Young Writers' Institute

  • School Year
  • Register Now!

Welcome to Our Community!

Every writer is welcome.

Our programs are great for any writer at any level! We maintain a stress-free environment where students can feel supported and successful. We welcome every writer - from those who need extra support to those who are accomplished authors. We offer a variety of classes, camps, and workshops so that students can work on what interests them. 

 Writing is an art as well as a skill. We recognize that writing can be intimidating for students who lack confidence with the "art" part or who struggle with the "skill" part.  We make an effort to meet each writer at their current level and take small steps to grow from that point.  Small class sizes ensure that each student receives plenty of individual attention as well as support, guidance, and feedback along the way. Most parents report great growth in their students' willingness to write, confidence, quality of content, and skill in mechanics.   

Click on the tabs at the top of the page to learn more about our programs.

Upcoming Classes and Camps

2024 summer camps, 2023-2024 school year programs.

We run week-long, half-day camps all summer long! Join us for theme-based, project-focused writing projects that build skills and confidence.

Registration is open now. Sign up early - camps fill quickly! 

We offer a wide variety of enrichment workshops for students in grades 3-12. 

We also offer Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) curriculum for students in grades 6-12.

Meet Your Teachers!

Casey midkiff.

 Miss Casey is a graduate of Elon University and has been teaching for 23 years. She taught public school in Alamance County and Wake County before moving on to homeschool her own two children. During her years as a homeschooling mom, she began tutoring and running writing groups at her kitchen table on Sunday afternoons. In 2013, she decided to move her groups into a classroom and give her little community of authors a name - Young Writers' Institute. Since then, she has had the privilege of working with hundreds of amazing young authors who come together to learn, grow, and express themselves confidently through the written word.  

Alice Hancock

 Mrs. Hancock graduated with a Master’s in Education  from North Carolina State University, holds a BA from North Carolina State University, a teaching certification from Meredith College and has over 20 years of teaching experience. She has taught public, private,  and homeschool students. She has been privately tutoring and teaching writing classes to the community, helping students to become stronger and more successful writers.  

Dawn Bertrand

 Miss Dawn has a MS in Education and holds a NC teaching license. She has been a Certified IEW Instructor since 2014. She has been working with children of all ages for over twenty-five years, both in the public schools and in private facilities. She has been with YWI since 2016, tutoring students in reading and writing, as well as teaching IEW classes. She loves working with students and helping them to achieve their writing and educational goals. 

Kirsten Bock

Shoshana mei ying goldberg.

Miss Kirsten holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Education from Holy Family University. She taught for ten years in the Pennsylvania public schools as a classroom teacher and then a reading specialist before moving to North Carolina. Since then, she has been tutoring students, running a preschool literacy program called Reading Giraffe, and working to publish her own children’s books. Miss Kirsten is passionate about writing and loves to share that passion with others. 

Jenn Walski

 Jenn is a native New Yorker with a BA in Communication from SUNY Geneseo, a Master of Arts in Teaching English from Ithaca College, and Academically/Intellectually Gifted licensure from Western Carolina. Jenn taught in public schools for over 13 years as an ELA and AIG teacher. Over the course of her career, she became a National Board Certified teacher and was a STEMworks Scholar at NC State. Jenn now works with homeschooled students, teaching a wide range of subjects. Her true passion is connecting with children through literature and guiding students through the writing process. 

Ms. Goldberg is the daughter of poet and artist Hilary Tham and was raised with a passionate belief that writing is an invaluable tool for self-exploration, creative expression, and interpersonal communication.

Ms. Goldberg holds a BS in Psychology and a Master’s in Leadership in Teaching. She holds NC teaching certification in English and Special Education and has over 15 years of teaching experience. She has taught English and Literacy Support at Cary High School for 8 years and works with members of the senior class on college applications and graduation speeches.

Ms. Goldberg loves the challenge of building confidence and perseverance in young writers.

Young Writers' Institute

312 West Chatham Street, Ste. 203, Cary, North Carolina 27511, United States

919-607-3737

Send Message

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Copyright © 2024 Young Writers' Institute - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy

New Writing North

The Tempest Prize will be awarded to one LGBTQ+ writer based in the North of England.

This award is open to poetry, fiction and narrative non-fiction. New, emerging and established writers can enter this award. 

The winner of the Tempest Prize will receive £1000, access to the Northern Writers’ Awards Network and mentoring from Andrew McMillan.

We’re grateful to Andrew McMillan, whose generous support has made this unique opportunity possible.

Read the Eligibility Guidelines here.

To enter writers will need to provide an extract of a work-in-progress. For fiction or narrative non-fiction this should be 3000-6000 words, along with a synopsis. For poetry, please enter up to 15 pages of poetry and a short commentary on your collection-in-progress. Please also answer the application questions.

To apply for this award you should be:

  • Living in the North of England at the time of entering and planning to remain here for at least another 12 months.
  • Over the age of 18.
  • Belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Working on a memoir, novel, young-adult novel, short-story collection, poetry collection or work of literary essays.
  • An unpublished, emerging or established writer.

For more information, please read the Eligibility and Terms and Conditions carefully .

For any enquiries, please read the FAQs. If you still need an answer, contact us at [email protected]

This award is for a single unpublished short story of up to 1500 words. This opportunity is open to new, emerging and established writers. 

The winner of the Finchale Award for Short Fiction will receive £1000 and access to the Northern Writers’ Awards Network. 

The award is named after Finchale Priory, a place of retreat for the monks of Durham during the Middle Ages. We’re grateful to the writer Benjamin Myers, whose generous support has made this unique opportunity possible.  

To enter writers should submit a short story of up to 1500 words and answer the application questions. Please note, you may enter this award in addition to one other award. To apply for this award you should be:

For more information, please read the Eligibility and Conditions of Entry carefully .

For any enquiries, please read FAQs. If you still need an answer, contact us at [email protected]

The Sid Chaplin Award is for writers of fiction and narrative non-fiction who identify as originating from a working-class background.

The winning writer will receive a bursary of £2000; a manuscript appraisal from The Literary Consultancy; advisory sessions from the writer Michael Chaplin; an introduction to the North Agency; and access to the Northern Writers’ Awards Network.

The award is made in memory of the writer Sid Chaplin (1916–1986) whose novels such as The Day of the Sardine and The Watchers and the Watched are celebrated for their stylistic mastery and their vivid depictions of working-class life in North East England.

We are very grateful to the Chaplin family, the North Agency and Newcastle University for their support of this award.

To enter writers should submit a sample of 3000–6000 words and a synopsis and answer the application questions.

  • Identify as originating from a working-class background.
  • Working a memoir, novel, young-adult novel, short-story collection or work of literary essays.

young writers north

young writers north

Young Writers’ Day: Writing Mystery with New Writing North Young Writers

Suitable for 12-19 year olds

Whether you’re an experienced writer or curious to try creative writing for the first time, join the New Writing North Young Writers for a day of mystery! You’ll respond to some cryptic themes as well as learn how to keep your readers guessing.

New Writing North Young Writers run weekly groups for young writers (aged 12-19) on Saturdays across the North East, including at The Word in South Shields. The groups are free and open to all. For more information, visit http://newwritingnorth.com/nwn-young-writers/ or email [email protected] .

Sessions include:

Poetry with Lisette Auton, 10.30-11.30am

Work with Lisette to develop some poems on a whole range of mysterious themes. With creative prompts and friendly advice Lisette will have you writing in no time!

Flash fiction with Matt Wesolowski, 12noon-1pm

Say lots with little and leave mystery in the gaps with this masterclass in writing a very short narrative! Join author Matt as he shares his top tips for writing short stories that pack a punch.

Editing and performance masterclass, 1.30-2.30pm

Work with our South Shields Young Writers Group Leader to edit your work from the morning, and collaborate with your fellow young writers to devise a performance of your work to conclude the day.

Young Writers’ performance, 2.30-3.30pm

About the writers.

Lisette Auton is a disabled writer, activist, poet, spoken word performer, actor, theatre-maker and creative practitioner – she does stuff with words. She is an award-winning poet and one of Penguin Random House UK’s WriteNow mentees for her children’s novel. She was awarded the 2019 Early Careers Residency for Literature at Cove Park by the Fenton Trust, and is on the TSS Publishing list of Best British & Irish Flash Fiction 2018-2019. Lisette delivers passionate spoken word pieces using lyrical techniques to spiral out from the personal to the universal. All of her work seeks to make the invisible visible.

Lisette has delivered several workshops for New Writing North Young Writers in the past, most recently on our Young Writers’ City programme in Gateshead.

Matt Wesolowski is an author from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in the UK.  He started his writing career in horror and was a winner of the Pitch Perfect competition at ‘Bloody Scotland’; Crime Writing Festival 2015. His subsequent debut crime novel ‘Six Stories’ was published by Orenda Books in the spring of 2016 with follow-up ‘Hydra’ published in the winter of 2017, ‘Changeling’ in 2018 and his latest novel ‘Beast’ in February 2020. ‘Six Stories’ is an international amazon bestseller and has been optioned by a major Hollywood studio. The third book in the series, ‘Changeling’ was longlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, 2019 Amazon Publishing Readers’ Award for Best Thriller and Best Independent Voice.

Matt has worked with New Writing North’s Young Writers’ Groups and school programmes several times before, including at the South Shields ‘Pick n Mix’ summer school at The Word in August 2019.

WRITE Festival 2020

young writers north

The Festival is jam-packed with events and workshops for people of all ages to enjoy. Find out more by viewing our full WRITE Festival programme at www.theworduk.org/write .

If you have a disability of any kind or you require special assistance, please contact us on 0191 427 1818.

Supported by

Arts Council logo

young writers north

Young Authors' Writing Project

2023-2024 Young Authors Project: “Reflections: Celebrating the Me I See”

Why Should You Consider Participating in the Young Authors Writing Project...

The Young Authors Writing Project is a wonderful way to encourage writing across all grade levels.

Students who submit writing have the potential to win at 3 different levels: School, County, and State.

Young authors are encouraged to write about their personal story–past, present, and future, celebrating their wonderful and unique qualities and the things that they love about themselves, including special family connections, talents, gifts, and ways that they are special.

Authors may write in their first language and submit along with an English translation.

Authors may write poetry or prose, fiction or nonfiction.

Students may also submit an original design or art work for the cover of the 2024 NCRA Young Authors Anthology.

young writers north

Leadership Fund

Young Authors' Writing Project Classroom Resources

Member Sourced Padlet

Young Authors' Writing Project General Information 

For in depth details, please see Young Author General Information 2023- 2024 .

Young Author's Slide Deck

The theme for the 2023-2024 Young Authors’ Project is Reflections: Celebrating the Me I See . Young Authors are encouraged to write pieces celebrating themselves, including their heritage, culture, identity, and life experiences. Young Authors may write about what makes them unique, parts of them that tie them to family members and special memories, or challenges they have overcome to become the people they are today. Authors may write prose or poetry, fiction or nonfiction. Authors may write in their first language and submit along with an English translation. All entries must follow the guidelines below and be submitted as google docs via the NCRA Local Council 2023 YA Folders and by completing the 2023 Local Council Google Spreadsheet. 

young writers north

● All entries must be original creations.

● Only 1 writing entry per author may be submitted. (*NOTE: Authors may also choose to submit for the

art contest, but again, may only submit one piece of writing and one piece of art, total).

● Authors may write in their first language and submit along with an English translation

● All entries must have participated in a local level judging before being submitted for the state

● Please remember that these pieces will be published in a book for authors in kindergarten through

adulthood, and that all entries (art and writing) should be appropriate for a wide audience that

includes young children. If an entry is deemed too mature for young audiences, it may not be

included in the book, so please carefully consider the topic you choose before submitting.

● All entries to the state judging level must be submitted by a member of NCRA by December 1, 2023.

All entries should:

● Use 10 point, “Times New Roman” font, single spaced, for the body of the piece.

● Include an original title, typed in bold, 12 point type, with only the first letter of each major word in

the title capitalized.

● Include author information after the body of the piece. Skip two lines and then center the following information in 10 point:

Author’s First and Last Name, Grade ______ (numerical) or Forever Young

Teacher: Name (Teacher’s First and Last Name)

School Name

Local Council Name

ENTRY LENGTH LIMITS

It is easy to check word count by using the Tools button in Google Docs. Be sure to check all entries to ensure they meet entry requirements BEFORE submitting for state judging. Any entry submitted to the state level will be disqualified if it exceeds the word limit (by more than 5 words).

Grades Pre-K-1: 200 WORDS

Grades 2-5: 300 WORDS

Grades 6-8: 400 WORDS

Grades 9-12 and Forever Young: 500 W0RDS

SUBMISSIONS of Local Council Winners

You will submit your entries by uploading your local winners as google doc files into your local council writing folder.

When you upload each entry, please name it as follows: the child's grade level (PK, 00 for kindergarten, 01 for first, and so on through grade 12 (Forever Young entries will be labeled 13), then the author's last name and first name, then the local council name. You may use initials for your local council. However, Tar River and Twin Rivers will need to type out their names to avoid confusion.

GradeLevel_LastNameFirstName_CouncilName

EXAMPLES– PLEASE FOLLOW EXACTLY:

Kindergarten:

00_willemsmo_MCRA

Fifth Grade:

05__dicamillokate_RWRC

Forever Young:

13__golightlyemily_CCRC

NUMBER OF LOCAL COUNCIL ENTRIES

● In order to create a more equitable and balanced collection of Young Author entries from across the state, the YA Committee has revised the criteria in order to provide smaller and developing councils with increased opportunities. A baseline of 40 entries is in place with increasing entries based on membership levels.

