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DISCURSIVE
Mate
These are essays where you are given a topic and you can either agree, disagree or look at both sides of the argument. For example: Boys should not have to be clean shaven as part of the school rules. 5 DISCURSIVE ✓Your task is to remain impartial and acknowledge various viewpoints. ✓Plan your essay carefully so that you do not appear to be contradicting yourself. ✓A well-balanced discussion must unfold. ✓You may state your stance in the conclusion after weighing both sides. 1. Highlight the key words of the title 2. Jot down many points for and against the topic 3. Brainstorm so that your essay is rich with content 4. Decide whether you agree or disagree with the thesis (argumentative) or whether you are going to present a balanced view of the topic (discursive) 5. Prioritise the key points you wish to focus on and abandon irrelevant material 6. Order your thoughts in a logical fashion, building up to your most powerful argument 7. Plan these key points in a logical, structured way: each paragraph should contain a single, specific topic (one topic sentence) and the rest should be supporting material / examples /statistics 8. Consider ways to substantiate your points: facts, statistics, quotes from famous people, historical facts, examples 9. Look at your points from the opposing argument : anticipate the opposition and flatten that argument even before it is raised 10. • Signposting is essential : help the reader follow the logic of your argument (usually found at the beginning of a paragraph and may be single words like ‘however’, ‘similarly’ , ‘also’ or phrases like ‘on the other hand’ , ‘another way in which’ (these are also called linking words) STRUCTURE: DISCURSIVE INTRODUCTION Introduce the topic in an interesting way. BODY PARAGRAPHS • Deal with each of your points in turn. • You may choose to look at both sides of each point in one paragraph or write these in alternating paragraphs. • Substantiate – provide evidence to support your arguments. • Reference – refer to a source / research. • Link – to next paragraph / topic. CONCLUSION • Sum up both sides. • Don’t include any new information. • State which argument you believe is more valid. STYLE OF ARGUMENTATIVE AND DISCURSIVE WRITING Use pertinent statistics: not too many, but well-chosen stats build a strong case. Use evidence from your personal life or general observation. Use powerful well-chosen emotive words: these will convey your interest and involvement and will emphasise your point of view. Rhetorical questions used sensibly force the readers’ involvement in your argument. Figurative writing is an important ingredient of a good essay. Just because you are writing in a logical fashion does not mean your writing must be boringly factual. STYLE OF ARGUMENTATIVE AND DISCURSIVE WRITING Contrast can be a very effective technique to emphasise your point. Humour, if wisely used, too can be a powerful tool: it suggests that you are in control. Beware of inappropriate sarcasm. Use formal language – avoid colloquialisms, contractions and slang as these detract from your argument. Edit your work. Grammar, spelling and punctuation should be checked as a matter of course.
