A Guide to Writing Discursive Essays
What is a discursive essay?
A discursive essay is a type of essay that explores a topic from multiple perspectives. It is not meant to persuade the reader to agree with a particular point of view, but rather to present a balanced and informed discussion of the topic.
Discursive essays are often used in academic writing, but they can also be used in other contexts, such as journalism and business.
Steps in writing a good discursive essay
There are a few key steps to writing a good discursive essay:
1. Choose a topic.
Choose a topic that you are interested in and that you have some knowledge about. It is also important to choose a topic that is controversial or complex, as this will give you more to write about.
2. Research your topic.
Once you have chosen a topic, you need to do some research to gather information and evidence to support your arguments. Be sure to use a variety of sources, including academic journals, books, and news articles.
3. Develop your thesis statement.
Your thesis statement is the main point of your essay. It should be a clear and concise statement that summarizes your position on the topic.
4. Create an outline.
An outline will help you to organize your thoughts and ideas. It should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
5. Write your essay.
When writing your essay, be sure to use evidence to support your arguments. You should also be respectful of other people's points of view, even if you disagree with them.
6. Proofread your essay.
Once you have finished writing your essay, be sure to proofread it carefully to catch any errors in grammar or spelling.
Sample topics on discursive essay
Here are some sample topics on discursive essays:
- The pros and cons of social media
- The impact of artificial intelligence on society
- The role of government in regulating the economy
- The ethics of gene editing
- The causes and effects of climate change
- The effectiveness of different educational methods
- The impact of globalization on culture
- The challenges of gender equality
- The role of the media in shaping public opinion
- The benefits and risks of space exploration
- The impact of technology on our relationships
Example of a discursive essay
Here is an example of a discursive essay:
Topic: The pros and cons of social media
Thesis statement: Social media has both positive and negative effects on society. It can be used to connect with friends and family, learn new things, and express ourselves. However, it can also be addictive, lead to cyberbullying, and spread misinformation.
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, connecting us with friends and family, providing a platform for self-expression, and offering a wealth of educational resources. However, like any powerful tool, social media also has its drawbacks, including the potential for addiction, cyberbullying, and the spread of misinformation.
Social media can be a powerful tool for connection. It allows us to stay in touch with loved ones who live far away, reconnect with old friends, and make new ones from all over the world. Social media can also help us to build communities around shared interests, such as hobbies, sports, or social causes.
In addition to fostering connection, social media can also be a valuable source of information and education. There is a wealth of educational content available on social media, including articles, videos, and online courses. Social media can also help us to connect with experts in our field and learn from them.
Finally, social media can be a great platform for self-expression. We can use social media to share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others, as well as to create and share creative content, such as art, music, and writing. Social media can also be a powerful tool for advocacy, allowing us to raise awareness about important issues and mobilize people to take action.
While social media has many benefits, it is important to be aware of its potential negative effects. One of the biggest problems with social media is that it can be addictive. People can spend hours scrolling through social media, even when they have other things they need to do. This can lead to problems such as sleep deprivation, decreased productivity, and social isolation.
Another concern about social media is that it can be used for cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. Cyberbullying can have a devastating impact on victims, leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and even suicide.
Finally, social media can be used to spread misinformation. Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that is spread, regardless of whether there is intent to deceive. Misinformation can be spread on social media through fake news articles, misleading posts, and even deepfakes. Misinformation can have a negative impact on society, eroding trust in institutions and leading to people making poor decisions.
Overall, social media has both positive and negative effects on society. It is important to be aware of both the benefits and risks of social media so that we can use it responsibly.
Discursive essays are a great way to explore complex topics and present a balanced and informed discussion. By following the steps above, you can write a discursive essay that is informative and engaging.