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL                     NUMBER OF YA ENTRIES

Developing – 20 40

76 – 125 50

126 – 175 55

176 – 225 60

226 – 275 65

276 – 325 70

STATE JUDGING:

● Will take place during the first week of January and be done remotely; local councils may choose to meet in person for their judging assignment

● Each writing entry will be judged twice using the State YA Rubric

● Each writing entry will be judged by members of a different local council than the submitting council

● Art entries will be judged by the state YA Committee and/or the Executive Council

● Information regarding deadlines and other details will be provided by State YA Chair

FOREVER YOUNG

● Forever Young entries do not count toward the number of entries noted above. Note: FY entries that EXCEED the maximum word count (500) will not be published.

● FY entries should first be judged at the local council level and will be judged at the state level using criteria from state rubric.

● Forever Young Authors must be members of NCRA.

COUNCIL CHOICE ENTRIES

● Each council may choose two entries as Council Choices. Council choice entries may be selected based on

various criteria including student growth in writing, students with challenges due to language or disabilities, etc.

These will bypass the judging, BUT will be read by at least two members of the EC. The content and language must be deemed appropriate. These entries will add two (2) to the numbers above. If there is a question regarding publication of the council choice entry, the local YA chair will be contacted.

● The Council Choice entries must be clearly marked (X) in the “Council Choice” column on the YA ENTRY

SPREADSHEET located in each council’s entry folder JUDGES’ CHOICE

● Judges’ Choice is determined when an entry receives a perfect score from both judges. This will be

noted by the Young Authors Committee. This is not determined by the local council.

ART ENTRIES

● The designs must be original ideas and clearly connect with the theme. Art must be vertical top to bottom

(portrait).

● Guidelines for the Cover Art Design may be accessed on the NCRA website in the YA Google Drive Folder, Young Authors Art Design Criteria

● Each Local Council may submit up to 10 Art Entries.

● Scan and submit as a jpeg file

● Each physical entry must be accompanied by a Young Author’s Entry Form. Suggested deadline for local

submissions is November 1, 2023.

● You will submit your digital entries using the Young Authors Entry Form no later than December 1, 2023.

UPLOAD council entries to the Council Art Folder as JPEG files (not pdf files).

● The scanned JPEG should be saved as follows:

NumericalGradeLevel__LastNameFirstName_CouncilName/Initials

(example: 02_RiveraStephanie_BRRC)

● The designs will be judged by the YA Committee who will select finalists.

● The President may select the cover design or request a vote from the Executive Committee

● The State YA Chair will notify local YA Chair of art winners by JANUARY 14, 2024

● WINNING Physical art entries need to be MAILED to state YA Chair Denise Owens:

Denise Owens, 4109 Treetops Circle Winterville, NC 28590

Please mail physical copies of the winning art entries by JANUARY 20, 2024.

Please contact your local council Young Authors Chair for questions or concerns. Please visit the NCRA website www.ncreading.org   for a list of local councils and contact information.

Contact Information for State YA Chair, Denise Owens: [email protected]  

2021-2022 Young Authors' Winners

young writers north

  • Ridiculous Writers
  • Once Upon A Dream
  • Independent Entry
  • School Entries
  • Production Timeline
  • Testimonials
  • About Us Video
  • Free Resources
  • Writing Activities
  • Writing Tips
  • Teacher Resources

The Young Writers' Annual Showcase 2023 Logo

The Young Writers' Annual Showcase 2023

Have your students written fantastic pieces of work that you’d love to share with the world.

The Young Writers Annual Showcase is an amazing way to celebrate your students' hard work & creativity by giving them the chance for their outstanding pieces to be published in a real book alongside other children & young adults from across the United States.  

From stories and poems to blog posts and essays you (or your students) can choose any piece of writing they've written this school year, up to 1,000 words. If there is a longer piece you think is incredible feel free to submit an extract.

It’s the perfect way to celebrate your students' achievement, increase their confidence and showcase your school’s talent! As work has already been written, you don't need to prepare a lesson & you can task your students with selecting their best (or favorite) piece they have written.

❤️ Your students could be published in a real book alongside other budding writers from across the USA 

🏆 We're awarding the best writers $100 and a trophy -  could it be a student from your school? 

  The Young Writers' Annual Showcase 2023 has a 1,000-word limit, so let your students' talent shine! You can view last year's winners  here .

"This is a great program that gives amazing opportunities to young writers who wish to become authors one day. It’s easy to enter and feels fantastic and rewarding to be published." Natashja MacCormick (17) - 2022 Annual Showcase winner

A winner in each age category will be chosen once the showcase is published:

- 4-11 year-olds

- 12-18 year-olds

Each winner will receive $100 and a trophy.

You can view last year's winners here .

The Young Writers' Annual Showcase 2023 Prize

To make sure your entries are valid, please follow the rules listed below:

Only one entry per student, there is no limit to the number of entries per school. Teachers please submit your entries altogether where possible!

Students choose best piece of work they have written this school year OR write new piece.

1,000 word limit (extracts are accepted).

Each student's name, age and school name must be included on each page of their entry.

Entries can be a photocopy, typed, handwritten or scribed by an adult.

All genres and styles of writing are welcome to be submitted.

Work entered into the showcase will be considered for publication in The Young Writers' Annual Showcase 2023.

Entries must be the entrant's own original work.

USA entrants only.

Entrants must be aged 4-18 years.

If you are unsure on any rules or have any queries, please don't hesitate to Contact Us .

For Entrants

Send your entries by uploading them:

Alternatively, you can email your entries to [email protected] .

Send your entries, along with your school entry form, to:

Young Writers The Young Writers' Annual Showcase 2023 77 Walnut Street Unit 11 Peabody MA 01960

Get In Touch

Mail Young Writers 77 Walnut Street Unit 11 Peabody MA 01960

Email [email protected]

Tel 323-244-4784

Contest Closed

Department of English

  • Undergraduate
  • Alumni and Friends
  • Research and Engagement
  • Full Site Navigation
  • Administration
  • Program Coordinators
  • How to Find Us
  • Creative Writing
  • Film Screenings and Events
  • Undergraduate Programs
  • Graduate Program
  • Alumni Spotlight
  • Student Groups
  • Film Studies Collection
  • Local Film Scene
  • Internships
  • Rhetoric and Professional Writing
  • Linguistics
  • Teacher Education
  • Student Responsibilities and Resources
  • Course Sampler
  • Program Administration
  • Program Placement
  • Course Descriptions
  • Learning Environments
  • Transfer Credit
  • Non-Native Speakers
  • Program Policies
  • Writing Resources
  • Eligibility
  • Requirements & Course Content
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • For Students
  • Student Resources
  • Intern Scholarship
  • For Organizational Partners
  • For Faculty Recommenders
  • English Club
  • Student Testimonials
  • Sigma Tau Delta
  • Study Abroad
  • Scholarships
  • How to Apply
  • Course Samplers
  • International Students
  • Cost and Financial Assistance
  • Teaching Assistantships
  • Essential Information for New Graduate Students
  • Essential Information for New Teaching Assistants
  • Apply to Graduate
  • Capstone Process
  • Costs and Financial Assistance
  • Graduate Plan of Work (GPOW)
  • Graduate Student Associations
  • Guest Teaching Program
  • Independent Study (Directed Readings)
  • Inter-Institutional Programs
  • Peer Mentoring Program
  • Policies and Graduate School Regulations
  • Professional Development Resources
  • Registration
  • University Student Services
  • Writing Resources for Graduate Students
  • MA in English
  • MFA in Creative Writing
  • MS in Technical Communication
  • Accelerated Bachelor's-Master's Program
  • Certificate in Digital Humanities
  • PhD in Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media
  • Contact the Graduate Program
  • Career Resources
  • Young Writers Workshop 2024
  • Teen Writers Workshop 2024

Young and Teen Writers Workshops

young writers north

The Young and Teen Writers Workshops have been serving the community for over 38 years. This nonprofit arts program is sponsored by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at NC State University.

Please check back in spring 2024 for next summer!

NC State Young Writers Workshop is one of the oldest workshops for young writers in the nation and remains one of the most affordable options for academic programs. We offer generous need-based financial aid packages.  

Students will also meet working authors with the opportunity to win copies of their published books. Learn about our past guest artists  HERE . 

For more information or questions about the workshops, contact the director:

Dr. William K. Lawrence                  Email: [email protected]                                            

Like   us on Facebook!

Follow us on Twitter too!

The Young Writers Workshop accepts applications from creative writers entering 5th through 8th grades. The 2024 YWW will meet weekday afternoons, July 8-19.

The Teen Writers Workshop accepts applications from creative writers entering 9th grade through rising college freshmen. The 2024 TWW will meet weekday afternoons, July 22-August 2.

Young Writers Contest

Since 1984, the West Virginia Young Writers Contest has celebrated student writing in the state. The contest grows out of a deep commitment to writing in all subjects, and to the publishing, displaying, and celebrating of student writing.

Contest Guidelines Teachers and administrators in each county will encourage students to submit writing for judging, first at the school, and then the county level. Submissions may be on any topic and in any prose genre: fiction, nonfiction, narrative, memoir, or essay. Poetry is not eligible for submission and submissions must be free of graphics. Entries should be the sole creation of the student and composed during the current school year. The entry should be drafted in a manner which best supports the use of process writing and the concept of the writer’s workshop.

Home-schooled students and students in private schools may participate, subject to the guidelines and supervision by the county in which they reside. YWC County Coordinators are encouraged to share contest information with private schools and home school associations. Winning entries from private schools and from home-schooled students must be judged at the county level.

Leaders from the Central West Virginia Writing Project (CWVWP) at Marshall University will judge entries on the following criteria: Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, and Conventions.

Entries submitted for state competition at categories below must not exceed word length limits:

Grade 1-2 300 words

Grade 3-4 500 words

Grade 5-6 800 words

Grade 7-8 800 words

Grade 9-10 1,000 words

Grade 11-12 1,200 words

Schools need to submit entries to County Coordinators by February 12, 2024.

A completed cover sheet must accompany each entry for county judging. Additional directions from individual counties will be forwarded to schools regarding the preparation and submission of entries for judging at the county level. County Coordinators submit winning entries and related documents to the state level contest. No entries will be accepted from students, teachers, or school personnel. State winners will be notified in March, but not announced to the public until Young Writers Day on May 3, 2024, which will be held at the University of Charleston. First-place county winners will receive commemorative certificates and participate in workshops with published authors/presenters on WV Young Writers Day. State winners in each of the six contest categories will receive checks of $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.

Contest forms and submission directions can be found under the CWVWP/YWC website page

and at the West Virginia Department of Education website.

Questions about the Contest? Contact: Dr. Barbara O’Byrne, Director CWVWP [email protected] or 304.746.1986 County Coordinators Teachers and Students

Summer Writing Camps for Young People

UNCA Summer Writing Program

It’s Memorial Day Weekend, which means summer is here. Before you know it, your children will be out of school and needing activities to occupy their time. And let’s face it: you’re going to want them out of the house, at least for a few hours this summer.

Here are some summer writing workshops for youth happening around the state. Maybe there’s one in your area? Most offer a mix of creative and academically oriented classes.

The University of North Carolina at Asheville’s summer writing program returns this year with week-long sessions in June and July for rising 6th-8th graders (“All Things Writing”) and rising 9th-12th graders (“Write Now”). The programs offer each participating student experience in different aspects of writing under the tutelage of Asheville’s finest writing instructors. Students will also participate in hour-long, end-of-day workshops called Epilogues. These workshops will feature guest speakers who will address special writing-related topics such as The College Application Essay, Writing for Newspapers, Brainstorming Ideas, Careers in Writing, and more.

The Charlotte Writers Club offers “Seeds of a Story,” a writing workshop for ages 9-14, on Thursday, July 28 . Lisa Williams Kline, along with special guest Kathleen Burkinshaw, will teach the worksohp at The Warehouse in Cornelius. To register, e-mail Lisa at [email protected] . The cost is $25.

Also in the Charlotte area, the Young Writers Academy hosts several summer camps in Charlotte and Fort Mill , including “Campfire Stories” (ages 5-7); “Writing in Nature” (ages 7-11); and “Comic Book Writing” (ages 7-11); along with workshops on essays for ages 10-18. Tuition varies.

UNCG Young Writers' Camp

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers a Young Writers’ Camp . This two-week camp, in its fifth year, is for students in grades 3-12. It will be offered July 11-July 22 , 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, in the UNCG School of Education Building. Campers will create twenty-first century texts using digital tools such as storyboarding, blogging, and movie-making during this two-week camp experience. The camp introduces young writers to the writing process, unlocks strategies of professional writers, and supports a variety of writing styles. Scholarships are available.

The Reynolda House in Winston-Salem offers three camps for all ages to explore art and creative writing in the unique setting of the historic Reynolda Estate and inspired by the Museum’s collections. Includes swimming in the indoor pool! These “Summer Adventures” run June 27 – July 8 .

Wake Forest University’s Great American Writers’ Camp returns June 27 – July 2 with even more writing activities, strategies, and projects. Blossoming young writers will hone their skills and styles as they learn to take ideas and develop them into coherent stories, poems, arguments, speeches, and more. This program is committed to helping young writers enjoy camp AND gain new strategies for creating and communicating. Working intermittently in groups, individually, and one-on-one with an instructor, students will begin to see how their ideas and words have a place in the world around them.

The Young Writers’ Institute in Cary offers a collection of sixteen half-day camps for students in grades (rising) 2nd-12th. Each camp runs from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm OR 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Camps are limited to six students, and courses range from creative classes to classes on writing academic essays.

Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh offers summer book clubs for kids . The age groups are Summer BIRDS (ages 5-7) and two book clubs for older children, ages 7-9 and 10-12. Each club meets for multiple sessions, and there are small fees. Books purchased for the clubs receive a 21 percent discount in their Kid’s Department.

WFU's Great American Writers' Camp

Also in Raleigh, the North Carolina State University Department of English offers its 33rd Annual Young Writers Workshop , July 11-22 , for students entering 4th through 8th grades. The Young Writers Workshop is a two-week, non-residential summer program with daily afternoon sessions to help young people develop and explore their creative writing talents.

