the discursive essay

the discursive essay 1. Opinion essay requires author’s opinion on a topic which is stated in the introductory paragraph. It should be clearly presented and followed by reasons and/or supporting examples. Also this essay paper should contain an opposing argument that comes before the conclusion. The writer must explain readers why mentioned argument is considered to be unconvincing. The writer’s opinion should be restated/summarized in the conclusion. 2. For and Against Essay provides readers with a thorough debate on the topic with the help of opposing points of view. Each point should be discussed objectively and described in details. The introductory paragraph puts the topic under consideration. Main body of this essay paper should present examples, reasons and arguments supported by justifications. The author’s own opinion with a balanced reflections on the topic should be stated only in the conclusion. "Discursive writing does not argue for or against a point throughout the essay". 3. Essay Suggesting Solution to a Problem discusses problems and finds main solutions. Introduction paragraph clearly states a problem and analyses its causes and consequences. Main body of the essay should offer some suggestions for a possible solution to the problem and state possible consequences or expected results. In conclusion, author’s opinion should be distinctly summarized.

structure TITLE Introduction – a short paragraph stating both points of view and a thesis statement. (The thesis indicates your point of view) Points For – one paragraph (or more) giving reasons in favour. These reasons should be supported by evidence and examples. (This will develop the antithesis) Points Against – one paragraph giving reasons against. These reasons should be supported by evidence and examples. (This will develop the thesis) Further support and follow a logical argument. Conclusion – a brief paragraph stating your point of view (thesis) based on the reasons and evidence you have given.

task «The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good man to do nothing». Under what circumstances might someone not act to prevent evil? What do you think people should do when faced with evil? Support your ideas with reasons and examples. Words: 250-300 Due date: 31st October

useful language INTRODUCING THE TOPIC Many people believe /feel that… / It is often claimed that… / We often hear that… People’s opinions on … differ widely. DEVELOPING YOUR ARGUMENT One of the main advantages of … is that … In the first place, / Firstly, / To begin with, / To start with, / First of all, Second, / Secondly, / In the second place, / Thirdly, / Finally, /Lastly, / Last but not least, … In addition to that, / Apart from that, / Besides, At first sight … but in fact, Apparently, / the fact is that, / As a matter of fact, For example… For instance… A case in point is… FOLLOWING A LOGICAL ARGUMENT Therefore, / Consequently, / As a result, / Thus, / Hence, / For this reason, For one reason or another, / Up to a point, In general, / As a rule, / On the whole, In a way, / In a sense, / In some sense, (e.g. In some sense I agree with you, but not entirely) In particular, / Especially, Let alone / Not to mention In other words… . In any case… Things being as they are… Clearly, / Obviously, / Needless to say, / As everyone knows,

useful language INTRODUCING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Both … and / not only … but also … In addition, / additionally, / in addition to this, / What is more, / Furthermore, /Moreover If this were not enough, / To make matters worse, Above all, / On top of all this, In these circumstances, / With regard to, / For that matter, As for… Another advantage/ disadvantage is  Besides this  Finally, EXPRESSING BALANCE Some people… while/whereas others … On the one hand … on the other hand… While it is true that… / that maybe so, but, surely… On the positive side... On the negative side EXPRESSING OPINIONS In my view, / In my opinion, / It seems to me that… / As I see it, / To my mind, I think/feel that … / I can honestly say that… As far as I am concerned, / As far as I know, / For all I know, / To the best of my knowledge, It is my firm belief that  I would dispute the claim that  It is probably true to say that It is true to some extent that  It cannot be denied that  It would be wrong to argue that  There can be no doubt that It is simply not the case that It is difficult to accept the idea that EXPRESSING AN OPPOSITE POINT OF VIEW Although, / However, / At the same time, After all, / In spite of + noun phrase/ -ing/ the fact that… Despite + noun phrase/ -ing/ the fact that… In contrast,

useful language REFERRING TO SOURCES All the evidence/research suggests/shows that A recent survey proved that Judging by the comments made by Interviews with (students) have revealed that SAYING WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK  It is widely believed that It is generally agreed that  No one would dispute the fact that Few people would contest (the fact) that Few people would dispute (the fact) that  Some people feel that Others argue that   There are those who argue that It has been suggested that It is often claimed that Opponents/ Supporters/ Proponents (supporters) of (bullfighting) argue that REACHING CONCLUSIONS / SUMMING UP In conclusion, / To conclude, / To sum up, / On balance, All in all, / All things considered, Taking everything into consideration, there are some good arguments for…