Discursive writing notes

Requirements:

 Balanced argument – present both sides of the argument

 Come to a balanced conclusion
 Structure: Introduction, 3 body paragraphs (PEEL arguments), conclusion
 Language features: largely present tense, use discourse markers
 Tone: factual and objective

How to tackle discursive questions:

1. Analyse the key words.

2. Brainstorm for ideas.
a. Advantage vs. disadvantage
b. Cause & consequence
c. Family/ social circle/ community/ society
d. National/ global
e. Health/ environment
f. Social and emotional areas

Sample Questions

Q1. “Youths spend too much time on their computers these days.” Discuss.

Q2. “All you need is love.” Discuss.

Q3. “Youngsters are becoming too dependent on computers when communicating

with others.” Discuss.

Q4. “Failure is the mother of success.” Discuss.

Q5. “There is not enough time in the day to accomplish all we must do.” Discuss.

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Introduction – to lead the reader into the topic and clarify what the essay will be discussing

 What is your analysis of the question? What is the message of the question?
 Give your own response/opinion to the question. [BE OBJECTIVE]

Ways of writing the introduction

1. Stating what the controversy is about

While children are lured to Fast Food outlets by the colourful appearance of the restaurants
and the appetising smell of their products, nutritionalists have expressed concern about
what they see as an unhealthy diet.

2. Summarising the views in a balanced way

It is difficult to balance the increasing popularity of fast food outlets with the heavy
criticisms which are made about them by medical and nutritional experts.

3. Using a quotation from an expert

“ There is nothing inevitable about the fast food nation that surrounds us – about its
marketing strategies, labour policies, and agricultural techniques, about its relentless drive
for conformity and cheapness.” Such is the claim made by Eric Scholsser, author of Fast
Food Nation. It is a view, however, which is not shared by all.

4. Using an illustrative opening to create a picture

John grins with delight as his mother emerges from the car carrying the tell-tale
MacDonald’s bag. Succulent cheeseburgers, crispy chips, ice-fold Cola – everything a boy
who could want. His elderly neighbour casts a critical eye over the proceedings, thinking of
the food of her childhood: wholesome home-made soups and fresh garden vegetables and
no sweets.

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Q4. “Failure is the mother of success.” Discuss.

Experiencing failure in life is part and parcel of growing up. It is almost inevitable. Yet, in

today’s competitive world, there are still many people who believe that the path of failure

can be avoided. However, historically, past event and personalities have proven that failure

is indeed the key to success.

Failure is integral/crucial to achieving success. Failure gives people a chance to learn from

past mistakes. Having gone through the first experience, one will be aware of what he has

done right and wrong in achieving the goal. After all, humans are not perfect – we are not

born to be geniuses, even geniuses are not flawless. Thomas Edison once said, “I have not

failed. I have just found 10 000 ways that won’t work.” This means that failing is part of the

process of succeeding. It teaches us what is wrong, and what should not be done. Without

knowing what is wrong, and what failure is, we will not know what success actually is.