At some point in your college life, you might or will come across an essay. It is just like tax, and death which cannot be avoided. However, the task itself is complex for students due to many reasons. It can be due to the complexity of the assignments that you are given, the overload of other academic tasks, and much more. Hence, you cannot avoid a Discursive Essay and must know how to write it.

What is a Discursive Essay?

An essay of discursive writing is a kind of academic writing that objectively and fairly inspects a subject thoroughly. However, its main objective is to provide various viewpoints on a disputed topic so that you consider all sides before reaching a conclusion. Essays are impartial, offering both benefits and drawbacks and strengthening each viewpoint with facts, figures, and examples.

Follow This Format To Write This Essay

Making the most of your essay depends on your ability to write and construct the format in a way that compliments the task. Therefore, for essay writing and getting the best possible grades, you must follow the below format.

Choose A Topic

Importance

For a discursive project, choosing the appropriate topic is essential. It must be a problem with two or more opposing points of view which enables you to investigate several angles. The subject should ideally be interesting, relevant, and open to discussion based on facts.

Pro Tip: Selecting a topic that awakens your interest will make writing and research easier.

Examples:

• Should traditional classroom instruction be replaced by Internet learning?
• Does climate change occur naturally or as a result of human activity?
• Should artificial intelligence be subject to governmental regulation?

Research The Topic

Importance

Research provides you with the proof you need to back up your claims and helps you understand the subject from a variety of perspectives. An essay that is well-researched demonstrates your careful consideration of the subject.

Pro Tip: To obtain fair information, consult trustworthy sources such as books, government publications, scholarly journals, and trustworthy websites. Verify the reliability of your sources at all times.

Examples: If the question is "Should online learning replace traditional classroom education?" you should investigate the benefits of online learning (such as accessibility and flexibility) as well as its drawbacks (such as a loss of social connection and technological shortcomings).

Follow An Outline

Importance

An outline gives your essay shape and helps in the logical organisation of your thoughts. It guarantees that your essay stays on topic and that every paragraph discusses a different facet of the argument.

Pro Tip: Decide which arguments will be used in each part and plan it out. Writing the essay will be considerably simpler as a result.

Examples

Introduction: Describe online education and point out that it's a contentious topic.

Body Paragraph 1: You can discuss the benefits here.

Body Paragraph 2: Showcase drawbacks.

Conclusion: Give a summary of both arguments and a recommendation for enhancement or well-rounded application.

Typical Structure

Introduction: It sets the stage for the conversation by introducing the subject and highlighting the various viewpoints. This is one of the most used discursive essay examples.

Body Paragraphs: One argument supported by data and analysis will be covered in each body paragraph.

Conclusion: Summarises the many viewpoints and offers a concluding judgment or well-rounded suggestion.

Write An Introduction

Purpose

The essay's backdrop is established in the opening, which also describes the issue and succinctly presents the two (or more) opposing viewpoints. It should state that both perspectives will be discussed rather than taking a position at this time. And if you don’t have the expertise to do so, then opt for Essay Help.

Pro Tip: Use an intriguing fact, a query, or a relevant quotation to draw the reader in. If required, be careful to define any important term

Example: The COVID-19 epidemic has contributed to the recent surge of interest in online education. Some claim it provides unparalleled flexibility and worldwide accessibility, while others think the absence of in-person interaction and human participation lowers the quality of education. This essay will examine both sides of this expanding controversy.

Body Paragraphs Matter

Purpose

The discursive essay's body paragraphs form its central section. One feature or point of view should be presented in each paragraph, followed by data or analysis to back it up. Presenting both perspectives before drawing a conclusion is something you should strive for in your approach.

Pro Tip: Introduce the argument in a clear topic phrase at the beginning of each paragraph. When applicable, include counterarguments and supporting data.

Structure

Topic Sentence: Introduce the argument clearly.

Explanation: Give specific details or illustrations to support your point of view.

Evidence: Provide research, data, or professional judgment to support your position.

Examples of Social Media Debate:

Positive Viewpoint

There are many educational opportunities available on social media. Traditional education can be supplemented by free lessons, webinars, and networking opportunities offered by platforms such as LinkedIn Learning and YouTube. Additionally, students have access to international viewpoints on a range of disciplines, which enhances their comprehension of those subjects.

Negative Viewpoint

Social media can sometimes be detrimental. Particularly for younger people, continuous exposure to idealized pictures and lifestyles can lead to stress and worry. Furthermore, because it diverts students' attention from their academics, research indicates that excessive social media use might result in irregular sleep patterns and a drop in academic performance.

Conclusion

Purpose

The essay's essential ideas should be summed up in the conclusion, which will support the argument's objectivity. It should synthesize the facts rather than present novel concepts. You can express your final opinion in certain situations, but it should still be measured and supported by the available data.

Pro Tip: Summarize the key ideas without exactly duplicating them. Make sure your stance is supported by the discussion in the body paragraphs if you choose to take a side.

Example: In conclusion, online learning has drawbacks like a loss of in-person interaction and a greater reliance on technology, even while it offers flexibility and access to worldwide educational resources. The solution to these issues might lie in a hybrid model that combines the finest aspects of traditional and online education.

The Final Word

Thus, to write the best Discursive Essay you need to be attentive and focused. You can successfully examine complex topics from all angles by using an organised method that starts with a well-considered introduction, progresses through well-balanced body paragraphs, and ends with a concise conclusion. Even while the process could seem difficult, particularly given your conflicting academic obligations, becoming proficient in the essay structure will improve your critical thinking abilities in addition to helping you write well-rounded, convincing essays. Therefore, the above structure of a discursive essay follows the best practices and analogies to deliver exceptional results.