NQ HIGHER ENGLISH
DISCURSIVE WRITING
WS 2014
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What is Discursive Writing?
Factual writing where you
- Discuss Ideas,
- Express Opinions and
- Present Evidence
….to support your (and other peoples’) viewpoint.
ARGUMENTATIVE &
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PERSUASIVE
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DISCURSIVE WRITING

ARGUMENTATIVE

PROVIDES INFORMATION
COVERING BOTH SIDES OF
THE ISSUE.
TRIES TO BE FACTUAL AND
UNBIASED.
THE CONCLUSION WEIGHS
UP BOTH SIDES OF THE
ARGUMENT AND SUGGESTS
ON BALANCE, THE BEST
OPTION.


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Argumentative Writing:
Argumentative writing will treat a topic or issue in a way which
presents a line of argument, dealing with two or more varying
viewpoints.
The main requirements of the argumentative essay are that it will:
♦ communicate a clear and balanced line of argument
♦ present two sides of an argument (or more, if applicable)
♦ distinguish between facts and opinions
♦ convey an argumentative tone which is measured, reasonable and yet
carries personal conviction
♦ communicate to the reader a clear sense that the writer has weighed
up different aspects of the argument before reaching conclusions
♦ make effective use of a number of argumentative techniques such as
comparison, contrast, confirmation, refutation, counter-argument,
proof, disproof.
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DISCURSIVE WRITING

ARGUMENTATIVE

PERSUASIVE

PROVIDES INFORMATION
COVERING BOTH SIDES OF
THE ISSUE.
TRIES TO BE FACTUAL AND
UNBIASED.
THE CONCLUSION WEIGHS
UP BOTH SIDES OF THE
ARGUMENT AND SUGGESTS
ON BALANCE, THE BEST
OPTION.

AIMS TO PERSUADE THE
READER TO A PARTICULAR
POINT OF VIEW.
ADDRESSES OPPOSING
ARGUMENTS ONLY TO
SHOW WHY THIS LINE OF
ARGUMENT IS
FLAWED/WRONG.


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Persuasive Writing
Persuasive writing will persuade to a purpose or point of
view ( e.g. influence opinion/belief), usually concerning
itself with a single topic or issue.
The main requirements of the persuasive essay are that it
will:
carry a clear sense of conviction or inducement; tone may
range from encouragement, through cajoling to
pressurising
make effective use of a number of persuasive techniques,
such as manipulating information, claiming
necessity/exclusivity, flattering, employing technical
jargon/rhetoric
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Writing an argument
Aims:

to plan a piece of discursive
writing = 1300 WORDS

to revise how to use
rhetorical devices effectively
…
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What are the ingredients of a good argument?

Have a strong sense of Audience and Purpose.

A number of views and opinions, both for and against a
subject.

Well structured points progressing in a logical order.

Language and Tone appropriate to the topic and audience

Use of vocabulary (Register) appropriate to audience

Formal language (NO contractions – can’t etc)

Use of ‘counter argument’ (‘You could state that ….
However, this is clearly not the case because ….’).

Supporting Evidence from a wide variety of sources

Bibliography
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…
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Topic: Using Animals for Scientific
Research
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Using Animals for Scientific Testing
Reasons For:
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Reasons Against:
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Introduction: Getting their Attention
The opening of your essay is important. It should
capture the reader’s attention in some way or
another.
It should avoid being bland or dull.
It should invite the reader to read on ….
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Types of Introductions …
The following methods are suggestions. It is up to
you to decide which style best suits your topic.
Provocative:
The cruel and selfish nature of man is never
more evident than in a science laboratory,
particularly if you are a lab animal.
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Balanced:
Animal testing is a
subject about which
most people
hold passionately
contrasting ideas.
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Quotation
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Anecdote…
Whilst working for the periodical Animal’s Agenda, I
discovered disturbing research projects on primates. I
witnessed one researcher who was depriving infant
rhesus monkeys of key nutrients and studying the results,
such as chronic diarrhoea and neural impairment, and
another researcher who was learning how to bolt the
heads of three-month-old monkeys into a restraint device
and injecting chemicals into their brains to induce
seizures. In other experiments, baby monkeys were
separated from their mothers so researchers could study
conditions like depression, aggression, and mother-infant
bonding.
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Illustration
On any one glorious day, a number of animals
may be exposed to chemicals and extreme ultra
violet light so that you may safely wear
sunscreen with confidence.
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How can I structure and progress
my arguments?

Use Connective words / Linking words

Refer to the VCOP pyramids to help you.
Therefore,
To begin
with…
Consequently,
In the first
place…
In conclusion
Firstly,
Secondly,
As a result,
Without question
Despite that
fact
Evidently,
In addition
Furthermore
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However,
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Conversely,
What is
more…
…
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Current and Relevant Topics …
UK Defence involvement in current conflicts
Ebola: UK aid / immigration
Immigration
Immunisation
Multiculturalism and Religious differences
The role of religion in conflict
Racism
….. Others?????
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