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155 Exceptional Discursive Essay Topics To Try

Do you have a discursive essay to prepare, and getting the right topic is proving challenging? Selecting the best title for your essay can be challenging because it requires a lot of research and a deep understanding of the respective discipline. For others, it is simply a lack of confidence and materials for research. So, what is the way out?

To help you get high grades, this post provides a list of 155 hot topics that you can use. Consider using them as they are or tweak a little to fit your preference. Do not just select any topic for your discursive essay; select the best.

How to Select a Good Discursive Essay Topic

Before we can list the best topics to write a discursive essay on, it is important to answer the question, “How do you pick the best?” Here are some expert tips:

Interesting to You No matter the study discipline, the topic you select should be interesting. This can help you to develop a stronger attachment with the work, increasing the chances of crafting a high-quality paper. If you select a topic that is not interesting, the chances are that it will become challenging midway. Relevant As a college or university student, every paper you do should help push you higher into your career ladder. Therefore, it is important to select topics that are relevant to your field, especially the latest happenings. For example, a student pursuing international relations might want to explore areas such as the recent withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan, the recent Israel-Hamas war, or the American policy on climate change. Enough Materials As you select the topic, it will be an excellent idea to also think about the resources that will be used to prepare it. If you do not have ample books, journals, and other publications, there is a danger of getting stuck. Focused and Catchy

When your lecturer checks the essay, the topic is what you will get first, and, therefore, you should make it catchy. This makes the reader want to go deeper into the paper and see what you have to say. A good topic is also likely to earn you a higher grade.

Next, we will highlight the main essay ideas, starting with higher English discursive essay topics. We will also tell you why it is important to work with an expert writer.

Good Discursive Essay Topics for Higher English

Should foreign languages be taught in all schools?
Both safe sex and abstinence should be taught in high school.
In education, are motivational theories effective?
Teenagers and children should always speak out about domestic violence.
Should the government ban all types of sports betting?
Cheating during college examinations should be punished severely.
Alternative sources of energy are excellent in addressing global warming phenomena.
Good communication skills are crucial for success in business.
Should we make recycling mandatory for all?
E-books should not replace conventional books in college and university.
Should we reduce the legal age for acquiring a driving license in the UK?
Every business should invest in innovation.
Competition: Is it a good thing?
Are girls too mean in relationships?
Is fashion important?

Discursive Writing Topics in Sports

Can you keep children out of danger through sports?
Girls should be allowed to participate in the same sports as boys.
Should we legalize the use of steroid alternatives in athletics?
Students should be paid for participating in school sports.
All females should be banned from taking part in extreme sports.
Alcohol and tobacco adverts should be banned from school sports events.
The rules used to guide how coaches treat players are not strict enough.
Parents should disallow their students from participating in school soccer.
Should sports betting be made legal in all countries?
Are video games sports?
Is there a way of preventing injuries in soccer?
Engaging in professional sports is a way of life and not a hobby.
Being gay in sports draws a lot of attention from the media.
Is it acceptable for a soccer coach to lose his/her emotions on the field?
Sports can result in both positive and negative impacts on a person’s health.
Chess: Should it be considered a fully-fledged type of sport like basketball and soccer?
Do athletes experience stress?

Controversial Discursive Essay Topics for You

Death penalty: Is it effective?
What are the main causes of war?

Should we abolish all tobacco products?

Abortion should be abolished.
Illegal migrants: Should they be granted the right of abode?
What should society do to reduce payment inequality between men and women?
Capitalism is the best economic model.
Should we use animals for research?
BREXIT was a huge mistake.
Computer games are bad for children.
Ballarat Rebellion: Why did it end in just 30 minutes?
Sex before marriage should be forbidden.
Is homeschooling better than normal schooling?
To succeed in business, communication is the most important thing?
Fast foods should be disqualified as food.
Parents are to blame for high levels of overweight and obesity among children.
Is globalization really important?
Should human cloning be allowed?
Online dating has ruined the importance of traditional romance.
Can politics be free and fair?

Interesting Topics for Discursive Essays

Uniforms in school limit student’s freedom of expression.
Should all steroid users be banned from all sports in the UK?
Should all court proceedings be captured on camera?
Same-sex marriages: Should they be banned?
Does workplace diversity result in higher productivity?
What is the main challenge for women in the workplace?
Post-WWII America: How did it grow?
Should parents select careers for their children?
Reading non-fiction books helps to improve a person’s writing skills.
Should famous people get involved in leadership, especially politics?
Is Yoga a more spiritual event than fasting?
Short dresses should be banned from schools and workplaces.
Is space exploration a worthy undertaking?
Do we really require social media to stay in touch with each other?
Are vegetarians healthier than meat lovers?
WWI: What was the potential of the Russian Army?
Can virtual reality become dangerous to young people?
Rock music: Is it related to Satanism?

Unique Discursive Essay Topics

Do video games have an advantage for adults?
Punishing students that include physical torture should be banned in schools.
Is the global society becoming over-regulated?
Should we allow students to rate their trainers?
What is the biggest challenge faced by learners in college today?
Movies are better than cartoons.
Should America and Canada merge to form one country?
Smartphones are excellent learning tools.
Why do teenagers feel freer to talk on social media as opposed to face-to-face?
Does the training offered in college prepare students adequately for the real world?
To be successful, hard work alone is not enough.
Is the taxation system in the US effective?
Is college tuition in the UK too expensive?
Is studying Shakespeare in college a good idea today?
Without faith, life is incomplete.

Good Discursive Essay Topics in History

What was the impact of colonization on the Native Americans?
The main causes of the American Revolution.
History of racism in the UK.
What role did women play in WWII?
How significant are the measures adopted by the US to control terrorism?
What issues caused major conflicts between the South and North, resulting in the American Civil-war?
Were Egyptian pyramids constructed using slave labor?
Did WWII spur the creation of a new set of professionals?
During WWII, soldiers were the main spreaders of the Spanish Flu.
The results of WWI caused WWII: Is it correct?
The Second Civil War in South Sudan resulted in the creation of the independent republic of South Sudan.
Spanish-American War: Was it the cheapest war in history?
Why did the Soviet invade Afghanistan?
The Haiti Revolution of 1791-1804: Was it the only successful rebellion of liberated slaves?
Socio-economic and political revolution: What is the main difference?
The Panama Canal made the country one of the fastest-growing nations in Latin America.
Mexican-American War: Why did America Carry the Day?
How are the weapons of ancient Asian Civilization reflected in their culture?
How did the decolonized African states try to decolonize their history?

List of Discursive Essay Topics in Sociology

Should governments put some limits on the freedom of speech?
Giving male workers paternity leave: Is it a good idea?
Are there circumstances when torture is acceptable?
Failed parenting: What is the right form of punishment?
What are the main causes of single-parenthood in society today?
Socialism or capitalism: What is more beneficial to society?
Are women less privileged in society?
Increase in youth crime in the society: What are the major causes?
Is beauty more perceived than intelligence?
Racial stereotyping: What are the implications?
Society and culture: What is the meeting point?
Modern technology: Has it made the globe a better place?
Ethnicity: How does it impact social class?
Is it possible to stop social violence?
What are the psychological impacts of war on children?
Family structure: Does it influence societal development?
What is the best way to encourage society to have good morals?
Is the gay culture a threat to the traditional family?
Single parenting: Has it been accepted in society?

Ideas for Discursive Essays in Nursing

Who between nurses and doctors is exposed to more health hazards?
Racial discrimination: Is it a major issue in nursing?
Do nurses play a bigger role than doctors in defining a patient’s recovery?
Should the government ban costumes that sexualize nurses?
What is the right number of nurses to have in a hospital?
Are female nurses more indifferent to patients than male ones?
Night shift nurses and day-time nurses: Who should earn more?
Nurses’ remuneration: Should their wages be at par with that of doctors?
Are most nurses negligent?
The importance of interpersonal skills in nursing?
What is the impact of nursing theories in nursing practice?
The importance of leadership and managerial skills in nursing.
Sociological issues in nursing.
Do nurses face racial issues in their course of work?

Use Essay Writing Help to Craft A-Rated Discursive Essays

Once you have selected the preferred topic to write a discursive essay on, it marks the start of the next phase, which is the actual writing of the paper. Here, you need to have top-notch research and writing skills to be able to prepare high-quality work. You also require a good mastery of the subject under consideration and enough time to work on the paper. Rarely do students have this combination, and their best way out is working with online academic writing experts.

The professionals offering academic writing services have been on this type of job for years and amassed enough experience. Indeed, they are likely to have handled similar types of paper before, and yours will be pretty easy to complete. The services are also cheap and the writers can work really fast to complete even the essays with the tightest deadlines. You can never go wrong with an expert holding your hand!

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Discursive Essay Topics for Students

Home / Blog / 50 Unique Discursive Essay Topics For Students

Introduction

An essay paper is one of the shortest forms of academic tasks, but it isn’t exactly the easiest. Conducting thorough research, preparing a thesis statement, drafting the essay, and proofreading can be quite hectic if you are chased by a stringent deadline. Besides, if you have to write a new type of essay, things may get a lot more challenging for you. A discursive essay is a perfect example of a task that challenges students beyond limits.

Unfortunately, most students don’t know much about a discursive essay. To put it simply, a discursive essay presents both sides of an argument, and then discusses the stance of the author. Here, you need to maintain a formal tone. You need to write the whole paper from the perspective of a third person, even while expressing your opinion. The outline of a discursive essay is quite simple.

Choosing the topic for your discursive essay

Since you have no experience in working on this essay type, it might seem difficult to prepare an essay all by yourself. Before you can get to the writing part, you need to pick a topic first. Selecting a topic is the most time-consuming segment of drafting an essay. To find the right topic for your discursive essay, you can consider the following factors:

Brainstorm :

To generate some effective topic ideas for your essay, try brainstorming with your friends. This process is used in various professions (including creative writing) worldwide to find innovative ideas. People try many ways to brainstorm for ideas. See what suits you the best and jot down the potential ideas for further consideration.

Preferences of the instructor :

While selecting a topic, you need to ensure that it is relevant to the readers, which in your case is the essay instructor. If you want to leave a lasting impression on the instructor, choosing a topic of his/her interests is essential. Communicate with the instructor and try to know about the topics he/she likes. This will help you boost your chances of scoring better marks.

Things that you are interested in:

Most students don’t enjoy academic writing as they find the task to be boring. If you need to draft a discursive essay, consider the topics that genuinely interest you. You will be excited to work on the essay help and you will put in more efforts to excel in the task. If you have already learned about the interests of the instructor, select a topic preferred by both of you.

Availability of research material :

Since you have to present both sides of the argument in a discursive essay, you need a significant amount of data to support your claim as well as the counter-argument. It is better to confirm the availability of necessary data on the chosen essay topic. Scan the internet with proper keywords. If you don’t find any reliable data on the topic, you should consider a different topic.

By considering the four aforementioned factors, you can find a remarkable topic for your discursive essay. In case you are running short on time, you can take ideas from the following list of discursive essay topic ideas.

Impressive topic ideas for a discursive essay

Can violence in video games cause behavioral problems in children?
Is it beneficial to enroll a child in a single-sex school than a co-ed school?
Do firewalls keep the users away from bad content?
Is there any possibility of having another world war in the near future?
Are teachers and schools responsible for the low-test score of a student?
Is the advancement of technology responsible for the increasing number of Cancer patients?
Is Facebook a great tool for socializing or a terrible place for privacy?
Has the internet brought more harm than good?
No one is above the law – is it true?
Is there too much pressure on teens to attend college?
Should there be a legal curfew for minors?
Do mainstream media have the responsibility to promote more diversity?
Should parents push their kids into extracurricular activities?
Should advertisements highlight warnings and side effects?
Do movies create unrealistic expectations for relationships and marriage?
Do children really need an allowance?
Is today's music educating young listeners?
Should parents be on social media platforms?
Should media representatives be punished for an unfair presentation of facts?
Was the war in Iraq justified?
Should court proceedings be televised?
Should gay marriages be accepted in all democratic nations?
Do the police favour law offenders based on their race?
Should parents go for advanced training in parenthood?
Is peer pressure bad?
Using animals as test subjects: necessary or cruelty?
Is a college degree important for success?
Sex education in schools: Should it be stopped or increased?
Should schools teach foreign languages right from kindergarten?
Should there be a dress code for every professional?
Should working places have afternoon nap facilities for the employees?
Is a vegan diet healthy?
Is being broke a habit?
Space exploration is just a huge waste of money.
Destroying forests is a crime against the planet.
Being wealthy and being happy are two different things.
Artificial Intelligence is not a danger to humanity.
Technologies used in space exploration can solve critical problems on earth.
Unmanned probes are not a great choice for space exploration.
Smoking zones should be brought down.
Is it possible to live a healthy life without eating meat?
Do curfews keep children out of trouble?
Are beauty pageants exploitative?
Should men get paternity leave from work?
Do photoshopped images affect self-image and self-esteem?
Passive smokers suffer more than active ones.
Everyone should have free access to healthcare.
Is online censorship critical for internet users?
Cross-cultural marriages have a positive impact on racial tolerance.
Working hours must be reduced to let people spend more time with their family.

You can use these topic ideas for reference and generate an impressive topic idea of your own. You can also use one of these ideas to get started with your discursive essay. However, it is always better to work on a unique topic idea to grab the attention of your instructor.

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student opinion

130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we’re rounding up 130 more we’ve published since then ( available here as a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

Please note: Many of these prompts are still open to comment by students 13 and up.

Technology & Social Media

1. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 2. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 3. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 4. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 5. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 6. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 7. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 8. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 9. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

10. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 11. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 12. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 13. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 14. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 15. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 16. Should Your School Day Start Later? 17. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 18. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns? 19. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 20. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money? 21. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 22. Should Gifted and Talented Education Be Eliminated? 23. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 24. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers? 25. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 26. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 27. Should Schools Teach About Climate Change? 28. Should All Schools Offer Music Programs? 29. Does Your School Need More Money? 30. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 31. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 32. Do Kids Need Recess?

College & Career

33. What Is Your Reaction to the College Admissions Cheating Scandal? 34. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 35. Should Everyone Go to College? 36. Should College Be Free? 37. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 38. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 39. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 40. Should Fraternities Be Abolished? 41. Is Student Debt Worth It?

Mental & Physical Health

42. Should Students Get Mental Health Days Off From School? 43. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 44. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 45. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 46. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 47. What Do You Think About Vegetarianism? 48. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs? 49. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 50. Do You Think Porn Influences the Way Teenagers Think About Sex?

Race & Gender

51. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 52. Is America ‘Backsliding’ on Race? 53. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 54. Should All Companies Require Anti-Bias Training for Employees? 55. Should Columbus Day Be Replaced With Indigenous Peoples Day? 56. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 57. Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed? 58. What Is Hard About Being a Boy?

59. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 60. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 61. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 62. Should Graffiti Be Protected? 63. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 64. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 65. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 66. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 67. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 68. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 69. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 70. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 71. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 72. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate?

73. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 74. Should College Athletes Be Paid? 75. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 76. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 77. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 78. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 79. Should Blowouts Be Allowed in Youth Sports? 80. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures?

81. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 82. Should Extinct Animals Be Resurrected? If So, Which Ones? 83. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 84. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 85. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 86. Is This Exhibit Animal Cruelty or Art?

Parenting & Childhood

87. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 88. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 89. Should Parents Track Their Teenager’s Location? 90. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 91. How Should Parents Talk to Their Children About Drugs? 92. What Should We Call Your Generation? 93. Do Other People Care Too Much About Your Post-High School Plans? 94. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 95. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 96. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 97. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 98. When Do You Become an Adult?

Ethics & Morality

99. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 100. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 101. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 102. Is It O.K. to Use Family Connections to Get a Job? 103. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 104. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 105. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities? 106. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations? 107. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

Government & Politics

108. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 109. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 110. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 111. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 112. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 113. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 114. Should National Monuments Be Protected by the Government? 115. Should Free Speech Protections Include Self Expression That Discriminates? 116. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 117. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 118. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 119. Should the United States Abolish Daylight Saving Time? 120. Should We Abolish the Death Penalty? 121. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 122. Should the U.S. Get Rid of the Electoral College? 123. What Do You Think of President Trump’s Use of Twitter? 124. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 125. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other?

26 Planning a Discursive Essay

Discursive essay – description.

A discursive essay is a form of critical essay that attempts to provide the reader with a balanced argument on a topic, supported by evidence. It requires critical thinking, as well as sound and valid arguments (see Chapter 25) that acknowledge and analyse arguments both for and against any given topic, plus discursive essay writing appeals to reason, not emotions or opinions. While it may draw some tentative conclusions, based on evidence, the main aim of a discursive essay is to inform the reader of the key arguments and allow them to arrive at their own conclusion.

The writer needs to research the topic thoroughly to present more than one perspective and should check their own biases and assumptions through critical reflection (see Chapter 30).

Unlike persuasive writing, the writer does not need to have knowledge of the audience, though should write using academic tone and language (see Chapter 20).