The Young Writers Workshop at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington is an annual five-day camp that brings together up to 45 high school students to study the craft of writing on the UNC-Wilmington campus. The workshop is organized and operated by UNCW’s Department of Creative Writing, and camp participants have the opportunity to study with published, working writers—faculty members and graduate students in the department’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program. This year’s workshop runs July 12-16 .

how to write a discursive essay

How to write a discursive essay: tips to succeed & examples.

So, you need to accomplish your discursive essay writing. The typical questions most students ask are: How do you write it? What is discursive essay?

Our specialists will write a custom essay on any topic for 13.00 10.40/page

A discursive essay is an academic paper that involves a discussion on a particular topic. It is usually assigned to college students. You may be required to write a paper wherein you have to do one of the following:

  • argue for the issue or against it;
  • present your points of view on both sides;
  • provide your unprejudiced opinion on that matter.

Don’t panic!

Check out the tips from  Custom-writing.org  experts below. They will assist you in discursive writing and encourage you to examine essay examples. Moreover, in this article, you’ll also learn about different types of discursive essay, and its introduction, main body, and conclusion structure.

  • ❓ What Is It?
  • 🏁 Main Types

Introduction

  • Basic Don’Ts
  • ✏️ Frequent Questions

❓ What Is a Discursive Essay?

First of all, let’s figure out what the discursive essay is.

You may think it’s similar to the argumentative essay. Yes, but there’s a difference between them in the structure and purpose of these two types of assignments:

We will take a detailed look at how to structure a discursive essay later, and now let’s find out what are the types of this assignment.

Keep reading!

🏁 Discursive Essay: Main Types

You have to think more critically and more in-depth when reviewing all viewpoints and aspects of discursive writing. Check these three main types of essay writing:

  • Opinion Essay  requires the author’s opinion on an issue which is stated in the introductory paragraph. It should be clearly presented and followed by reasons and supporting examples. Also, this essay paper should contain an opposing argument that comes before the conclusion. The writer must explain to readers why the mentioned argument is considered to be unconvincing. The writer’s opinion should be restated/summarized in the conclusion.
  • 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 issue under consideration. The main body of this essay paper should present examples, reasons, and arguments supported by justifications. The author’s own opinion with balanced reflections on the topic should be stated only in conclusion.
  • Essay Suggesting Solution to a Problem  discusses problems and finds the main solutions. The introduction paragraph explicitly declares a problem and analyses its causes and consequences. The main body of the essay should offer some suggestions for a possible solution to the problem and potential state consequences or expected results. In conclusion, author’s opinion should be distinctly summarized.

📑 How to Write a Discursive Essay

Well, it’s time to talk about the structure of a discursive essay. Like most of the assignments, a discursive paper starts with an introduction and ends with a conclusion:

The first question you may ask is how to start a discursive essay introduction. Simple!

Receive a plagiarism-free paper tailored to your instructions.

  • Give your readers a hook – something that would sound interesting to them.
  • Provide a short explanation of the problem. You may use quotations, as well as rhetorical questions.
  • Show your readers both sides of the arguments and sum up.

You may be wondering…

Is there something I should avoid in my discursive essay introduction?

Yes. No stereotypes and generalizations, please!

The next step under formal essay writing you should take is to compose the body.

Tips on how to write a discursive essay.

There are a few points you should remember:

Just 13.00 10.40/page , and you can get an custom-written academic paper according to your instructions

  • First and foremost: stay unprejudiced . Assess all of the aspects of an issue. Leave your feelings behind or for another essay type.
  • Second: build your argumentation . If you have several arguments for your viewpoint—provide them in separate paragraphs. This will help you to keep your essay comprehensible and distinct. Don’t forget to submit supporting evidence.
  • Third: write the body of an essay in an alternate manner. What does it mean? If your first paragraph supports the paper’s argument, then in the second paragraph you should write something in the opposite of it. Such a combination of supporting and opposite paragraphs will make your essay look apparent, and well researched. Besides, it will help you to remain neutral.
  • Fourth: include topic sentences and evidence . Write a summary of the argument at the beginning of the paragraph. It will allow the reader to easier understand what the paragraph is about. Provide evidence to show that you’re not making the facts up.

Well, you’ve almost finished your writing. Now you should focus on the last section. Keep reading, and you will learn how to write a conclusion for a discursive essay.

  • In the last section, you should summarize your article including the main points, specified in the body paragraphs.
  • You may also logically express your opinion. Remember: it should resonate with your evidence stated in the body paragraphs.
  • Don’t repeat findings, just summarize them.

Keep it short. Your conclusion length should not exceed one paragraph.

👍 Do’s and Don’ts

Do you want more discursive essay writing tips? Fine! Just check them below:

Basic Do’s of a Discursive Essay

  • Write in formal, impersonal style.
  • Introduce each point in a separate paragraph
  • Use topic sentences for each paragraph
  • Write well-developed paragraphs
  • Give reasons and examples for each point
  • Use sequencing
  • Use linking words and phrases
  • Make references to other sources and make sure that you follow proper citation style
  • Identify used sources

Basic Don’Ts of a Discursive Essay

  • Don’t use short forms, like I’ll, don’t, they’ve
  • Don’t use informal/colloquial language, for example: old as the hills, ain’t, gonna, etc.
  • Don’t use very emotional language, since it might make your discursive article look prejudiced
  • Don’t use over-generalizations. Extending the features of some elements from a group more than it is reasonable will lead to generous and inaccurate conclusions.
  • Don’t express your personal opinion too insistently
  • Don’t refer to statistics without proper referencing (check our citation guides )
  • Don’t use personal examples, leave it for a personal experience essay

Well, now you know what discursive essay means, what are its main types, and how to structure it.

Tips on how to write a discursive essay.

Discursive Essay Topics

  • Discussion of risk factors that impact human health.  
  • Discuss the necessity of understanding cultural heritage to provide efficient health care.  
  • Analyze different opinions on withdrawing patients’ treatment. 
  • Examine different views on the Civil War . 
  • Discuss what hostile emotional states are and how they impact human life.  
  • Discuss the meaning of metaphors used by Virgil in Aeneid . 
  • Describe different opinions on telehealth in nursing homes. 
  • The ethicality of stem cell technology. 
  • Explore the effectiveness of motivational interviewing . 
  • Discuss how people present themselves online . 
  • Discuss the reasons for Coca-Cola’s marketing success.      
  • Analyze the food safety issues and the ways to improve the situation.  
  • Examine the essential meaning of sleep for people’s physical and mental health.  
  • Explore various complications of working with groups . 
  • Discussion of the modern issues with virtue ethics . 
  • Describe different views on the definition of love . 
  • Give the for and against arguments considering food security technologies .  
  • Discuss how the concept of the American dream is presented in the film The Great Gatsby .  
  • Analyze the influence of family problems on children and suggest ways to improve the situation.  
  • Present the various points of view on the ethical concepts of Buddhism . 
  • Examine the attitudes towards the problem of homelessness and the suggested ways of its solution.   
  • Explore different opinions on the American revolution and its consequences.  
  • Discuss various policies and views around the globe on abortion . 
  • Discussion of the history of food foraging in different communities.  
  • Multiple thoughts on civility on the Internet . 
  • Analyze arguments on the effectiveness of hand sanitizers . 
  • Discuss the importance of visual aids in learning. 
  • Present and evaluate the theories of international development . 
  • Discuss how to prevent the spread of the West Nile Virus (WNV). 
  • Is embracing renewable energy sources beneficial for both environment and the global economy?    
  • Examine the correctness of the statement that the ideology of pleasure is the foundation of social activism .  
  • Discussion of the ethical dilemma of population control.  
  • Discuss the ethics of experimental studies .  
  • Analyze the topic of gun violence and gun control laws.  
  • Explore the reasons for opioid crises in the US.  
  • Give arguments for and against random drug testing . 
  • Discuss the problem of endangered species . 
  • Express your opinion on the necessity of parents to be included in children’s education . 
  • Present your attitude towards working in a bureaucratic organization . 
  • Discuss the issue of the nursing shortage and suggest a solution.  
  • Give different viewpoints on the definition of beauty .  
  • Analyze the problem of police misconduct . 
  • Discuss the description of violence of African people in literature . 
  • Examine the views on Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory . 
  • Describe the various opinions on mysticism and express your attitude towards it.  
  • Discuss the diverse standpoints on spirituality . 
  • Is nature protection an urgent problem?  
  • Analyze different ideas on physical privacy at work . 
  • Discussion on the Jewish heritage in nursing. 
  • Examine the views on the meaning of life .  

Good luck with your discussions and discursive essays! Be sure to check out the articles on our blog for more academic wisdom. By the way, on the Custom-Writing website, you may find the best essay topics for your academic writing.

And don’t forget to share your opinion in the comments below.

You might also be interested in:

  • Friendship Essay: Writing Guide & Topic Ideas about Friendship
  • Teamwork Essay: Quick Guide on How to Write a Good Paper
  • Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Tips and Examples
  • Transportation Essay: Writing Tips and Brilliant Topics

✏️ Discursive Essay FAQ

There is no one definitely correct answer to this question. Like any other essay, the text should have a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The most important thing is that the overall book needs to be cohesive, persuasive, and exciting to read.

An example of a step by step guide is:

1. Take a closer look at the topic, think about the points to cover.

2. Choose the most relevant points and compose the Body of the essay.

3. Add an appropriate Introduction and Conclusion.

To write a good conclusion, you need to have the rest of the essay finished. Does the body of your essay present well-structured points? Great, then see what you can conclude based on that. If possible, make a connection between the introduction and the conclusion.

To ensure that your essay has a perfect structure, start with creating an outline. Based on such a plan, you can present your points step by step. Your text should have a relevant introduction, several points in the main body (with examples), and a logical conclusion.

🔗 References

  • Writing an Opinion Essay: Grace Fleming, ThoughtCo
  • How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay: Easy Step-by-Step Guide: Master Class
  • Ending the Essay: Conclusions: Harvard College Writing Center
  • Academic Writing Style: University of Southern California
  • Cite Your Sources: Library Guides at University of California, Santa Cruz
  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to LinkedIn
  • Share to email

It’s very helpful!

Custom Writing

Glad to hear that! Thank you for your feedback!

it’s a good site to learn from. However, it will be perfect if there is a small essay to clear the mess understanding from the advice

This was so helpful , thank you God bless you

Thanks for the feedback! Your opinion is very important for us!

Very good site,thank so much for your effort in writing the posts.

Thank you, Tameka!

thank you my n word 👨🏿‍🦳

thank you so much!!!! is there any way to access an annotated example to help?

Thank you so much. That really helped me with writing my essay.

thanku so much for increasing my knowledge

Thanks for the feedback, Malik! Much appreciated.

Thank you. It was really helpful. It has answered all my questions.

Thank you for your feedback, Martha. It means a lot for us!

Recommended for You

Child Labor Essay: Thesis, Examples, & Writing Guide [2023]

Child Labor Essay: Thesis, Examples, & Writing Guide [2023]

Children have always been apprentices and servants all over human history. However, the Industrial Revolution increased the use of child labor in the world. It became a global problem that is relevant even today when such employment is illegal.

French Essay: Topics, Tips, and Examples [2023 Updated]

French Essay: Topics, Tips, and Examples [2023 Updated]

Nowadays, knowing several foreign languages is no longer surprising. For example, learning French is common for English-speaking countries. So, getting an assignment on this subject won’t be a surprise for a student.

How to Write a Dissertation Critique: Examples & Guide 2023

How to Write a Dissertation Critique: Examples & Guide 2023

Dissertation critique writing develops the students’ critical and logical thinking abilities. When composing, the students learn to analyze the works conducted by other researchers. To critique a dissertation, you should: Thoroughly read the paper.Take notes and summarize the text (you can even try and use auto summarizer for that).Interpret and...

College Essay Writing 101—the Comprehensive Guide [2023]

College Essay Writing 101—the Comprehensive Guide [2023]

So, you can’t wait to get into college and join a fraternity, sorority, or student union. Well, we have some incredibly useful tips and helpful information for college admission essay writing! Remember: getting into college takes more than money. And outstanding essays get you great college scholarships!

Americanism Essay: Examples, Tips & Topics [2023 Update]

Americanism Essay: Examples, Tips & Topics [2023 Update]

It’s not hard to see why Americanism is one of the most popular essay topics. The concept of Americanism is in the center of the US identity. Writing an essay about it is an excellent way to find out more about this great country.

How to Write an Art Critique: Examples & Strategies

How to Write an Art Critique: Examples & Strategies

An art critique paper involves a comprehensive analysis and assessment of an artwork. Though this looks a bit complicated, the task doesn’t require a lot of time if you have sufficient critique writing skills. It’s an interesting assignment for students of art colleges as well as high schoolers. All you...

Logo for Open Textbooks @ UQ

26 Planning a Discursive Essay

Discursive essay – description.

A discursive essay is a form of critical essay that attempts to provide the reader with a balanced argument on a topic, supported by evidence. It requires critical thinking, as well as sound and valid arguments (see Chapter 25) that acknowledge and analyse arguments both for and against any given topic, plus discursive essay writing appeals to reason, not emotions or opinions. While it may draw some tentative conclusions, based on evidence, the main aim of a discursive essay is to inform the reader of the key arguments and allow them to arrive at their own conclusion.

The writer needs to research the topic thoroughly to present more than one perspective and should check their own biases and assumptions through critical reflection (see Chapter 30).

Unlike persuasive writing, the writer does not need to have knowledge of the audience, though should write using academic tone and language (see Chapter 20).

