Discursive Essay (Grade 10 NSC Matric English HL): Revision Notes
Discursive Essay
Understanding the discursive essay
A discursive essay is a type of writing that explores multiple perspectives on a particular issue in a fair and unbiased way. Unlike other essay types where you might argue for one side only, a discursive essay requires you to examine all viewpoints before sharing your own opinion. The goal is to present a balanced discussion that helps readers understand the complexity of the issue.
When writing a discursive essay, think of yourself as a fair judge who must listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision. You need to explore different opinions objectively, using facts and evidence rather than emotional language. This type of essay is commonly used to discuss controversial or debatable topics where there are valid arguments on multiple sides.
The key to a successful discursive essay is maintaining objectivity throughout your discussion. You're not trying to persuade readers to agree with you immediately – you're helping them understand the issue from multiple angles before they form their own conclusions.
Key features of a discursive essay
Understanding the key features of a discursive essay will help you write effectively and meet the assessment criteria. Each feature plays an important role in creating a well-balanced and convincing piece of writing.
Balanced discussion
A discursive essay must examine all perspectives of the issue equally. This means giving fair attention to different viewpoints, even if you personally disagree with some of them. You should present each side's strongest arguments without showing bias. Think of it as being a neutral reporter who presents all the facts before the reader makes up their own mind.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Never spend two paragraphs defending one viewpoint and only a few sentences on the opposing view. Equal treatment of all perspectives is essential – both sides deserve thorough exploration with supporting evidence.
Formal tone
Your writing should employ impartial and factual language throughout. Avoid using casual expressions, slang, or overly emotional words. Instead, use professional vocabulary and maintain a serious, academic tone. For example, write "Many people believe" rather than "Everyone thinks" or "Some argue that."
Logical structure
Your thoughts must be systematically arranged and easy to follow. Each paragraph should flow naturally to the next, with clear topic sentences and smooth transitions. Your arguments should be organised in a way that makes sense, perhaps moving from strongest to weakest points or grouping similar ideas together.
Evidence-based arguments
Every claim you make should be backed up using evidence, illustrations, and logic. This might include facts, statistics, expert opinions, real-world examples, or case studies. Never make sweeping statements without supporting them with concrete evidence. For instance, if you claim that "social media affects mental health," you should provide research findings or statistics to support this.
Strong evidence can come from various sources: academic research, government statistics, expert testimony, case studies, or real-world examples. The key is ensuring your sources are credible and relevant to your argument.
Impartial approach
The author's personal view typically appears in the conclusion, after presenting both sides fairly. Throughout the body of your essay, you should maintain objectivity and not let your personal opinion influence how you present the arguments. Only after thoroughly discussing all perspectives should you state your own informed position.
Structure of a discursive essay
A well-structured discursive essay follows a clear format that helps readers follow your arguments easily. The three main sections work together to create a complete and convincing discussion.
Introduction
The introduction sets the stage for your entire essay and should capture the reader's interest whilst providing essential context. This section typically spans one paragraph and should accomplish several important goals.
First, you need to introduce the issue being discussed in a way that shows why it matters. Start with a hook that grabs attention – perhaps a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, or a brief anecdote. Then, explain why the topic is important or relevant to readers. Why should they care about this issue? How does it affect their lives or society?
Finally, provide a brief overview of both sides of the argument without going into detail. This gives readers a roadmap of what to expect in the essay. You might write something like: "Whilst some people argue that school uniforms promote equality, others believe they restrict individual expression."
Your introduction should be engaging but concise. Save the detailed arguments and evidence for the body paragraphs – the introduction is about setting up the debate, not solving it.
Body
The body is the main part of your essay where you present your research and arguments. This section typically consists of two to three paragraphs, each focusing on a different aspect of the debate.
Paragraph 1 should present arguments in favour of the topic. Choose the strongest points supporting one side of the debate and explain them thoroughly. Each body paragraph should contain examples, facts, and supporting evidence. Don't just state an opinion – explain why people hold this view and back it up with concrete information. Use phrases like "Supporters of this view argue that..." or "Research has shown that..."
Paragraph 2 should present arguments against the topic. Now you shift to the opposing viewpoint and give it equal attention. Again, use evidence to support these arguments. Even if you disagree with this perspective, present it fairly and objectively. Use transition words like "However," "On the other hand," or "Conversely" to signal the shift in perspective.