Choose Your Topic Carefully

A basic guide to choosing an assignment topic is available in Chapter 23, however choosing a topic for a discursive essay means considering more than one perspective. Not only do you need to find information about the topic via academic sources, you need to be able to construct a worthwhile discussion, moving from idea to idea. Therefore, more forward planning is required. The following are decisions that need to be considered when choosing a discursive essay topic:

These will become the controlling ideas for your three body paragraphs (some essays may require more). Each controlling idea will need arguments both for and against.
For example, if my topic is “renewable energy” and my three main (controlling) ideas are “cost”, “storage”, “environmental impact”, then I will need to consider arguments both for and against each of these three concepts. I will also need to have good academic sources with examples or evidence to support my claim and counter claim for each controlling idea (More about this in Chapter 27).
Am I able to write a thesis statement about this topic based on the available research? In other words, do my own ideas align with the available research, or am I going to be struggling to support my own ideas due to a lack of academic sources or research? You need to be smart about your topic choice. Do not make it harder than it has to be. Writing a discursive essay is challenging enough without struggling to find appropriate sources.
For example, perhaps I find a great academic journal article about the uptake of solar panel installation in suburban Australia and how this household decision is cost-effective long-term, locally stored, and has minimal, even beneficial environmental impact due to the lowering of carbon emissions. Seems too good to be true, yet it is perfect for my assignment. I would have to then find arguments AGAINST everything in the article that supports transitioning suburbs to solar power. I would have to challenge the cost-effectiveness, the storage, and the environmental impact study. Now, all of a sudden my task just became much more challenging.
There may be vast numbers of journal articles written about your topic, but consider how relevant they may be to your tentative thesis statement. It takes a great deal of time to search for appropriate academic sources. Do you have a good internet connection at home or will you need to spend some quality time at the library? Setting time aside to complete your essay research is crucial for success.

It is only through complete forward planning about the shape and content of your essay that you may be able to choose the topic that best suits your interests, academic ability and time management. Consider how you will approach the overall project, not only the next step.

Research Your Topic

When completing a library search for online peer reviewed journal articles, do not forget to use Boolean Operators to refine or narrow your search field. Standard Boolean Operators are (capitalized) AND, OR and NOT. While using OR will expand your search, AND and NOT will reduce the scope of your search. For example, if I want information on ageism and care giving, but I only want it to relate to the elderly, I might use the following to search a database: ageism AND care NOT children. Remember to keep track of your search strings (like the one just used) and then you’ll know what worked and what didn’t as you come and go from your academic research.

The UQ Library provides an excellent step-by-step guide to searching databases:

Searching in databases – Library – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

Did you know that you can also link the UQ Library to Google Scholar? This link tells you how:

Google Scholar – Library – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

Write the Thesis Statement

The concept of a thesis statement was introduced in Chapter 21. The information below relates specifically to a discursive essay thesis statement.

As noted in the introduction to this chapter, the discursive essay should not take a stance and therefore the thesis statement must also impartially indicate more than one perspective. The goal is to present both sides of an argument equally and allow the reader to make an informed and well-reasoned choice after providing supporting evidence for each side of the argument.

Sample thesis statements: Solar energy is a cost -effective solution to burning fossil fuels for electricity , however lower income families cannot afford the installation costs .

Some studies indicate that teacher comments written in red may have no effect on students’ emotions , however other studies suggest that seeing red ink on papers could cause some students unnecessary stress. [1]

According to social justice principles, education should be available to all , yet historically, the intellectually and physically impaired may have been exempt from participation due to their supposed inability to learn. [2]

This is where your pros and cons list comes into play. For each pro, or positive statement you make, about your topic, create an equivalent con, or negative statement and this will enable you to arrive at two opposing assertions – the claim and counter claim.

While there may be multiple arguments or perspectives related to your essay topic, it is important that you match each claim with a counter-claim. This applies to the thesis statement and each supporting argument within the body paragraphs of the essay.

It is not just a matter of agreeing or disagreeing. A neutral tone is crucial. Do not include positive or negative leading statements, such as “It is undeniable that…” or “One should not accept the view that…”. You are NOT attempting to persuade the reader to choose one viewpoint over another.

Leading statements / language will be discussed further, in class, within term three of the Academic English course.

Thesis Structure:

Note the two sides (indicated in green and orange)
Note the use of tentative language: “Some studies”, “may have”, “could cause”, “some students”
As the thesis is yet to be discussed in-depth, and you are not an expert in the field, do not use definitive language
The statement is also one sentence, with a “pivot point” in the middle, with a comma and signposting to indicate a contradictory perspective (in black). Other examples include, nevertheless, though, although, regardless, yet, albeit. DO NOT use the word “but” as it lacks academic tone. Some signposts (e.g., although, though, while) may be placed at the start of the two clauses rather than in the middle – just remember the comma, for example, “While some studies suggest solar energy is cost-effective, other critical research questions its affordability.”
Also note that it is based on preliminary research and not opinion: “some studies”, “other studies”, “according to social justice principles”, “critical research”.

Claims and Counter Claims

NOTE: Please do not confuse the words ‘claim’ and ‘counter-claim’ with moral or value judgements about right/wrong, good/bad, successful/unsuccessful, or the like. The term ‘claim’ simply refers to the first position or argument you put forward (whether for or against), and ‘counter-claim’ is the alternate position or argument.

In a discursive essay the goal is to present both sides equally and then draw some tentative conclusions based on the evidence presented.

To formulate your claims and counter claims, write a list of pros and cons.
For each pro there should be a corresponding con.
Three sets of pros and cons will be required for your discursive essay. One set for each body paragraph. These become your claims and counter claims.
For a longer essay, you would need further claims and counter claims.
Some instructors prefer students to keep the pros and cons in the same order across the body paragraphs. Each paragraph would then have a pro followed by a con or else a con followed by a pro. The order should align with your thesis; if the thesis gives a pro view of the topic followed by a negative view (con) then the paragraphs should also start with the pro and follow with the con, or else vice versa. If not aligned and consistent, the reader may easily become confused as the argument proceeds. Ask your teacher if this is a requirement for your assessment.

Use previous chapters to explore your chosen topic through concept mapping (Chapter 18) and essay outlining (Chapter 19), with one variance; you must include your proposed claims and counter claims in your proposed paragraph structures. What follows is a generic model for a discursive essay. The following Chapter 27 will examine this in further details.

Sample Discursive Essay Outline

The paragraphs are continuous; the dot-points are only meant to indicate content.

Introduction

Thesis statement
Essay outline (including 3 controlling ideas)

Body Paragraphs X 3 (Elaboration and evidence will be more than one sentence, though the topic, claim and counter claim should be succinct)

T opic sentence, including 1/3 controlling ideas (the topic remains the same throughout the entire essay; it is the controlling idea that changes)
A claim/assertion about the controlling idea
E laboration – more information about the claim
E vidence -academic research (Don’t forget to tell the reader how / why the evidence supports the claim. Be explicit in your E valuation rather than assuming the connection is obvious to the reader)
A counter claim (remember it must be COUNTER to the claim you made, not about something different)
E laboration – more information about the counter claim
E vidence – academic research (Don’t forget to tell the reader how / why the evidence supports the claim. Be explicit in your E valuation rather than assuming the connection is obvious to the reader)
Concluding sentence – L inks back to the topic and/or the next controlling idea in the following paragraph

Mirror the introduction. The essay outline should have stated the plan for the essay – “This essay will discuss…”, therefore the conclusion should identify that this has been fulfilled, “This essay has discussed…”, plus summarise the controlling ideas and key arguments. ONLY draw tentative conclusions BOTH for and against, allowing the reader to make up their own mind about the topic. Also remember to re-state the thesis in the conclusion. If it is part of the marking criteria, you should also include a recommendation or prediction about the future use or cost/benefit of the chosen topic/concept.

A word of warning, many students fall into the generic realm of stating that there should be further research on their topic or in the field of study. This is a gross statement of the obvious as all academia is ongoing. Try to be more practical with your recommendations and also think about who would instigate them and where the funding might come from.

This chapter gives an overview of what a discursive essay is and a few things to consider when choosing your topic. It also provides a generic outline for a discursive essay structure. The following chapter examines the structure in further detail.

Inez, S. M. (2018, September 10). What is a discursive essay, and how do you write a good one? Kibin. ↵
Hale, A., & Basides, H. (2013). The keys to academic English. Palgrave ↵

researched, reliable, written by academics and published by reputable publishers; often, but not always peer reviewed

assertion, maintain as fact

The term ‘claim’ simply refers to the first position or argument you put forward (whether for or against), and ‘counter-claim’ is the alternate position or argument.

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How to Write a Discursive Essay: Awesome Guide and Template

Interesting fact: Did you know that the term "discursive" is derived from the Latin word "discursus," which means to run about or to traverse? This reflects the nature of a discursive essay, as it involves exploring various perspectives, moving through different points of view, and presenting a comprehensive discussion on a given topic.

In this article, you will find out about a discursive essay definition, learn the difference between a discourse and an argumentative essay, gain practical how-to tips, and check out a discursive essay example.

What Is a Discursive Essay

A discursive essay definition is a type of formal writing that presents a balanced analysis of a particular topic. Unlike an argumentative essay, which takes a firm stance on a single perspective and seeks to persuade the reader to adopt that viewpoint, a discursive essay explores multiple sides of an issue.

The goal of a discursive essay is to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject, presenting different arguments, counterarguments, and perspectives in a structured and organized manner.

This type of essay encourages critical thinking and reasoned discourse. It typically includes an introduction that outlines the topic and sets the stage for the discussion, followed by a series of body paragraphs that delve into various aspects of the issue. The essay may also address counterarguments and opposing viewpoints.

Finally, a discursive essay concludes by summarizing the key points and often leaves room for the reader to form their own informed opinion on the matter. This form of writing is commonly assigned in academic settings, allowing students to demonstrate their ability to analyze complex topics and present a well-reasoned exploration of diverse viewpoints. In case you find this type of composition too difficult, just say, ‘ write my paper ,’ and professional writers will take care of it.

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Difference Between a Discursive Essay and an Argumentative

The main difference between discursive essays and argumentative lies in their overall purpose and approach to presenting information.

Discursive: The primary purpose of a discursive essay is to explore and discuss various perspectives on a given topic. How to write a discursive essay is about providing a comprehensive overview of the subject matter by presenting different arguments, opinions, and viewpoints without necessarily advocating for a specific stance.
Argumentative: In contrast, an argumentative essay is designed to persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. It presents a clear and focused argument in favor of the writer's position, often addressing and refuting opposing views.

Tone and Language:

Discursive: The tone of a discursive essay is generally more balanced and objective. It allows for a more open exploration of ideas, and the language used is often neutral and formal.
Argumentative: An argumentative essay tends to have a more assertive tone. The language is focused on presenting a compelling case from the writer's perspective, and there may be a sense of conviction in the presentation of evidence and reasoning.
Discursive Essay: A discursive essay typically follows a more flexible structure. It may present multiple points of view in separate sections, allowing for a free-flowing exploration of the topic.
Argumentative Essay: When learning how to write an argumentative essay, students usually follow a more rigid structure, with a clear introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs that present evidence and arguments, and a conclusion that reinforces the writer's stance.

Conclusion:

Discursive Essay: The conclusion of a discursive essay often summarizes the main points discussed and may leave room for the reader to form their own opinion on the matter.
Argumentative Essay: The conclusion of an argumentative essay reinforces the writer's position and may include a call to action or a clear statement of the desired outcome.

While both types of essays involve critical thinking and analysis, the key distinction lies in their ultimate goals and how they approach the presentation of information.

Types of Discursive Essay

Before writing a discursive essay, keep in mind that they can be categorized into different types based on their specific purposes and structures. Here are some common types of discursive essays:

Opinion Essays:

Purpose: Expressing and supporting personal opinions on a given topic.
Structure: The essay presents the writer's viewpoint and provides supporting evidence, examples, and arguments. It may also address counterarguments to strengthen the overall discussion.

Problem-Solution Essays:

Purpose: Identifying a specific problem and proposing effective solutions.
Structure: The essay introduces the problem, discusses its causes and effects, and presents possible solutions. It often concludes with a recommendation or call to action.

Compare and Contrast Essays:

Purpose: Analyzing similarities and differences between two or more perspectives, ideas, or approaches.
Structure: The essay outlines the key points of each perspective, highlighting similarities and differences. A balanced analysis is provided to give the reader a comprehensive understanding.

Cause and Effect Essays:

Purpose: Exploring the causes and effects of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Structure: The essay identifies the primary causes and examines their effects or vice versa. It may delve into the chain of events and their implications.

Argumentative Essays:

Purpose: Presenting a strong argument in favor of a specific viewpoint.
Structure: The essay establishes a clear thesis statement, provides evidence and reasoning to support the argument, and addresses opposing views. It aims to persuade the reader to adopt the writer's perspective.

Pro-Con Essays:

Purpose: Evaluating the pros and cons of a given issue.
Structure: The essay presents the positive aspects (pros) and negative aspects (cons) of the topic. It aims to provide a balanced assessment and may conclude with a recommendation or a summary of the most compelling points.

Exploratory Essays:

Purpose: Investigating and discussing a topic without necessarily advocating for a specific position.
Structure: The essay explores various aspects of the topic, presenting different perspectives and allowing the reader to form their own conclusions. It often reflects a process of inquiry and discovery.

These types of discursive essays offer different approaches to presenting information, and the choice of type depends on the specific goals of the essay and the preferences of the writer.

How to Write a Discursive Essay

Unlike other forms of essay writing, a discursive essay demands a unique set of skills, inviting writers to navigate through diverse perspectives, present contrasting viewpoints, and weave a tapestry of balanced arguments.

You can order custom essay right now to save time to get ready to delve into the art of crafting a compelling discursive essay, unraveling the intricacies of structure, language, and critical analysis. Whether you're a seasoned essayist or a novice in the realm of formal writing, this exploration promises to equip you with the tools needed to articulate your thoughts effectively and engage your audience in thoughtful discourse.

Discursive Essay Format

The format of a discursive essay plays a crucial role in ensuring a clear, well-organized, and persuasive presentation of multiple perspectives on a given topic. Here is a typical discursive essay structure:

1. Introduction:

Hook: Begin with a captivating hook or attention-grabbing statement to engage the reader's interest.
Contextualization: Provide a brief overview of the topic and its relevance, setting the stage for the discussion.
Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main argument or the purpose of the essay. In a discursive essay, the thesis often reflects the idea that the essay will explore multiple viewpoints without necessarily taking a firm stance.

2. Body Paragraphs:

Topic Sentences: Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point or argument.
Presentation of Arguments: Devote individual paragraphs to different aspects of the topic, presenting various arguments, perspectives, or evidence. Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs.
Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints to strengthen the overall credibility of your essay.
Supporting Evidence: Provide examples, statistics, quotations, or other forms of evidence to bolster each argument.

3. Transitions:

Logical Transitions: Use transitional phrases and words to ensure a smooth and logical flow between paragraphs and ideas. This helps readers follow your line of reasoning.

4. Conclusion:

Restate Thesis: Summarize the main argument or purpose of the essay without introducing new information.
Brief Recap: Provide a concise recap of the key points discussed in the body paragraphs.
Closing Thoughts: Offer some closing thoughts or reflections on the significance of the topic. You may also leave room for the reader to consider their own stance.

5. Language and Style:

Formal Tone: Maintain a formal and objective tone throughout the essay.
Clarity and Coherence: Ensure that your ideas are presented clearly and that there is coherence in your argumentation.
Varied Sentence Structure: Use a variety of sentence structures to enhance readability and engagement.

6. References (if applicable):

Citations: If you use external sources, cite them appropriately according to the citation style required (e.g., APA, MLA).

Remember, flexibility exists within this format, and the specifics may vary based on the assignment requirements or personal writing preferences. Tailor the structure to suit the demands of your discourse and the expectations of your audience.

Introduction

A discursive essay introduction serves as the gateway to a thought-provoking exploration of diverse perspectives on a given topic. Here's how to structure an effective discursive essay introduction:

Begin with a compelling hook that captures the reader's attention. This could be a striking statistic, a thought-provoking quote, a relevant anecdote, or a rhetorical question.
Offer a brief context or background information about the topic. This helps orient the reader and sets the stage for the discussion to follow.
Clearly state the purpose of the essay. This often involves indicating that the essay will explore various perspectives on the topic without necessarily advocating for a specific stance.
Provide a brief overview of the different aspects or arguments that will be explored in the essay.
Conclude the introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement.

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Writing a discursive essay involves crafting the body of your discursive essay. The number of paragraphs in the body should correspond to the arguments presented, with an additional paragraph dedicated to the opposing viewpoint if you choose to disclose both sides of the argument. If you opt for this approach, alternate the order of the body paragraphs—supporting arguments followed by counterarguments.

Each body paragraph in your discursive essay should focus on a distinct idea. Begin the paragraph with the main idea, provide a concise summary of the argument, and incorporate supporting evidence from reputable sources.

In the concluding paragraph of the body, present potential opposing arguments and counter them. Approach this section as if engaging in a debate, strategically dismantling opposing viewpoints.

While composing the body of a discursive essay, maintain a cohesive narrative. Although individual paragraphs address different arguments, refrain from titling each paragraph—aim for a seamless flow throughout the essay. Express your personal opinions exclusively in the conclusion.

Key guidelines for writing the body of a discursive essay:

Remain Unbiased: Prioritize objectivity. Evaluate all facets of the issue, leaving personal sentiments aside.
Build Your Argumentation: If you have multiple arguments supporting your viewpoint, present them in separate, well-structured paragraphs. Provide supporting evidence to enhance clarity and credibility.
Use an Alternate Writing Style: Present opposing viewpoints in an alternating manner. This means that if the first paragraph supports the main argument, the second should present an opposing perspective. This method enhances clarity and research depth and ensures neutrality.
Include Topic Sentences and Evidence: Commence each paragraph with a topic sentence summarizing the argument. This aids reader comprehension. Substantiate your claims with evidence, reinforcing the credibility of your discourse.

