Discursive writing is a style that usually poses some problems to students like you when you venture into academic writing. If you have ever wondered what is discursive writing, you are not alone. It is confusing for many students to differentiate between argumentative and persuasive essays as both are quite similar to each other. Discursive essays allow you to consider various points of view on an issue, making you reason and criticise in a balanced way.
This blog will tell you everything you should know about discursive writing, its definition, types, features, structure, and hints for drafting it. Not only will you be able to define discursive writing by the end, but you will also be able to write well-balanced essays without fear of making mistakes.
What is discursive writing? A discursive essay is a form of academic paper that discusses various aspects of a particular matter, after which a conclusion is drawn. Contrary to persuasive essays, which seek to persuade the reader to agree with a specific position, discursive essays compel you to explore the pro and con arguments.
So, answering the question of a discursive piece of writing, consider it an essay in which you are not only a supporter but also an analyser, evaluator, and fair presenter of a point of view.
Discursive writing examples:
Should social media be banned in schools?
A persuasive essay would either be in favour of or against the ban.
However, a discursive essay would present the merits and demerits and then conclude
There are three predominant types of discursive essays. Learning about these will enable you to know how to handle your subject.
This kind puts forth both sides of the argument. You consider both the positive and negative aspects and then draw a conclusion.
Discursive Writing Example:
Issue: Should AI be applied in education or not?
For: AI puts learning in a more personalised and efficient way.
Against: AI overdependence may lead to a decline in critical thinking among learners.
In this case, you give your opinion but support it with reasoning and evidence. You do not dismiss the opposite argument in a persuasive essay, but your personal position is evident.
Discursive Writing Example:
Topic: Is remote work the future of employment?
Telecommuting makes work more flexible and productive, and it also raises issues such as isolation and the absence of collaboration with teammates.
In these essays, a problem is defined and possible solutions are mentioned. The efficiency and the drawbacks of both solutions are discussed.
Discursive Writing Example:
Issue: What can be done about global warming?
Solutions: Renewable energy, stricter emission laws, lifestyle changes.
Challenges: High implementation costs, lack of global cooperation.
Provided that you have yet to establish what discursive writing is, it would be good to know its characteristics. A discursive essay is defined as:
Balanced Argumentation: The presentation of several points of view without discrimination.
Formal Language: Don't use any slang or informal tone.
Logical Structure: The ideas are organised in a rational system that moves from one point to another.
Evidence-Based: The argument that is backed by data, facts or research.
Objective Tone: Be factual and not emotional.
When questioned, these features will define what constitutes a discursive piece of writing and convince the reader that it is a discursive writing, not a piece of persuasion.
Now that you are aware of what is discursive writing, how about dissecting it? Using a clear format will make your essay sound coherent and clean.
Define the topic clearly.
State the purpose of the essay.
Talk about the various views you are going to discuss.
Example:
The controversy over what exams test whether one is intelligent or not has been a long-standing debate. In this essay, we will examine the merits and demerits of exams in assessing academic ability.
Divide the essay into paragraphs in which each presents another viewpoint or argument.
Paragraph 1(Supporting argument): Provide evidence to make your first point supporting the topic.
Paragraph 2 (Counterargument): state a refusal, just as well supported with examples.
Paragraph 3 (Further discussion): Include another view or consider implications.
Summarise the arguments.
Offer a balanced viewpoint.
I recommend additional reflection if necessary.
Example:
Although exams may not give an accurate picture of a student's ability, they are still a standardised way of assessment. Nevertheless, alternative assessments would be more appropriate for a more accurate measurement.
These are the tips that will make your discursive essays strong, in case you have ever wondered how to make them strong:
Know the subject matter well before writing, and research various points of view.
Include connective words such as however, moreover, and on the other hand, which make a good transition.
Stay neutral in the introduction, and avoid giving your opinion at the beginning.
Add evidence-based support like statistics, facts and scholarly materials to strengthen your essay.
Avoid emotional bias and stick to logical reasoning.
Draft and revise to check balance. Did you do the two sides equally?
With these tips in mind, you will no longer find it challenging when someone asks you to define discursive writing or when someone asks you to give discursive writing examples.
Your First Order
Get 20% OFF!
Discursive essays concern the discussion of ideas in moderation and reason. When you know what discursive writing is, you will find it less daunting to write one. Now you know the format, types, features, examples, and how to draft an effective essay.
However, for many of you, discursive writing may be difficult, due to deadlines, research and formatting, discursive writing may be difficult. This is where Quick Assignment Hub comes in. We guarantee the academic writing process will be smooth, professional, and of high quality, with expert writers, plagiarism-free content, timely delivery, and a personal approach to the writing process. Quick Assignment Hub is your optimal Assignment Writing Service partner.