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What Is A Discursive Essay

A discursive essay discusses a problem or controversy in an objective manner, presenting all sides of an issue without bias. It examines the skills of writing, thought, and analysis. The essay should discuss each point thoroughly in separate paragraphs using a logical structure. An effective introduction establishes the issue, and a conclusion summarizes the main arguments without introducing new ideas. The goal is to promote further discussion of the topic.

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Carla Salcedo
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35 views1 page

What Is A Discursive Essay

A discursive essay discusses a problem or controversy in an objective manner, presenting all sides of an issue without bias. It examines the skills of writing, thought, and analysis. The essay should discuss each point thoroughly in separate paragraphs using a logical structure. An effective introduction establishes the issue, and a conclusion summarizes the main arguments without introducing new ideas. The goal is to promote further discussion of the topic.

Uploaded by

Carla Salcedo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What Is a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay is a type of essay that discusses a problem, a controversy, or a recent


issue. This essay may be informal or formal, but is most often written in a formal manner.
Many universities and classes require applicants and students to write this type of essay to
examine and evaluate their skills in writing, thought formation, and analysis.

One of the distinguishing elements of a discursive essay is its objectivity. It is important that
the writer present the problem in an unbiased manner, discussing all points of argument
thoroughly and carefully. If instructions allow the writer to side with one point, he should first
present all sides before choosing one. To make the essay more objective, it is
recommended that the essay be written in a third-person perspective and avoid using first-
person phrases such as “in my opinion,” “I believe,” and “I fully support.” In this way, a
discursive essay is different from an argumentative essay, as the latter only presents one
side of the issue and discusses details for or against that side.

An effective discursive essay often, if not always, starts with a sound introduction that
clearly establishes what the issue is about. It can also discuss the issue’s relevance and
context to other current issues. The gist of the issue should not go beyond one paragraph,
which can be composed, generally, of three to six sentences.

The succeeding paragraphs after the introduction are always allotted for the different points
and arguments within the issue. These paragraphs should also be arranged in a logical and
organized manner. For example, a writer can discuss first all the positive points of the issue
before citing the negative points, instead of jumping from one positive argument to a
negative one.

Ideally, each main point should be discussed in just one paragraph. The writer can start the
paragraph with a concise, to-the-point statement before expounding into details and
presenting other lines of reasoning. To make an argument more credible, the paragraphs
can also include further examples, situational cases, and even quotations from reliable
sources and important people regarding the issue. After finishing one point, the writer
should start with another paragraph, using proper conjunctions and connective phrases to
make for a smooth transition.

A discursive essay should also end with a conclusion, or a paragraph that summarizes the
main elements and arguments within the issue. If allowed, the writer can also state his
position regarding the issue, but should still be unbiased. He can also give a “forecast” of
what can or cannot happen, given the information and details presented. The conclusion
should not include new ideas that are not expounded before. A discursive essay should not
only discuss a certain subject matter, but should also invoke readers to create further
discussions.

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