Choose Your Topic Carefully

A basic guide to choosing an assignment topic is available in Chapter 23, however choosing a topic for a discursive essay means considering more than one perspective. Not only do you need to find information about the topic via academic sources, you need to be able to construct a worthwhile discussion, moving from idea to idea. Therefore, more forward planning is required. The following are decisions that need to be considered when choosing a discursive essay topic:

  • These will become the controlling ideas for your three body paragraphs (some essays may require more). Each controlling idea will need arguments both for and against.
  • For example, if my topic is “renewable energy” and my three main (controlling) ideas are “cost”, “storage”, “environmental impact”, then I will need to consider arguments both for and against each of these three concepts. I will also need to have good academic sources with examples or evidence to support my claim and counter claim for each controlling idea (More about this in Chapter 27).
  • Am I able to write a thesis statement about this topic based on the available research? In other words, do my own ideas align with the available research, or am I going to be struggling to support my own ideas due to a lack of academic sources or research? You need to be smart about your topic choice. Do not make it harder than it has to be. Writing a discursive essay is challenging enough without struggling to find appropriate sources.
  • For example, perhaps I find a great academic journal article about the uptake of solar panel installation in suburban Australia and how this household decision is cost-effective long-term, locally stored, and has minimal, even beneficial environmental impact due to the lowering of carbon emissions. Seems too good to be true, yet it is perfect for my assignment. I would have to then find arguments AGAINST everything in the article that supports transitioning suburbs to solar power. I would have to challenge the cost-effectiveness, the storage, and the environmental impact study. Now, all of a sudden my task just became much more challenging.
  • There may be vast numbers of journal articles written about your topic, but consider how relevant they may be to your tentative thesis statement. It takes a great deal of time to search for appropriate academic sources. Do you have a good internet connection at home or will you need to spend some quality time at the library? Setting time aside to complete your essay research is crucial for success.

It is only through complete forward planning about the shape and content of your essay that you may be able to choose the topic that best suits your interests, academic ability and time management. Consider how you will approach the overall project, not only the next step.

Research Your Topic

When completing a library search for online peer reviewed journal articles, do not forget to use Boolean Operators to refine or narrow your search field. Standard Boolean Operators are (capitalized) AND, OR and NOT. While using OR will expand your search, AND and NOT will reduce the scope of your search. For example, if I want information on ageism and care giving, but I only want it to relate to the elderly, I might use the following to search a database: ageism AND care NOT children. Remember to keep track of your search strings (like the one just used) and then you’ll know what worked and what didn’t as you come and go from your academic research.

The UQ Library provides an excellent step-by-step guide to searching databases:

Searching in databases – Library – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

Did you know that you can also link the UQ Library to Google Scholar? This link tells you how:

Google Scholar – Library – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

Write the Thesis Statement

The concept of a thesis statement was introduced in Chapter 21. The information below relates specifically to a discursive essay thesis statement.

As noted in the introduction to this chapter, the discursive essay should not take a stance and therefore the thesis statement must also impartially indicate more than one perspective. The goal is to present both sides of an argument equally and allow the reader to make an informed and well-reasoned choice after providing supporting evidence for each side of the argument.

Sample thesis statements: Solar energy is a cost -effective solution to burning fossil fuels for electricity , however lower income families cannot afford the installation costs .

Some studies indicate that teacher comments written in red may have no effect on students’ emotions , however other studies suggest that seeing red ink on papers could cause some students unnecessary stress. [1]

According to social justice principles, education should be available to all , yet historically, the intellectually and physically impaired may have been exempt from participation due to their supposed inability to learn. [2]

This is where your pros and cons list comes into play. For each pro, or positive statement you make, about your topic, create an equivalent con, or negative statement and this will enable you to arrive at two opposing assertions – the claim and counter claim.

While there may be multiple arguments or perspectives related to your essay topic, it is important that you match each claim with a counter-claim. This applies to the thesis statement and each supporting argument within the body paragraphs of the essay.

It is not just a matter of agreeing or disagreeing. A neutral tone is crucial. Do not include positive or negative leading statements, such as “It is undeniable that…” or “One should not accept the view that…”. You are NOT attempting to persuade the reader to choose one viewpoint over another.

Leading statements / language will be discussed further, in class, within term three of the Academic English course.

Thesis Structure:

  • Note the two sides (indicated in green and orange)
  • Note the use of tentative language: “Some studies”, “may have”, “could cause”, “some students”
  • As the thesis is yet to be discussed in-depth, and you are not an expert in the field, do not use definitive language
  • The statement is also one sentence, with a “pivot point” in the middle, with a comma and signposting to indicate a contradictory perspective (in black). Other examples include, nevertheless, though, although, regardless, yet, albeit. DO NOT use the word “but” as it lacks academic tone. Some signposts (e.g., although, though, while) may be placed at the start of the two clauses rather than in the middle – just remember the comma, for example, “While some studies suggest solar energy is cost-effective, other critical research questions its affordability.”
  • Also note that it is based on preliminary research and not opinion: “some studies”, “other studies”, “according to social justice principles”, “critical research”.

Claims and Counter Claims

NOTE: Please do not confuse the words ‘claim’ and ‘counter-claim’ with moral or value judgements about right/wrong, good/bad, successful/unsuccessful, or the like. The term ‘claim’ simply refers to the first position or argument you put forward (whether for or against), and ‘counter-claim’ is the alternate position or argument.

In a discursive essay the goal is to present both sides equally and then draw some tentative conclusions based on the evidence presented.

  • To formulate your claims and counter claims, write a list of pros and cons.
  • For each pro there should be a corresponding con.
  • Three sets of pros and cons will be required for your discursive essay. One set for each body paragraph. These become your claims and counter claims.
  • For a longer essay, you would need further claims and counter claims.
  • Some instructors prefer students to keep the pros and cons in the same order across the body paragraphs. Each paragraph would then have a pro followed by a con or else a con followed by a pro. The order should align with your thesis; if the thesis gives a pro view of the topic followed by a negative view (con) then the paragraphs should also start with the pro and follow with the con, or else vice versa. If not aligned and consistent, the reader may easily become confused as the argument proceeds. Ask your teacher if this is a requirement for your assessment.

how to write a discursive essay

Use previous chapters to explore your chosen topic through concept mapping (Chapter 18) and essay outlining (Chapter 19), with one variance; you must include your proposed claims and counter claims in your proposed paragraph structures. What follows is a generic model for a discursive essay. The following Chapter 27 will examine this in further details.

Sample Discursive Essay Outline 

The paragraphs are continuous; the dot-points are only meant to indicate content.

  • Thesis statement
  • Essay outline (including 3 controlling ideas)

Body Paragraphs X 3 (Elaboration and evidence will be more than one sentence, though the topic, claim and counter claim should be succinct)

  • T opic sentence, including 1/3 controlling ideas (the topic remains the same throughout the entire essay; it is the controlling idea that changes)
  • A claim/assertion about the controlling idea
  • E laboration – more information about the claim
  • E vidence -academic research (Don’t forget to tell the reader how / why the evidence supports the claim. Be explicit in your E valuation rather than assuming the connection is obvious to the reader)
  • A counter claim (remember it must be COUNTER to the claim you made, not about something different)
  • E laboration – more information about the counter claim
  • E vidence – academic research (Don’t forget to tell the reader how / why the evidence supports the claim. Be explicit in your E valuation rather than assuming the connection is obvious to the reader)
  • Concluding sentence – L inks back to the topic and/or the next controlling idea in the following paragraph

Mirror the introduction. The essay outline should have stated the plan for the essay – “This essay will discuss…”, therefore the conclusion should identify that this has been fulfilled, “This essay has discussed…”, plus summarise the controlling ideas and key arguments. ONLY draw tentative conclusions BOTH for and against, allowing the reader to make up their own mind about the topic. Also remember to re-state the thesis in the conclusion. If it is part of the marking criteria, you should also include a recommendation or prediction about the future use or cost/benefit of the chosen topic/concept.

A word of warning, many students fall into the generic realm of stating that there should be further research on their topic or in the field of study. This is a gross statement of the obvious as all academia is ongoing. Try to be more practical with your recommendations and also think about who would instigate them and where the funding might come from.

This chapter gives an overview of what a discursive essay is and a few things to consider when choosing your topic. It also provides a generic outline for a discursive essay structure. The following chapter examines the structure in further detail.

  • Inez, S. M. (2018, September 10). What is a discursive essay, and how do you write a good one? Kibin. ↵
  • Hale, A., & Basides, H. (2013). The keys to academic English. Palgrave ↵

researched, reliable, written by academics and published by reputable publishers; often, but not always peer reviewed

assertion, maintain as fact

The term ‘claim’ simply refers to the first position or argument you put forward (whether for or against), and ‘counter-claim’ is the alternate position or argument.

Academic Writing Skills Copyright © 2021 by Patricia Williamson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

how to write a discursive essay

  • Plagiarism checker Do The Check
  • Academic editing Ask For Help
  • Samples database View Samples Base

How to Write a Discursive Essay: Effective Guide

25 Nov 2022

Quick Navigation

❓What Is a Discursive Essay?

✅Discursive Essay vs. Other Types of Essay

Argumentative

Descriptive.

✏️Discursive Essay Format

🔍Helpful Tips: How to Write a Good Discursive Essay?

💪How to Write a Discursive Essay?

How to Start a Discursive Essay?

How to develop the discursive essay body, how to end a discursive essay.

📝Do’s and Don’ts of a Discursive Essay

What to Do When Writing a Discursive Essay?

What not to do when writing a discursive essay.

If you’re pursuing a university degree, writing various assignments is unavoidable. Like it or not, you’ll have to draft at least a few every semester. Among other paper types, teachers favor discursive essays to encourage students to express a neutral standpoint regarding a given issue.

Moreover, this academic piece tests whether you possess polished writing and critical thinking skills. Besides your opinion, you’d also have to provide reliable evidence as a backup for your claim. Hence, a decent discursive essay requires thorough research and preparation.

But what should you pay attention to when writing the first draft ? Is pure talent enough, or are there other elements that make a successful manuscript? Below, we unravel the path to an A+ paper!

Is writing essays your hobby?

Participate in our "Independence Day of the United States" essay writing competition and get a 12-month Quizlet subscription.

  • Deadline: July 24, 2023
  • Topic: Declaration of Independence
  • Language: English
  • Length: 1000-5000 words
  • Font size: 11 or 12

Writing essays

What Is a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay aims to elaborate on a given topic in a balanced way. The subject matter is often a dilemma or issue, so there are usually two or three possible solutions. Hence, the ideal piece must include all sides of the problem and present objective and all-encompassing evidence about the topic.

The writer must maintain an impersonal style to avoid polarizing things and being biased. Many students hire a custom essay writing service because they either take one side or impose their views on the matter. As a result, they end up with an argumentative paper, which is entirely different.

The primary purpose of a discursive essay is to unveil the truth by exploring various topic-related arguments. Therefore, proper research, pondering the issue, and thinking critically, are critical aspects of the writing process.

Need help with essay writing?

Get your paper written by a professional writer

Discursive Essay vs. Other Types of Essay

Though you might easily confuse discursive writing with other articles, the differences are striking. Let’s see what sets them apart and define their bordering points.​​

Both kinds of papers come from the same family. They discuss a topic by revealing facts and supporting them with examples. The main difference is that in argumentative works, one standpoint prevails. Though they list and acknowledge all arguments, the emphasis revolves around one point.

Ideally, argumentative writing  aims to persuade the audience to adopt a position. The writer presents the claims in a way that convinces the reader to pick a side. Conversely, the discursive essay explains the facts objectively but never urges the reader to shift views.

The purpose of a descriptive essay is to convey a picture for the readers to imagine. To this end, the author uses versatile adjectives and adverbs that help deliver the initial message. Moreover, comparisons, contrasts, and sensory figures of speech are inevitable if you want to create an eye-catching piece.

In contrast, discursive essays provide hard facts free of metaphors, idioms, and similes. The underlying purpose is to inform the readers and not engage their senses with flowery words. When you need to describe information in more detail, the descriptions should be as short and accurate as possible but never overly decorative.

​​Storytelling requires you to conceptualize a narration . In this case, your account can be informal and include descriptive writing elements. Since you have to hook the interest of the audience, the introduction and conclusion must be attention-grabbing and thought-provoking.

These papers follow a structure that usually involves a twist or unexpected events. Besides telling a story, you can also use this style for writing a character analysis essay for college. The smoother your retelling technique, the more successful your work will be.

With discursive essays, the primary focus is on facts and evidence. Hence, avoid weaving a tale because you might easily stray from the central idea. As a result, you can lose your target and omit the critical data you’re trying to present.

Discursive Essay Format

As with any academic work, you must  write in a specific outline . To some extent, this venture resembles thematic essay writing because you’re elaborating on a concrete topic and including a clearly-defined thesis statement.

The typical structure of a discursive essay doesn’t differ much from that of other academic papers. It is usually a five or six-paragraph work that includes an introduction, three or more body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Here’s what a standard structure should look like :

  • Introductory paragraph
  • Argument 1 with supporting evidence
  • Argument 2 with supporting evidence
  • Argument 3 with supporting evidence
  • Paragraph with opposing views or counterarguments

Helpful Tips: How to Write a Good Discursive Essay?

Though you might follow the layout presented above and get all your standpoints in order, there are a few minor aspects you mustn’t neglect. Pay attention to the following:

  • Start each passage with a topic sentence that describes the most significant point.
  • Spend a few days drafting and finalizing your work; doing articles overnight is a no-go.
  • Don’t give a loud voice to your standpoint.
  • Use formal language that is impersonal. In short, white in third person speech.
  • Avoid copying content but rephrase what you found with your own words. You can use a free online paraphrasing tool to help you write a plagiarism-free piece.
  • Allow yourself enough time to edit and proofread your work in the end.
  • Communicate only fair aspects, but don’t overgeneralize or use clichés.
  • Convey your points in an alternate manner if your mentor allows this format.
  • Try the SEA method. S stands for making a statement, E for giving examples or evidence to support your claim, and A for applying theory in real life.