By adhering to these principles, you can construct a coherent and well-supported body for your discursive essay.

Conclusion

Writing an effective conclusion is crucial to leaving a lasting impression on your reader. Here are some tips to guide you in crafting a compelling and impactful conclusion:

Begin your conclusion by summarizing the key points discussed in the body of the essay.
Remind the reader of your thesis statement, emphasizing the primary purpose of your discursive essay.
Address the broader significance or implications of the topic.
Explain why the issue is relevant and underscore the importance of considering multiple perspectives in understanding its complexity.
Reiterate the balanced nature of your essay. Emphasize that you have explored various viewpoints and arguments without necessarily taking a firm stance.
Reinforce the idea that your goal was to present a comprehensive analysis.
If applicable, suggest possible recommendations or solutions based on the insights gained from the essay.
Encourage the reader to reflect on the topic independently.
Pose open-ended questions or invite them to consider the implications of the arguments presented.
Resist the temptation to introduce new information or arguments in the conclusion.
Keep the tone of your conclusion professional and thoughtful.
Conclude your essay with a strong, memorable closing statement.
Carefully review your conclusion to ensure clarity and coherence. Edit for grammar, punctuation, and overall writing quality to present a polished final product.

By incorporating these tips into your discursive essay conclusion, you can effectively summarize your arguments, leave a lasting impression, and prompt thoughtful reflection from your readers. Consider using our term paper writing service if you have to deal with a larger assignment that requires more time and effort.

Yays and Nays of Writing Discourse Essays

In learning how to write a discursive essay, certain do's and don'ts serve as guiding principles throughout the writing process. By adhering to these guidelines, writers can navigate the complexities of presenting arguments, counterarguments, and nuanced analyses, ensuring the essay resonates with clarity and persuasiveness.

Conduct thorough research on the topic to ensure a well-informed discussion.
Present multiple perspectives on the issue, exploring various arguments and viewpoints.
Maintain a balanced and neutral tone. Present arguments objectively without expressing personal bias.
Structure your essay logically with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use paragraphs to organize your ideas effectively.
Topic Sentences:
Include clear topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph to guide the reader through your arguments.
Support your arguments with credible evidence from reputable sources to enhance the credibility of your essay.
Use transitional words and phrases to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs and ideas.
Engage in critical analysis. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments and viewpoints.
Recap key points in the conclusion, summarizing the main arguments and perspectives discussed in the essay.
Carefully proofread your essay to correct any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.
Don't express personal opinions in the body of the essay. Save personal commentary for the conclusion.
Don't introduce new information or arguments in the conclusion. This section should summarize and reflect on existing content.
Don't use overly emotional or subjective language. Maintain a professional and objective tone throughout.
Don't rely on personal opinions without sufficient research. Ensure that your arguments are supported by credible evidence.
Don't have an ambiguous or unclear thesis statement. Clearly state the purpose of your essay in the introduction.
Don't ignore counterarguments. Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints to strengthen your overall argument.
Don't use overly complex language if it doesn't add to the clarity of your arguments. Strive for clarity and simplicity in your writing.
Don't present ideas in a disorganized manner. Ensure that there is a logical flow between paragraphs and ideas.
Don't excessively repeat the same points. Present a variety of arguments and perspectives to keep the essay engaging.
Don't ignore the guidelines provided for the essay assignment. Follow any specific instructions or requirements given by your instructor or institution.

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Discursive Essay Examples

Discursive essay topics.

Writing a discursive essay on a compelling topic holds immense importance as it allows individuals to engage in a nuanced exploration of diverse perspectives. A well-chosen subject encourages critical thinking and deepens one's understanding of complex issues, fostering intellectual growth.

The process of exploring a good topic enhances research skills as writers delve into varied viewpoints and gather evidence to support their arguments. Moreover, such essays contribute to the broader academic discourse, encouraging readers to contemplate different facets of a subject and form informed opinions.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment.
Should Social Media Platforms Regulate Content for Misinformation?
Exploring the Ethics of Cloning in Contemporary Science.
Universal Basic Income: A Solution for Economic Inequality?
The Role of Technology in Shaping Modern Education.
Nuclear Energy: Sustainable Solution or Environmental Risk?
The Effects of Video Games on Adolescent Behavior.
Cybersecurity Threats in the Digital Age: Balancing Privacy and Security.
Debunking Common Myths Surrounding Climate Change.
The Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
Online Education vs. Traditional Classroom Learning.
The Impact of Social Media Influencers on Consumer Behavior.
The Ethics of Animal Testing in Medical Research.
Universal Healthcare: Addressing Gaps in Healthcare Systems.
The Role of Government in Regulating Cryptocurrencies.
The Influence of Advertising on Body Image and Self-Esteem.
Renewable Energy Sources: A Viable Alternative to Fossil Fuels?
The Implications of Space Exploration on Earth's Resources.
Is Censorship Justified in the Arts and Entertainment Industry?
Examining the Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity.
The Morality of Capital Punishment in the 21st Century.
Should Genetic Engineering be Used for Human Enhancement?
Social Media and Its Influence on Political Discourse.
Balancing Environmental Conservation with Economic Development.
The Role of Gender in the Workplace: Achieving Equality.
Exploring the Impact of Fast Fashion on the Environment.
The Benefits and Risks of Autonomous Vehicles.
The Influence of Media on Perceptions of Beauty.
Legalization of Marijuana: Addressing Medical and Social Implications.
The Impact of Antibiotic Resistance on Global Health.
The Pros and Cons of a Cashless Society.
Exploring the Relationship Between Technology and Mental Health.
The Role of Government Surveillance in Ensuring National Security.
Addressing the Digital Divide: Ensuring Access to Technology for All.
The Impact of Social Media on Political Activism.
The Ethics of Animal Rights and Welfare.
Nuclear Disarmament: Necessity or Utopian Ideal?
The Effects of Income Inequality on Societal Well-being.
The Role of Education in Combating Systemic Racism.
The Influence of Pop Culture on Society's Values and Norms.
Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Creative Industries.
The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Vaccination Policies.
The Role of Women in Leadership Positions: Breaking the Glass Ceiling.
Internet Privacy: Balancing Personal Security and Data Collection.
The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health.
The Morality of Animal Agriculture and Factory Farming.
The Rise of Online Learning Platforms: Transforming Education.
Addressing the Digital Gender Gap in STEM Fields.
The Impact of Global Tourism on Local Cultures and Environments.
Exploring the Implications of 3D Printing Technology in Various Industries.

By the way, we have another great collection of narrative essay topics to get your creative juices flowing.

Wrapping Up

Throughout this guide, you have acquired valuable insights into the art of crafting compelling arguments and presenting diverse perspectives. By delving into the nuances of topic selection, structuring, and incorporating evidence, you could hone your critical thinking skills and sharpen your ability to engage in informed discourse.

This guide serves as a roadmap, offering not just a set of rules but a toolkit to empower students in their academic journey. As you embark on future writing endeavors, armed with the knowledge gained here, you can confidently navigate the challenges of constructing well-reasoned, balanced discursive essays that contribute meaningfully to academic discourse and foster a deeper understanding of complex issues. If you want to continue your academic learning journey right now, we suggest that you read about the IEEE format next.

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How to Write a Summary of a Book with an Example

How To Write Discursive Essays

Essay Writing Lower Secondary

1. What is a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay is an essay which involves a discussion. You’re encouraged to examine different perspectives on the issue so that the discussion you provide is a balanced one! You are on the right track if your essay sheds light on the issue by looking at it from different viewpoints.

But before you go on reading… You might want to download a pdf copy of this article as it is quite long!

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2. How do I Identify a Discursive Essay Topic?

Let’s take a look at some of the discursive essay topics from past year papers:

2021 O-Level: “Young people are changing the world for the better.” What is your opinion?

2019 O-Level: “Most young people today are obsessed with fame and imitating celebrities.” What are your views?

In recent years, “What is your opinion?” and “What are your views?” are common signposts used to indicate a discursive essay topic. However, there are also instances where such questions are not used. Consider:

2012 O-Level: People all over the world are living longer. What are the advantages and disadvantages of their increased life expectancy?
2010 O-Level: What important lessons in life are learned away from school?

So note that the question can still indicate discursive writing even when it does not contain “What is your opinion?” or “What are your views?”

3. What is the Difference Between a Discursive Essay, an Argumentative Essay and an Expository Essay?

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s look at the differences in requirements for a discursive and an argumentative essay.

Argumentative: you are required to take an explicit stand on the issue. Your essay is structured in a manner that argues towards this stand. When writing an argumentative essay, your goal is to persuade, to convince the reader to be in support of your stand.

Discursive: you are not required to take an explicit stand on the issue. In other words, you do not need to pick a side. You may choose to pick a side; that’s perfectly fine! Just note that the goal here is not to persuade or to convince; it is to provide the reader with a balanced discussion by examining the issue from various viewpoints.

Now that you’ve learnt how to identify a discursive question and gotten a better idea of what it requires, let’s look at how to plan a discursive essay.

4. How do I Approach or Structure a Discursive Essay?

Some essays require a binary approach , meaning to say you tackle the issue by addressing the positive and the negative aspects of the question at hand.

Here is how you can plan your body paragraphs for such topics:

Now, it’s your turn! Try planning an outline for the following topics:

2017 O-Level: It is often said that people
are too concerned with getting things and spending money. What is your opinion?

On the other hand, there are topics which are not suited for such a binary approach. Consider questions such as:

Give 3 x features (1 per body paragraph)
Give 3 x important lessons (1 per body paragraph)

5. How do I Brainstorm Ideas for a Discursive Essay to Achieve a Balanced Discussion?

Give yourself 10 minutes to do a proper planning. It’s useful to approach the issue at hand by exploring its significance and relevance in different spheres and domains : Education, Ethics or Morals, Technology, Law etc.

Instead of giving 3 different points from an education perspective, why not broaden your scope and look at the issue from not just an educational perspective, but also a technological perspective and an ethical perspective?

This is what makes for a matured, holistic response.

Let’s use the following topic as an example:

If you run out of ideas, you can also examine two sides of a coin in a single domain. For example, you’ll see that in the example, that for the technological sphere, there are instances of youths making and not changing the world for the better.

Now that the brainstorming is done, let’s put pen to paper and start writing!

6. How do I Write an Introduction for a Discursive Essay?

Share an insight or observation regarding the issue. Why is this issue worth discussing? What are the implications of the issue? You can also use 5W1H questions to help you generate ideas.
Define your scope of discussion and if needed, define the keywords in the topic by setting out what is meant by, for instance, “young people” and “for the better”.

You can ask yourself these questions to help you with your intro:

Who are “young people”?
In which domains are youths making significant impact?
Why do some people believe that they are making the world a better place?
Why do other people not trust youth to positively impact the world?
What is my thesis?

Simply answer these questions + include your thesis. Voila, you have a solid introduction!

7. How do I Write the Body Paragraphs for a Discursive Essay?

Students, you must have heard of the PEEL method by now. We introduce the POINT in the first sentence, ELABORATE on the point, then substantiate with EVIDENCE or EXAMPLES , and finally, we round it all off by LINKING back to the point.

It sounds easy enough, doesn’t it?

Each body paragraph should only discuss one main idea , and only one! Introduce the main idea in your topic sentence (the first sentence of your body paragraph), not after you’ve given your example or when you’re wrapping up the paragraph.

A good topic sentence is straightforward and clear .

Here is an example of a coherent and concise topic sentence:

In the sphere of education, youth activists are making positive changes by advocating to make education available to girls in less developed societies.

After you have crafted your topic sentence, it’s time to elaborate on your main point. A well-developed body paragraph elaborates by delving deeper into the main point and substantiating with relevant examples or evidence.

For our point on “education”, consider asking and answering the following questions:

Education imparts knowledge and skills to girls, which then grants more employment opportunities. In turn, they break free from the poverty cycle.
Don’t stop here! Make sure to link back to the idea of “making the world a better place”.
This means lower poverty rates in the world and society also benefits from the contributions that the girls go on to make in the workforce.

Important Reminders:

a. Your essay must not be example-driven ! It must always be point-driven.

b. Remember to make the link from your examples/ evidence back to your topic sentence. This illustrates the relevance and strength of your evidence and reinforces your main point.

For our example, a coherent body paragraph could look like this:

8. How to Write a Conclusion for a Discursive Essay?

Many students just reiterate the points in conclusion. But that is… you guessed it, boring. Last impression lasts! You want to provide an insight to this issue to demonstrate your maturity of thought. Apart from summarising your points, link your conclusion back to the introduction so that your essay comes a full circle. You can also use a quote or thought-provoking question for readers to make their own conclusion.

Students, this is how you tackle a discursive essay. Try applying these tips to one of the topics above!

Visit other related articles on Writing Samurai:

How to write argumentative essays.

7 Exam-Smart Tips For Language Editing
9 Tips for English Summary Writing
Practice Past Years O-Level English Essay Questions
Exam Smart Tips for Secondary English Paper 1 and Paper 2

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How to Write a Good Discursive Essay?

05 June, 2020

7 minutes read

Author: Elizabeth Brown

What does a discursive essay mean? We have an answer to this and many other questions in our article. Welcome to the world of ideal essay writing. Ever wanted to build buzz for your text? We know you do. And we also know how you can do that with minimum effort and little diligence. So forget about your trivial academic essays - they are not as exciting as a discursive one. Ready to dive in?

What is Discursive Writing?

For all those who wanted to know the discursive essay meaning, here it is: a discursive essay is a writing piece, in which the focal element is devoted to an argument. That is, discursive writing presupposes developing a statement that ignites active discussions. After this essay, readers should be motivated to express their own opinions regarding the topic. Discursive essays have much in common with argumentative and persuasive papers, but these are not to be confused. Despite some similarities, discursive writing is a separate type of work that has its specific features and nuances. What we do want you to remember about discursive essays is that you need to concentrate on the power of thought rather than factology and pieces of evidence. In short, your mind is the only tool required to persuade and interest others on the topic you choose.

Discursive Essay Format

Now that we’ve figured out what is discursive writing, it’s time to focus more on the “skeleton” of discursive essay. Like any other piece of writing, discursive essays have clear requirements that help to glue their elements into a coherent paper. By the way, there are many writing services available which can help you present an excellent academic essay. So if you need professional assistance with your task, check them out. But if you want to do it yourself, you can simply take any discursive essay example from the web and use it as a starting point for your paper.

As for the discursive structure itself, you need to start your essay with an introduction in the first place. Create a lead-in that’ll spark the reader’s interest and make them genuinely responsive to the topic. Also, make sure that your introduction is neither small nor extensive. Stick to the optimal amount of words that’ll be sufficient for readers to get the general idea of your essay.

Another essential aspect of an effective intro is your opinion. It’s worthy of note that some discursive essays might require no particular stance on the topic. In situations like this, wait until the end of an essay comes, and only then share your personal view on the matter. This way, readers will understand the neutral tone throughout the piece, shape their own thoughts about it, and later decide whether to agree with yours or not.

In the paragraphs that follow, you’ll need to accentuate on the argumentation. There’s no room for vague and unarticulate expressions at this point. Quite the contrary – you need to unfold your statements consecutively, in a couple of paragraphs, to depict the entire image of your stance for or against the topic. And don’t forget to link your discursive text to supporting evidence.

The last section is the conclusion. Your finishing remarks should clearly articulate your position toward this or that issue, with a close connection to the main ideas in the essay body.

Discursive Essay Thesis

To construct a good thesis for your discursive essay, you’ll need to describe the general stance your work will argue. Here, it’s important to back up the thesis statement with points. These are the opinions that support your thesis and allow to create an affirmative structure for the entire paper.

Discursive Essay Linking Words

The points you use while writing a discursive essay need to flow smoothly so that readers could see a logical organization of the work. For this, you can use transition words that’ll make your paper easily readable and crisp. For example, if you want to list some points, opt for such words as firstly, to begin with, secondly, lastly, finally, etc. If you wish to point at advantages or disadvantages, consider using these transitions: the main/greatest/ first advantage of… is …, another positive side is…, an additional drawback is, another negative aspect of…is…

How to Write an Introduction for a Discursive Essay?

The introductory part is the critical aspect of creating a good discursive essay. In this section, specific attention should centralize on what your topic is all about. Therefore, it needs to be presented with clarity, be informative, and attention-grabbing. How to make your intro sentence for discursive essay memorable? You can start with a spicy anecdote to add humor to discussion. Another powerful way for hooking readers is stating a quote or opinion of experts and famous influencers. This will add to the credibility of your statements, making readers more motivated to read your work.

How to Write a Discursive Essay Conclusion?

Your discursive essay ending is the climax of your argument, a final link that organically locks up a chain of previously described points. This part is devoted to the restatement of the main arguments that sum up your attitude to the topic. And just like with introduction, the conclusion should leave a trace in readers’ minds. To achieve this result, your closing paragraph should include a call to action, warning or any other food for thought that will encourage people to ponder on the issue and make relevant conclusions.