Paragraph 3 (optional) can provide further discussion or additional perspectives. If the issue is complex, you might need a third body paragraph to explore nuances, address common misconceptions, or present a middle-ground position. This paragraph can also examine the implications or consequences of the different viewpoints.
Critical Structure Rule: Each paragraph should follow a clear structure: topic sentence, explanation, evidence, and concluding sentence that links to your main argument. This consistent pattern helps readers follow your reasoning.
Conclusion
The conclusion brings your essay to a satisfying close by tying together all the threads of your discussion. This final paragraph should accomplish three main tasks without introducing any new arguments.
First, summarise the key points discussed in your essay. Briefly remind readers of the main arguments from both sides, showing that you have thoroughly examined the issue. This recap should be concise – a sentence or two per main point is sufficient.
Next, clearly state the writer's viewpoint based on the discussion. After presenting both sides fairly, you now have the opportunity to share your informed opinion. Your stance should feel logical and justified based on the evidence you've presented. You might say something like: "After considering both perspectives, it seems clear that..."
Critical Rule: Never introduce new arguments in your conclusion. This section should synthesise and reflect on what you've already discussed, not present fresh information or evidence. End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on your reader.
Steps to writing a discursive essay
Following a systematic writing process will help you create a well-crafted discursive essay. These steps guide you from initial planning through to your final submission.
Step 1: Choose a topic
The foundation of a good discursive essay is selecting a controversial or debatable issue that has multiple valid perspectives. Your topic should be something that reasonable people can disagree about – not a straightforward fact where one answer is clearly right or wrong.
Good topics often involve moral dilemmas, social policies, technological changes, or educational practices. For example, you might explore questions like: "Should social media be banned in schools?" or "Is climate change the biggest threat to humanity?" These topics work well because they have strong arguments on multiple sides and affect many people's lives.
When choosing your topic, consider whether you can find enough evidence and examples to support different viewpoints. Also think about whether the topic is appropriate in scope – not too broad to cover in 250-300 words, but not so narrow that there isn't much to discuss.
Step 2: Plan your essay
Thorough planning is essential for creating a well-organised and balanced discursive essay. Before you start writing, take time to brainstorm and organise your thoughts.
Use a mind map or table to list arguments for and against your topic. Draw a line down the middle of a page, labelling one side "For" and the other "Against." Then list all the arguments you can think of for each perspective. This visual organisation helps you see whether you have a balanced set of arguments and identifies any gaps in your research.
Planning Tip: Research and gather facts, examples, and statistics to support your arguments. Look for credible sources such as academic studies, reputable news outlets, expert opinions, and official statistics. Make notes about specific evidence you can cite in your essay. Remember to note down where this information comes from in case you need to reference it.
Finally, arrange arguments in a logical order. Decide which points are strongest and how they should be sequenced. You might start with the most convincing argument and end with the weakest, or group related ideas together. Creating a brief outline at this stage will make the actual writing much easier.
Step 3: Write the first draft
With your planning complete, you're ready to write your first draft. Don't worry about perfection at this stage – focus on getting your ideas down on paper in a logical sequence.
Begin with a strong introduction that introduces the issue effectively. Use your planning notes to craft an opening that engages readers and sets up your discussion. Make sure your introduction clearly indicates what the essay will cover and why the topic matters.
Use clear and structured paragraphs to present different viewpoints. Each paragraph should have a distinct focus and follow a logical structure: topic sentence, explanation, evidence, and conclusion. Make sure each paragraph connects to the next through effective transitions.
Throughout your draft, maintain a formal and objective tone. Avoid using "I think" or "in my opinion" until the conclusion. Instead, use phrases like "It can be argued that" or "Evidence suggests that" to maintain objectivity. Check that your language remains neutral and academic rather than emotional or biased.
Step 4: Edit and proofread
Once you've completed your first draft, it's time to review and improve your work. Editing is a crucial step that can significantly enhance the quality of your essay.
Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Read through your essay carefully, looking for mistakes in sentence structure, verb agreement, and punctuation. It can be helpful to read your essay aloud, as this helps you catch errors your eyes might skip over when reading silently.
Ensure that both sides of the argument are fairly presented. Review your body paragraphs and check whether you've given equal attention to different perspectives. If one side has two paragraphs whilst the other has only one brief paragraph, you may need to rebalance your discussion.
Editing Strategy: Improve clarity and coherence of arguments. Look for sentences that are confusing or unclear and rewrite them more simply. Check that your paragraphs flow logically and that you've used transition words effectively. Make sure each piece of evidence clearly supports the point you're making.
