Do you know what’s one of the most frequently assigned essay types to students during their school or college life? It’s none other than the discursive essay! You need to brace yourself because this essay type demands active involvement from students throughout the writing process – that’s why professors just can’t get enough of it and assign it quite often.
Here’s an interesting twist – At British Assignments Help, we receive a flood of queries from students seeking guidance on this very essay type. So, we decided to create a simple guide just for them, and guess what? You’re about to dive into it!
Keep reading to unveil all the exciting details.
What is a Discursive Essay?
Simply put, it’s an essay where you express your views in favor of and against a topic. In other words, it’s an opportunity to discuss a chosen topic, examining its advantages, disadvantages, and various aspects.
Now, you might be curious about the purpose of discursive writing, right?
Well, the primary objectives of writing a discursive essay are as follows:
- To provide an impartial assessment of the topic.
- To present a well-balanced discussion on the subject matter.
- To present reliable facts and research findings.
- To articulate one’s own opinion on the topic.
- To formally present both sides of the argument.
These are some of the reasons why discursive essay writing holds great significance. Now, let’s delve into the various types of discursive essays.
It’s quite common for students to feel confused when it comes to categorizing the different types of discursive essays, as well as identifying the essays that can fall under the discursive category. So, let’s clear up the confusion and take a closer look at each type:
-
Opinion Essay:
The first and widely known type of discursive essay is the opinion essay. Here, you select a topic, express your opinions on it, provide supporting arguments, and then present opposing viewpoints before reaching a conclusion.
-
For and Against Essay:
This essay type requires you to present your opinions along with factual information about the topic. The twist here is that you are not allowed to take a specific side; instead, you must present arguments for and against the chosen topic.
-
Problem-Solution Essay:
If you choose to write an essay that proposes a solution to a particular problem, it falls under the category of a discursive essay. In this type, you first comprehend the problem and then provide a suitable answer accordingly.
By understanding these distinct types of discursive essays, you can choose the appropriate approach based on the essay prompt and effectively convey your thoughts and arguments.
Types of Essay That Can be Discursive
Argumentative Essay:
An argumentative essay is a type of essay where you delve into a topic extensively. While you may not always arrive at a definitive conclusion, you gather information and present it in the form of arguments to provide a deeper understanding of the subject.
Persuasive Essay:
On the other hand, a persuasive essay aims to convince or persuade the reader through the writer’s work. The writer presents their viewpoint as the correct perspective and seeks to influence the reader’s opinion accordingly.
Although these two essay types bear some resemblance to discursive essays, they can be differentiated based on their purpose and approach.
How to Write a Discursive Essay
-
Choose a Topic
When it comes to writing a discursive essay, the first step is to carefully choose a topic that will serve as the foundation for your entire essay. The topic selection is crucial as it determines the direction, focus, and overall success of your essay. A compelling topic should be relevant, engaging, and capable of sparking a thoughtful discussion. It should be something that you are genuinely interested in and feel passionate about, as this will make the writing process more enjoyable and help you convey your ideas effectively. Take your time to brainstorm and consider different options, weighing the pros and cons of each topic. Once you have chosen a topic that resonates with you, it’s time to dive into the research and start crafting your discursive essay.
-
Decide a Particular Structure
Struggling to determine the appropriate structure for your discursive essay? Don’t worry! British Assignments Help has got you covered. We have created a simplified flowchart to assist you in understanding and implementing the correct structure. Just follow this user-friendly guide, and you’ll be on your way to crafting a well-structured discursive essay.
-
Follow Through Specified Guidelines
Nobody is perfect, but that doesn’t mean you can’t strive to be better amidst imperfections. Feeling confused? Don’t fret! While achieving perfection may be unrealistic, you can certainly give it your best shot. Start by following all the guidelines provided by your professor and university to maximize your chances of achieving higher grades.
Additionally, here are some essential do’s and don’ts to consider:
Do use a formal and impersonal writing style, write well-developed paragraphs, and provide examples, evidence, and reasons to support your arguments. Remember to properly reference your sources and use appropriate linking words to ensure smooth paragraph transitions. On the other hand, don’t use a short text format, make over-generalizations, rely solely on personal examples, add information without evidence, or employ emotional language.
Remember the key do’s and don’ts, such as using a formal writing style, providing evidence, and avoiding over-generalizations and emotional language. Embrace the challenge, hone your skills, and master the art of discursive essay writing. Get ready to impress with your thoughtful arguments and persuasive prowess!