Discursive Essay Topics

The ideas for discursive papers are so versatile that it’s hard to compile all of them in one list. For such list will extend to kilometers. However, we’ve collected some of them for you to facilitate your work on this task. So here are some discursive essay examples you can use any time:

As you understand now, discursive writing definition and discursive essay definition are not as scary as they seem from the first glance. Even though the art of this type of paper is hard to master, over time, you’ll notice significant progress. All you need for this is practice and a little bit of patience to understand the subtle nuances of this task and develop the skill of writing confidently. And if you ever wondered what is an essay, a team of professional academic essay writers can give a helping hand and provide you with a top-notch paper.

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How to Write a Discursive Essay: Effective Guide

Table of contents

1 What Is a Discursive Essay?
2.1 Argumentative
2.2 Descriptive
2.3 Narrative
4 Helpful Tips: How to Write a Good Discursive Essay?
5.1 How to Start a Discursive Essay?
5.2 How to Develop the Discursive Essay Body?
5.3 How to End a Discursive Essay?
6.1 What to Do When Writing a Discursive Essay?
6.2 What Not to Do When Writing a Discursive Essay?

If you’re pursuing a university degree, writing various assignments is unavoidable. Like it or not, you’ll have to draft at least a few every semester. Among other paper types, teachers favor discursive essays to encourage students to express a neutral standpoint regarding a given issue.

Moreover, this academic piece tests whether you possess polished writing and critical thinking skills. Besides your opinion, you’d also have to provide reliable evidence as a backup for your claim. Hence, a decent discursive essay requires thorough research and preparation.

But what should you pay attention to when writing the first draft ? Is pure talent enough, or are there other elements that make a successful manuscript? Below, we unravel the path to an A+ paper!

What Is a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay aims to elaborate on a given topic in a balanced way. The subject matter is often a dilemma or issue, so there are usually two or three possible solutions. Hence, the ideal piece must include all sides of the problem and present objective and all-encompassing evidence about the topic.

The writer must maintain an impersonal style to avoid polarizing things and being biased. Many students hire a custom essay writing service because they either take one side or impose their views on the matter. As a result, they end up with an argumentative paper, which is entirely different.

The primary purpose of a discursive essay is to unveil the truth by exploring various topic-related arguments. Therefore, proper research, pondering the issue, and thinking critically, are critical aspects of the writing process.

Discursive Essay vs. Other Types of Essay

Though you might easily confuse discursive writing with other articles, the differences are striking. Let’s see what sets them apart and define their bordering points.

Argumentative

Both kinds of papers come from the same family. They discuss a topic by revealing facts and supporting them with examples. The main difference is that in argumentative works, one standpoint prevails. Though they list and acknowledge all arguments, the emphasis revolves around one point.

Ideally, argumentative writing aims to persuade the audience to adopt a position. The writer presents the claims in a way that convinces the reader to pick a side. Conversely, the discursive essay explains the facts objectively but never urges the reader to shift views.

Descriptive

The purpose of a descriptive essay is to convey a picture for the readers to imagine. To this end, the author uses versatile adjectives and adverbs that help deliver the initial message. Moreover, comparisons, contrasts, and sensory figures of speech are inevitable if you want to create an eye-catching piece.

In contrast, discursive essays provide hard facts free of metaphors, idioms, and similes. The underlying purpose is to inform the readers and not engage their senses with flowery words. When you need to describe information in more detail, the descriptions should be as short and accurate as possible but never overly decorative.

Storytelling requires you to conceptualize a narration . In this case, your account can be informal and include descriptive writing elements. Since you have to hook the interest of the audience, the introduction and conclusion must be attention-grabbing and thought-provoking.

These papers follow a structure that usually involves a twist or unexpected events. Besides telling a story, you can also use this style for writing a character analysis essay for college. The smoother your retelling technique, the more successful your work will be.

With discursive essays, the primary focus is on facts and evidence. Hence, avoid weaving a tale because you might easily stray from the central idea. As a result, you can lose your target and omit the critical data you’re trying to present.

Discursive Essay Format

As with any academic work, you must write in a specific outline . To some extent, this venture resembles thematic essay writing because you’re elaborating on a concrete topic and including a clearly-defined thesis statement.

The typical structure of a discursive essay doesn’t differ much from that of other academic papers. It is usually a five or six-paragraph work that includes an introduction, three or more body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Here’s what a standard structure should look like :

Introductory paragraph
Argument 1 with supporting evidence
Argument 2 with supporting evidence
Argument 3 with supporting evidence
Paragraph with opposing views or counterarguments

Helpful Tips: How to Write a Good Discursive Essay?

Though you might follow the layout presented above and get all your standpoints in order, there are a few minor aspects you mustn’t neglect. Pay attention to the following:

Start each passage with a topic sentence that describes the most significant point.
Spend a few days drafting and finalizing your work; doing articles overnight is a no-go.
Don’t give a loud voice to your standpoint.
Use formal language that is impersonal. In short, white in third person speech.
Avoid copying content but rephrase what you found with your own words. You can use a free online paraphrasing tool to help you write a plagiarism-free piece.
Allow yourself enough time to edit and proofread your work in the end.
Communicate only fair aspects, but don’t overgeneralize or use clichés.
Convey your points in an alternate manner if your mentor allows this format.
Try the SEA method. S stands for making a statement, E for giving examples or evidence to support your claim, and A for applying theory in real life.

Writing a discursive essay can be challenging, but with the help of PapersOwl and its cheap essay writers , you can create a well-structured, argumentative essay in no time. Our writers have the skills and experience to craft an essay that will help you make your point effectively.

How to Write a Discursive Essay?

Before you sit down and start brainstorming ideas, read a few samples online. This way, you’ll get the hang of the writing process and what each paragraph must include. Most importantly, stay unprejudiced and leave your feelings behind. Instead, concentrate on building and supporting your argumentation.

How to Start a Discursive Essay?

While the introduction is usually a fraction of the final work, it is critical. In it, you catch the reader’s attention and present your topic. Hence, ensure you make it as engaging and enlightening as possible. Moreover, the length of this part should be about 10% of the entire assignment.

The discursive essay introduction should contain a few sentences that compress the general idea. Hence, brevity and conciseness are your best shot at delivering the relevance of your subject matter to the public.

How to Develop the Discursive Essay Body?

Once finished, use the introduction to define the core of the body paragraphs. If you have difficulties, order a professional service to write your essay for money and pick your writer, depending on the topic’s complexity.

However, if you decide to proceed with the discursive essay yourself, put maximum effort into the opening paragraph. It’s advisable to give the strongest arguments first and then continue with the other standpoints. Also, don’t mix different points in a single paragraph but elaborate on one position at a given time.

Finally, take time to brainstorm and present your counterarguments. All statements must be objective and show your impartiality on the matter. When developing the body paragraphs, cite credible references like journals, statistics, and other supporting evidence.

How to End a Discursive Essay?

You must write a conclusion as the final paragraph of your manuscript. Similar to the introduction, this part aims to frame the central idea in simple words. So, if you wonder how to write a discursive essay conclusion, summarize all points stated and give an impartial opinion.

In addition, restate the mentioned arguments only and never introduce new information. Last, it would be ideal if your summary encourages future discussion among the audience. Your recommendations and predictions on the topic should also stimulate further research.

Do’s and Don’ts of a Discursive Essay

Here are some essay writing tips worth considering for a perfect outcome. The same ideas are relevant for writing a poetry essay with ease for university. Tick each hack when reviewing your final copy.

What to Do When Writing a Discursive Essay?

Different arguments go in separate paragraphs.
Write well-developed ideas supported by examples.
Give reasons for every position.
Use the sequencing method.
Maintain a balanced style.
Include linking words and phrases to enhance reading and flow of thought.
Identify the sources you use by following a proper citation style.

What Not to Do When Writing a Discursive Essay?

Avoid abbreviated forms and contractions, such as I’d, won’t, and you’re.
Never include informal and colloquial language like ain’t, gonna, or as good as gold.
Your topic will be specific so forget about generalizations because they lead away from accuracy and reliability. You might end up with arbitrary conclusions that will spoil the overall impression.
Emotional language is off-limits because it often signposts prejudice.
Steer away from personal examples because this means you’re taking a side.
Don’t insist on one standpoint at the cost of others.
Avoid stats you cannot prove or reference.
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How to Write a Discursive Essay: Tips, Examples, and Structure

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Mastering the Art of Writing a Discursive Essay

Table of contents.

Introduction

Understanding Discursive Essays

Discursive essay writing tips, discursive essay structure, examples of discursive essays, picking the right discursive essay topics, discursive essay format, crafting a strong discursive essay outline, writing an effective discursive essay introduction, nailing the discursive essay conclusion.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to write a discursive essay effectively. If you’re unfamiliar with this type of essay or want to improve your skills, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will cover How to Write a Discursive Essay , examples, and strategies to help you craft a compelling discursive essay.

Are you ready to master this art of writing ? This article will explain a discursive essay and explore various aspects such as writing tips, structure, examples, and format. So, let’s dive right in and unveil the key elements of an impressive discursive essay.

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of writing a discursive essay , let’s take a moment to understand its nature and purpose. A discursive essay presents a balanced argument on a particular topic by exploring different perspectives. It requires the writer to consider different viewpoints, present evidence, and critically analyze the subject matter.

Writing a discursive essay can be challenging, but you can excel in this art form with the right approach. Here are some valuable tips that will help you write a discursive essay effectively:

Choose an Engaging Topic: Select a topic that is interesting and relevant to your audience. This will make the essay more engaging and enjoyable to read.
Thorough Research: Gather extensive information from reliable sources to support your arguments and counterarguments.
Plan and Outline: Take the time to plan and create an outline before diving into the writing process. This will help you organize your thoughts and arguments effectively.
Clear Introduction: Start with a concise introduction that provides context and grabs the reader’s attention. Clearly state your thesis or main argument.
Well-structured Paragraphs: Divide your essay into paragraphs that focus on specific points. Each paragraph should present a new idea or support a previous one.
Logical Flow: Maintain a logical flow using transitional words and phrases that connect your ideas and paragraphs smoothly.
Balance Your Arguments: Ensure a balance in presenting the pros and cons of each perspective. This will demonstrate your fairness and critical thinking skills.
Support with Evidence: Provide evidence, facts, and examples to support your claims and make your arguments more persuasive.
Use Clear Language: Avoid jargon and overly complex language. Opt for clear, concise, and precise language that is easy for readers to comprehend.
Proofread and Edit: Always revise, proofread, and edit your essay to ensure clarity, coherence, and proper grammar usage.

Following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to write an impressive discursive essay that effectively presents your arguments and engages your readers.

A well-structured discursive essay enhances readability and ensures that your arguments are coherent. Here’s a suggested structure that you can follow:

Hook the reader with an attention-grabbing statement or anecdote.
Introduce the topic and provide background information.
Present your thesis statement or main argument.
Start each paragraph with a topic sentence introducing a new argument or perspective.
Provide evidence, examples, and supporting details to justify your claims.
Address counterarguments and present rebuttals, showing your ability to consider different viewpoints.
Use transitional words to maintain a smooth flow between paragraphs.
Summarize the main points discussed in the essay.
Restate your thesis statement while considering the arguments presented.
End with a thought-provoking statement or call to action.

By adhering to this structure, your discursive essay will be well-organized and easy for readers to follow.

To gain a better understanding of how discursive essays are written, let’s explore a couple of examples:

Example 1: The Impact of Social Media

Introduction: The growing influence of social media in society.

Main Body: Discussing the positive and negative aspects of social media on communication, mental health, privacy, and relationships.

Conclusion: Weighing the overall impact of social media and proposing ways to harness its strengths and mitigate its drawbacks.

Example 2: The Pros and Cons of School Uniforms

Introduction: Introducing the debate on school uniforms.

Main Body: Exploring the arguments supporting school uniforms (such as fostering discipline and equality) and arguments against them (such as limiting self-expression).

Conclusion: Evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of school uniforms and suggesting potential compromises.

These examples illustrate how discursive essays analyze various perspectives on a topic while maintaining a balanced approach.

Choosing an engaging and relevant topic is crucial to capturing your readers’ attention. Here are some popular discursive essay topics to consider:

Is social media beneficial or detrimental to society?
Should the death penalty be abolished worldwide?
Are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) safe for consumption?
Should recreational marijuana use be legalized?
Are video games responsible for the rise in violence among youth?

When selecting a topic, ensure it is captivating, allows for multiple viewpoints, and is backed by sufficient research material.

While there is flexibility in formatting a discursive essay, adhering to a standard format enhances clarity and readability. Consider following this general format:

Font type and size: Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri with a 12-point font size.
Line spacing: Double-spaced throughout the essay.
Page margins: 1-inch margins on all sides.
Title page: Include the essay title, your name, course name, instructor’s name, and submission date (if applicable).
Header: Insert a header with your last name and page number (top-right corner).

A consistent format will make your essay more professional and easier to navigate.

Before writing your discursive essay, creating an outline that organizes your thoughts and arguments effectively is essential. Here’s a sample outline to help you get started:

I. Introduction

B. Background information

C. Thesis statement

II. Main Body

A. Argument 1

1. Supporting evidence

2. Examples

B. Argument 2

C. Argument 3

1 . Supporting evidence

2 . Examples

III. Counterarguments and Rebuttals

A. Counterargument 1

1 . Rebuttal evidence

B. Counterargument 2

C . Counterargument 3

IV. Conclusion

A. Summary of main points

B . Restating the thesis statement

C. Call to action or thought-provoking statement

By structuring your ideas in an outline, you’ll have a clear roadmap for your essay, ensuring that your arguments flow logically.

The introduction of your discursive essay plays a vital role in capturing your reader’s attention and setting the tone for the essay. Here’s how you can make your introduction compelling:

Start With an Engaging Hook: Begin with a captivating opening sentence, such as a surprising statistic, an intriguing question, or a compelling anecdote related to your topic.

Provide Necessary Background Information: Briefly explain the topic and its relevance to the reader.

Present Your Thesis Statement: Clearly state your main argument or thesis, which will guide your essay’s direction and focus.

You’ll establish a strong foundation for your discursive essay by crafting an engaging and informative introduction.

The conclusion of your discursive essay should effectively summarize your main points and leave a lasting impression on your readers. Here’s how you can achieve this:

Summarize the Main Points: Briefly recap the key arguments and perspectives discussed in the essay.

Restate Your Thesis Statement: Reiterate your main argument while considering the various perspectives.

Call to Action or Thought-Provoking Statement: End your essay with a compelling statement or encourage readers to explore the topic further, sparking discussion and reflection.

By crafting a powerful conclusion, you’ll leave a lasting impact on your readers, ensuring they walk away with a clear understanding of your essay’s message.

Congratulations! You’ve now comprehensively understood how to write a discursive essay effectively. Remember to choose an engaging topic, conduct thorough research, create a clear structure, and present balanced arguments while considering different perspectives. Following these guidelines and incorporating our tips, you’ll be well-equipped to craft a compelling discursive essay.

So, start writing your discursive essay following our comprehensive guide. Unlock your writing potential and captivate your readers with an impressive discursive essay that showcases your analytical skills and ability to present compelling arguments. Happy writing!

Frequently Asked Questions About “How to Write a Discursive Essay Effectively”

What is a discursive essay, and how does it differ from other types of essays.

A discursive essay explores a particular topic by presenting different perspectives and arguments. It differs from other essays, emphasizing balanced, unbiased discussion rather than a single, strong stance.

How should I choose a topic for my discursive essay?

Select a topic that allows for multiple viewpoints and has room for discussion. Controversial issues or topics with various opinions work well, providing ample material for exploration.

What is the typical structure of a discursive essay?

A discursive essay typically has an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction sets the stage, the body paragraphs present different viewpoints, and the conclusion summarizes the key points and your stance.

Is it necessary to choose a side in a discursive essay?

While you don’t have to take a definite side, you should present a balanced view. However, some essay prompts may ask you to argue for or against a particular position.

How do I start the introduction of a discursive essay?

Begin with a hook to capture the reader’s attention, provide background information, and clearly state the issue you will discuss. End the introduction with a thesis statement that outlines your approach.

Should I use formal language in a discursive essay?

Yes, maintain a formal and objective tone. Avoid using first-person pronouns and aim for clarity and precision in your language.

How many viewpoints should I include in the body paragraphs?

Include at least two or three well-developed viewpoints. Ensure that each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect or argument related to the topic.

How do I transition between paragraphs in a discursive essay?

Use transitional phrases to move smoothly from one idea to the next. This helps maintain a logical flow and coherence in your essay.

Can I include personal opinions in a discursive essay?

While you can present your opinions, remaining objective and supporting your views with evidence is crucial. The emphasis should be on presenting a well-rounded discussion rather than expressing personal bias.

How do I conclude a discursive essay effectively?

Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs, restate your thesis nuancedly, and offer a closing thought or call to action. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.

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150 Excellent Discursive Essay Topics for Students To Consider

Table of Contents

Do you want to write an engaging discursive essay? Are you struggling to come up with the best discursive essay topics for your assignment? Don’t worry! To help you with discursive essay writing, here, in this blog post, we have explained what a discursive essay means, its types, and the simple steps for writing it. Also, we have shared some interesting discursive essay topics and ideas to consider for assignments.

If you don’t know where to begin your essay, then keep on reading this blog post and update your knowledge on discursive essay writing.

What is a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay is a type of academic essay in which you have to share your opinions or views in support of the topic or against the topic. Even at certain times, this essay would permit you to present your views on both sides of a topic in a neutral manner.

The ultimate aim of a discursive essay is to provide the readers with multiple viewpoints on a particular essay help topic or idea. Therefore, while writing a discursive essay, you will have to think deeper from various perspectives and review all the aspects of the subject.

