5.1.1

Discursive Writing

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Discursive Writing

Discursive writing involves discussing an issue and putting forth an argument.

General structure

General structure

  • In a discursive piece, writers don’t argue one line of argument the whole way through.
  • They look at both sides of an issue and present their opinion at the very end.
  • Writers maintain a relatively objective tone throughout until they give their own opinion in the conclusion.
Features of a discursive piece

Features of a discursive piece

  • Balanced tone - do not make one side more persuasive than the other.
  • Persuasive techniques (see the DAFORESTAR section) - but make sure the piece does not become too persuasive or one-sided.
  • Evaluation of the arguments for and against.
  • An alternating structure - you should alternate between the arguments for and against, using separate paragraphs for separate points.
  • Connectives that help to link points and make the piece flow.
  • Language that’s appropriately formal or technical.
Sample structure

Sample structure

  • Introduction: Introduce the problem and explain the significance of the issue.
  • Discussion: Discuss the arguments for and against, alternating between the two sides of the argument. Make sure your points always stick to the topic of discussion.
  • Conclusion: Weigh up the evidence and present your own conclusion.
Tips for writing your conclusion

Tips for writing your conclusion

  • End strongly - don’t use over-cliched phrases like ‘In conclusion’. Show some originality.
  • Make sure your tone does not become too impassioned or argumentative - your piece will start to sound like an argumentative or persuasive piece.
  • Use personal pronouns to show that you are stating your opinion.
Jump to other topics
1

Key Terms

1.1

Key Terms

1.1.1Key Terms - Nouns, Verbs & Sentences1.1.2Key Terms - Sentence and Clause Types1.1.3Key Terms - Words, Sounds & Language1.1.4Key Terms - Types of Language1.1.5Key Terms - Images, Symbols & Mood1.1.6Key Terms - Mood & Feelings1.1.7Key Terms - Other Techniques1.1.8End of Topic Test - Key Terms
2

Language Devices

2.1

Language Devices

2.1.1Metaphors2.1.2Similes2.1.3Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning2.1.4Personification2.1.5Pathetic Fallacy2.1.6Puns & Oxymorons2.1.7Hyperbole & Emotive Language2.1.8Alliteration2.1.9Sibilance2.1.10Onomatopoeia2.1.11Recap: Language Devices2.1.12End of Topic Test - Language Devices
3

Writing Structure

3.1

Writing Structure

3.1.1Narrators3.1.2Paragraphs3.1.3Tense3.1.4Present vs Past vs Future Tense3.1.5Foreshadowing3.1.6Structure3.1.7End of Topic Test - Writing Structure
4

Section B: Reading & Writing

4.1

Writing Formats

4.1.1Letter4.1.2Reports & Essays4.1.3Journal/Diary Entry4.1.4Speech4.1.5Newspaper Article4.1.6Leaflet4.1.7Review4.1.8Travel Writing4.1.9End of Topic Test - Writing Formats
4.2

Writing to...

4.2.1Writing to Inform4.2.2Writing to Inform - Example4.2.3Writing to Explain4.2.4Writing to Explain - Example4.2.5Writing to Persuade4.2.6Writing to Persuade - Example4.2.7Writing to Argue4.2.8Writing to Argue - Example4.2.9Writing to Persuade vs Writing to Argue4.2.10Writing to Advise4.2.11Writing to Advise - Example4.2.12End of Topic Test - Writing to...
4.3

Acronym of Techniques - DAFORESTAR

4.3.1Direct Address4.3.2Alliteration4.3.3Facts4.3.4Opinions4.3.5Repetition4.3.6Exaggeration (Hyperbole)4.3.7Statistics4.3.8Triple (Rule of 3)4.3.9Emotive Language4.3.10Rhetorical Questions4.3.11End of Topic Test - DAFORESTER
5

Section C: Writing

5.1

Writing Task

5.1.1Discursive Writing5.1.2Narrative Writing5.1.3Descriptive Writing5.1.4End of Topic Test - Writing Task

Practice questions on Discursive Writing

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  1. 1
    What kind of tone do writers mainly use for discursive writing?Multiple choice
  2. 2
    Features of a discursive piece:Fill in the list
  3. 3
    What type of pronouns should you use in your conclusion to a discursive piece?Multiple choice
  4. 4
    Sample Structure - Discursive EssayPut in order
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End of Topic Test - DAFORESTER

Narrative Writing