A discursive essay thoroughly investigates an argument by offering two opposing perspectives. It’s a practical method of establishing the writer’s opinion on a topic and persuading one’s stance by exploring the reasons why each view may or may not be valid. The author usually maintains a calm and neutral stance throughout the text to establish an unbiased and informative argument.
1. Define Your Topic
Before you begin your essay, you need to define what the topic is. Discursive essay topics can be about anything, but they are primarily used to argue ideas about controversial topics such as gun control or abortion. You should decide at this point which side you are supporting. Defining the topic also involves narrowing down the scope to ensure the essay remains focused and manageable.
Choosing a Controversial Topic
Selecting a topic that has significant debate and opposing viewpoints is crucial for a discursive essay. Topics like climate change, euthanasia, and the death penalty are often rich with differing opinions and provide ample material for discussion.
Deciding Your Stance
Although the essay will present both sides of the argument, knowing your stance early helps in structuring the essay and guiding the research. Decide which side you find more compelling and prepare to present it in the conclusion.
2. Outline
The foundation of any well-structured essay is an outline. A discursive essay should have a clear structure consisting of an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Introduction
The introduction clearly states the topic and explains why it is important. It sets the stage for the discussion by providing background information and indicating the significance of the issue. The introduction should also briefly mention the two perspectives that will be explored.
Body
The body contains the arguments and logic for both sides. This section should alternate between the two perspectives to maintain balance and present a comprehensive view of the issue. Each point should be supported with evidence, and counterarguments should be included to provide a fair and thorough examination.
Conclusion
The conclusion is where you establish your personal stance on the argument and explain why. Here you explain why it is difficult to establish a solid stance on the topic. The conclusion should summarize the main points discussed and restate the importance of the issue.
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3. Write 4-6 Different Points to Include in the Body
“Discursive writing does not argue for or against a point throughout the essay.”
Knowing in advance which points you will discuss will help during the actual writing process. Make sure that each point has a counterargument. For example, if you have three points for one side, you should have three points against it to balance it out. This ensures your argument is unbiased as well as thorough.
Choosing Strong Points
Try to choose strong and valid points that would be difficult to argue against. This makes it more exciting and informative to the reader when you do introduce its counter-argument. Strong points backed by credible evidence add weight to your discussion.
Structuring the Arguments
The points should descend in order from the strongest argument to the least supportive argument. Alternate back and forth between each perspective to illustrate the argument. Think of it like a “ping-pong” match. The body of the outline should appear as follows:
Body:
- Point A)
- Point B)
- Point A)
- Point B)
- etc.
Each individual argument is a paragraph. The amount of paragraphs is up to your discretion, but if this is for a class, there should be at least four.
4. Fill in the Content
Now that you’ve fully outlined your essay, it’s time to flesh it out. Establish credibility by citing valid sources. Don’t believe everything you read. Look for scientific studies or valid statistics. Hard facts enrich any argument.
Establishing Credibility
Your tone should be neutral throughout the body, giving each point its turn to truly speak. Try to be as thorough and unbiased as possible. Use reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and credible websites to support your arguments. This not only strengthens your essay but also demonstrates your commitment to presenting a balanced discussion.
Detailed Paragraphs
Expand each point into a full paragraph with detailed explanations, examples, and evidence. Each paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea, followed by supporting sentences that elaborate on the point. Include counterarguments to show you have considered multiple viewpoints.
5. Write a Conclusion
In the last paragraph, you will wrap up the argument by stating your personal stance on the issue. Try to explain why you feel the way you do, and if you don’t actually have an opinion, try to define why that is. Mention again why the issue is important and should be evaluated further.
Summarizing the Argument
The conclusion should succinctly summarize the key points discussed in the essay. Restate the importance of the issue and your perspective. If possible, suggest areas for further research or action.
Personal Stance
Explain your personal stance clearly and logically. Whether you lean towards one side or remain neutral, provide reasons for your position based on the evidence presented in the essay.
Tips for Writing a Discursive Essay
Maintain a Formal Tone
Stay in a formal third-person perspective throughout the body (“he”, “she”, “one” or “it is”/”they are”, rather than “me”, “I”). This helps maintain an objective and professional tone.
Use a Mind Map
Before you begin writing, create a “spider-diagram” or “mind-map” to help clearly relate your points. This visual aid can help organize your thoughts and ensure all relevant points are covered.
Role-Playing Different Perspectives
When writing the separate arguments, pretend as though a person from that specific viewpoint “has the floor”. Pretend you are trying to convince another person of that viewpoint, even if you don’t necessarily agree with it. Make sure to keep a third-person writing style, though (read more here).
Academic Theories
Consider incorporating academic theories relevant to the topic. For instance, if discussing gun control, you might reference criminological theories such as deterrence theory or social learning theory to provide deeper insight into the arguments.
Conclusion
Writing a discursive essay involves presenting a balanced discussion of a controversial topic by exploring both sides of the argument. By defining your topic, creating a structured outline, selecting strong points, and maintaining a neutral tone, you can effectively argue your position. The conclusion should summarize the discussion and clearly state your personal stance, supported by the evidence presented. By following these steps and tips, you can craft a thorough and persuasive discursive essay.