Discursive Essay Writing.pdf, Study notes of Voice

Download Discursive Essay Writing.pdf and more Study notes Voice in PDF only on Docsity!

The

Discursive

Essay

MR M. ACKERMAN

The Discursive Essay

THE PURPOSE

Purpose DISCURSIVE ESSAY It presents a balanced and objective examination of a subject. The topic may be controversial , but the discursive essay attempts to present a much more balanced discussion of the issue.

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

It presents the advantages and disadvantages of a certain subject.. Its purpose is to both educate and persuade the reader on a particular point of view.

The Discursive Essay

THE STYLE

Style DISCURSIVE ESSAY They are written in a more formal and impersonal style than other essays. Each issue should be discussed in a separate paragraph and each paragraph should begin with a strong topic sentence.

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

They follow a general format. The writer states an initial thesis that contains the point of view for which the author is arguing. The body generally presents both sides of the argument.

The Discursive

Essay

THE PLAN

Plan DISCURSIVE ESSAY Introduction 1st Issue, situation or problem 2nd Issue, situation or problem Conclusion

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Introduction Arguments for / against Arguments against / for Conclusion

The Discursive Essay

WHAT A GOOD DISCURSIVE ESSAY

HAS

A Good Discursive Essay Has

A closing paragraph summarising the main points of the essay (you restate your

opinion , and/or give a balanced consideration of the topic ).

A main body ( points are clearly stated in separate paragraphs (2 - 3) and

exemplified or justified ),

An introductory paragraph (you clearly state the topic to be discussed),

The Discursive Essay

THE STYLE

Formal Style of The Discursive Essay- This means you should do the following: Passive voice, impersonal constructions (e.g. It is argued that...; It is a common belief that…), A range of advanced vocabulary (verbs, adjectives, abstract nouns, etc) (e.g. heated debate concerning the controversial issue…), Formal linking words/phrases (e.g. furthermore, however, nonetheless), Complex sentences with a variety of links, dependent clauses (e.g. Furthermore, a tendency to self-concentration and egoism might rise when one start measuring everything from a profitmaking perspective.), Inversion, especially in conditionals (e.g. Never has this been more obvious…).

You Should NOT Use: Short forms (e.g. I'm; It’s) except when these are part of a quotation, Colloquial expressions, phrasal verbs, idioms (e.g. lots of, put up with, be over the moon about…), Simplistic vocabulary (e.g. Experts say they think this is bad….), A series of short sentences (e.g. Many people think so. They are wrong.), Simple linking words (e.g. and, but, so).

In Simple Terms It Means The Following:

✓ Do  Do not use

Write in proper, complete

sentences

Abbreviations (i.e./e.g./etc./UK/&)

Use complete words and

expressions

Contractions (isn't/don't/won't)

Use proper, standard English Slang (e.g. bloke/geezer etc)

Colloquial language (mate/bolshy

etc.)

The Discursive Essay LINKING WORDS

Linking Words: To Provide An Illustration/ To Give an Example: for example that is that is to say for instance in other words namely such as as follows a typical/particular/key example typical of this including especially in particular mainly most importantly a good illustration of this is it is interesting to note

Linking Words: To Extend a Point/ To Add: similarly equally likewise also furthermore indeed in the same way besides above all as well in addition moreover

Linking Words: To Show The Next Step first(ly) second(ly) third(ly) finally to begin/start with in the first/second place first and foremost first and most importantly another then after next afterwards ultimately

Linking Words: To Indicate or Contrast however on the other hand alternatively in contrast instead (of) conversely on the contrary in fact in comparison another possibility while whereas but better/worst despite this in spite of although nevertheless notwithstanding for all that yet in opposition to this

Linking Words: To Show Cause and Effect so therefore accordingly hence as a result/consequence resulting from in consequence of this consequently because of this/that for this reason owing to/due to the fact this demonstrates it follows that this suggests that accepting/assuming this

Linking Words: To Conclude in conclusion it can be concluded this implies in short to conclude to sum up all in all in brief all things considered taking everything into account

The Discursive

Essay

AN EXAMPLE

The Role Of Marriage In Today’s Society If there is one thing that virtually all the world’s cultures have in common, it is marriage. Beliefs, diet and languages vary greatly, but the desire people have to share their lives with another seems universal. Why, then, is marriage so popular? Psychologists have said that people have a deep need for the emotional security which marriage provide. Knowing that one has a partner in life makes it easier to cope with the problems of daily life. On the other hand , the fact that many single people are content to live alone suggests that the “emotional need” theory is incomplete. British novelist Fay Weldon once stated, “Marriage has nothing to do with emotion and everything to do with property.” According to the supporters of this view, people marry in order to increase their wealth, either by marrying a rich partner or because, as the saying goes, “two can live cheaply as one.” It is true that financial considerations are often the primary reason that people marry. However , there are countless examples of people “marrying for love”, regardless of their mate’s lack of money. All in all , marriage continues to be extremely popular in many societies. Most of us have a need for love and support and want to have children at some point in our lives. Fully understanding the reason why people marry, though, may be as difficult as understanding the human mind itself.

The Discursive Essay

THE PARAGRAPH PLAN

Paragraph Plan Paragraph 1: state topic (why is marriage so popular?) Paragraph 2: ‘emotional’ need for a partner; comparison between single/married people Paragraph 3: why people marry – for love/money Paragraph 4: make general comments (difficult to fully understand reason why people marry)

The Discursive

Essay

THE LAYOUT AND STRUCTURE