write an Outline
When writing a discursive essay, it is essential to draft an outline first. An outline will help ensure that your essay is well-organized and includes all necessary information. In addition, here are a few key points you should have:
- A brief introduction that states the essay’s main topic.
- A discussion of the different sides of the issue. This is where you will present the pros and cons of the case.
- Your own opinion on the subject. Make sure to give your argument clearly and concisely.
- A conclusion that briefly summarises the main points of the essay.
Discursive Essay Outline
Write an Introduction
In a discursive essay, it is essential to have a strong introduction that will engage the reader and give them an overview of the topic that will be discussed. The introduction should also provide a brief explanation of the opposing viewpoint so that readers know both sides of the issue.
An excellent way to start a discursive essay is to provide a general history or background on the topic to give readers some context. Once you have introduced the case, you can explore both sides of the argument more deeply. Remember to use evidence and reasoning throughout the essay to support your points.
Write the Body
When writing the body of a discursive essay, there are specific tips to keep in mind.
In this section, it is essential to provide a fair and balanced exploration of both sides of the issue.
Here are some tips to follow to write an effective discursive essay:
- Firstly, remember that a discursive essay should be objective and impartial. It means you should not express any personal opinion or take sides in the debate.
- Secondly, make sure that you consider all points of view equally. Even if you may personally agree with one side of the argument more than the other, you should still present both sides fairly and evenly.
- Thirdly, back up your points with evidence. When making claims or assertions, support them with facts and specific examples. Evidence helps make your argument more convincing and prevents you from coming across as biased.
- Finally, avoid using inflammatory or offensive language. Even if you are trying to be objective, using language that could be seen as rude or offensive will only alienate readers and make your essay less effective.
Write the Conclusion
Finally, for your essay to be effective, you must ensure that your conclusion is just as balanced as the rest of your paper. In other words, you should neither reaffirm your opening statement nor introduce any new information in the conclusion. Instead, it would be best if you focused on bringing together the various strands of your argument and leaving the reader with a clear sense of your overall perspective. If done correctly, this will give your reader a sense of completion and leave them with something to think about long after reading your essay.
5 Simple Tips on How to Write a Discursive Essay
Now that you have a clear understanding of how to write a discursive essay, we will share with you five simple tips for you to use to write an excellent article.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your discursive essay is well-written and informative.
Keep Neutrality
The body of your essay should be neutral. It is excellent advice because you will neither support nor oppose the topic sentence. Neutrality can be challenging, especially if you feel strongly about the topic. Still, it is essential to remember that your goal is to provide a well-rounded overview of the issue. To do this, you must present both sides of the argument fairly and objectively.
Select Good Sources
Another critical tip when writing the body of a discursive essay is to use evidence from your sources to support your claims. A good source is written by an expert on the topic, is free of bias, and somewhat presents both sides of the issue. Use relevant and persuasive evidence to help you make your case effectively.
Provide Your Opinions
An excellent tip in this is to provide your opinions. Your opinions will help make your argument more persuasive and ensure your reader understands your position. Remember, the goal of a discursive essay is not simply stating your opinion but convincing your reader that your idea is valid.
Use a Formal 3rd Voice
When writing a discursive essay, it is essential to use a formal 3rd personal voice to help make your essay sound more objective and balanced. Maintaining a proper tone of voice throughout the essay’s body will help you avoid contractions and allow you to use the appropriate for an academic setting. In addition, it will also help to give your argument more weight and make it more convincing to the reader.,
Use Evidence and Real Examples
You should use evidence and real examples to support your points and avoid personal anecdotes or unsupported claims. This will allow you to show that you have considered the issue from multiple factual perspectives. Give your argument more weight and make it more persuasive. In addition, using evidence and real examples will make your essay more engaging and more accessible for readers to follow. So if you’re wondering how to write a discursive essay, remember to use evidence and real examples to support your points.
In conclusion,
So there you have it! Our guidelines for writing a discursive essay. We hope that this has been helpful and informative. If you need help putting these tips into practice or want us to review your work, please don’t hesitate to contact Bright Writers. We are here to help you succeed in your academic endeavors!
What is the structure of a discursive essay?
- The first step is introducing the topic and giving some background information.
- Secondly, present both sides of the argument.
- Finally, summarize the essay’s main points and give your opinion on the issue.
How do I start a discursive essay?
You can start by asking questions to grab your reader’s attention. You can also be imaginative and creative as you begin your essay.
How is a discursive essay different from an argumentative essay?
A discursive essay is a type of essay that covers a wide range of topics. Unlike an argumentative essay, which takes one side of an issue and defends it, a discursive essay explores both sides of a case.