Step 5: Write the final version
The final stage involves polishing your essay and preparing it for submission. This is your opportunity to perfect your work and ensure it meets all requirements.
Make final corrections and adjustments based on your editing. Address any remaining issues you identified during the proofreading stage. Consider asking a friend, family member, or teacher to read your essay and provide feedback.
Ensure that the word limit (250-300 words) is met. Count your words carefully – if you're over the limit, look for redundant phrases or less important details to cut. If you're under the limit, consider whether you need to develop any arguments more fully or add additional evidence.
Finally, cross out the draft and submit the final version. If you're writing by hand, make sure your handwriting is legible and neat. If typing, ensure your formatting is consistent and professional. Double-check that you've completed all requirements before submitting your work.
Example discursive essay topic: "Should school uniforms be compulsory?"
To help you understand how these principles work in practice, let's examine how you might approach a common discursive essay topic about school uniforms.
Worked Example: Structuring a Discursive Essay on School Uniforms
Introduction: Your introduction would present the debate on school uniforms, explaining that this is a long-standing controversy in education with passionate advocates on both sides. You might mention that many schools worldwide require uniforms whilst others allow students to wear their own clothes.
Body Paragraphs:
Arguments for uniforms: You would discuss how uniforms promote discipline by creating a sense of order and professionalism in the school environment. You could also explain that uniforms reduce peer pressure related to clothing brands and styles, helping students focus on learning rather than fashion. Include specific examples or statistics if available, such as: "A study by the Department of Education found that schools with uniform policies reported 12% fewer discipline incidents."
Arguments against uniforms: Present the opposing view that uniforms limit self-expression, preventing students from developing their personal identity and style during formative years. You might also discuss the financial burden uniforms place on families, particularly those with multiple children, as uniforms can be expensive and must be replaced as children grow. Again, support these points with evidence: "Parents' associations report that a complete school uniform set can cost upwards of R1,500 per child."
Conclusion: In your conclusion, you would summarise both perspectives before stating your informed opinion based on the discussion. You might conclude that whilst both arguments have merit, one perspective seems more compelling given the evidence presented.
Checklist for a good discursive essay
Before submitting your discursive essay, use this checklist to ensure you've met all the key requirements. Each question addresses an important aspect of successful discursive writing.
Does the essay discuss both sides of the issue fairly? Review your body paragraphs and ensure you've given adequate attention to different perspectives. Both viewpoints should be explored with similar depth and supported with evidence.
Are examples and evidence used to support arguments? Check that you haven't made any unsupported claims. Every major point should be backed up with facts, statistics, expert opinions, or concrete examples.
Is the structure clear with an introduction, body, and conclusion? Verify that your essay follows the correct format and that each section fulfils its purpose. Your introduction should set up the debate, your body should explore different perspectives, and your conclusion should synthesise the discussion.
Does the writing maintain a formal and neutral tone? Read through your essay checking for any casual language, emotional words, or biased phrasing. Your writing should remain objective and professional throughout, except when stating your own viewpoint in the conclusion.
Are grammar, punctuation, and spelling correct? Carefully proofread your work, checking for technical errors that could distract from your arguments. Pay particular attention to commonly confused words, subject-verb agreement, and proper comma usage.
Exam Tip: When writing your discursive essay, avoid being overly emotional or biased – focus on presenting facts and reasoning. Remember that your job is to be a fair judge, not a passionate advocate. Even in your conclusion when you state your opinion, it should be presented as a logical conclusion based on the evidence rather than an emotional declaration. Using objective language and solid evidence will make your essay more convincing and earn you higher marks.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
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A discursive essay explores multiple perspectives on a debatable issue in a balanced and objective manner, presenting all viewpoints fairly before stating your own opinion in the conclusion.
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Your essay must maintain a formal, neutral tone throughout, using evidence-based arguments supported by facts, examples, and statistics rather than emotional or biased language.
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Follow the clear structure of introduction (presenting the issue), body paragraphs (arguments for and against), and conclusion (summarising and stating your viewpoint without introducing new arguments).
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Plan thoroughly before writing by using mind maps or tables to organise arguments for both sides, ensuring you can present a balanced discussion with equal attention to different perspectives.
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The word limit for a discursive essay is 250-300 words, so be concise whilst ensuring each paragraph contains substantial evidence and explanation to support your arguments.