Writing a discursive essay can be challenging, but with the help of PapersOwl and its cheap essay writers , you can create a well-structured, argumentative essay in no time. Our writers have the skills and experience to craft an essay that will help you make your point effectively.

More than just a spell check

Editors on PapersOwl can edit your paper and give recommendations on how to improve your writing:

  • Punctuation
  • Sentence structure
  • Academic style

How to Write a Discursive Essay?

Before you sit down and start brainstorming ideas, read a few samples online. This way, you’ll get the hang of the writing process and what each paragraph must include. Most importantly, stay unprejudiced and leave your feelings behind. Instead, concentrate on building and supporting your argumentation.

While the introduction is usually a fraction of the final work, it is critical. In it, you catch the reader’s attention and present your topic. Hence, ensure you make it as engaging and enlightening as possible. Moreover, the length of this part should be about 10% of the entire assignment.

The discursive essay introduction should contain a few sentences that compress the general idea. Hence, brevity and conciseness are your best shot at delivering the relevance of your subject matter to the public.

Once finished, use the introduction to define the core of the body paragraphs. If you have difficulties, order a professional service to write your essay for money and pick your writer, depending on the topic’s complexity.

However, if you decide to proceed with the discursive essay yourself, put maximum effort into the opening paragraph. It’s advisable to give the strongest arguments first and then continue with the other standpoints. Also, don’t mix different points in a single paragraph but elaborate on one position at a given time.

Finally, take time to brainstorm and present your counterarguments. All statements must be objective and show your impartiality on the matter. When developing the body paragraphs, cite credible references like journals, statistics, and other supporting evidence.

You must write a conclusion as the final paragraph of your manuscript. Similar to the introduction, this part aims to frame the central idea in simple words. So, if you wonder how to write a discursive essay conclusion, summarize all points stated and give an impartial opinion.

In addition, restate the mentioned arguments only and never introduce new information. Last, it would be ideal if your summary encourages future discussion among the audience. Your recommendations and predictions on the topic should also stimulate further research.

Do’s and Don’ts of a Discursive Essay

Here are some essay writing tips worth considering for a perfect outcome. The same ideas are relevant for writing a poetry essay with ease for university. Tick each hack when reviewing your final copy.

  • Different arguments go in separate paragraphs.
  • Write well-developed ideas supported by examples.
  • Give reasons for every position.
  • Use the sequencing method.
  • Maintain a balanced style.
  • Include linking words and phrases to enhance reading and flow of thought.
  • Identify the sources you use by following a proper citation style.
  • Avoid abbreviated forms and contractions, such as I’d, won’t, and you’re.
  • Never include informal and colloquial language like ain’t, gonna, or as good as gold.
  • Your topic will be specific so forget about generalizations because they lead away from accuracy and reliability. You might end up with arbitrary conclusions that will spoil the overall impression.
  • Emotional language is off-limits because it often signposts prejudice.
  • Steer away from personal examples because this means you’re taking a side.
  • Don’t insist on one standpoint at the cost of others.
  • Avoid stats you cannot prove or reference.

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Check the originality of a paper with just a couple of clicks.

  • Free unlimited checks
  • Accurate results
  • All common file formats
  • Intuitive interface

Was this article helpful?

Thanks for your feedback.

Article author picture

Esther Leah

My name is Esther Leah. Since I’ve been a little kid in San Francisco, I’ve wanted to become a teacher. However, as time passed, I’ve realized that it is not the best career choice for me, as the teachers are not treated well by our government. However, since I’ve become a professional academic writer, I have at least partially achieved my dream of helping multiple people to learn more about the subjects that interest them and me. I focus mostly on English, Psychology and Criminology, but I can also help you with multiple other subjects as well.

Readers also enjoyed

Insider's guide how to beating turnitin.

Student Tips 91 likes

Redundancy in Writing: Guide on Succinctly Writing

Student Tips 77 likes

Draw Our Owl In Your Own Style (Art Competition)

Student Tips 64 likes

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Simply fill out the form, click the button, and have no worries!

how to write a discursive essay

  • Buy Custom Assignment
  • Custom College Papers
  • Buy Dissertation
  • Buy Research Papers
  • Buy Custom Term Papers
  • Cheap Custom Term Papers
  • Custom Courseworks
  • Custom Thesis Papers
  • Custom Expository Essays
  • Custom Plagiarism Check
  • Cheap Custom Essay
  • Custom Argumentative Essays
  • Custom Case Study
  • Custom Annotated Bibliography
  • Custom Book Report
  • How It Works
  • Essay Samples
  • Essay Topics
  • Research Topics
  • Uncategorized
  • Writing Tips

How to Write a Discursive Essay

November 17, 2023

A discursive essay is a type of academic writing that presents both sides of an argument or issue. Unlike an argumentative essay where you take a clear stance and defend it, a discursive essay allows you to explore different perspectives and provide an objective analysis. It requires careful research, critical thinking, and the ability to present logical arguments in a structured manner.

In a discursive essay, you are expected to examine the topic thoroughly, present evidence and examples to support your points, and address counterarguments to demonstrate a balanced understanding of the issue. The purpose is not to persuade the reader to take a particular side, but rather to present a comprehensive view of the topic. By mastering the art of writing a discursive essay, you can effectively convey complex ideas and contribute to meaningful discussions on various subjects.

What’s different about writing a discursive essay

Writing a discursive essay differs from other types of essays in several ways. Here are some key differences to consider when approaching this particular form of academic writing:

  • Explores multiple perspectives: Unlike an argumentative essay, a discursive essay examines different viewpoints on a given topic. It requires you to gather information, analyze various arguments, and present a balanced view.
  • Structured presentation: A discursive essay follows a clear structure that helps organize your thoughts and arguments. It typically consists of an introduction, several body paragraphs discussing different arguments, and a conclusion.
  • Impartiality and objectivity: While other essays may require you to take a stance or defend a particular position, a discursive essay aims for objectivity. You should present arguments and evidence without bias and demonstrate a fair understanding of each viewpoint.
  • Importance of research: Good research is essential for a discursive essay. You should gather information from reliable sources, consider various perspectives, and present evidence to support your ideas.
  • Addressing counterarguments: In a discursive essay, it is crucial to acknowledge and address counterarguments. By doing so, you show a comprehensive understanding of the topic and strengthen your own argument.
  • Use of transitions: To maintain coherence and provide a smooth flow of ideas, appropriate transitions should be used to link paragraphs and signal shifts between arguments.

By recognizing these key differences and adapting your writing style accordingly, you can effectively write a discursive essay that engages the reader and presents a well-rounded discussion of the topic.

Step-by-Step Discursive Essay Writing Guide

Selecting a topic.

Selecting a topic for a discursive essay is a crucial first step in the writing process. Here are some considerations to help you choose an appropriate and engaging topic:

  • Relevance: Select a topic that is relevant and holds significance in the current context. It should be something that sparks interest and discussion among readers.
  • Controversy: Look for topics that have multiple perspectives and controversial viewpoints. This will allow you to explore different arguments and present a balanced analysis.
  • Research opportunities: Choose a topic that offers ample research opportunities. This ensures that you have access to reliable sources and enough material to support your arguments.
  • Personal interest: It is easier to write about a topic that you are genuinely interested in. Consider your own passion and areas of expertise when selecting a subject for your essay.
  • Scope and depth: Ensure that the chosen topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. It should provide enough scope for thorough analysis and discussion within the word limit of your essay.

Remember, the topic sets the foundation for your discursive essay. Take time to consider these factors and select a topic that aligns with your interests, research capabilities, and the potential to present a well-rounded discussion.

Possible Discursive Essay Topics:

  • The impact of social media on society.
  • Should euthanasia be legalized?
  • Pros and cons of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
  • The influence of technology on human interactions.
  • Is homeschooling more beneficial than traditional schooling?
  • The effects of climate change on the environment.
  • Should animal testing be banned?
  • The advantages and disadvantages of globalization.
  • The ethics of capital punishment.
  • The legalization of marijuana: pros and cons.

The thesis statement in a discursive essay serves as the central argument or main claim that sets the tone for the entire essay. It typically appears in the introductory paragraph and guides the reader’s understanding of the essay’s purpose and direction. Here are some key points to consider when crafting an effective thesis statement for a discursive essay:

  • Clear stance: The thesis statement should clearly express your position or viewpoint on the topic. It should present a concise statement that reflects your overall argument or analysis.
  • Controversy: The thesis statement should highlight the controversy or debate surrounding the topic. It should indicate that there are multiple perspectives to be explored and that you will discuss them in a balanced manner.
  • Specificity: The thesis statement should not be too vague or general. It should address a specific aspect of the topic that you will focus on in your essay.
  • Clarity: The thesis statement should be clear and easy to understand. It should provide a clear sense of direction for the reader, indicating the main points that will be discussed in the essay.
  • Strong and compelling: The thesis statement should be strong and compelling, capturing the attention of the reader. It should be a statement that provokes thoughtful analysis and discussion.

By considering these factors, you can develop a thesis statement that effectively sets the tone for your discursive essay and captures the essence of your argument or analysis.

Conducting Research

Conducting thorough research is a critical step in writing a discursive essay. Here are some essential tips to help you effectively gather information and sources:

  • Define your research question: Clearly define the question or issue you want to explore in your essay. This will guide your research and help you stay focused.
  • Use a variety of sources: Gather information from a diverse range of sources, such as books, scholarly articles, reputable websites, and academic journals. This will ensure a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the topic.
  • Evaluate the credibility of sources: Assess the reliability and credibility of each source before including it in your essay. Consider factors such as author credentials, publication date, peer-reviewed status, and the reputation of the source.
  • Take organized notes: As you read and review your sources, take organized notes to keep track of key points, quotes, and references. This will make it easier to cite sources accurately later.
  • Analyze and synthesize information: Analyze the information you have gathered and synthesize it into coherent arguments. Identify common themes, patterns, and conflicting viewpoints that will form the basis of your essay.
  • Address counterarguments: Remember to consider and address counterarguments in your research. Engaging with opposing viewpoints will strengthen your arguments and demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic.

By following these research strategies, you can gather reliable and varied sources to support your discursive essay, ensuring a balanced and well-informed discussion of the topic.

Writing the Introduction

The introduction sets the tone and direction for a discursive essay, providing context and background information on the topic. Here are some key elements to include when writing the introduction to a discursive essay:

  • Grab the reader’s attention: Use a hook or attention-grabbing statement to draw the reader in and generate interest in the topic.
  • Introduce the topic: Clearly state the topic and provide some background information to contextualize the issue.
  • Define key terms: Define any key terms related to the topic that may be unfamiliar to the reader.
  • Present the thesis statement: Clearly state your main argument or claim, which sets the tone for the rest of the essay.
  • Outline the structure: Briefly outline the main points or arguments that will be addressed in the essay.
  • Write in a discursive style: Use a discursive style of writing in the introduction that presents multiple viewpoints on the topic.

By including these elements, you can craft an effective introduction to your discursive essay that engages the reader, establishes the context for the topic, and clearly presents your thesis statement. Remember to present a balanced analysis of multiple viewpoints, maintaining the discursive style of the essay.

Presenting Arguments and Counterarguments

Presenting arguments and counterarguments is a crucial aspect of writing a discursive essay. Here are some strategies to effectively structure and present your arguments and counterarguments:

  • Identify key arguments: Begin by identifying the main arguments or perspectives related to the topic. These arguments will form the basis of your essay and provide a framework for your analysis.
  • Develop supporting evidence: Gather relevant evidence, examples, statistics, or expert opinions to support each argument. This evidence should be well-researched and credible to strengthen your claims.
  • Present arguments in a logical order: Organize your arguments in a logical and coherent manner. You can choose to present each argument separately, dedicating individual paragraphs to each one or use a point-counterpoint approach where you counter each argument with a counterargument.
  • Address counterarguments: Acknowledge and include counterarguments in your essay to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Refute counterarguments by presenting contrasting evidence or providing a persuasive rebuttal.
  • Provide balanced analysis: While presenting arguments and counterarguments, ensure a balanced analysis that gives due weight to each viewpoint. Avoid bias and strive for objectivity by presenting evidence from various perspectives.
  • Use transition words and phrases: Utilize appropriate transition words and phrases to guide the reader through the presentation of arguments and counterarguments. Examples include “on the one hand,” “however,” “in contrast,” “nevertheless,” etc.

By following these strategies, you can effectively present arguments and counterarguments in your discursive essay, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the topic and engaging the reader in a thoughtful analysis.

Writing the Body Paragraphs

When writing the body paragraphs of a discursive essay, it’s important to present a balanced and well-structured analysis of the topic. Here are some key strategies to consider:

  • Organize your paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a single argument or idea. Start with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point of the paragraph.
  • Provide evidence and examples: Support your arguments with evidence, facts, statistics, or examples from credible sources. This will enhance the validity and persuasiveness of your arguments.
  • Use logical reasoning: Present clear and coherent reasoning to connect your evidence with your main argument. Use logic and critical thinking to explain the relevance and significance of your evidence.
  • Consider opposing viewpoints: Acknowledge potential counterarguments and address them within your body paragraphs. Refute counterarguments using logical and evidence-based reasoning.
  • Use paragraphs for different viewpoints: If you’re discussing multiple perspectives or arguments within the same essay, dedicate separate paragraphs to each viewpoint. Clearly indicate transitions between paragraphs to maintain a coherent flow.
  • Include topic sentences and transitions: Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states the main idea. Use transitional words and phrases to guide the reader smoothly from one paragraph to the next.

Remember, in a discursive essay, the body paragraphs should explore various arguments and perspectives related to the topic, providing a balanced analysis and supporting evidence. By following these strategies, you can construct well-organized and compelling body paragraphs for your discursive essay.

