Question

Discursive Essay Tutorial:

Answer 1

Let's establish basic rules!

DO/DON'T:

DO maintain a formal tone.
DO write in prose and indent.
DO write in third person.
DO refer to your country when it is appropriate.
DO use the language from the prompt. (Restate the question.)

DON'T write long introductions.
DON'T write slang or contractions.
DON'T tell the reader what you are doing, just do it. (Not a Nike reference.)
DON'T use words like "firstly" or "secondly", you are not in kindergarten.

Answer 2

Introduction Paragraph Recipe:
- Hook (This is VERY BROAD, do not be specific, you could mention the category it is in.)

- Background + Terms (Give the reader some background information and important terms.)

NOTE: Briefly consider possible meanings of the prompt before settling on your definition of the terms!!!

- Determine the scope of your essay (Explain why the issue matters, provide context, and get more specific.)

- Present the main idea of the essay. (Thesis)

Thesis Statement Recipe:
- "While some believe _ others believe _.” (This is a common thesis format.)
- One sentence long.

Answer 3

Discursive Essay Recipe:

Introduction paragraph:
- Hook.
- Background.
- Scope.
- Thesis.

Use the P.E.E.L. Method!

Body paragraph (positive):
- Point.
- Evidence.
- Explain.
- Link to main idea.

Body paragraph (negative):
- Point.
- Evidence.
- Explain.
- Link to main idea.

Conclusion paragraph:
- Answer the question.
- Make a judgement. (Now you can speak in 1st person!)
- Implications for the future.
- What happens if this is not solved?

Answer 4

Body Paragraph Recipe:
- Valid points.
- Specific, real world, concrete examples that support your points.
- Connect back to your points, showing how they are relevant.
- Focused and organized.

Usually 3-4 sentences!

- Stay away from vague, hypothetical examples.
- You should not choose a prompt for which you cannot think of any examples.

Answer 5

Your links back to the thesis or main idea do not have to be long, sometimes it can even be one simple sentence!

Answer 6

Anyways, good luck writing your discursive essay and I hope this helps!

Answer 7

Never thought I'd see the day Sprout gave me essay advice. Thanks !