Discursive Essay (Grade 12 NSC Matric English FAL): Revision Notes
Discursive Essay
What is a discursive essay?
A discursive essay explores multiple perspectives on a particular topic in a fair and unbiased way. When writing this type of essay, you need to examine different sides of an issue before sharing your own viewpoint. The main goal is to present a thoughtful discussion that helps readers understand the complexity of the topic.
This essay type is particularly valuable because it teaches you to think critically about controversial subjects and consider viewpoints that may differ from your own initial opinion. Rather than simply arguing for one side, you demonstrate your ability to weigh different arguments fairly.
The key difference between discursive essays and argumentative essays is that discursive essays present multiple viewpoints objectively before stating your position, while argumentative essays advocate for one specific stance throughout.
Key features of a discursive essay
Understanding the essential characteristics will help you write an effective discursive essay:
Balanced discussion: You must present both sides of the topic fairly, giving equal attention to different viewpoints. This shows your ability to think objectively about complex issues.
Formal tone: Use neutral and professional language throughout your essay. Avoid emotional or biassed expressions that might suggest you favour one side over another.
Logical structure: Your ideas should be well-organised and clearly presented. Each point should flow naturally to the next, creating a coherent argument.
Evidence-based arguments: Support all your claims with facts, examples, and solid reasoning. This gives credibility to your discussion and shows thorough research.
Impartial approach: Present the writer's opinion usually at the end, after discussing both sides thoroughly. This demonstrates that you have considered all perspectives before forming your conclusion.
Structure of a discursive essay
1. Introduction
Your introduction serves as the foundation for your entire essay. Start by introducing the issue you will be discussing, making it clear why this topic matters or why it's relevant to your readers. Provide a brief overview that mentions both sides of the argument without revealing your personal stance. This creates anticipation and prepares your reader for the balanced discussion that follows.
2. Body
The body paragraphs form the heart of your discursive essay. Organise them strategically:
Paragraph 1: Present arguments that support one side of the topic. Include specific examples, facts, and supporting evidence to strengthen these points.
Paragraph 2: Present arguments that oppose or challenge the first viewpoint. Again, use concrete examples and evidence to support these counterarguments.
Paragraph 3 (optional): If needed, provide further discussion or explore additional perspectives that haven't been covered in the first two paragraphs.
Remember that each paragraph should contain examples, facts, and supporting evidence to make your arguments convincing and well-substantiated. Never present arguments without backing them up with credible evidence.
3. Conclusion
Your conclusion should effectively wrap up your essay by summarising the key points you've discussed. Most importantly, clearly state your viewpoint based on the evidence and discussion you've presented. Avoid introducing new arguments at this stage, as this can confuse readers and weaken your essay's impact.
Steps to writing a discursive essay
Step 1: Choose a topic
Select a controversial or debatable issue that has clear arguments on multiple sides. Good topics often involve current social issues, ethical dilemmas, or policy debates. For example, you might explore questions like "Should social media be banned in schools?" or "Is climate change the biggest threat to humanity?"
Step 2: Plan your essay
Effective planning is crucial for a successful discursive essay. Create a mind map or table to list arguments for and against your chosen topic. Research thoroughly to gather facts, examples, and statistics that support different viewpoints. Once you have sufficient material, arrange your arguments in a logical order that will create the most compelling discussion.
During the planning stage, aim to find at least 2-3 strong arguments for each side of your topic. This ensures you have enough material to create a balanced and thorough discussion.
Step 3: Write the first draught
Begin with a strong introduction that immediately engages your reader with the issue at hand. Use clear and structured paragraphs to present different viewpoints, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea. Throughout your draught, maintain a formal and objective tone that demonstrates your impartiality.
Step 4: Edit and proofread
Review your draught carefully, checking for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Ensure that both sides of the argument are presented fairly and that neither perspective is given unfair advantage. Focus on improving the clarity and coherence of your arguments, making sure each point is well-supported and clearly explained.
Step 5: Write the final version
Make your final corrections and adjustments based on your editing process. Ensure that your essay meets the word limit of 250-300 words, which is typical for discursive essays in examinations. Cross out your draught clearly and submit your polished final version.
Example discursive essay topic
Worked Example: "Should school uniforms be compulsory?"
This topic provides an excellent example of how to approach a discursive essay:
Introduction: Present the ongoing debate about school uniforms and why this issue affects students, parents, and educators.
Body paragraphs:
- Arguments supporting uniforms: promotes discipline among students, reduces peer pressure related to clothing choices, and creates a sense of school identity.
- Arguments opposing uniforms: limits students' self-expression and creativity, can be financially burdensome for families, and may not actually improve academic performance.
Conclusion: The writer presents their reasoned opinion based on the evidence discussed, perhaps suggesting a middle-ground approach or clearly stating which arguments they found most compelling.
Checklist for a good discursive essay
Before submitting your essay, ensure you can answer "yes" to these important questions:
- Does the essay discuss both sides of the issue fairly?
- Are examples and evidence used to support arguments?
- Is the structure clear with an introduction, body, and conclusion?
- Does the writing maintain a formal and neutral tone?
- Are grammar, punctuation, and spelling correct?
Common Mistake to Avoid:
Avoid being overly emotional or biassed in your writing. Instead, focus on presenting facts and logical reasoning that allow readers to understand different perspectives. This approach demonstrates maturity and critical thinking skills that examiners value highly.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- A discursive essay explores multiple viewpoints fairly before presenting your own opinion
- Maintain a formal, objective tone throughout your writing
- Support all arguments with concrete evidence, examples, and facts
- Follow a clear structure: introduction, balanced body paragraphs, and conclusive ending
- Stay within the 250-300 word limit for examination essays