Essential Tips on How to Write a Discursive Essay

When you are a student, you are likely to come across many essays in your study period. It is even more likely that you will meet all types of essays. Have you heard of a discursive essay? You will realize that indeed, there is a lot more out there to learn. If you are getting to listen to the term discursive essay for the first time, then you are very fortunate, this is your golden chance to learn how to write one.

But firstly, what is a discursive essay? You will find this article very essential for sharpening your essay writing skills whether you have interacted with one before or you are learning it for the first time. The primary goal of a discursive essay is to provide a neutral and objective evaluation of either side of an argument.

However, in other instances, some situations require you to examine three or more viewpoints based on the question at hand. Let’s find out how to write a discursive essay.

How Do You Start A Discursive Essay?

Notably, what matters when writing a discursive essay is the organization of your work, and to a greater extent, your tone; these are the critical elements for writing a discursive essay:

The Tone

Any academic paper should have a formal tone. Also, you have to assess all your claims and present your opinions from the third-person angle besides the official choice of words. The secret here is to avoid positive leading statements in support of the topic while making sarcastic and contradicting remarks for the counter-arguments.

The Organization 

Just like most conventional essays, a discursive essay has a similar structure which includes the introduction of the paper, the thesis statement, the main body, and the conclusion. Writing this essay is straightforward as it tackles both the positive and negative analysis of facts and evidence, then giving the final verdict.

The discursive essay is not all about convincing anyone but mainly to evaluate the issue objectively. However, the claims and judgments you make may persuade the readers; this is not the primary purpose. Y also, you should understand the main difference between argumentative and discursive essays to avoid the mix-up.

Explore more about discursive essay ideas

Mostly, professors task their students with writing discursive essays with particular topics. Alternatively, you may be in a situation where you have to look for your subject to write about and submit. In the case where you have been given a selected topic, it is easy to write because you only need to worry about research, but when you are left to look for a topic of your choice, it could take you ages to settle on one topic. However, both ways can pose their challenges as you may not like the selected topic, though this is much easier than ponder on what subject to write.

Either way, when you are tasked with a discursive essay assignment, here are some useful ideas for you.

• Essay ideas on Social Media

On the platform social media, there is a lot to talk about, and you can have a broad perspective of issues or subjects to discuss and write. For instance, dating has now taken over the internet and social media platforms, and you can discuss things such as:

Does dating websites provide the best opportunity to meet a potential partner? Many people now prefer social platform because it is an efficient way of meeting people with similar interests with them. Others also think that this could be a way of getting in trouble with scammers.

You can also talk about the growing social media business and the potential of running a successful online store. Many people believe that through social media, they have enjoyed enormous profits by leveraging on the economies of scale. But other people think that the well-known traditional business methods are the best ways to do business.

You can brainstorm various social media topics and find the appropriate one which will give you a platform to discuss comprehensively.

• Essay ideas on Healthcare

The health sector is another area that you can talk about without any limitations, a lot is going on in the healthcare sector, and many people are keen on finding solutions to various problems. You can write on things such as:

You can talk about GMO food, online diagnosis of various illnesses, Benefits of sleep, among others. Healthcare is an area that interests the entire world, and you can be sure of getting enough points and facts to present to the readers. If you write on pertinent issues touching on people’s lives, then you will have a world audience.

Also, talking about online diagnosis will interest a lot of people. Currently, Google answers a lot of questions from internet users, many people rely on seeking quick answers to their problems, and you can write an essay to educate or juggle the reader’s minds on various issues pertaining to Healthcare.

Will Artificial Intelligence replace human labor in the future? Many people think that artificial intelligence is a threat to their jobs because of the complex automation involved in the processes. Others also believe that humans created current technology, and it cannot replicate their minds or go beyond their thinking capacity.

Is technology more addictive than we first thought? Many professionals claim that technology the new emerging form of addiction that has necessitated all the sophisticated medical interventions. Others also believe that technology is an entertainment tool and has improved human efficiency.

• Essay ideas on the environment

Should governments enforce strict regulations on the use of things such as fossil fuels to reduce global warming? Some experts believe that it is possible to go green exclusively and eliminate fossil fuels. Others also believe that fossil fuels are cheaper, reliable, and efficient energy that the world can rely on for power.

