DISCURSIVE ESSAY

WHAT IS A DISCURSIVE ESSAY?

A discursive essay is a piece of formal writing which presents both sides of the issue in a more balanced way. In the end, however, it normally reaches a conclusion; in other words, the writer states what s/he thinks.

DISCURSIVE ESSAY STRUCTURE:

the introduction states clearly the problem of investigation;
the main body comprises several paragraphs which present a particular point of the problem. Each point should be illustrated and justified.

DISCURSIVE ESSAY STRUCTURE

the conclusion summarizes the main ideas of the essay, gives the essay writers opinion or restates it depending on the type of an essay.

DISCURSIVE ESSAY: BASIC DOS

Write in formal, impersonal style Introduce each point in a separate paragraph Use topic sentences for each paragraph

Give reasons and examples for each point

Use sequencing, linking words and phrases Make references to other sources

Identify the source used

DISCURSIVE ESSAY: BASIC DONTS

Dont use short forms or informal language
Dont use very emotional language Dont use over-generalizations Dont express your personal opinion too strongly Dont refer to statistics without a proper referencing it

Dont use personal examples

COMMON QUESTION HEADINGS

1) Discuss 2) .. to what extend do you agree/disagree?

DISCUSSION TOPIC
Students should not be allowed into classes if they do not adhere to the university dress code. Discuss.

WRITING TOPIC
Tourism has grown to be a major industry in many countries. However, some say that it brings a place more harm than good. Discuss.

SAMPLE INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH

Tourism remains one of the worlds great growth industries. People today are travelling further and further, no longer just in the summer but throughout the year. In recent times, there have been concern over the heavy price these destinations pay for the mass influx of tourists. Although some people argue that mass tourism has a negative effect on destinations, its influences can also be positive.

WRITING THE BODY PARAGRAPHS

Body Paragraph Checklist: 1) Topic sentence 2) Elaboration/ explanation

3) Examples
4) Concluding sentence

CLASS WORK
Write the 3 body paragraphs and 1 conclusion paragraph for the topic: Tourism has grown to be a major industry in many countries. However, some say that it brings a place more harm than good. Discuss. You are to work in a group. Write the paragraphs and submit at the end of the lesson.

CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH

Conclusion Paragraph Checklist: 1) summary of ideas 2) your stand/decision on the topic

3) your opinion/recommendation/suggestion/ prediction on the topic (to end the paragraph)

SAMPLE CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH

To sum up, it is apparent that tourism has, on the whole, a positive influence provided its development is properly planned and controlled. It is, therefore, possible for tourist destinations to have a sustainable future.