Discursive Writing

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Discursive Writing

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

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

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

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

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.

1Key Terms

1.1Key Terms

1.1.1Key Terms - Nouns, Verbs & Sentences

1.1.2Key Terms - Sentence and Clause Types

1.1.3Key Terms - Words, Sounds & Language

1.1.4Key Terms - Types of Language

1.1.5Key Terms - Images, Symbols & Mood

1.1.6Key Terms - Mood & Feelings

1.1.7Key Terms - Other Techniques

1.1.8End of Topic Test - Key Terms

2Language Devices

2.1Language Devices

2.1.1Metaphors

2.1.2Similes

2.1.3Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning

2.1.4Personification

2.1.5Pathetic Fallacy

2.1.6Puns & Oxymorons

2.1.7Hyperbole & Emotive Language

2.1.8Alliteration

2.1.9Sibilance

2.1.10Onomatopoeia

2.1.11Recap: Language Devices

2.1.12End of Topic Test - Language Devices

3Writing Structure

3.1Writing Structure

3.1.1Narrators

3.1.2Paragraphs

3.1.3Tense

3.1.4Present vs Past vs Future Tense

3.1.5Foreshadowing

3.1.6Structure

3.1.7End of Topic Test - Writing Structure

4Section B: Reading & Writing

5Section C: Writing

5.1Writing Task

5.1.1Discursive Writing

5.1.2Narrative Writing

5.1.3Descriptive Writing

5.1.4End of Topic Test - Writing Task

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