Incorporating Evidence and Examples

Effectively incorporating evidence and examples is crucial in a discursive essay to support your arguments and strengthen your analysis. Here are some strategies to consider when integrating evidence:

  • Choose credible sources: Gather evidence from reputable and reliable sources such as scholarly articles, books, authoritative websites, or academic journals. This ensures the validity and credibility of the evidence.
  • Use a variety of evidence: Draw from a range of sources to provide a well-rounded perspective on the topic. This can include facts, statistics, expert opinions, case studies, or historical examples.
  • Provide context: When presenting evidence, provide context to help the reader understand its significance. Explain the relevance of the evidence to your argument and how it supports your main points.
  • Analyze and interpret evidence: Avoid simply regurgitating evidence. Instead, analyze and interpret it, explaining how it supports your argument and contributes to your overall analysis.
  • Quote and paraphrase effectively: When using direct quotes, ensure they are relevant and support your argument. Use accurate paraphrasing to summarize and restate ideas from your sources.
  • Cite your sources correctly: Properly cite your sources using a citation style appropriate for your academic field, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. This gives credit to the original authors and avoids plagiarism.

By incorporating evidence and examples effectively, you can provide a solid foundation for your arguments in a discursive essay, enhancing your credibility and persuasiveness.

Addressing Counterarguments

Addressing counterarguments is an essential component of a discursive essay as it demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens your overall argument. Here are some strategies to effectively address counterarguments:

  • Identify counterarguments: Identify the main counterarguments or opposing viewpoints related to your topic. This shows that you have considered different perspectives on the issue.
  • Understand the counterarguments: Thoroughly analyze and understand the counterarguments before addressing them. This will help you develop a strong response based on evidence and reasoning.
  • Refute the counterarguments: Present a persuasive rebuttal to counterarguments by providing evidence or logical reasoning that challenges or disproves them.
  • Anticipate objections: Address potential objections or criticisms that readers might have. Proactively refute these objections by providing additional evidence or presenting alternative perspectives.
  • Acknowledge validity: Recognize the validity of certain counterarguments or aspects of opposing viewpoints. This demonstrates fairness and strengthens your overall argument by showing that you have carefully considered all sides.
  • Use transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases such as “however,” “although,” or “on the other hand,” to seamlessly introduce counterarguments and your responses.

By effectively addressing counterarguments, you can strengthen your own argument and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Engaging with opposing viewpoints in a fair and persuasive manner enhances the overall credibility and impact of your discursive essay.

Concluding the Discursive Essay

Concluding your discursive essay is an opportunity to summarize your main points and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Here are some strategies to effectively conclude your essay:

  • Restate your thesis statement: Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement in a concise and clear manner. This reminds the reader of your main argument and reinforces its significance.
  • Summarize your main points: Provide a brief summary of the main points you discussed in the body paragraphs. This helps to reinforce the key arguments and evidence presented throughout the essay.
  • Emphasize the significance of your argument: Highlight the importance and relevance of your argument in relation to the broader context or real-world implications. This helps to leave a lasting impact on the reader.
  • Address counterarguments: Briefly acknowledge the counterarguments you addressed in the essay and reiterate why your main argument is stronger or more compelling.
  • Offer a final thought or call to action: Conclude your essay by offering a final thought, reflection, or call to action that encourages the reader to further consider the topic or take action.
  • Provide closure: End your conclusion by providing a sense of closure to the essay. This can be achieved by offering a conclusive statement or returning to an anecdote or example mentioned earlier in the essay.

By following these strategies, you can effectively conclude your discursive essay, leaving a strong and memorable impression on the reader while summarizing the key points and reinforcing the significance of your argument.

Sociology Research Topics Ideas

Importance of Computer in Nursing Practice Essay

History Research Paper Topics For Students

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related emails.

Latest Articles

Harvard University Stanford University Northwestern University (Kellogg) University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) University of Chicago (Booth)...

If you’ve always dreamed of being the next Hemingway or Vonnegut (or even Grisham), or perhaps if you just want...

There are different types of plagiarism and all are serious violations of academic honesty. We have defined the most common...

I want to feel as happy, as your customers do, so I'd better order now

Privacy Overview

  • How it works

How to Write a Discursive Essay – Guide with Examples

Published by Grace Graffin at March 28th, 2022 , Revised On July 26, 2023

What is a Discursive Essay?

You can see the word ‘discursive’ is close to the word ‘discourse’; in short, it means involving discussion. “In a discursive essay, you explore the discussion and perspectives surrounding a topic. Then proceeding with reason and argument, you reach a conclusion in which you may or may not agree with one of the perspectives you have presented.”

What is Discussed in a Discursive Essay?

Example: The discursive essay discusses ideas and opinions on a topic without the aim of persuading the reader to take a given view. It is your unbiased presenting of differing viewpoints that allows the reader to decide which is best. This allows you to present the topic from several viewpoints, showing the pros and cons of them all.

During the Renaissance, discursive essays were quite popular, though they have become much less so over time. Many consider the discursive essay to be one of the more difficult to approach. As such, many students struggle with them, and it is quite common to seek essay writing assistance .

What is the Purpose of a Discursive Essay?

The purpose of a discursive essay is to show that there are different and often competing viewpoints around a subject. The subject often raises a controversy or describes a problem requiring a solution. As such, discursive essay assignments are often used when comparing subjective opinions on literary works. Discursive essays highlight different opinions and arguments but do not argue either way.

Do Discursive Essays Offer Solutions to Problems?

It is not the author’s job to solve a problem. The problem could be a long-running one with no solution in sight. For example, in a discursive text, you do not examine a problem or literary text; instead, you discuss the opposing ideas and opinions surrounding them. These essays benefit readers by presenting a collection of various views on a subject all in one place, saving them from doing the research themselves.

What is the Author’s Role in a Discursive Essay?

Apart from creating the essay, the author’s role is minimal. That is, the essay should not be a personal opinion piece. The author stands in the centre of the ongoing debate, selects some of the best arguments and presents them to the reader. In this way, the author is more like a facilitator providing a clear view of the arguments surrounding the topic .

Should the Author Give an Opinion?

The role requires the author to stay mostly neutral, but it is acceptable for authors to take a stance. Whether you include your own stance in the essay is either up to you or your tutor. There is no rule that says you have to. You can clarify where you stand early in the essay, or you can wait until the conclusion.

Present Others’ Views Fairly

You should present the views of others in the best possible light; showing balance between the arguments is essential. When presenting others’ viewpoints, you should not try to prejudice readers or persuade them your view is best. This is not an argumentative essay .

How Does a Discursive Essay Differ from an Argumentative Essay?

When to write a discursive essay.

Your coursework may require a discursive essay in order to test your ability to find and presenting balanced evidence without bias. In this assignment, you need to make a balanced examination of arguments surrounding a topic, with the option of stating your own position. You are not attempting to settle the debate, only to show the thinking that surrounds it.

How do I Know if I Should Write a Discursive Essay?

Your tutor might not directly say ‘write a discursive essay’ but the essay question will give you a clue. It might be a relatively simple question, or it could just state that there is disagreement on a topic . It will not ask you to give your opinion or direct you to persuade your readers. Your essay is part of a study course, so there will be enough guidance from your tutors.

Here are some title examples that would be best discussed in discursive essays.

  • Is modern technology good or bad?
  • The effects of social media on today’s youth.
  • Should children under the age of ten be given mobile phones?
  • Should cigarettes be banned worldwide?
  • The positive and negative effects of water fluoridation.
  • Should governments subsidise healthy food and tax junk food?
  • Arranged marriages last longer than free-choice marriages.
  • Are educational standards declining?
  • How Harmful is cyberbullying?
  • Should gene editing and ‘designer babies’ be allowed?
  • Should the minimum age for driving a car be raised to 20?
  • Has the death penalty been proven as a failure or a success?
  • Does Google have too much power?

Types of Discursive Essays

There are three main types of discursive essays:

  • The opinion essay requires the author’s opinion on the issue. It should be clearly presented and supported with reason and evidence; it should also contain an opposing argument. The writer should explain why the counterargument is not convincing.
  • The for-and-against essay should provide readers with a good debate on the subject, aided by the opposing points of view. The main body should provide examples with sound reasoning to support claims. This should be an objective piece, as its purpose is to bring the information to the reader to make a decision.
  • Essays suggesting a solution to a problem should discuss the stated problem and find the main solution(s) that have been suggested. The introduction defines the problem, its causes and the consequences. The main body offers some suggestions for a possible solution to the problem and the possible consequences that can be anticipated from this solution.

Approaching a Discursive Essay

Before you do anything, read the essay question/prompt several times; let it sink in. All the work you undertake will be based on this. If you study remotely and receive the essay prompt digitally, copy it onto paper to make it real. Highlight key words and make sure you thoroughly understand what you are expected to write. Are you being asked to analyse , discuss , or explain something? These keywords are important to understand.

Steps Towards Creating your Essay

Before you even write the first line of the introduction, you have to carry out research. Trying to write an essay before doing research is like polishing a car before washing it. Researching is a way of learning about the subject while gathering and filtering information, forming the backbone of your coursework. The research you carry out should look into the subject and more importantly, also investigate the broad range of opinions and evidence surrounding it. Your research should not focus solely on the argument you favour but should cover other views equally.

How Many Viewpoints to Include

Some issues have a huge number of opinions surrounding them; you cannot include them all. Using too many will confuse the reader and make a conclusion difficult. Also, you won’t have the word limit to include everything you discover. Ask yourself if you have considered the most relevant viewpoints. Working through your discovered material, you can determine what to include based on appropriateness. It can become overwhelming, but there is plenty of help out there.

Where to Find your Evidence

Much of your research will be done online. But you should not disregard relevant books and other print sources, some of which are also online. There is also television and video to consider, and depending on the subject, you can ask family members and friends. Variety in your research shows you have really made an effort to cover all bases.

Always consider the credibility of any source you use, and always note where you found it. You will need this information to complete your bibliography. When you feel you have enough material and researching has given you a richer understanding of the subject, you can start writing.

Writing your Discursive Essay

The first thing to write is an outline ; think of it as a framework. You are going to fill this framework with good material. Remember that every word you put into it will have to justify its inclusion. For a discursive essay, the structure will likely follow the usual format of title, introduction , main body , and conclusion , followed by a reference section.

The Introduction

Example: The introduction should touch on all the points you’re going to cover, even if only broadly. It should provide a concise description of the topic and what your focus will be. Everything you discuss in the body should come under the umbrella created by the introduction.

Help the Reader Right from the Start

From the introduction, the reader should understand where the essay is going; it should not be a mystery tour. This is especially important if the subject is very broad. You can state your position on the subject in the introduction, but it is not necessary.

The discursive essay does not have a formal thesis statement , as with other essay types . This gives you the option of opening with something to really hook the reader. For example, any of these can be used:

  • Be provocative – “Maybe you don’t care about children’s self-confidence…”
  • Be balanced – “There are different opinions on whether children should do martial arts.”
  • Use a relevant quote – “As martial arts practitioners, we are not the type of people who allow life to happen to us. We are the author of our own lives.” – Jay Haynes.
  • Illustrate something – “Four-foot-tall Lisa was once bullied. After taking up kickboxing, she seems to stand much taller. She is no longer a target.”
  • Use an anecdote – “I lacked confidence and direction as a child. Taking up Tae Kwon Do changed all that in the first few weeks.”

After this is a rhetorical question at the centre of the discussion and a description of what the essay will cover.

Discursive Essay Introduction Example

“Teaching children to fight is a great way to give them self-confidence so that they never find themselves in fights.” It almost sounds like an oxymoron, but this is what many martial arts teachers claim. They say the focus, self-control, teamwork, and discipline of martial arts are the driving factors that instil self-confidence in children. . Other people, however, believe that putting children into what is effectively a fight club puts them at risk of injury and, should they dare mention it at school, becoming prime bullying targets, defeating the whole purpose. Certainly, self-confidence is valuable, but will learning to fight help develop it? This essay examines these opposing viewpoints so that we might understand the reasoning behind them.

In the main body of your essay, each paragraph should handle one idea or argument. You should show an equal number of arguments for and against. This helps create the required balance and prevents your essay from sounding biased.

You should begin paragraphs with topic sentences . And although there is no official requirement, you might find the TEEL or PEEL formulas helpful in building your paragraphs. Some people will find formulaic writing too restrictive, but some might find it a very helpful framework to follow.

Structuring the essay body is an art that matures after consistency and practice. Students having other subjects work, when they feel burdened, look for professional essay help from experts, that is very normal to get professional assistance, and that will also improve a student’s ability to write a complete essay by himself.

What are TEEL and PEEL?

These acronyms describe methods of constructing paragraphs. PEEL is defined as:

P oint – the first sentence makes a point and is what your paragraph will discuss.

E xample – the second sentence provides an example or evidence supporting the point.

E xplanation – the third sentence explains why the example supports the point made.

L ink – this part connects your paragraph to the wider argument. You can use it to explain why you think the evidence you provided is important. It also allows you to establish credibility of your arguments by stating the reliable and valid sources used.

TEEL differs in that the T replacing P stands for topic , as in topic sentence. These approaches can be helpful but it is a matter of choice.

Organising the Arguments

As you are writing an essay that essentially shows opposing views, you need to present them in an organised way so your reader can follow easily. It is often good practice to place your arguments in order from strongest to weakest.

Block and Alternating Approaches

There are two main ways to present the various viewpoints: block and alternating. The block method will have for example, all the ‘positive’ opinions in one block of text, and all the opposing arguments in the following block. Where numerous points are being argued, the reader can easily lose the thread. The alternating method focuses on one point of the topic under discussion, presents all viewpoints surrounding it, then moves to the next. You will likely need to write five paragraphs in your discursive essay, but it can vary slightly.

The Block Approach

  • Paragraph 2 – All ‘for’ viewpoints on the various points
  • Paragraph 3 – All ‘against’ viewpoints on the various points
  • Paragraph 4 – Your comments on these viewpoints

The Alternating Approach

  • Paragraph 2 – Point 1 with views for and against
  • Paragraph 3 – Point 2 with views for and against

Regardless of how you organise arguments, you should give them all the opportunity to shine through as the most compelling, even where they disagree with your standpoint. This practice makes for a more exciting read because everything sounds so convincing.

