A discursive essay in English, often referred to simply as an "essay", is a fundamental part of learning the English language, especially in the context of education and exams such as GCSEs or A-Levels. It requires not only a good grasp of grammar and vocabulary but also the ability to express thoughts clearly and logically in a structured manner. An essay typically consists of three main parts: the introduction, the main body, and the conclusion. In this article, we will delve into how to write a correct and effective discursive essay, with a particular focus on formal style, clarity of argumentation, and text structure.
Phrases to Use in the Introduction of an English Discursive Essay
In the introduction of a discursive essay, it is crucial to clearly present the topic and provide a brief introduction to the issue at hand. Here are some phrases that can help set the right tone and structure for the introduction:
1. “One of the main issues today is…” – Used to introduce a broad, current topic. For example, “One of the main issues today is the role of social media in education.”
2. “In recent years, there has been growing concern about…” – Ideal for describing a phenomenon that is subject to debate. For example, “In recent years, there has been growing concern about the effects of social media on students’ concentration.”
3. “This essay aims to explore…” – Outlines the main goals of the essay. For example, “This essay aims to explore the advantages and disadvantages of using social media in the classroom.”
4. “It is widely accepted that…” – Useful for presenting common opinions or beliefs. For example, “It is widely accepted that social media has transformed the way students learn.”
5. “In this discussion, I will examine…” – Clearly states what will be analysed in the essay. For example, “In this discussion, I will examine both the positive and negative impacts of social media on education.”
6. “Many believe that…” – Works well when you want to introduce a frequently raised argument. For example, “Many believe that social media improves student engagement in the learning process.”
Using these phrases in the introduction gives the essay a clear structure and professional tone. They provide the reader with clear guidance on what to expect in the rest of the essay and ensure a consistent flow of argumentation from the very beginning.
Guidelines for Writing a Discursive Essay in English:
1. Use of Appropriate Linking Expressions
Linking expressions are essential for a coherent and logically structured text. Phrases like “On the one hand”, “However”, and “In conclusion” help clearly present contrasting ideas and guide the reader through the argumentation. They are particularly useful in "for and against" essays, where presenting different viewpoints in a cohesive manner is crucial.
2. Maintaining a Formal Style
In English discursive essays, avoiding informal expressions and colloquialisms like “gonna” (instead of “going to”) or “wanna” (instead of “want to”) is key. A formal style also means avoiding contractions such as “don’t” or “can’t” – using full forms like “do not” and “cannot” is preferred. Using formal language enhances the quality of your writing and is the standard in academic texts.
3. Clarity of Expression
Each paragraph in a discursive essay should focus on a single main idea. Avoid mixing too many threads in one section, as this can lead to confusion. It's beneficial to introduce the main idea at the beginning of a paragraph and develop it in an organised manner. Such a structure ensures clarity, which is crucial for the reader’s understanding.
Remembering these tips helps in crafting coherent, logical, and persuasive discursive essays in English.
Writing Different Types of Discursive Essays
1. For and Against Essay
The "for and against" essay is one of the most common types, especially in the context of language exams. The aim of this essay is to present a balanced analysis of a given topic, without explicitly siding with any argument. The structure is simple and clear: each paragraph in the body should present both pros and cons of the thesis.
In the introduction, briefly introduce the topic and outline the issue without revealing your stance. Example: “One of the most debated topics today is whether technology improves our lives or makes them more complicated.” This sentence introduces the topic but does not present the author's opinion.
In the body, dedicate several paragraphs to discussing arguments for and against. Each paragraph should focus on one aspect, such as discussing advantages in the first paragraph and disadvantages in the next. It’s important that each argument is well justified and supported by examples. For instance: “On the one hand, technology allows people to communicate faster and more effectively. For instance, smartphones enable instant messaging and video calls.” Then present a counterargument, e.g.: “However, critics argue that reliance on technology can lead to a decrease in face-to-face interactions and weaken personal relationships.”
The conclusion should include a brief summary of both sides of the argument, without the author explicitly taking a stance. You can point out that both sides have their strengths, e.g.: “In conclusion, while technology has undoubtedly revolutionized communication, it also presents challenges in terms of personal interaction.” This approach allows the reader to draw their own conclusions.
2. Opinion Essay
An opinion essay differs from "for and against" in that the author expresses their stance on the topic from the very start and defends it throughout the body. The introduction should contain a clear thesis that indicates the author's position. For example: “In my opinion, technology significantly improves our quality of life.”
In the body, the author presents arguments that support their opinion, justified with examples and evidence. Unlike the "for and against" essay, there is no need to present both sides, although mentioning counterarguments to refute and strengthen your position can be beneficial. For example: “One of the main benefits of technology is the ease of access to information. Online platforms such as Google or Wikipedia allow users to find reliable information in seconds, which was previously unimaginable.” You can also mention and neutralise a counterargument: “Some argue that technology makes us too dependent on gadgets. However, the advantages, such as increased productivity and efficiency, far outweigh the potential drawbacks.”
The conclusion in an opinion essay should firmly reiterate the author’s opinion and summarise the arguments presented. Avoid wavering and give the reader a clear impression that the author is confident in their stance. Example: “In conclusion, despite potential downsides, the positive impact of technology on modern life is undeniable, as it enhances both communication and access to information.”
Writing both types of essays requires a clearly defined structure and careful selection of arguments. In a "for and against" essay, avoid taking a stance until the conclusion, while in an opinion essay, the author’s position should be clear from the outset and consistently supported throughout the text.
