Writing an Effective Introduction
for Discursive Essays
What is a Discursive Essay?
• A discursive essay is a type of essay that
discusses a problem, a controversy, or a
recent issue.
• It is as if you are debating or arguing about an
issue with someone. The only difference is
you are writing your points in a clear and
organized essay structure.
Structure of a Discursive Essay
Sample Discursive Essay Question
Students should not be given any
examinations. What are your views?
Issue: Examinations for students
Views: You need 3 points
Students should not be given any
examinations. What are your views?
• Let’s see how Ralph answers this question.
RALPH’S 3 POINTS (VIEWS):
1. Firstly, students should not be given any
examinations because they create a lot of
stress for many students.
2. Secondly, students should not be given any
examinations as getting poor results can
demoralise many students.
3. However, examinations are useful in
showing how much a student has learnt in
school, and so, they are essential for
students and teachers.
Students should not be given any
examinations. What are your views?
RALPH’S 3 POINTS (VIEWS):
1. Students should not be given any
examinations because they create a lot of
stress for students.
2. Students should not be given any
examinations because getting poor results
can demoralise students.
3. However, examinations are useful in
showing how much a student has learnt in
school, and so, they are essential for
students. (Opposing view)
2nd paragraph’s Topic
Sentence
3rd paragraph’s
Topic Sentence
4th paragraph’s
Topic Sentence
But wait….what is a topic sentence?
• A topic sentence is the sentence in an
expository paragraph which summarizes the
main idea of that paragraph. It is usually the
first sentence in a paragraph.
• The topic sentence also clearly answers the
question!
Alright…..
• So we have the 3 views (topic sentences which
are written in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th paragraphs)
• But how about the Introduction?
• You are going to see Ralph use 3 techniques
to start the introduction to a discursive
essay.
Students should not be given any
examinations. What are your views?
Introduction #1
Many students strongly dislike
the thought of examinations. In
Singapore, students have to face
numerous examinations throughout
their years of education.
Some
students are motivated to do well for
examinations, while others find them
extremely
challenging.
Students
should not be given any examinations
because it can be very stressful for
many students, and it can also
demoralise the students who get poor
results. Still, examinations are
essential for students as it serves as a
good reflection of what the student
has learnt in school.
Students should not be given any
examinations. What are your views?
Introduction #2
Have you ever felt your palms
getting sweaty before taking an
examination? In Singapore, students
have to face numerous examinations
throughout their years of education.
Some students are motivated to do
well for examinations, while others
find them extremely challenging.
Students should not be given any
examinations because it can be very
stressful for many students, and it can
also demoralise the students who get
poor results. Still, examinations are
essential for students as it serves as a
good reflection of what the student
has learnt in school.
Students should not be given any
examinations. What are your views?
Introduction #3
Imagine not having to take any
examinations. School would be a
breeze, and more students would look
forward to going to school. In
Singapore, however, students have to
face
numerous
examinations
throughout their years of education.
Some students are motivated to do
well for examinations, while others
find them extremely challenging.
Students should not be given any
examinations because it can be very
stressful for many students, and it can
also demoralise the students who get
poor results. Still, examinations are
essential for students as it serves as a
good reflection of what the student
has learnt in school.