Key success factors when writing a discursive essay:
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Being able to build up an argument
Being able to link points together in a logical sequence
Using appropriate discourse markers to connect, contrast, and balance points.
Humans shouldn't eat meat. Discuss.
A. Write an introduction for the essay, following this pattern:
 Write an introductory sentence about the topic.
 Write a second sentence supporting the first one, or describing the result of it.
 Ask a question that you intend to answer in the essay
Most people think that it is natural for humans to eat meat, as we have
been doing throughout evolution. However, a growing number of people
are choosing to become vegetarians for health, moral or environmental
reasons, among others. Can we have the steak and eat it?
B. Brainstorm the content
When provided with an essay title, look at it carefully and brainstorm the pros and
cons of it. Then decide the main arguments on each side which are relevant to the
title.
Write one topic sentences followed by some supporting sentences. A topic sentence is
the first sentence of a paragraph and contains the main idea or topic of the paragraph.
The supporting sentences further develop this main idea.
There are some arguments in favour of eating meat (TOPIC
SENTENCE). Humans have always hunted and eaten animals. We also
use their fur and skin for clothes and shoes. Besides, when people stop
eating meat they are avoiding eating the main food that gives them
energy.(SUPPORTING SENTENCES)
In contrast, many vegetarians believe that eating meat is not only
unnecessary but it is also unhealthy (TOPIC SENTENCE). We can
easily grow plants that give us all we need in our diet, and meat can
cause serious cardiovascular diseases or even cancer. Also, the way we
farm animals is cruel and we are destroying rainforests to provide land
for animals. (SUPPORTING SENTENCES)
3. Write a conclusion.
The conclusion should briefly sum up the arguments you have made, and can include
your personal opinion.
The opinion you express should follow logically from the arguments you have
presented.
To sum up, there are serious arguments to support one point of view or the
other. In my opinion, there are strong health reasons for not eating
meat. However, if we become vegetarians for moral reasons, we should
also not wear fur or leather.
TIPS for writing a discursive essay where you put both sides of an argument
 Brainstorm points for and against and decide which two or three you think are the
most important.
 Use a neutral or formal style.
 Write a clear introduction, which engages the reader. You could end with a question
that you are going to answer.
 Link your ideas together with varied discourse markers and linking phrases because an
essay should show the development of a logical argument; it is not just a list of random
ideas and opinions.
Linkers
Listing: Firstly, Secondly, Finally, To begin/start with, etc
To introduce or list advantages:
One / Another / The main advantage of …
Some / Many people suggest / feel / argue that …
To introduce a disadvantage:
One / Another / The main / The most important disadvantage / drawback of …
Adding Points: What is more, Also, In addition, etc
Introducing Results/Examples: As a result, Therefore, Consequently, For this
reason, because, etc
Showing Contrast: However, Although, On the other hand,
Conclude: To sum up, On balance, All in all
Now complete the previous list with the following linking words and phrases:
In conclusion, Furthermore, such as, Nevertheless, yet, like, as, consequently, while,
all things considered
 Make sure your conclusion is a summary of what you have previously said and refers
back to what you were asked to write about. It is important that this is not just a
repetition of your arguments. It is a summary of what you believe your arguments
have proved.
DRAFT your essay in four paragraphs:
•
Introduction
•
Arguments in favour
•
Arguments against
•
Conclusion, saying whether you think the advantages outweigh the
disadvantages, or the other way round.
EDIT the essay, cutting any irrelevant information and making sure it is the right
length.
CHECK the essay for mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation and register.
_______________________________________
NOW READ TWO MORE EXAMPLES
Are extreme weather events a sign of climate change?
People have always complained about the weather, but the number of
extreme weather events - such as droughts, hurricanes and heavy snow seems to have increased in recent years. Are these events a sign that our
climate is changing?
Many people believe that extreme weather is part of a general pattern
of climate change. Scientists predicted that global warming would lead
to more unstable weather and this is exactly what seems to be
happening. Furthermore, most scientists agree that these changes are
happening faster than expected and they are a direct result of human
activity. Many scientists warn that things will get worse if we don't take
action.
However, not everyone agrees with this point of view. Some people point
out that there have always been extreme weather events, but we are
simply more aware of them now. They say that it is not certain that
climate change is a result of human activity, so we should try to find out
the facts before we spend millions on fighting it.
On balance, it seems that extreme weather is probably linked to climate
change, but we cannot be completely sure about this. My own view is
that we can't take the risk of waiting until we are certain about climate
change, as by then it will be too late to stop it.
Taking exams has both positive and negative effects on students.
Most teachers believe that exams have advantages over other ways of
assessing students' progress. However, taking exams usually fills most of
us with dread.
Exams can indeed have beneficial results. First of all, an exam forces
students to revise all the work covered in the school year. As a result, they
regain valuable knowledge that may have been forgotten. In addition, exams
are an effective way of preparing for the stressful situations that they
may meet in their future working life.
On the other hand, exams can have negative effects. Many students cannot
handle stress very well, and consequently may not be able to perform at
their best. This, in turn, produces exam results that are not a fair
reflection of the student's true ability. Another negative effect is that
students may revise very hard for a short time before the exam and then
forget everything the minute the exam is over.
I believe that exams are necessary but should not be the only way to
determine a student's future. I think a combination of exams and continual
assessment of work is a fairer method.