Basically, a discursive essay appears like an argumentative essay or persuasive essay , but it is actually different from them in certain ways. In a nutshell, a discursive essay discusses arguments in a balanced way taking into account all the factors that are for and against the topic.

Types of Discursive Essays

The discursive essay is classified into three types as listed below.

For and Against Essay

It is a form of discursive essay that will argumentatively discuss either for or against the topic or theme. When writing an essay of this type, you should make sure to concentrate on both the advantages and disadvantages of the topic and present your views neutrally. Particularly, before wrapping up the essay, you should showcase your opinion on the topic by specifying your preference.

Solutions Recommending Essay

This discursive essay type will outline the issue and will recommend several possible solutions for that issue. But when you wrap up this essay, in the conclusion paragraph, you should highlight your opinion on the best solution to the issue and explain why that solution is effective.

Opinion Essay

It is a kind of discursive essay in which you have to share your opinions or arguments on a specific topic with supporting evidence from credible sources. Most importantly, while concluding this essay, you should remember to put forward your arguments against the topic and explain the reason why they are not persuasive.

How to Write a Discursive Essay

Do you wonder how to prepare a discursive essay? Cool! Writing a discursive essay will not be so hard when you have a proper essay plan and idea about the essay structure. In general, a discursive essay is a formal essay in which you have to organize and present the ideas in a way that is easy for the readers to understand.

Here are some essential steps that would guide you to craft an excellent discursive essay.

First, read and understand the essay writing guidelines shared by your instructor.
Matching your instructor’s instructions, find a perfect discursive essay topic that allows you to share your opinions.
Next, research the selected topic and gather the important points or arguments for discussion.
After analyzing the topic, prepare a well-structured discursive essay outline that includes sections such as introduction, body, and conclusion.
With the help of the prepared essay outline, start preparing the first draft of the essay according to the standard essay structure.
Open the essay with a catchy introductory paragraph. The introduction should have an engaging hook statement, background information, and a strong thesis statement relevant to the essay topic.
Craft the body paragraphs. The body of the essay should discuss in detail all the major arguments supporting your thesis statement with valid evidence.
Wrap up the essay with a conclusion paragraph. The conclusion section should portray your feelings about the topic and list out all the necessary findings.
Add a reference page and list out the original source of the ideas you have used in your essay.
Before submission, double-check the entire draft of the essay and edit the grammar, spelling, or logical errors in it. The final draft of the essay should be original and free from errors.

Discursive Essay Writing Tips

By following all the above-mentioned steps in order, you can come up with a great discursive essay. But besides, we also recommend you stick to the below-mentioned tips when writing a discursive essay because it would help you to fine-tune your essay format and structure.

Tips for Writing a Brilliant Discursive Essay

Write the discursive essay in a formal third-person speech.
When writing this essay, use the right choice of words and formal language conventions.
Avoid using emotional writing style and clichés to exaggerate your opinions.
Follow the standard essay structure that contains separate sections for the introduction, body, and conclusion.
Explain the arguments using a balanced and calm tone.
Use well-known real-life examples as proof to explain the main arguments.
Never change the original structure of a discursive essay.
Add references to all the ideas taken from external sources.
Make sure to use transition words in between the paragraphs to maintain a smooth and seamless narration flow.
Include persuasive writing techniques such as hyperbole, imagery, metaphors, oxymoron, repetition, and similes at the appropriate places, if needed.

Tips For Choosing a Good Discursive Essay Topic

In the discursive essay writing process, topic selection is the first step that you can’t skip. Generally, you won’t find it hard to identify a topic when your instructor provides a list of discursive essay prompts for you to choose from. But the real challenge comes only when you are given the option to choose a topic of your choice.

For writing a discursive essay, there are numerous topics available on various subjects. Out of them all, based on your interest, you can search and identify any good topic. But the problem here is, when you have many topics, then finding one perfect topic from them would become too hard to handle.

So, to help you identify the right essay topic, here we have shared some key tips to keep in mind during the discursive essay topic selection phase.

Pick a topic in which you have a strong opinion or knowledge.
Go with the topic that is convenient for you to write about.
Avoid selecting a frequently discussed topic.
Identify a topic that is interesting for you and your readers.
Choose a controversial topic in which you can raise varying viewpoints or opinions.
Select a complex topic with two sides, so that you can extract more arguments that are for and against it.
Give preference to the topic that has many valid facts or evidence to prove your arguments.
Finalize the essay topic only if it meets your instructor’s essay writing guidelines, if there are any.

List of Discursive Essay Topics

Here are some unique discursive essay topic ideas on various disciplines.

If you don’t know what topic to choose for your discursive essay, feel free to access the entire list below and spot any topic that suits you perfectly.

Best Discursive Essay Topics

Do space explorations assure long-term survival?
Is the current education system productive?
Is English one of the toughest languages to learn?
Does reading non-fiction build up the writers’ creativity?
Do parents have to reward their children for behaving well?
Describe the best kind of parenting observed in your country.
Should tobacco production be made illegal across the world?
Which is better: reading e-book or paperback?
Discuss the effective ways to keep children away from the use of drugs.
Are acts of sex and violence acceptable on TV?
Is the dependency on technology making us dumber?
Is rock music related to Satanism?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile phones.
Has blockchain enhanced trade finance in 2018?
Can virtual reality turn out to be dangerous for youngsters?
Should social media platforms be banned from collecting their users’ data?
Do companies have to hire human workers instead of using autonomous machines?
Should cell phones be banned from vehicles?
Has the internet made society better?
Should parents limit screen time for kids?

Excellent Discursive Essay Topics

What are the advantages and disadvantages of globalization?
Is it essential to ban steroid takers from sports?
Are political authorities involved in illegal activities?
Discuss the association between food, fitness, and weight.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of video games among teenagers?
Should schools avoid punishing students that include physical torture?
Is society becoming over-regulated?
How can students contribute to the safety of nature?
Do schools have to ban uniforms?
Explain the adverse effects of detox diets.
Why are policymakers pushing STEM education nowadays?
Should the government ban same-sex marriages?
Should there be restrictions on freedom of speech?
What are the workplace challenges faced by women?
Will robots in the future add to our efficiency?
Does every country have to ban capital punishment?
Should court proceedings in the UK be documented for television?
Is print media almost dead?
Is social media having a positive impact on our lives?
Is home-schooling good for students?
Discuss the need for employees to use social networks at work
Cite reasons why internet slang like LOL should be in the dictionary
Explain the challenges of over-dependence on technology for modern schools
Critique any innovation that has made us lazier than before
Discuss why so many college athletes struggle with schoolwork

Interesting Discursive Essay Topics

Is a college education mandatory to be successful in life?
Which is better: listening to the mind or the heart?
Which is better: watching a movie on the big screen or in your home?
Should parents be honest with their kids?
Share your views about the marriage of convenience.
Is Graffiti an art?
Are plastic water bottles spoiling the environment?
Are athletes the best role models for children?
Is social media presence necessary for a small business to succeed?
Should people in Muslim countries develop a religious tolerance?
Should public schools have a responsibility to teach social-emotional skills to students?
Is the best music founded on social oppression?
Should animal sports be banned?
Should zoos be abolished?
Is cutting hands the only way to stop corruption?
Should polio vaccinations be compulsory for every citizen of the United States?
Is it good to believe that car seats are effective to keep children safe in car crashes?
Should social media sites be banned from collecting their users’ data?
Should healthcare professionals be allowed to market and sell drugs to their patients?
Should companies switch to hiring employees using autonomous machines?

Amazing Discursive Essay Prompts

Explain the scenario of healthcare and medicine in the 1900s.
Is Facebook really needed to stay in touch with each other?
Should short dresses be restricted from the workplace?
Should offshore drilling be widened?
Should famous people in society stay active in politics?
Is social media contributing to a more narcissistic society?
Is IoT no longer a tool that screws up privacy and security?
Is studying Shakespeare outdated in today’s world?
Does workplace diversity contribute to increased productivity?
Are contemporary people across the world depending too much on technology?
Should the average driving age in your country be reduced or increased?
Is yoga a more spiritual activity than fasting?
Discuss the pros and cons of peer pressure.
Are non-vegetarians healthier than vegetarians?
Discuss your viewpoints on cryptocurrency.
Analyze the future of cryptocurrencies
Should there be more parties in the United States?
Should college students be restricted from participating in Greek life?
Is co-education better than single-sex education?
Should college students get to autonomy to choose which professor’s class they attain?

Read more: Amazing Descriptive Essay Topics and Ideas for Students

Captivating Discursive Essay Ideas

Is radio important as a form of media in the 21st century?
Discuss the prospect of having a woman president.
Discuss the mortgage crisis in the economy.
Is it important to heavily regulate newspapers?
Is earning money through the lottery a good idea?
Does technology isolate the individual?
Why an assassination can never be justified?
Discuss the challenges in outsourcing to foreign countries.
Should rape victims be hanged to death?
Explain how the celebrity culture is spoiling the moral values of young teenagers.

Outstanding Discursive Essay Topics

Do social media platforms affect the academic performance of students?
Should the government censor rap music culture?
Are tattoos and paganism related to each other?
Do airlines have to provide a two-seat policy for heavier people?
Are dating websites a good place to meet romantic partners?
Are drug abuse commercials effective?
Is the military’s use of drones an invasion of privacy?
Should GMOs be allowed in food?
Discuss the negative and positive effects of Blockchain on energy.
Why should we prohibit the destruction of rainforests?
Do energy drinks cause health risks to teenagers?
Should text message acronyms be added to dictionaries?
Does the gaming world promote problematic gender and racial stereotypes?
Do all adults need eight hours of sleep?
Is cheerleading a way to objectify young women?

Read more: Sample GRE Essay Topics To Practice

Compelling Discursive Essay Topics

Which is better: nuclear families or joint families?
Is social media more relevant these days than traditional media?
Is it essential to emphasize etiquette in all curriculums?
Are apps more of a help or a waste of time?
Do contact sports encourage aggression?
Do video games have educational value?
Is it possible to create a society based on matriarchy?
Should schoolchildren learn religion as a part of their curriculum?
Is it important to ban beauty contests?
Do politicians rely on the media in order to remain in power?

Incredible Discursive Essay Topics

Discuss the prospect of making education a free for all affair
Explain how the concept of consumer debt affects purchasing ability.
Discuss the correlation between the price of textbooks and education
Should zoos, circuses, and aquariums be closed for the violation of animal rights?
Discuss the ethical prospect of bringing back extinct species through cloning
Is it necessary to abolish the grading system in the education field?
Explain the challenges that different countries face when trying to end poaching.
Should the case for equal pay for equal work be advanced?
Explain how the sitting government perpetuates poverty.
Why is it important to allow college students to choose the course they wish to study?

Wrapping Up

From the above-recommended list of unique discursive essay topics, without any hesitation, select a topic matching your interest and prepare an extraordinary discursive essay. Haven’t you identified the right discursive essay topic for your assignment yet? Do you need instant discursive essay writing help? Contact us now!

The skilled essay writers from our team would assist you in preparing a plagiarism-free academic essay as per your requirements on time at a reasonable price. Also, as a part of our online assignment writing service , we will give you 24/7 customer support and unlimited essay revision until you get complete satisfaction.

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How to Write a Discursive Essay

November 17, 2023

A discursive essay is a type of academic writing that presents both sides of an argument or issue. Unlike an argumentative essay where you take a clear stance and defend it, a discursive essay allows you to explore different perspectives and provide an objective analysis. It requires careful research, critical thinking, and the ability to present logical arguments in a structured manner.

In a discursive essay, you are expected to examine the topic thoroughly, present evidence and examples to support your points, and address counterarguments to demonstrate a balanced understanding of the issue. The purpose is not to persuade the reader to take a particular side, but rather to present a comprehensive view of the topic. By mastering the art of writing a discursive essay, you can effectively convey complex ideas and contribute to meaningful discussions on various subjects.

What’s different about writing a discursive essay

Writing a discursive essay differs from other types of essays in several ways. Here are some key differences to consider when approaching this particular form of academic writing:

Explores multiple perspectives: Unlike an argumentative essay, a discursive essay examines different viewpoints on a given topic. It requires you to gather information, analyze various arguments, and present a balanced view.
Structured presentation: A discursive essay follows a clear structure that helps organize your thoughts and arguments. It typically consists of an introduction, several body paragraphs discussing different arguments, and a conclusion.
Impartiality and objectivity: While other essays may require you to take a stance or defend a particular position, a discursive essay aims for objectivity. You should present arguments and evidence without bias and demonstrate a fair understanding of each viewpoint.
Importance of research: Good research is essential for a discursive essay. You should gather information from reliable sources, consider various perspectives, and present evidence to support your ideas.
Addressing counterarguments: In a discursive essay, it is crucial to acknowledge and address counterarguments. By doing so, you show a comprehensive understanding of the topic and strengthen your own argument.
Use of transitions: To maintain coherence and provide a smooth flow of ideas, appropriate transitions should be used to link paragraphs and signal shifts between arguments.

By recognizing these key differences and adapting your writing style accordingly, you can effectively write a discursive essay that engages the reader and presents a well-rounded discussion of the topic.

Step-by-Step Discursive Essay Writing Guide

Selecting a topic.

Selecting a topic for a discursive essay is a crucial first step in the writing process. Here are some considerations to help you choose an appropriate and engaging topic:

Relevance: Select a topic that is relevant and holds significance in the current context. It should be something that sparks interest and discussion among readers.
Controversy: Look for topics that have multiple perspectives and controversial viewpoints. This will allow you to explore different arguments and present a balanced analysis.
Research opportunities: Choose a topic that offers ample research opportunities. This ensures that you have access to reliable sources and enough material to support your arguments.
Personal interest: It is easier to write about a topic that you are genuinely interested in. Consider your own passion and areas of expertise when selecting a subject for your essay.
Scope and depth: Ensure that the chosen topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. It should provide enough scope for thorough analysis and discussion within the word limit of your essay.

Remember, the topic sets the foundation for your discursive essay. Take time to consider these factors and select a topic that aligns with your interests, research capabilities, and the potential to present a well-rounded discussion.

Possible Discursive Essay Topics:

The impact of social media on society.
Should euthanasia be legalized?
Pros and cons of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The influence of technology on human interactions.
Is homeschooling more beneficial than traditional schooling?
The effects of climate change on the environment.
Should animal testing be banned?
The advantages and disadvantages of globalization.
The ethics of capital punishment.
The legalization of marijuana: pros and cons.

Write the Thesis Statement

The thesis statement in a discursive essay serves as the central argument or main claim that sets the tone for the entire essay. It typically appears in the introductory paragraph and guides the reader’s understanding of the essay’s purpose and direction. Here are some key points to consider when crafting an effective thesis statement for a discursive essay:

Clear stance: The thesis statement should clearly express your position or viewpoint on the topic. It should present a concise statement that reflects your overall argument or analysis.
Controversy: The thesis statement should highlight the controversy or debate surrounding the topic. It should indicate that there are multiple perspectives to be explored and that you will discuss them in a balanced manner.
Specificity: The thesis statement should not be too vague or general. It should address a specific aspect of the topic that you will focus on in your essay.
Clarity: The thesis statement should be clear and easy to understand. It should provide a clear sense of direction for the reader, indicating the main points that will be discussed in the essay.
Strong and compelling: The thesis statement should be strong and compelling, capturing the attention of the reader. It should be a statement that provokes thoughtful analysis and discussion.

By considering these factors, you can develop a thesis statement that effectively sets the tone for your discursive essay and captures the essence of your argument or analysis.

Conducting Research

Conducting thorough research is a critical step in writing a discursive essay. Here are some essential tips to help you effectively gather information and sources:

Define your research question: Clearly define the question or issue you want to explore in your essay. This will guide your research and help you stay focused.
Use a variety of sources: Gather information from a diverse range of sources, such as books, scholarly articles, reputable websites, and academic journals. This will ensure a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Evaluate the credibility of sources: Assess the reliability and credibility of each source before including it in your essay. Consider factors such as author credentials, publication date, peer-reviewed status, and the reputation of the source.
Take organized notes: As you read and review your sources, take organized notes to keep track of key points, quotes, and references. This will make it easier to cite sources accurately later.
Analyze and synthesize information: Analyze the information you have gathered and synthesize it into coherent arguments. Identify common themes, patterns, and conflicting viewpoints that will form the basis of your essay.
Address counterarguments: Remember to consider and address counterarguments in your research. Engaging with opposing viewpoints will strengthen your arguments and demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic.

By following these research strategies, you can gather reliable and varied sources to support your discursive essay, ensuring a balanced and well-informed discussion of the topic.

Writing the Introduction

The introduction sets the tone and direction for a discursive essay, providing context and background information on the topic. Here are some key elements to include when writing the introduction to a discursive essay:

Grab the reader’s attention: Use a hook or attention-grabbing statement to draw the reader in and generate interest in the topic.
Introduce the topic: Clearly state the topic and provide some background information to contextualize the issue.
Define key terms: Define any key terms related to the topic that may be unfamiliar to the reader.
Present the thesis statement: Clearly state your main argument or claim, which sets the tone for the rest of the essay.
Outline the structure: Briefly outline the main points or arguments that will be addressed in the essay.
Write in a discursive style: Use a discursive style of writing in the introduction that presents multiple viewpoints on the topic.