Linking Between Paragraphs, Maintaining Flow

Your essay needs to flow, and there are words and phrases that can help with transitions .

Body Paragraph Example

It can be argued that when children learn a martial art, their confidence increases. In martial arts classes, children learn to physically defend themselves and the training process instils discipline. Knowing how to defend oneself, and having the discipline and self-control necessary to stay focused will by default improve confidence. Martial arts are not only about fighting; Instructors claim training improves listening and reaction skills, that children become better listeners and more focused at school. They say that martial arts require co-ordination and self-control, resulting in quicker improvement in other physical activities. All of these skills nourish a child’s self-confidence, regardless of whether they become excellent fighters. Compare, for example, children playing fighting video games with those attending classes in person. The computer gamer gains a false sense of achievement where those attending classes benefit from physical exercise, positive social interaction, and learning real skills. Says one kickboxing expert, “These skills will help them enter society with a more confident and enthusiastic outlook.” (blazemartialarts.com).

This part connects to the larger argument, provides positive support, and includes a quoted source.

The Conclusion

This is where you summarise the main points and evidence in the essay. If you have made your position clear, do not contradict it. You can, however, clarify why you have taken one in particular. Say why you agree with viewpoint x without saying what you feel , but how you have reasoned it. Using logic and reason is objective whereas using emotions is subjective .

The conclusion should contain no new information and the result should be inescapable based on your evidence. You should not intentionally leave the reader with the idea that one view is far better than the others. Your job is to tie up the end of the essay, leaving the reader to make a decision based on the balance of evidence. As with the introduction, this part of the essay should be kept to a minimal length.

Conclusion Paragraph Example

In conclusion, there are strong and credible arguments on both sides of this issue. There is clearly a case for teaching children martial arts in order to improve self-confidence. On the other hand, there is a case for using other, non-violent means to achieve the same. From researching this issue, I believe martial arts can play a strong role in developing children’s self-confidence. However, in fairness to those with opposing opinions, I agree that other methods could be equally as effective. Whatever methods improve children’s self-confidence, they should be activities children want to do and are physically capable of doing. The more choice means greater opportunities for children.

Content and Style in Your Discursive Essay

You should find and include different viewpoints on the subject, arguing all sides of the issue. When you present readers with strong arguments and then equally strong counterarguments, it makes for a very interesting read. Only include facts, supporting evidence, various viewpoints, and reasoning.

Things You Can Address in Your Essay

It is good practice to say why the issue is controversial. You can point out where arguments around the subject are emotional and whether any values are involved or at stake. If the issue is a longstanding one, is there any new thinking on it? What are all the different solutions that have been put forward?

There should be sufficient evidence for you to draw a conclusion. And the conclusion is not the end of your essay; you have to provide a reference section where you cite every source for information you have included, no matter how small. You really have to avoid plagiarism .

What not to Include in Your Discursive Essay

You should not include emotional language that aims to steer the reader, this would not be impartial. Do not fall into the trap of writing a narrative about the subject. It only needs the minimum of introduction. Although you should not use persuasive language, there will be an element of persuasion to the essay. However, this comes only from the strength of the arguments you are presenting. Other things to avoid are clichés, over generalisation, and insisting that you are correct.

Watch out for These Things

Including very convincing arguments can sway the reader. They should do this based on the weight of evidence, not because you amplified it. Although, you will have done your research and found an equally compelling counterargument. This high level of contrast creates a much more involving read. Maintain balance by not including a counterargument that is stronger than the argument.

Is There a Particular Writing Style for Discursive Essays?

Quite appropriately, there are different opinions on whether you should stick to using the third person pronouns : he, she, and it, not the first person, I and me. The problem with using phrases such as “I think”, “In my opinion”, and “I believe” is that it could start to sound like an argumentative essay. As such, check with your tutor to see what is expected in your assignment .

What Tone Should I Use?

The tone of the essay should be quite formal and you should not use slang or colloquial language. The expert writer learns these things with practice. Do not use technical jargon unless absolutely unavoidable, but define specialist terms.

Formality and Passive Voice

There is some disagreement over the use of active rather than passive voice. If you don’t know what this is, in active voice the subject (the dog) carries out the verb on the object (Johnny): The dog bit Johnny. In passive voice the subject, Johnny in the following example, has the verb carried out on it by the object, now the dog: Johnny was bitten by the dog. It allows the object to remain unknown: Johnny was bitten, it is thought that, it has been said … It can sound more formal but it can require more words, as Johnny and the dog will agree.

Some Tips on Language

Vary sentence length throughout the essay and use language that anyone can understand. Too many long sentences will lose the reader, too many short ones together make for unclear reading, sounding more like a list. While discursive essays are generally formal, it is acceptable to write conversationally. The best advice is to use plain English, there is never any need for showy language. Consider that one of the most important existential questions ever asked is written in single-syllable words no longer than three letters: To be, or not to be …

What is the Final Thing to do?

If you have written your first draft, the next thing to do is read it through with fresh eyes. For some people this can mean waiting a few hours or until the next day. Initially you read to make sure you have done what you intended. As you read, ask yourself if everything is logical and in the right order, are your topic sentences clear? Do not be tempted to think that you have nothing more to do now. If you want further opinion on your work, give it to others to read. You can now produce your second draft.

Refine the Final Version

Your second draft might still not be the end of the job. If you find you have gone over the word limit, you need to carefully work through it and take out every unnecessary word to make space. Do not be afraid to make big changes, and move large pieces of text around if necessary. Once you are satisfied with your reworked essay, you should go through it again, proofreading for errors such as spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Then, if you have time, repeat the process again. Eventually, you might find that you can recite your essay from memory.

Argumentative Essay Checklist

Frequently asked questions, should i analyse evidence in a discursive essay.

Although you will provide evidence in a discursive essay, it is not the same as in persuasive or argumentative essays. For example, if the essay is questioning the correct interpretation of a literary work, you do not analyse or review the literary work. Rather, you look at what others say about it and present that for the reader. What you present are ideas. And you support these ideas with quotations from other people, although it’s possible to do this by referring to your own experiences.

Can I disagree with the prevailing opinion on the subject?

You do not have to take a position on the subject you write about in a discursive essay. Your tutor might even instruct you not to. If you decide to tell the reader your position, you briefly say what you think and why. It shouldn’t become a major part of your assignment because this is not a persuasive or argumentative essay. The essay is not based on what you think.

Can I address the reader directly?

Yes, it makes your work more personal if you do this. You could do this right at the start of the introduction, asking something like, “Have you ever wondered how much information big tech companies hold about you?” A direct question like this can be a useful hook to keep the reader reading. You could say that it reduces formality and brings in familiarity, but used minimally, maybe just once, it can be effective. Generally, the discursive essay should be quite formal and impersonal.

You May Also Like

This article is based on key guidelines for generating great essay topic ideas. We will provide you bunch of ideas which can develop your essay topic.

Narrative essays let the authors provide an account of their personal experience in the form of a story. In a narrative essay, you can let your creativity and ideas flow freely.

In this article, we are sharing multiple patterns of template for essays along with some useful tips to make the structure of your essay strong and clear.

Ready to place an order?

Useful links, learning resources.

DMCA.com Protection Status

COMPANY DETAILS

Research-Prospect-Writing-Service

Splash Sol LLC

payment mehtod

How to Write a Discursive Essay: Awesome Guide and Template

how to write a discursive essay

Interesting fact: Did you know that the term "discursive" is derived from the Latin word "discursus," which means to run about or to traverse? This reflects the nature of a discursive essay, as it involves exploring various perspectives, moving through different points of view, and presenting a comprehensive discussion on a given topic.

In this article, you will find out about a discursive essay definition, learn the difference between a discourse and an argumentative essay, gain practical how-to tips, and check out a discursive essay example.  

What Is a Discursive Essay

A discursive essay definition is a type of formal writing that presents a balanced analysis of a particular topic. Unlike an argumentative essay, which takes a firm stance on a single perspective and seeks to persuade the reader to adopt that viewpoint, a discursive essay explores multiple sides of an issue. 

The goal of a discursive essay is to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject, presenting different arguments, counterarguments, and perspectives in a structured and organized manner.

This type of essay encourages critical thinking and reasoned discourse. It typically includes an introduction that outlines the topic and sets the stage for the discussion, followed by a series of body paragraphs that delve into various aspects of the issue. The essay may also address counterarguments and opposing viewpoints. 

Finally, a discursive essay concludes by summarizing the key points and often leaves room for the reader to form their own informed opinion on the matter. This form of writing is commonly assigned in academic settings, allowing students to demonstrate their ability to analyze complex topics and present a well-reasoned exploration of diverse viewpoints. In case you find this type of composition too difficult, just say, ‘ write my paper ,’ and professional writers will take care of it. 

Ready to Transform Your Essays? 

From discursive writing to academic triumphs, let your words soar with our essay writing service!

Difference Between a Discursive Essay and an Argumentative

The main difference between discursive essays and argumentative lies in their overall purpose and approach to presenting information.

  • Discursive: The primary purpose of a discursive essay is to explore and discuss various perspectives on a given topic. How to write a discursive essay is about providing a comprehensive overview of the subject matter by presenting different arguments, opinions, and viewpoints without necessarily advocating for a specific stance.
  • Argumentative: In contrast, an argumentative essay is designed to persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. It presents a clear and focused argument in favor of the writer's position, often addressing and refuting opposing views.

Tone and Language:

  • Discursive: The tone of a discursive essay is generally more balanced and objective. It allows for a more open exploration of ideas, and the language used is often neutral and formal.
  • Argumentative: An argumentative essay tends to have a more assertive tone. The language is focused on presenting a compelling case from the writer's perspective, and there may be a sense of conviction in the presentation of evidence and reasoning.
  • Discursive Essay: A discursive essay typically follows a more flexible structure. It may present multiple points of view in separate sections, allowing for a free-flowing exploration of the topic.
  • Argumentative Essay: When learning how to write an argumentative essay, students usually follow a more rigid structure, with a clear introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs that present evidence and arguments, and a conclusion that reinforces the writer's stance.

Conclusion:

  • Discursive Essay: The conclusion of a discursive essay often summarizes the main points discussed and may leave room for the reader to form their own opinion on the matter.
  • Argumentative Essay: The conclusion of an argumentative essay reinforces the writer's position and may include a call to action or a clear statement of the desired outcome.

While both types of essays involve critical thinking and analysis, the key distinction lies in their ultimate goals and how they approach the presentation of information. 

Types of Discursive Essay

Before writing a discursive essay, keep in mind that they can be categorized into different types based on their specific purposes and structures. Here are some common types of discursive essays:

purpose of discursive essay

Opinion Essays:

  • Purpose: Expressing and supporting personal opinions on a given topic.
  • Structure: The essay presents the writer's viewpoint and provides supporting evidence, examples, and arguments. It may also address counterarguments to strengthen the overall discussion.

Problem-Solution Essays:

  • Purpose: Identifying a specific problem and proposing effective solutions.
  • Structure: The essay introduces the problem, discusses its causes and effects, and presents possible solutions. It often concludes with a recommendation or call to action.

Compare and Contrast Essays:

  • Purpose: Analyzing similarities and differences between two or more perspectives, ideas, or approaches.
  • Structure: The essay outlines the key points of each perspective, highlighting similarities and differences. A balanced analysis is provided to give the reader a comprehensive understanding.

Cause and Effect Essays:

  • Purpose: Exploring the causes and effects of a particular phenomenon or issue.
  • Structure: The essay identifies the primary causes and examines their effects or vice versa. It may delve into the chain of events and their implications.

Argumentative Essays:

  • Purpose: Presenting a strong argument in favor of a specific viewpoint.
  • Structure: The essay establishes a clear thesis statement, provides evidence and reasoning to support the argument, and addresses opposing views. It aims to persuade the reader to adopt the writer's perspective.

Pro-Con Essays:

  • Purpose: Evaluating the pros and cons of a given issue.
  • Structure: The essay presents the positive aspects (pros) and negative aspects (cons) of the topic. It aims to provide a balanced assessment and may conclude with a recommendation or a summary of the most compelling points.

Exploratory Essays:

  • Purpose: Investigating and discussing a topic without necessarily advocating for a specific position.
  • Structure: The essay explores various aspects of the topic, presenting different perspectives and allowing the reader to form their own conclusions. It often reflects a process of inquiry and discovery.

These types of discursive essays offer different approaches to presenting information, and the choice of type depends on the specific goals of the essay and the preferences of the writer.

Unlike other forms of essay writing, a discursive essay demands a unique set of skills, inviting writers to navigate through diverse perspectives, present contrasting viewpoints, and weave a tapestry of balanced arguments. 

You can order custom essay right now to save time to get ready to delve into the art of crafting a compelling discursive essay, unraveling the intricacies of structure, language, and critical analysis. Whether you're a seasoned essayist or a novice in the realm of formal writing, this exploration promises to equip you with the tools needed to articulate your thoughts effectively and engage your audience in thoughtful discourse. 

discursive essay aspects

The format of a discursive essay plays a crucial role in ensuring a clear, well-organized, and persuasive presentation of multiple perspectives on a given topic. Here is a typical discursive essay structure:

1. Introduction:

  • Hook: Begin with a captivating hook or attention-grabbing statement to engage the reader's interest.
  • Contextualization: Provide a brief overview of the topic and its relevance, setting the stage for the discussion.
  • Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main argument or the purpose of the essay. In a discursive essay, the thesis often reflects the idea that the essay will explore multiple viewpoints without necessarily taking a firm stance.

