Argumentative and Discursive Writing: Understanding the Differences and Writing Techniques, Lecture notes of Statistics

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ARGUMENTATIVE &

DISCURSIVE

WRITING

These are essays where you are given a topic and

you can either agree, disagree or look at both

sides of the argument.

For example:

Boys should not have to be clean shaven

as part of the school rules.

ARGUMENTATIVE

✓Formulate a mature opinion about your topic.

✓State and justify your opinions on a given topic

✓Prove your point and give reasons in support of what you think.

✓Plan a well-developed and logical argument: each stage must be linked to the

preceding point.

✓A clear, defined, cohesive and developed argument must unfold.

4

5 DISCURSIVE

✓Your task is to remain impartial and acknowledge various viewpoints.

✓Plan your essay carefully so that you do not appear to be contradicting yourself.

✓A well-balanced discussion must unfold.

✓You may state your stance in the conclusion after weighing both sides.

7. Plan these key points in a logical, structured way: each paragraph should contain a single, specific topic (one topic sentence) and the rest should be supporting material / examples /statistics
8. Consider ways to substantiate your points: facts, statistics, quotes from famous people, historical facts, examples
9. Look at your points from the opposing argument: anticipate the opposition and flatten that argument even before it is raised
10. • Signposting is essential: help the reader follow the logic of your argument (usually found at the beginning of a paragraph and may be single words like ‘however’, ‘similarly’ , ‘also’ or phrases like ‘on the other hand’ , ‘another way in which’ (these are also called linking words)

11. Now consider your introduction: this needs to be attention grabbing and it should clearly indicate how you are going to address the topic Ideas for effective introductions include dramatic scenarios, startling statistics, effective quotations, dialogue, rhetorical questions.
12. Write a strong conclusion to pull the essay together. You could sum up your earlier arguments or use a dramatic grand slam point at the end. Leave your reader thinking! At this stage there should be no doubt about your stance.

STRUCTURE: DISCURSIVE INTRODUCTION Introduce the topic in an interesting way. BODY PARAGRAPHS

• Deal with each of your points in turn.
• You may choose to look at both sides of each point in one paragraph or write these in alternating paragraphs.
• Substantiate – provide evidence to support your arguments.
• Reference – refer to a source / research.
• Link – to next paragraph / topic. CONCLUSION
• Sum up both sides.
• Don’t include any new information.
• State which argument you believe is more valid.

STYLE OF

ARGUMENTATIVE AND

DISCURSIVE WRITING

Use pertinent statistics: not too many, but well-chosen stats build a strong case. Use evidence from your personal life or general observation. Use powerful well-chosen emotive words: these will convey your interest and involvement and will emphasise your point of view. Rhetorical questions used sensibly force the readers’ involvement in your argument. Figurative writing is an important ingredient of a good essay. Just because you are writing in a logical fashion does not mean your writing must be boringly factual.

NOW YOU TRY!

Pick one of the following topics and brainstorm all the points you can think of that support and all those that go against the topic. You may find it helpful to do this in table form.

1. Child beauty pageants do more harm than good.

2. Children should spend more time playing video

games.

3. The legal driving age should be raised to 21.

4. It should be compulsory to be an organ donor.