By including these elements, you can craft an effective introduction to your discursive essay that engages the reader, establishes the context for the topic, and clearly presents your thesis statement. Remember to present a balanced analysis of multiple viewpoints, maintaining the discursive style of the essay.

Presenting Arguments and Counterarguments

Presenting arguments and counterarguments is a crucial aspect of writing a discursive essay. Here are some strategies to effectively structure and present your arguments and counterarguments:

Identify key arguments: Begin by identifying the main arguments or perspectives related to the topic. These arguments will form the basis of your essay and provide a framework for your analysis.
Develop supporting evidence: Gather relevant evidence, examples, statistics, or expert opinions to support each argument. This evidence should be well-researched and credible to strengthen your claims.
Present arguments in a logical order: Organize your arguments in a logical and coherent manner. You can choose to present each argument separately, dedicating individual paragraphs to each one or use a point-counterpoint approach where you counter each argument with a counterargument.
Address counterarguments: Acknowledge and include counterarguments in your essay to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Refute counterarguments by presenting contrasting evidence or providing a persuasive rebuttal.
Provide balanced analysis: While presenting arguments and counterarguments, ensure a balanced analysis that gives due weight to each viewpoint. Avoid bias and strive for objectivity by presenting evidence from various perspectives.
Use transition words and phrases: Utilize appropriate transition words and phrases to guide the reader through the presentation of arguments and counterarguments. Examples include “on the one hand,” “however,” “in contrast,” “nevertheless,” etc.

By following these strategies, you can effectively present arguments and counterarguments in your discursive essay, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the topic and engaging the reader in a thoughtful analysis.

Writing the Body Paragraphs

When writing the body paragraphs of a discursive essay, it’s important to present a balanced and well-structured analysis of the topic. Here are some key strategies to consider:

Organize your paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a single argument or idea. Start with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point of the paragraph.
Provide evidence and examples: Support your arguments with evidence, facts, statistics, or examples from credible sources. This will enhance the validity and persuasiveness of your arguments.
Use logical reasoning: Present clear and coherent reasoning to connect your evidence with your main argument. Use logic and critical thinking to explain the relevance and significance of your evidence.
Consider opposing viewpoints: Acknowledge potential counterarguments and address them within your body paragraphs. Refute counterarguments using logical and evidence-based reasoning.
Use paragraphs for different viewpoints: If you’re discussing multiple perspectives or arguments within the same essay, dedicate separate paragraphs to each viewpoint. Clearly indicate transitions between paragraphs to maintain a coherent flow.
Include topic sentences and transitions: Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states the main idea. Use transitional words and phrases to guide the reader smoothly from one paragraph to the next.

Remember, in a discursive essay, the body paragraphs should explore various arguments and perspectives related to the topic, providing a balanced analysis and supporting evidence. By following these strategies, you can construct well-organized and compelling body paragraphs for your discursive essay.

Incorporating Evidence and Examples

Effectively incorporating evidence and examples is crucial in a discursive essay to support your arguments and strengthen your analysis. Here are some strategies to consider when integrating evidence:

Choose credible sources: Gather evidence from reputable and reliable sources such as scholarly articles, books, authoritative websites, or academic journals. This ensures the validity and credibility of the evidence.
Use a variety of evidence: Draw from a range of sources to provide a well-rounded perspective on the topic. This can include facts, statistics, expert opinions, case studies, or historical examples.
Provide context: When presenting evidence, provide context to help the reader understand its significance. Explain the relevance of the evidence to your argument and how it supports your main points.
Analyze and interpret evidence: Avoid simply regurgitating evidence. Instead, analyze and interpret it, explaining how it supports your argument and contributes to your overall analysis.
Quote and paraphrase effectively: When using direct quotes, ensure they are relevant and support your argument. Use accurate paraphrasing to summarize and restate ideas from your sources.
Cite your sources correctly: Properly cite your sources using a citation style appropriate for your academic field, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. This gives credit to the original authors and avoids plagiarism.

By incorporating evidence and examples effectively, you can provide a solid foundation for your arguments in a discursive essay, enhancing your credibility and persuasiveness.

Addressing Counterarguments

Addressing counterarguments is an essential component of a discursive essay as it demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens your overall argument. Here are some strategies to effectively address counterarguments:

Identify counterarguments: Identify the main counterarguments or opposing viewpoints related to your topic. This shows that you have considered different perspectives on the issue.
Understand the counterarguments: Thoroughly analyze and understand the counterarguments before addressing them. This will help you develop a strong response based on evidence and reasoning.
Refute the counterarguments: Present a persuasive rebuttal to counterarguments by providing evidence or logical reasoning that challenges or disproves them.
Anticipate objections: Address potential objections or criticisms that readers might have. Proactively refute these objections by providing additional evidence or presenting alternative perspectives.
Acknowledge validity: Recognize the validity of certain counterarguments or aspects of opposing viewpoints. This demonstrates fairness and strengthens your overall argument by showing that you have carefully considered all sides.
Use transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases such as “however,” “although,” or “on the other hand,” to seamlessly introduce counterarguments and your responses.

By effectively addressing counterarguments, you can strengthen your own argument and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Engaging with opposing viewpoints in a fair and persuasive manner enhances the overall credibility and impact of your discursive essay.

Concluding the Discursive Essay

Concluding your discursive essay is an opportunity to summarize your main points and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Here are some strategies to effectively conclude your essay:

Restate your thesis statement: Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement in a concise and clear manner. This reminds the reader of your main argument and reinforces its significance.
Summarize your main points: Provide a brief summary of the main points you discussed in the body paragraphs. This helps to reinforce the key arguments and evidence presented throughout the essay.
Emphasize the significance of your argument: Highlight the importance and relevance of your argument in relation to the broader context or real-world implications. This helps to leave a lasting impact on the reader.
Address counterarguments: Briefly acknowledge the counterarguments you addressed in the essay and reiterate why your main argument is stronger or more compelling.
Offer a final thought or call to action: Conclude your essay by offering a final thought, reflection, or call to action that encourages the reader to further consider the topic or take action.
Provide closure: End your conclusion by providing a sense of closure to the essay. This can be achieved by offering a conclusive statement or returning to an anecdote or example mentioned earlier in the essay.

By following these strategies, you can effectively conclude your discursive essay, leaving a strong and memorable impression on the reader while summarizing the key points and reinforcing the significance of your argument.

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How to Write a Discursive Essay – Guide with Examples

Published by Grace Graffin at March 28th, 2022 , Revised On July 26, 2023

What is a Discursive Essay?

You can see the word ‘discursive’ is close to the word ‘discourse’; in short, it means involving discussion. “In a discursive essay, you explore the discussion and perspectives surrounding a topic. Then proceeding with reason and argument, you reach a conclusion in which you may or may not agree with one of the perspectives you have presented.”

What is Discussed in a Discursive Essay?

Example: The discursive essay discusses ideas and opinions on a topic without the aim of persuading the reader to take a given view. It is your unbiased presenting of differing viewpoints that allows the reader to decide which is best. This allows you to present the topic from several viewpoints, showing the pros and cons of them all.

During the Renaissance, discursive essays were quite popular, though they have become much less so over time. Many consider the discursive essay to be one of the more difficult to approach. As such, many students struggle with them, and it is quite common to seek essay writing assistance .

What is the Purpose of a Discursive Essay?

The purpose of a discursive essay is to show that there are different and often competing viewpoints around a subject. The subject often raises a controversy or describes a problem requiring a solution. As such, discursive essay assignments are often used when comparing subjective opinions on literary works. Discursive essays highlight different opinions and arguments but do not argue either way.

Do Discursive Essays Offer Solutions to Problems?

It is not the author’s job to solve a problem. The problem could be a long-running one with no solution in sight. For example, in a discursive text, you do not examine a problem or literary text; instead, you discuss the opposing ideas and opinions surrounding them. These essays benefit readers by presenting a collection of various views on a subject all in one place, saving them from doing the research themselves.

What is the Author’s Role in a Discursive Essay?

Apart from creating the essay, the author’s role is minimal. That is, the essay should not be a personal opinion piece. The author stands in the centre of the ongoing debate, selects some of the best arguments and presents them to the reader. In this way, the author is more like a facilitator providing a clear view of the arguments surrounding the topic .

Should the Author Give an Opinion?

The role requires the author to stay mostly neutral, but it is acceptable for authors to take a stance. Whether you include your own stance in the essay is either up to you or your tutor. There is no rule that says you have to. You can clarify where you stand early in the essay, or you can wait until the conclusion.

Present Others’ Views Fairly

You should present the views of others in the best possible light; showing balance between the arguments is essential. When presenting others’ viewpoints, you should not try to prejudice readers or persuade them your view is best. This is not an argumentative essay .

How Does a Discursive Essay Differ from an Argumentative Essay?

When to write a discursive essay.

Your coursework may require a discursive essay in order to test your ability to find and presenting balanced evidence without bias. In this assignment, you need to make a balanced examination of arguments surrounding a topic, with the option of stating your own position. You are not attempting to settle the debate, only to show the thinking that surrounds it.

How do I Know if I Should Write a Discursive Essay?

Your tutor might not directly say ‘write a discursive essay’ but the essay question will give you a clue. It might be a relatively simple question, or it could just state that there is disagreement on a topic . It will not ask you to give your opinion or direct you to persuade your readers. Your essay is part of a study course, so there will be enough guidance from your tutors.

Here are some title examples that would be best discussed in discursive essays.

Is modern technology good or bad?
The effects of social media on today’s youth.
Should children under the age of ten be given mobile phones?
Should cigarettes be banned worldwide?
The positive and negative effects of water fluoridation.
Should governments subsidise healthy food and tax junk food?
Arranged marriages last longer than free-choice marriages.
Are educational standards declining?
How Harmful is cyberbullying?
Should gene editing and ‘designer babies’ be allowed?
Should the minimum age for driving a car be raised to 20?
Has the death penalty been proven as a failure or a success?
Does Google have too much power?

Types of Discursive Essays

There are three main types of discursive essays:

The opinion essay requires the author’s opinion on the issue. It should be clearly presented and supported with reason and evidence; it should also contain an opposing argument. The writer should explain why the counterargument is not convincing.
The for-and-against essay should provide readers with a good debate on the subject, aided by the opposing points of view. The main body should provide examples with sound reasoning to support claims. This should be an objective piece, as its purpose is to bring the information to the reader to make a decision.
Essays suggesting a solution to a problem should discuss the stated problem and find the main solution(s) that have been suggested. The introduction defines the problem, its causes and the consequences. The main body offers some suggestions for a possible solution to the problem and the possible consequences that can be anticipated from this solution.

Approaching a Discursive Essay

Before you do anything, read the essay question/prompt several times; let it sink in. All the work you undertake will be based on this. If you study remotely and receive the essay prompt digitally, copy it onto paper to make it real. Highlight key words and make sure you thoroughly understand what you are expected to write. Are you being asked to analyse , discuss , or explain something? These keywords are important to understand.

Steps Towards Creating your Essay

Before you even write the first line of the introduction, you have to carry out research. Trying to write an essay before doing research is like polishing a car before washing it. Researching is a way of learning about the subject while gathering and filtering information, forming the backbone of your coursework. The research you carry out should look into the subject and more importantly, also investigate the broad range of opinions and evidence surrounding it. Your research should not focus solely on the argument you favour but should cover other views equally.

How Many Viewpoints to Include

Some issues have a huge number of opinions surrounding them; you cannot include them all. Using too many will confuse the reader and make a conclusion difficult. Also, you won’t have the word limit to include everything you discover. Ask yourself if you have considered the most relevant viewpoints. Working through your discovered material, you can determine what to include based on appropriateness. It can become overwhelming, but there is plenty of help out there.

Where to Find your Evidence

Much of your research will be done online. But you should not disregard relevant books and other print sources, some of which are also online. There is also television and video to consider, and depending on the subject, you can ask family members and friends. Variety in your research shows you have really made an effort to cover all bases.

Always consider the credibility of any source you use, and always note where you found it. You will need this information to complete your bibliography. When you feel you have enough material and researching has given you a richer understanding of the subject, you can start writing.

Writing your Discursive Essay

The first thing to write is an outline ; think of it as a framework. You are going to fill this framework with good material. Remember that every word you put into it will have to justify its inclusion. For a discursive essay, the structure will likely follow the usual format of title, introduction , main body , and conclusion , followed by a reference section.

The Introduction

Example: The introduction should touch on all the points you’re going to cover, even if only broadly. It should provide a concise description of the topic and what your focus will be. Everything you discuss in the body should come under the umbrella created by the introduction.

Help the Reader Right from the Start

From the introduction, the reader should understand where the essay is going; it should not be a mystery tour. This is especially important if the subject is very broad. You can state your position on the subject in the introduction, but it is not necessary.

The discursive essay does not have a formal thesis statement , as with other essay types . This gives you the option of opening with something to really hook the reader. For example, any of these can be used:

Be provocative – “Maybe you don’t care about children’s self-confidence…”
Be balanced – “There are different opinions on whether children should do martial arts.”
Use a relevant quote – “As martial arts practitioners, we are not the type of people who allow life to happen to us. We are the author of our own lives.” – Jay Haynes.
Illustrate something – “Four-foot-tall Lisa was once bullied. After taking up kickboxing, she seems to stand much taller. She is no longer a target.”
Use an anecdote – “I lacked confidence and direction as a child. Taking up Tae Kwon Do changed all that in the first few weeks.”

After this is a rhetorical question at the centre of the discussion and a description of what the essay will cover.

Argumentative Essay Checklist

Frequently asked questions, should i analyse evidence in a discursive essay.

Although you will provide evidence in a discursive essay, it is not the same as in persuasive or argumentative essays. For example, if the essay is questioning the correct interpretation of a literary work, you do not analyse or review the literary work. Rather, you look at what others say about it and present that for the reader. What you present are ideas. And you support these ideas with quotations from other people, although it’s possible to do this by referring to your own experiences.

Can I disagree with the prevailing opinion on the subject?

You do not have to take a position on the subject you write about in a discursive essay. Your tutor might even instruct you not to. If you decide to tell the reader your position, you briefly say what you think and why. It shouldn’t become a major part of your assignment because this is not a persuasive or argumentative essay. The essay is not based on what you think.

Can I address the reader directly?

Yes, it makes your work more personal if you do this. You could do this right at the start of the introduction, asking something like, “Have you ever wondered how much information big tech companies hold about you?” A direct question like this can be a useful hook to keep the reader reading. You could say that it reduces formality and brings in familiarity, but used minimally, maybe just once, it can be effective. Generally, the discursive essay should be quite formal and impersonal.

How to Write a Discursive Essay: Tips to Succeed & Examples

So, you need to accomplish your discursive essay writing. The typical questions most students ask are: How do you write it? What is discursive essay?

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A discursive essay is an academic paper that involves a discussion on a particular topic. It is usually assigned to college students. You may be required to write a paper wherein you have to do one of the following:

argue for the issue or against it;
present your points of view on both sides;
provide your unprejudiced opinion on that matter.

Don’t panic!

Check out the tips from  Custom-writing.org  experts below. They will assist you in discursive writing and encourage you to examine essay examples. Moreover, in this article, you’ll also learn about different types of discursive essay, and its introduction, main body, and conclusion structure.

❓ What Is It?
🏁 Main Types

Introduction

Basic Don’Ts
✏️ Frequent Questions

❓ What Is a Discursive Essay?

First of all, let’s figure out what the discursive essay is.

You may think it’s similar to the argumentative essay. Yes, but there’s a difference between them in the structure and purpose of these two types of assignments:

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We will take a detailed look at how to structure a discursive essay later, and now let’s find out what are the types of this assignment.

Keep reading!

🏁 Discursive Essay: Main Types

You have to think more critically and more in-depth when reviewing all viewpoints and aspects of discursive writing. Check these three main types of essay writing:

Opinion Essay  requires the author’s opinion on an issue which is stated in the introductory paragraph. It should be clearly presented and followed by reasons and supporting examples. Also, this essay paper should contain an opposing argument that comes before the conclusion. The writer must explain to readers why the mentioned argument is considered to be unconvincing. The writer’s opinion should be restated/summarized in the conclusion.
For and Against Essay  provides readers with a thorough debate on the topic with the help of opposing points of view. Each point should be discussed objectively and described in details. The introductory paragraph puts the issue under consideration. The main body of this essay paper should present examples, reasons, and arguments supported by justifications. The author’s own opinion with balanced reflections on the topic should be stated only in conclusion.
Essay Suggesting Solution to a Problem  discusses problems and finds the main solutions. The introduction paragraph explicitly declares a problem and analyses its causes and consequences. The main body of the essay should offer some suggestions for a possible solution to the problem and potential state consequences or expected results. In conclusion, author’s opinion should be distinctly summarized.

📑 How to Write a Discursive Essay

Well, it’s time to talk about the structure of a discursive essay. Like most of the assignments, a discursive paper starts with an introduction and ends with a conclusion:

The first question you may ask is how to start a discursive essay introduction. Simple!

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Give your readers a hook – something that would sound interesting to them.
Provide a short explanation of the problem. You may use quotations, as well as rhetorical questions.
Show your readers both sides of the arguments and sum up.

You may be wondering…

Is there something I should avoid in my discursive essay introduction?

Yes. No stereotypes and generalizations, please!

The next step under formal essay writing you should take is to compose the body.

Tips on how to write a discursive essay.