Do you think disposable diapers are harmful to our environment? Currently, there is a rising volume of diaper wastes has prompted environmentalists to reconsider its effect on the ground by considering recyclable materials. Other people also believe it less hazardous because most of them are disposed of once used.

Is mandatory recycling an effective way to prevent littering the environment? Many people believe that the majority is very irresponsible when disposing of waste products, and maybe a directive on forced recycling can make the difference. Other people are also of the opinion measures are already in place to curb irresponsible human behavior of littering the environment.

There are lots of topics on a discursive essay that can found available to explore besides brainstorming unique ideas. Alternatively, most opinions depend on the assignment given by the instructor or in the case of a discursive essay rubric. Whenever you pick a topic, remember to highlight both sides of the subject and take your stance on the subject. Also, it is essential to choose a contentious or arguable case.

Also, take note of the following:

A discursive essay type should provide either side of your claim with a comprehensive argument then declares your stance on the subject. It would help if you strived to include even points for both cases to help the reader understand. Notably, the balance you provide here is vital because it enables you to dissect the arguments virtually and stage a factual overview of the discursive essay subject. The number of ideas presented depends on the length of the essay, but usually, two to three points for each side would be enough.

Discursive Essay Types

There are three types of discursive essay

The Opinion Essay:

This presents the author’s opinion laid out in the introductory paragraph. Also, the opposing arguments should follow immediately before your conclusion. Besides, the writer must summarize all the views.

For and Against the Analysis:

This entails accurate description and discussion of every sub-topic presented in the discursive essay with complete justification and evidence. It also involves a neutral reflection of the writer’s views on the topic.

Essay proposing Resolution to a particular Problem:

This enables you to state the problem and analyze its root cause and the consequences associated with it in the body section of your paper.

Discursive Essay Outline

The Introduction

it would help if you began with an excellent example of a discursive essay introduction should give your readers an impressive hook- this should be something intriguing that draws their attention quickly. Therefore, you should present a brief description of the subject. Usually, extracts such as rhetorical questions will do just right for this particular objective. But if you are still not sure about the things you should not do, please avoid generalizing or stereotyping on the subject.

The Main body

The main body consists of subsections and presents the main points in your discursive essay paper. As noted earlier, the body should have impartial arguments that are supported by facts and still make it possible for you to declare your stand. Typical body content requires the organization of all points in independent paragraphs to enhance readability and comprehension. If the current argument presents the proponents, the next one should cover the opposing side to bring a balance and a professional flow. The last item in this section should comprise of the opinion that the writer favors.

The conclusion

Writing a discursive essay conclusion can be a daunting task if you do not understand what it entails. Usually, your conclusion should summarize all the main topics and subtopics covered in the body text and still allow you to express your opinions without being biased. However, many students do not remember that this ought to align with the subject covered in your discursive essay body text. Also, note that you do not have to repeat the findings in this section but only summarize them logically. Also, let your conclusion be as short as possible; do not add more than a paragraph.

Discursive Essay Meaning

It is good to know the finer details of the rambling essay structure.

The outline discussed above presents the best design of a discursive essay that you need to use as a formal template for all your other papers. Nevertheless, discursive essay papers entail the following essential aspects, and you should always remember them:

Keep everything neutral: 

Ensure that you give an even representation of both sides of the viewpoints.

Referencing sources: 

Ensure that you cite references and support each point by justifications, examples, and reasons.

Concluding: 

You should offer your opinion and summarize all the main ideas.

Also, you can find a discursive essay sample that can guide you to write what suits your writing needs. For example, a school uniform discursive essay that talks on why institutions should enforce uniforms or leave it to the students to choose their mode of dressing. However, it may seem like a simple subject to write a discursive essay; writing this paper can be challenging. Furthermore, you may think that you don’t need assistance until you realize the essay paper you wrote does not meet the publication requirements. This may put you at risk of missing your assignment deadline, and also, you may submit a low-quality essay. You may be compelled to redo the entire paper. Fortunately, you can never run out of options because you can always come back and read this article.

Conclusion

You now have what it takes to write a good discursive essay, none the less, if you are still uncomfortable with writing a paper by yourself, you can get more help by continuous reading on. Over to you! You have now read the entire article.