some ideas to help your students

1. Writing Essays

2. Discursive Essays
• Definition
• A discursive essay is a piece of formal writing
which discusses a particular issue, situation or
problem.
• Types
1. For and against essays
2. Opinion essays
3. Essays suggesting solutions to problems

3. Suggested Structure
FOR AND AGAINST OPINION SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS
Introduction Introduction Introduction
P1: State opinion (without
stating your opinion)
P1: State the topic and
your opinion
P1: State the problem and
cause(s) or effect(s)
Main Body Main Body Main Body
P2-3: Arguments for &
justifications, examples or
reasons
P4-5: Arguments against &
justifications, examples or
reasons
P2-4: Viewpoints & reasons
or examples
P5: Opposing viewpoint
and reason or example
P2-5: Suggestions & results
Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion
P6: Balanced consideration
or opinion
P6: Summarise or restate
your opinion
P6: Summarise your
opinion

4. Formal Style
• Passive voice, impersonal constructions
It is argued that…It is a common belief that…
• A range of vocabulary: verbs, adjectives,
abstract nouns, etc.
A heated debate concerning the controversial
issue…
• Formal linking words/phrases
Furthermore, however, nonetheless, etc.

5. Formal Style
• Complex sentences with a variety of links,
dependent clauses, etc.
• Inversion, especially in conditionals
(If this were true, we would…)
Were this true, we would…
(This has never been more obvious…)
Never has this been more obvious…

6. Beginning and Ending Discursive
Essays: Techniques
First paragraph
• Make reference to an unusual or striking
idea/scene/situation.
• Address the reader directly and/or ask a
rhetorical question.
• Start with a quotation or thought-provoking
statement.

7. Beginning and Ending Discursive
Essays: Techniques
Last paragraph
• Finish with a quotation.
• Ask a rhetorical question.
• Give the reader something to consider.

8. One Brainstorming Technique: The Discussion Clock