There are a few points you should remember:

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

First and foremost: stay unprejudiced . Assess all of the aspects of an issue. Leave your feelings behind or for another essay type.
Second: build your argumentation . If you have several arguments for your viewpoint—provide them in separate paragraphs. This will help you to keep your essay comprehensible and distinct. Don’t forget to submit supporting evidence.
Third: write the body of an essay in an alternate manner. What does it mean? If your first paragraph supports the paper’s argument, then in the second paragraph you should write something in the opposite of it. Such a combination of supporting and opposite paragraphs will make your essay look apparent, and well researched. Besides, it will help you to remain neutral.
Fourth: include topic sentences and evidence . Write a summary of the argument at the beginning of the paragraph. It will allow the reader to easier understand what the paragraph is about. Provide evidence to show that you’re not making the facts up.

Well, you’ve almost finished your writing. Now you should focus on the last section. Keep reading, and you will learn how to write a conclusion for a discursive essay.

In the last section, you should summarize your article including the main points, specified in the body paragraphs.
You may also logically express your opinion. Remember: it should resonate with your evidence stated in the body paragraphs.
Don’t repeat findings, just summarize them.

Keep it short. Your conclusion length should not exceed one paragraph.

👍 Do’s and Don’ts

Do you want more discursive essay writing tips? Fine! Just check them below:

Basic Do’s of a Discursive Essay

Write in formal, impersonal style.
Introduce each point in a separate paragraph
Use topic sentences for each paragraph
Write well-developed paragraphs
Give reasons and examples for each point
Use sequencing
Use linking words and phrases
Make references to other sources and make sure that you follow proper citation style
Identify used sources

Basic Don’Ts of a Discursive Essay

Don’t use short forms, like I’ll, don’t, they’ve
Don’t use informal/colloquial language, for example: old as the hills, ain’t, gonna, etc.
Don’t use very emotional language, since it might make your discursive article look prejudiced
Don’t use over-generalizations. Extending the features of some elements from a group more than it is reasonable will lead to generous and inaccurate conclusions.
Don’t express your personal opinion too insistently
Don’t refer to statistics without proper referencing (check our citation guides )
Don’t use personal examples, leave it for a personal experience essay

Well, now you know what discursive essay means, what are its main types, and how to structure it.

Discursive Essay Topics

Discussion of risk factors that impact human health.
Discuss the necessity of understanding cultural heritage to provide efficient health care.
Analyze different opinions on withdrawing patients’ treatment.
Examine different views on the Civil War .
Discuss what hostile emotional states are and how they impact human life.
Discuss the meaning of metaphors used by Virgil in Aeneid .
Describe different opinions on telehealth in nursing homes.
The ethicality of stem cell technology.
Explore the effectiveness of motivational interviewing .
Discuss how people present themselves online .
Discuss the reasons for Coca-Cola’s marketing success.
Analyze the food safety issues and the ways to improve the situation.
Examine the essential meaning of sleep for people’s physical and mental health.
Explore various complications of working with groups .
Discussion of the modern issues with virtue ethics .
Describe different views on the definition of love .
Give the for and against arguments considering food security technologies .
Discuss how the concept of the American dream is presented in the film The Great Gatsby .
Analyze the influence of family problems on children and suggest ways to improve the situation.
Present the various points of view on the ethical concepts of Buddhism .
Examine the attitudes towards the problem of homelessness and the suggested ways of its solution.
Explore different opinions on the American revolution and its consequences.
Discuss various policies and views around the globe on abortion .
Discussion of the history of food foraging in different communities.
Multiple thoughts on civility on the Internet .
Analyze arguments on the effectiveness of hand sanitizers .
Discuss the importance of visual aids in learning.
Present and evaluate the theories of international development .
Discuss how to prevent the spread of the West Nile Virus (WNV).
Is embracing renewable energy sources beneficial for both environment and the global economy?
Examine the correctness of the statement that the ideology of pleasure is the foundation of social activism .
Discussion of the ethical dilemma of population control.
Discuss the ethics of experimental studies .
Analyze the topic of gun violence and gun control laws.
Explore the reasons for opioid crises in the US.
Give arguments for and against random drug testing .
Discuss the problem of endangered species .
Express your opinion on the necessity of parents to be included in children’s education .
Present your attitude towards working in a bureaucratic organization .
Discuss the issue of the nursing shortage and suggest a solution.
Give different viewpoints on the definition of beauty .
Analyze the problem of police misconduct .
Discuss the description of violence of African people in literature .
Examine the views on Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory .
Describe the various opinions on mysticism and express your attitude towards it.
Discuss the diverse standpoints on spirituality .
Is nature protection an urgent problem?
Analyze different ideas on physical privacy at work .
Discussion on the Jewish heritage in nursing.
Examine the views on the meaning of life .

Good luck with your discussions and discursive essays! Be sure to check out the articles on our blog for more academic wisdom. By the way, on the Custom-Writing website, you may find the best essay topics for your academic writing.

And don’t forget to share your opinion in the comments below.

✏️ Discursive Essay FAQ

There is no one definitely correct answer to this question. Like any other essay, the text should have a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The most important thing is that the overall book needs to be cohesive, persuasive, and exciting to read.

An example of a step by step guide is:

1. Take a closer look at the topic, think about the points to cover.

2. Choose the most relevant points and compose the Body of the essay.

3. Add an appropriate Introduction and Conclusion.

To write a good conclusion, you need to have the rest of the essay finished. Does the body of your essay present well-structured points? Great, then see what you can conclude based on that. If possible, make a connection between the introduction and the conclusion.

To ensure that your essay has a perfect structure, start with creating an outline. Based on such a plan, you can present your points step by step. Your text should have a relevant introduction, several points in the main body (with examples), and a logical conclusion.

🔗 References

Writing an Opinion Essay: Grace Fleming, ThoughtCo
How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay: Easy Step-by-Step Guide: Master Class
Ending the Essay: Conclusions: Harvard College Writing Center
Academic Writing Style: University of Southern California
Cite Your Sources: Library Guides at University of California, Santa Cruz
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Discursive Essay Topics & Ideas 2022

Published by Alvin Nicolas at November 16th, 2022 , Revised On November 3, 2023

A discursive essay is a form of an academic essay in which you express your beliefs or points of view in favour of or against the issue. Even at times, this essay would allow you to impartially offer your points of view on all sides of a debate.

A discursive essay’s ultimate goal is to give readers many perspectives on a specific essay help topic or issue. As a result, when writing a discursive essay, you must think deeply from numerous viewpoints and evaluate all parts of the issue. Additionally, it is also important to come up with unique and appealing discursive essay topics .

A discursive essay, in a nutshell, explores arguments in a balanced manner, taking into account all of the elements for and against the issue.

Important links: Research Essay Topics , Cause and Effect Essay Topics , Argumentative Business Essay Topics , Expository Essay Topics , 84 Nursing Essay Topics

Topic Selection!

The first step in the discursive essay writing process you cannot omit is topic selection. In general, if your instructor gives a list of discursive essay topics from which to pick, you won’t have trouble coming up with a topic. However, the true test begins when you are given the option of selecting a topic of your choice.

There are countless themes accessible for writing a discursive essay on diverse issues. You can seek and identify any suitable topic from among them based on your interests. So, to assist you in identifying the best essay subject, we have included some crucial pointers to consider during the discursive essay topic choosing process:

Choose a topic on which you have strong feelings or knowledge.
Choose a topic that is both intriguing to you and your audience.
Pick a contentious issue on which you may provide opposing ideas or opinions.
Select a difficult issue with two sides to extract more arguments for and against it.
Choose a topic with many credible facts or proof to support your claims.

Only finalize the essay topic if it complies with your instructor’s essay writing criteria if any exist.

Discursive Essay Topics

Social networking sites are to blame for the creeping loss of the reading habit among schoolchildren. Explain.
Should parents reward their children for good behaviour?
Describe the finest type of parenting in your nation.
Should tobacco manufacture be made illegal globally?
Is our greater reliance on technology making us stupider?
Is rock music associated with Satanism?
A child raised by a single parent matures quicker than a youngster raised by both parents.
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using mobile phones.
Is blockchain improving trade finance in 2018?
Can virtual reality end up being hazardous to children?
Explain some of our concerns regarding first impressions and their influence on encounters.
Explain why energy drinks are as dangerous as alcoholic beverages.
Explain ways to prevent online students from cheating.
Discuss why children should not have easy access to virtual reality.
Discuss if peacekeeping operations bring peace to countries or if they are simply a pretext for countries to attack one another and cause more violence than before.
Explain the remedies that should be made available to hyperactive children.
Using an entertainment industry case study, discuss how bad PR may help someone become more successful.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of globalization?
Should steroid users be barred from participating in sports?
Are political leaders engaging in illicit activities?
Examine the relationship between diet, fitness, and weight.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of video gaming among teenagers?
Should schools refrain from using physical torture to punish students?
Why are legislators now emphasizing STEM education?
Should the government outlaw same-gender marriage?
Should there be limitations on free speech?
What are the workplace issues that women face?
Will robots improve our efficiency in the future?
Should the death penalty be prohibited in all countries?
Should judicial hearings in the United Kingdom be televised?
Is it true that plastic water bottles harm the environment?
Are athletes good role models for kids?
Is a presence on social media required for a small business to succeed?
Should Muslims in Muslim nations cultivate religious tolerance?
Should public schools be responsible for teaching pupils social and emotional skills?
Is the Internet of Things no longer a technology that compromises privacy and security?
Is Shakespeare still relevant in today’s world?
Is workplace diversity beneficial to productivity?
Are modern people all across the world overly reliant on technology?
Should your country’s average driving age be decreased or increased?
Should mobile phones be permitted in the classroom?
What should the penalty be for trolling or cyberbullying on the internet?
Which is superior, traditional or alternative medicine?
Is texting and messaging applications such as WhatsApp destroying the English language?
Should workplace afternoon naps be permitted?
When should a youngster begin doing domestic chores?
Should cheering be considered a sport and competed in the Olympics?
Discuss the good and bad implications of blockchain technology on energy.
Why should we make it illegal to destroy rainforests?
Do energy drinks endanger the health of teenagers?
Should text messaging abbreviations be included in dictionaries?
Is the game industry responsible for negative gender and racial stereotypes?
Do all people require eight hours of sleep every night?
Is cheerleading a method of objectifying young women?
Do video games teach us anything?
Is it feasible to build a matriarchal society?
Should religion be taught in schools as part of the curriculum?
Should beauty pageants be outlawed?
Do politicians rely on the media to stay in power?
Is social media more important than conventional media these days?

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How to write a discursive essay?

A discursive essay requires presenting multiple viewpoints on a topic, providing evidence, and forming a balanced argument. Start with an introduction, present arguments with supporting evidence in body paragraphs, and conclude by summarizing the main points.

Discursive Essay Writing – A Comprehensive Guide

Writing discursive essays is a common task that can be encountered in high school and college environments. Mastering the nuances of writing them will be a lot easier with this guide. Our team has prepared recommendations that cover the basics of discursive essays and their format. Additionally, you will find some helpful tips about improving your work. Let’s get started!

🧐 Definition & Purpose

✍️ Types of Discursive Writing

💡 Discursive Essay Topics

📝 Discursive Essay Format

💎 developing a discursive writing style, 📎 references, 🧐 discursive writing: definition & purpose.

Discursive essays are different from the argumentative and persuasive papers you might be used to. Discursive writing allows students to investigate various topics in depth and present different opinions on particular issues. Creating one involves gathering, reading, and assessing supportive evidence. As with other academic papers, discursive ones are built around a thesis statement that outlines the arguments.

A discursive essay aims to explore a topic by presenting diverse viewpoints.

Unlike other paper genres like persuasive essays , discursive essays are scarce on personal thoughts. They favor an unbiased look at the subject through the lens of facts and statistics. You can use them to discuss issues related to social norms, the economy, political movements, technology, and similar subjects. Whatever you write about, ensure you methodically cover every side of the issue.

Differences between Argumentative and Discursive Essays

Students often confuse these essay types, so we’ve decided to help you understand the difference. These descriptions will show you how to identify the purpose and tone of these papers and choose the appropriate one to match your writing goals.

If your professor tasks you with this kind of assignment, you have a couple of ways to approach it. As we’ve mentioned before, there are several types of discursive essays. This segment of our article goes into some detail about each of them.

For-and-against essay . These papers can be best described as a debate in written form. They provide opposing points of view on different topics. For example, such essays may be about the use of fossil fuels, the First Amendment, or the merits of capitalism. It’s vital to provide reasonable and objective arguments in both cases. Readers can come to their own conclusions after reading these discursive papers.
Opinion essay . In these papers, you should present your opinion about particular issues. Use reason and evidence to back your arguments . Don’t forget to discuss the opposing opinion and explain why it lacks strength. These essays can discuss social, political, and economic topics.
Problem-solution essay . This discursive essay type discusses a problem and suggests the best solutions for solving it, for example, helping combat the homelessness crisis, climate change, or other issues. Here, students establish the problem, its causes, and the consequences of not addressing them.

💡 Examples of Discursive Essay Topics

If you get to write a discursive essay on any subject you wish, this is the right segment for you. Here, we provide several pressing, engaging, and diverse topics for your work.

Does social media affect people’s communication skills ?
Do people rely on technology too much?
The environment is the prime factor in forming a person’s identity.
Examine the history of vaccines and their effectiveness .
What’s the best way to save the environment?
Does technology make us lazier?
Higher education is not for everybody .
Should capital punishment be abolished?
Therapy is the best way to deal with mental health issues .
People should travel without borders.
How much does culture influence a person’s upbringing?
Is American education in dire need of change?
Discuss how music provides stress relief.
German is one of the most complex languages to learn.
How to combat the drug crisis in America.
Which book format is the best?
Are TV shows oversaturated with violence?
Discuss the link between poverty and crime.
In modern media, censorship comes before facts.
Approaches to addressing Higher English course challenges.
Should special sports events be held for steroid users?
Does alcohol harm the social fabric?
Modern movies lack the creative touch.
Is it OK to control the freedom of speech?
Discuss if the government should regulate marital relationships.
Have apps destroyed the dating market?
The beauty industry wrecked the self-image of women.
Does listening to heavy metal make a person more aggressive?
The paradox of fast fashion: balancing trends and sustainability .
Is religion underappreciated?

You may be tempted to write right away after choosing the appropriate topic for your discursive essay. However, before you do this, get acquainted with this paper’s format. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide for each section of the work.

How to Write a Discursive Essay Introduction

Crafting a compelling intro is the foundation of a successful discursive essay. This section outlines the essential elements and strategies to grab the audience’s attention. Read it to master the art of engaging intros.

Conduct thorough research . Before writing the introductory part, look for reliable sources of information to draw from. Take the time to find supporting evidence, especially when working on an unknown topic.
Start with a hook sentence . You can provide stats, pose a good question, or give a quote related to the topic. Since it’s the first impression you make, ensure it’s a memorable one.
Follow with a compressed topic description in a couple of sentences . Your job is to show how the topic is relevant to the broader discourse. Pick your words carefully to leave a lasting impact.
Introduce your thesis statement . In a sentence or two, describe the paper’s main idea and how you will disclose it later. Trim it down and edit until the statement perfectly encapsulates the core of your writing.
Describe what the essay will be about . In a couple of sentences, explain what each part of the work will cover in its paragraphs.
Finish with a transitional phrase or sentence. The last part of the introduction should also smoothly transition into the paper’s body paragraphs. It makes the writing more cohesive and forms a flowing narrative.

The four best tips for discursive essay writing.

How to Write Discursive Essay Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs offer a platform for in-depth analysis and presentation of multiple perspectives. The ones in discursive essays have distinctive characteristics that distinguish them from other papers.

Fill each paragraph with evidence that supports your claims . Add facts, statistics, examples, and quotes. Analyze this content and show how it supports your statements.
Aim to present a balanced discussion . Give each point of view fair consideration. Even if you have a strong personal opinion, it should not dominate the main arguments.
Present an opposing point of view . Don’t forget to dedicate several sections for counter-arguments to make the paper more comprehensive. Provide supporting information to these claims and refute them later on.
Use transitional phrases between perspectives . Smooth transitions between different viewpoints within the body paragraphs will help you maintain coherence and guide the reader through the diverse arguments.
Work in a structure . The first paragraph produces an argument, while the second has an opposing one. Repeat this process throughout the essay to give your audience a bigger picture of the issue. Also, don’t forget to check your punctuation .

How to Write a Discursive Essay Conclusion

This section will show you how to restate your main points, complete your arguments, and leave a lasting impression .

Return to the thesis statement . Don’t simply restate it. Instead, show how the paper helped expand upon it. Explain the importance of your work in the broader discussion.
Remind about the critical points of the paper . Give a rundown of the main takeaways of your paper and why they matter. Stay brief and remember that the conclusion should be about one paragraph long.
Demonstrate its importance . Tell the readers about the questions your paper raises and how they help understand the issue better. Offer practical suggestions for addressing the problem while relying on the provided data.
Encourage future discussions . Your paper should make readers want to explore the topic on their own, and it should encourage further debates. Suggest other areas relating to your topic that could be investigated in the future.

You’re one step closer to writing your perfect essay. We recommend practicing to ensure that you triumph over these academic tasks. Follow our tips, and you will see the quality of your papers reach new heights.

We thank you for your attention. Hopefully, you’ve found the guide helpful. If you need any more ideas for your discursive essay, you can create one using our topic generator !

How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay: Easy Step-by-Step Guide. – MasterClass
Discursive/Expository Essays. – Universidad de Murcia
Discursive Writing. – Fei-Yu Chuang, The University of Warwick
Reflective Writing: Differences Between Discursive and Reflective Writing. – University of Hull
Writing Styles: When and How You Should Use the 4 Main Types. – Jamie Birt, Indeed
Discursive Writing. – BBC
8 Easy Ways to Improve Your Writing Style. – Oxford Royale Academy

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Best Ways to Pick the Higher English Discursive Essay Topics

What is higher english what do you understand, how to choose higher english discursive essay topics, amazing higher english discursive essay topics suggestions, experts assistance for choosing best essay discursive topic.

When it comes to choosing the higher English discursive essay topics ? Then it becomes one of the hectic tasks for the students. During the time of writing the discursive essay topic, it helps to provide the rare opportunity that students can walk the fine line that helps them to separate a discursive essay from the other sections like the argumentative or the persuasive essay. On the other hand, when we talk about certain key points for the same, the discursive essay might help to resemble the other essay types we discussed previously. They are still very distinct from it. While writing an argumentative essay convinces the students of an argument, but when it comes to the discursive essay seeks to examine the arguments on the opposing sides of the issue.

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If you are one of those students who have studied in a country other than the UK, you may wonder what higher English is. Is it a course or here talking about the level? First, let us clarify that it is one of the sections that help students dive into the definition of some of the courses. In the UK, higher English is one of the courses for the students, particularly in England and Scotland. It helps to determine the English language and the literature very deeply. Below are some tips students can learn by studying higher English. They are:

Higher English as an independent subject
Additionally, other higher science programs

Most of the time, discursive essay examples higher English is one of the sections that help to focus on the students' advanced reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. By the end of the course, students should be able to do the following mentioned things:

They can able to use the complex languages
Students can able to apply the literature knowledge in life
Understand the base of the language operation

Every student is required to write an impressive and catchy discursive higher English essay, but specific issues arise in their academic life. One of them is choosing a unique and catchy for the higher English discursive essay topics . Suppose you are also one of those students facing a problem selecting the topic, then go through the below-mentioned tips. Here we discuss how students can choose the best topic for their write-up.

Also Read: How to Write Discursive Essay | Everything You Need to Know

Once you are done knowing what is higher English discursive essay. Then it is time to move to the challenging part of selecting the topic. Below mentioned are the useful tips that students can use for choosing the topic for their topic. Also, you can ask for discursive essay examples higher English .

Motive of Writing

With the help of the discursive essay, students can present all the arguments that can convince their readers that the writer is talking about the right scenario and the relevant things. This is why you choose the topic you can elaborate on and persuade. Also, they can choose law essay writing service .

Pick the Theme Wisely

When choosing the topic, make sure that the topic is appropriate and relevant for the professor, who will go through the same and grade the paper as the requirements. Focus on covering all the pointers to meet the expectation of the professor.

Utilise the Resources

First, evaluate that you have enough information on your chosen topic. Also, choose the things that are compelling essays. Finally, check for the possible relevant and trustworthy sources for the statement you will use in the essay writeup.

The above are some tips students can use to choose the best higher English discursive essay . These helpful tips make it easy for students to pick the best topic. However, if you still have doubts and cannot choose a reliable topic, we are providing some suggestions for higher English discursive essay topics that students can use for their writeup.

Below mentioned are the higher E nglish discursive essay examples . Let’s have a look

The importance of literacy
Football has a direct influence on English culture.
Every school should teach foreign languages.
High schools should teach both abstinence and safe.
To ensure discipline, school uniforms should be required.
People should give off smoking.
Eating disorders in adolescent females are a serious problem that should not be overlooked.
In education, motivation theories are quite successful.
Their self-esteem greatly influences students' health.
Because alcohol harms teenage health, parents should keep an eye on their children's alcohol usage.
Children and teens should not remain silent in the face of domestic violence.
Sports betting should be prohibited by the government.
We should drink plenty of water.
The reduction of the generation gap is critical for good family interaction.
High school athletes should be subjected to drug tests.
Cheating on college examinations should be penalised severely since it is discouraging.
The advantages of active listening are critical in exhibiting excellent performance at work.
Every student should evaluate the time management practices of their peers.
Sleep is vital since sleep loss impacts college students' academic performance.
Should fast food be considered "food"?
A healthy way of life and eating should become the standard for everyone.
Alternative energy sources are critical to the planet's survival.

Above are some suggestions for choosing the d iscursive e ssay i deas f or h igher English . If you are still not able to grasp the concept and not able to choose the best one for your write-up, then get the consultation of our expert writer . They will help you in completing the essay within a short period. So let’s get a consultation with professionals.

Several students stuck with choosing the right higher English discursive essay topics . At that time Assignment Desk is the saviour for students. They provide assignment writing help to students. You can consult professional writers if you are also going through the same scenario or not getting a solution for educational issues. They have vast knowledge and rich experience in providing the best essay writing services. Also, many students in the UK take assistance from experts to complete their work within the given period. Experts will offer a wide range of topics to students.

With the help of those suggestions, students can choose the best one for their essay help online and secure higher academic grades.

Additionally, at some point, students face issues in drafting the whole write-up. So, in this case, also they can take consultation from an academic writing service provider. So what are you waiting for? Want help with essay writing tasks? Get reliable consultation.

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100 Persuasive Essay Topics

M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Persuasive essays are a bit like argument essays and persuasive speeches , but they tend to be a little kinder and gentler. Argument essays require you to discuss and to attack an alternate view, while persuasive essays are attempts to convince the reader that you have a believable argument. In other words, you are an advocate, not an adversary.

A Persuasive Essay Has 3 Components

Introduction : This is the opening paragraph of your essay. It contains the hook, which is used to grab the reader's attention, and the thesis, or argument, which you'll explain in the next section.
Body : This is the heart of your essay, usually three to five paragraphs in length. Each paragraph examines one theme or issue used to support your thesis.
Conclusion : This is the final paragraph of your essay. In it, you'll sum up the main points of the body and connect them to your thesis. Persuasive essays often use the conclusion as a last appeal to the audience.

Learning how to write a persuasive essay is an essential skill that people use every day in fields from business to law to media and entertainment. English students can begin writing a persuasive essay at any skill level. You're sure to find a sample topic or two from the list of 100 persuasive essays below, sorted by degree of difficulty.

Watch Now: 12 Ideas for Great Persuasive Essay Topics

Kids should get paid for good grades.
Students should have less homework.
Snow days are great for family time.
Penmanship is important.
Short hair is better than long hair.
We should all grow our own vegetables.
We need more holidays.
Aliens probably exist.
Gym class is more important than music class.
Kids should be able to vote.
Kids should get paid for extra activities like sports.
School should take place in the evenings.
Country life is better than city life.
City life is better than country life.
We can change the world.
Skateboard helmets should be mandatory.
We should provide food for the poor.
Children should be paid for doing chores.
We should populate the moon .
Dogs make better pets than cats.

Intermediate

The government should impose household trash limits.
Nuclear weapons are an effective deterrent against foreign attack.
Teens should be required to take parenting classes.
We should teach etiquette in schools.
School uniform laws are unconstitutional.
All students should wear uniforms.
Too much money is a bad thing.
High schools should offer specialized degrees in arts or sciences.
Magazine advertisements send unhealthy signals to young women.
Robocalling should be outlawed.
Age 12 is too young to babysit.
Children should be required to read more.
All students should be given the opportunity to study abroad.
Yearly driving tests should be mandatory past age 65.
Cell phones should never be used while driving.
All schools should implement bullying awareness programs.
Bullies should be kicked out of school.
Parents of bullies should have to pay a fine.
The school year should be longer.
School days should start later.
Teens should be able to choose their bedtime.
There should be a mandatory entrance exam for high school.
Public transit should be privatized.
We should allow pets in school.
The voting age should be lowered to 16.
Beauty contests are bad for body image.
Every American should learn to speak Spanish.
Every immigrant should learn to speak English.
Video games can be educational.
College athletes should be paid for their services.
We need a military draft .
Professional sports should eliminate cheerleaders.
Teens should be able to start driving at 14 instead of 16.
Year-round school is a bad idea.
High school campuses should be guarded by police officers.
The legal drinking age should be lowered to 19.
Kids under 15 shouldn't have Facebook pages.
Standardized testing should be eliminated.
Teachers should be paid more.
There should be one world currency.
Domestic surveillance without a warrant should be legal.
Letter grades should be replaced with a pass or fail.
Every family should have a natural disaster survival plan.
Parents should talk to kids about drugs at a young age.
Racial slurs should be illegal.
Gun ownership should be tightly regulated.
Puerto Rico should be granted statehood.
People should go to jail when they abandon their pets.
Free speech should have limitations.
Members of Congress should be subject to term limits.
Recycling should be mandatory for everyone.
High-speed internet access should be regulated like a public utility.
Yearly driving tests should be mandatory for the first five years after getting a license.
Recreational marijuana should be made legal nationwide.
Legal marijuana should be taxed and regulated like tobacco or alcohol.
Child support dodgers should go to jail.
Students should be allowed to pray in school.
All Americans have a constitutional right to health care.
Internet access should be free for everyone.
Social Security should be privatized.
Pregnant couples should receive parenting lessons.
We shouldn't use products made from animals.
Celebrities should have more privacy rights.
Professional football is too violent and should be banned.
We need better sex education in schools.
School testing is not effective.
The United States should build a border wall with Mexico and with Canada.
Life is better than it was 50 years ago.
Eating meat is unethical.
A vegan diet is the only diet people should follow.
Medical testing on animals should be illegal.
The Electoral College is outdated.
Medical testing on animals is necessary.
Public safety is more important than an individual's right to privacy.
Single-sex colleges provide a better education.
Books should never be banned.
Violent video games can cause people to act violently in real life.
Freedom of religion has limitations.
Nuclear power should be illegal.
Climate change should be the president's primary political concern.
Arizona State University Writing Center staff. " Persuasive Essay Structure ." ASU.edu, June 2012.
Collins, Jen, and Polak, Adam. " Persuasive Essays ." Hamilton.edu.
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155 Hot Discursive Essay Topics To Use Right Now
Focused and Catchy. When your lecturer checks the essay, the topic is what you will get first, and, therefore, you should make it catchy. This makes the reader want to go deeper into the paper and see what you have to say. A good topic is also likely to earn you a higher grade. Next, we will highlight the main essay ideas, starting with higher ...
50 Unique Discursive Essay Topics for Students
To find the right topic for your discursive essay, you can consider the following factors: Brainstorm: To generate some effective topic ideas for your essay, try brainstorming with your friends. This process is used in various professions (including creative writing) worldwide to find innovative ideas. People try many ways to brainstorm for ideas.
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Try our student writing prompts. In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts, all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column. Now, we're rounding up 130 more we've ...
30 Professor Recommended Discursive Essay Topics (Updated for 2022)
Writing on your choice of discursive essay topics gives you the rare opportunity to walk the fine line that separates a discursive essay from its close cousins—the argumentative or persuasive essay. While in certain lights, a discursive essay might resemble its relatives, the argumentative or persuasive essay, they are still very distinct. For example, an argumentative essay seeks to ...
Planning a Discursive Essay
A discursive essay is a form of critical essay that attempts to provide the reader with a balanced argument on a topic, supported by evidence. It requires critical thinking, as well as sound and valid arguments (see Chapter 25) that acknowledge and analyse arguments both for and against any given topic, plus discursive essay writing appeals to ...
How to Write a Discursive Essay with Impact and Authority
Discursive Essay Topics. Writing a discursive essay on a compelling topic holds immense importance as it allows individuals to engage in a nuanced exploration of diverse perspectives. A well-chosen subject encourages critical thinking and deepens one's understanding of complex issues, fostering intellectual growth.
How To Write Discursive Essays
Simply put, discursive essays and argumentative essays fall under the umbrella term, or the genre, of expository essays. An expository is a genre of writing that presents an analysis on a topic and provides sound evidence to support the writer's ideas.
How to Write a Discursive Essay: Tips, Dos & Don'ts
State your opinion in the introduction, supported by examples and reasons. Present the opposing argument before the conclusion, explaining why you find it unconvincing. Summarize your important points in the conclusion. 2. Essay providing a solution to a problem. Focus on discussing an issue and proposing solutions.
How to Write a Good Discursive Essay
The points you use while writing a discursive essay need to flow smoothly so that readers could see a logical organization of the work. For this, you can use transition words that'll make your paper easily readable and crisp. For example, if you want to list some points, opt for such words as firstly, to begin with, secondly, lastly, finally ...
How to Write a Discursive Essay: Effective Guide
A discursive essay aims to elaborate on a given topic in a balanced way. The subject matter is often a dilemma or issue, so there are usually two or three possible solutions. Hence, the ideal piece must include all sides of the problem and present objective and all-encompassing evidence about the topic.
How to Write a Discursive Essay: Tips, Examples, and Structure
Clear Introduction: Start with a concise introduction that provides context and grabs the reader's attention. Clearly state your thesis or main argument. Well-structured Paragraphs: Divide your essay into paragraphs that focus on specific points. Each paragraph should present a new idea or support a previous one.
150 Excellent Discursive Essay Topics for Students To Consider
Write the discursive essay in a formal third-person speech. When writing this essay, use the right choice of words and formal language conventions. Avoid using emotional writing style and clichés to exaggerate your opinions. Follow the standard essay structure that contains separate sections for the introduction, body, and conclusion.
How to Write a Discursive Essay
Selecting a Topic. Selecting a topic for a discursive essay is a crucial first step in the writing process. Here are some considerations to help you choose an appropriate and engaging topic: Relevance: Select a topic that is relevant and holds significance in the current context.
How to Write a Discursive Essay
The discursive essay discusses ideas and opinions on a topic without the aim of persuading the reader to take a given view. It is your unbiased presenting of differing viewpoints that allows the reader to decide which is best. This allows you to present the topic from several viewpoints, showing the pros and cons of them all.
How to Write a Discursive Essay: Tips to Succeed & Examples
Well, now you know what discursive essay means, what are its main types, and how to structure it. Discursive Essay Topics . Discussion of risk factors that impact human health. Discuss the necessity of understanding cultural heritage to provide efficient health care. Analyze different opinions on withdrawing patients' treatment.
Exploring English Discursive Essay Topics
Here are some sample discursive essay topics to inspire your writing: Education. The effectiveness of online learning; Standardized testing: Pros and cons; The impact of technology in the classroom;
Discursive Essay Topics & Ideas 2022
Discursive Essay Topics & Ideas 2022. Published by Alvin Nicolas at November 16th, 2022 , Revised On November 3, 2023. A discursive essay is a form of an academic essay in which you express your beliefs or points of view in favour of or against the issue. Even at times, this essay would allow you to impartially offer your points of view on all ...
How to Write a Discursive Essay
🧐 Discursive Writing: Definition & Purpose. Discursive essays are different from the argumentative and persuasive papers you might be used to. Discursive writing allows students to investigate various topics in depth and present different opinions on particular issues. Creating one involves gathering, reading, and assessing supportive evidence.
100+ Easy Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas
If you want to write a quick and easy argument paper, follow these simple steps: Pick a topic question from the lists above. Decide your answer to the question (this is your beginning thesis). Write down everything you know about the topic. Talk to your friends or family to find out what they know, have heard, or have read recently about the ...
Discursive Writing
In a discursive piece you are expected to discuss a given topic and present an argument related to it. There are two basic types of discursive essay. Firstly there are persuasive essays in which ...
20+ Impressive Higher English Discursive Essay Topics
Additionally, other higher science programs. Most of the time, discursive essay examples higher English is one of the sections that help to focus on the students' advanced reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. By the end of the course, students should be able to do the following mentioned things: They can able to use the complex ...
100 Persuasive Essay Topics
Kids should be able to vote. Kids should get paid for extra activities like sports. School should take place in the evenings. Country life is better than city life. City life is better than country life. We can change the world. Skateboard helmets should be mandatory. We should provide food for the poor.
How To Write A Band 6 Module C Discursive Essay (New Syllabus)
Don't know what a discursive essay is? Do you know what the differences between a discursive and persuasive essay are? Don't worry. In this article, we explain what discursive writing for Year 12 Module C: The Craft of Writing is and give you a step-by-step process for writing a discursive essay.

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Discursive Essay Topics for Students

Introduction

Choosing the topic for your discursive essay

Impressive topic ideas for a discursive essay

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26 Planning a Discursive Essay

Choose Your Topic Carefully

Research Your Topic

Write the Thesis Statement

Thesis Structure:

Claims and Counter Claims

Sample Discursive Essay Outline

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How to Write a Discursive Essay: Awesome Guide and Template

What Is a Discursive Essay

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Difference Between a Discursive Essay and an Argumentative

Types of Discursive Essay

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Discursive Essay Format

Introduction

Conclusion

Yays and Nays of Writing Discourse Essays

Discursive Essay Examples

Wrapping Up

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How To Write Discursive Essays

1. What is a Discursive Essay?

2. How do I Identify a Discursive Essay Topic?

3. What is the Difference Between a Discursive Essay, an Argumentative Essay and an Expository Essay?

4. How do I Approach or Structure a Discursive Essay?

5. How do I Brainstorm Ideas for a Discursive Essay to Achieve a Balanced Discussion?

6. How do I Write an Introduction for a Discursive Essay?

7. How do I Write the Body Paragraphs for a Discursive Essay?

Important Reminders:

8. How to Write a Conclusion for a Discursive Essay?

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