2. Body Paragraphs:

  • Topic Sentences: Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point or argument.
  • Presentation of Arguments: Devote individual paragraphs to different aspects of the topic, presenting various arguments, perspectives, or evidence. Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs.
  • Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints to strengthen the overall credibility of your essay.
  • Supporting Evidence: Provide examples, statistics, quotations, or other forms of evidence to bolster each argument.

3. Transitions:

  • Logical Transitions: Use transitional phrases and words to ensure a smooth and logical flow between paragraphs and ideas. This helps readers follow your line of reasoning.

4. Conclusion:

  • Restate Thesis: Summarize the main argument or purpose of the essay without introducing new information.
  • Brief Recap: Provide a concise recap of the key points discussed in the body paragraphs.
  • Closing Thoughts: Offer some closing thoughts or reflections on the significance of the topic. You may also leave room for the reader to consider their own stance.

5. Language and Style:

  • Formal Tone: Maintain a formal and objective tone throughout the essay.
  • Clarity and Coherence: Ensure that your ideas are presented clearly and that there is coherence in your argumentation.
  • Varied Sentence Structure: Use a variety of sentence structures to enhance readability and engagement.

6. References (if applicable):

  • Citations: If you use external sources, cite them appropriately according to the citation style required (e.g., APA, MLA).

Remember, flexibility exists within this format, and the specifics may vary based on the assignment requirements or personal writing preferences. Tailor the structure to suit the demands of your discourse and the expectations of your audience.

A discursive essay introduction serves as the gateway to a thought-provoking exploration of diverse perspectives on a given topic. Here's how to structure an effective discursive essay introduction:

  • Begin with a compelling hook that captures the reader's attention. This could be a striking statistic, a thought-provoking quote, a relevant anecdote, or a rhetorical question. 
  • Offer a brief context or background information about the topic. This helps orient the reader and sets the stage for the discussion to follow. 
  • Clearly state the purpose of the essay. This often involves indicating that the essay will explore various perspectives on the topic without necessarily advocating for a specific stance. 
  • Provide a brief overview of the different aspects or arguments that will be explored in the essay. 
  • Conclude the introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement. 

Remember that besides writing compositions, you still have to do math homework , which is something we can help you with right now!

Writing a discursive essay involves crafting the body of your discursive essay. The number of paragraphs in the body should correspond to the arguments presented, with an additional paragraph dedicated to the opposing viewpoint if you choose to disclose both sides of the argument. If you opt for this approach, alternate the order of the body paragraphs—supporting arguments followed by counterarguments.

Each body paragraph in your discursive essay should focus on a distinct idea. Begin the paragraph with the main idea, provide a concise summary of the argument, and incorporate supporting evidence from reputable sources.

In the concluding paragraph of the body, present potential opposing arguments and counter them. Approach this section as if engaging in a debate, strategically dismantling opposing viewpoints.

While composing the body of a discursive essay, maintain a cohesive narrative. Although individual paragraphs address different arguments, refrain from titling each paragraph—aim for a seamless flow throughout the essay. Express your personal opinions exclusively in the conclusion.

Key guidelines for writing the body of a discursive essay:

  • Remain Unbiased: Prioritize objectivity. Evaluate all facets of the issue, leaving personal sentiments aside.
  • Build Your Argumentation: If you have multiple arguments supporting your viewpoint, present them in separate, well-structured paragraphs. Provide supporting evidence to enhance clarity and credibility.
  • Use an Alternate Writing Style: Present opposing viewpoints in an alternating manner. This means that if the first paragraph supports the main argument, the second should present an opposing perspective. This method enhances clarity and research depth and ensures neutrality.
  • Include Topic Sentences and Evidence: Commence each paragraph with a topic sentence summarizing the argument. This aids reader comprehension. Substantiate your claims with evidence, reinforcing the credibility of your discourse.

By adhering to these principles, you can construct a coherent and well-supported body for your discursive essay.

Conclusion 

Writing an effective conclusion is crucial to leaving a lasting impression on your reader. Here are some tips to guide you in crafting a compelling and impactful conclusion:

  • Begin your conclusion by summarizing the key points discussed in the body of the essay. 
  • Remind the reader of your thesis statement, emphasizing the primary purpose of your discursive essay. 
  • Address the broader significance or implications of the topic. 
  • Explain why the issue is relevant and underscore the importance of considering multiple perspectives in understanding its complexity.
  • Reiterate the balanced nature of your essay. Emphasize that you have explored various viewpoints and arguments without necessarily taking a firm stance.
  • Reinforce the idea that your goal was to present a comprehensive analysis.
  • If applicable, suggest possible recommendations or solutions based on the insights gained from the essay.
  • Encourage the reader to reflect on the topic independently. 
  • Pose open-ended questions or invite them to consider the implications of the arguments presented. 
  • Resist the temptation to introduce new information or arguments in the conclusion.
  • Keep the tone of your conclusion professional and thoughtful. 
  • Conclude your essay with a strong, memorable closing statement.
  • Carefully review your conclusion to ensure clarity and coherence. Edit for grammar, punctuation, and overall writing quality to present a polished final product.

By incorporating these tips into your discursive essay conclusion, you can effectively summarize your arguments, leave a lasting impression, and prompt thoughtful reflection from your readers. Consider using our term paper writing service if you have to deal with a larger assignment that requires more time and effort.

Yays and Nays of Writing Discourse Essays

In learning how to write a discursive essay, certain do's and don'ts serve as guiding principles throughout the writing process. By adhering to these guidelines, writers can navigate the complexities of presenting arguments, counterarguments, and nuanced analyses, ensuring the essay resonates with clarity and persuasiveness.

  • Conduct thorough research on the topic to ensure a well-informed discussion.
  • Present multiple perspectives on the issue, exploring various arguments and viewpoints.
  • Maintain a balanced and neutral tone. Present arguments objectively without expressing personal bias.
  • Structure your essay logically with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use paragraphs to organize your ideas effectively.
  • Topic Sentences:
  • Include clear topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph to guide the reader through your arguments.
  • Support your arguments with credible evidence from reputable sources to enhance the credibility of your essay.
  • Use transitional words and phrases to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs and ideas.
  • Engage in critical analysis. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments and viewpoints.
  • Recap key points in the conclusion, summarizing the main arguments and perspectives discussed in the essay.
  • Carefully proofread your essay to correct any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.
  • Don't express personal opinions in the body of the essay. Save personal commentary for the conclusion.
  • Don't introduce new information or arguments in the conclusion. This section should summarize and reflect on existing content.
  • Don't use overly emotional or subjective language. Maintain a professional and objective tone throughout.
  • Don't rely on personal opinions without sufficient research. Ensure that your arguments are supported by credible evidence.
  • Don't have an ambiguous or unclear thesis statement. Clearly state the purpose of your essay in the introduction.
  • Don't ignore counterarguments. Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints to strengthen your overall argument.
  • Don't use overly complex language if it doesn't add to the clarity of your arguments. Strive for clarity and simplicity in your writing.
  • Don't present ideas in a disorganized manner. Ensure that there is a logical flow between paragraphs and ideas.
  • Don't excessively repeat the same points. Present a variety of arguments and perspectives to keep the essay engaging.
  • Don't ignore the guidelines provided for the essay assignment. Follow any specific instructions or requirements given by your instructor or institution.

Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed with all this new information? Don't worry! Buy an essay paper of any type that will be prepared for you individually based on all your instructions.

Discursive Essay Examples

Discursive essay topics.

Writing a discursive essay on a compelling topic holds immense importance as it allows individuals to engage in a nuanced exploration of diverse perspectives. A well-chosen subject encourages critical thinking and deepens one's understanding of complex issues, fostering intellectual growth. 

The process of exploring a good topic enhances research skills as writers delve into varied viewpoints and gather evidence to support their arguments. Moreover, such essays contribute to the broader academic discourse, encouraging readers to contemplate different facets of a subject and form informed opinions.

  • The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment.
  • Should Social Media Platforms Regulate Content for Misinformation?
  • Exploring the Ethics of Cloning in Contemporary Science.
  • Universal Basic Income: A Solution for Economic Inequality?
  • The Role of Technology in Shaping Modern Education.
  • Nuclear Energy: Sustainable Solution or Environmental Risk?
  • The Effects of Video Games on Adolescent Behavior.
  • Cybersecurity Threats in the Digital Age: Balancing Privacy and Security.
  • Debunking Common Myths Surrounding Climate Change.
  • The Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
  • Online Education vs. Traditional Classroom Learning.
  • The Impact of Social Media Influencers on Consumer Behavior.
  • The Ethics of Animal Testing in Medical Research.
  • Universal Healthcare: Addressing Gaps in Healthcare Systems.
  • The Role of Government in Regulating Cryptocurrencies.
  • The Influence of Advertising on Body Image and Self-Esteem.
  • Renewable Energy Sources: A Viable Alternative to Fossil Fuels?
  • The Implications of Space Exploration on Earth's Resources.
  • Is Censorship Justified in the Arts and Entertainment Industry?
  • Examining the Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity.
  • The Morality of Capital Punishment in the 21st Century.
  • Should Genetic Engineering be Used for Human Enhancement?
  • Social Media and Its Influence on Political Discourse.
  • Balancing Environmental Conservation with Economic Development.
  • The Role of Gender in the Workplace: Achieving Equality.
  • Exploring the Impact of Fast Fashion on the Environment.
  • The Benefits and Risks of Autonomous Vehicles.
  • The Influence of Media on Perceptions of Beauty.
  • Legalization of Marijuana: Addressing Medical and Social Implications.
  • The Impact of Antibiotic Resistance on Global Health.
  • The Pros and Cons of a Cashless Society.
  • Exploring the Relationship Between Technology and Mental Health.
  • The Role of Government Surveillance in Ensuring National Security.
  • Addressing the Digital Divide: Ensuring Access to Technology for All.
  • The Impact of Social Media on Political Activism.
  • The Ethics of Animal Rights and Welfare.
  • Nuclear Disarmament: Necessity or Utopian Ideal?
  • The Effects of Income Inequality on Societal Well-being.
  • The Role of Education in Combating Systemic Racism.
  • The Influence of Pop Culture on Society's Values and Norms.
  • Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Creative Industries.
  • The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Vaccination Policies.
  • The Role of Women in Leadership Positions: Breaking the Glass Ceiling.
  • Internet Privacy: Balancing Personal Security and Data Collection.
  • The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health.
  • The Morality of Animal Agriculture and Factory Farming.
  • The Rise of Online Learning Platforms: Transforming Education.
  • Addressing the Digital Gender Gap in STEM Fields.
  • The Impact of Global Tourism on Local Cultures and Environments.
  • Exploring the Implications of 3D Printing Technology in Various Industries.

By the way, we have another great collection of narrative essay topics to get your creative juices flowing.

Wrapping Up

Throughout this guide, you have acquired valuable insights into the art of crafting compelling arguments and presenting diverse perspectives. By delving into the nuances of topic selection, structuring, and incorporating evidence, you could hone your critical thinking skills and sharpen your ability to engage in informed discourse. 

This guide serves as a roadmap, offering not just a set of rules but a toolkit to empower students in their academic journey. As you embark on future writing endeavors, armed with the knowledge gained here, you can confidently navigate the challenges of constructing well-reasoned, balanced discursive essays that contribute meaningfully to academic discourse and foster a deeper understanding of complex issues. If you want to continue your academic learning journey right now, we suggest that you read about the IEEE format next.

Overwhelmed by Essays? 

Let professional writers be your writing wingman. No stress - just success!

Related Articles

How to Write a Diversity Essay

How to Write a Discursive Essay | Definition, Topics, Examples

how to write a discursive essay

What is a discursive essay?

A discursive essay is a type of academic essay which, as its name suggests, is written to discuss a specific topic. In a discursive essay , you’ll explore the topic in depth and provide different perspectives on it. This means that you must have a balanced perspective which takes into consideration the opposing views . As such, a discursive essay is often highly researched and requires more literary or scholarly resources than other types of essays .

Many students struggle to write a discursive essay. That is to say, they’re confused about what distinguishes it from other essay types. A discursive essay can be defined as a piece of writing that investigates its subject using an argumentative approach. In other words, the main objective of this type of essay is not simply to explain or define but rather to explore different sides of an issue and reach a conclusion that attempts to persuade readers through reason.

Discursive essay structure

In order for a discursive essay to work it has to be structured in a very particular way with a clear introduction, body and conclusion. The body needs to contain evidence which demonstrates how all parts of the argument connect with each other and support the thesis statement.

discussion essay

  • Words to use in an essay

short story essay

  • Police/Law enforcement career essay
  • Reaction – response essay writing guide
  • Critical Analysis Essay

The structure of a discursive essay is very similar to that of other kinds of essays in the sense that there are three sections – an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The main difference between discursive essay format and others is the way it presents its point-of-view on an issue in order to persuade or convince readers towards taking its side when it comes to reaching a conclusion. This implies that one has to be familiar with rhetorical strategies in order to know how to effectively construct this kind of essay. However, there are basic rules that can be applied in order to produce a well-organized discourse which contains all the necessary parts of an argumentative essay .

The discursive essay introduction must provide readers with information on what they will read in the body paragraphs and how this is going to happen. It should also include a thesis statement which summarizes what you intend to prove in your writing piece. The next step is discussing your central theme or topic by giving a general description about it from multiple perspectives rather than just from one point of view. In other words, it means taking into account several angles when deciding how to judge something without being biased towards any one idea or concept at any given time. In addition, this part should state the position of your argument in order to establish how you’re going to support your thesis.

Body Paragraphs

Next, one has to tackle the body paragraphs which must contain enough evidence or reasoning that backs up your claims and also avoids getting bogged down by using too many examples at once. It’s important to use rhetorical techniques like anecdotes, comparisons, definitions and metaphors which makes it easier for readers to understand what point you are trying to convey clearly. This part may also involve reflecting upon certain points stated earlier on so as to build an appealing argumentative essay based on logical discourse rather than merely presenting ideas without explanation. The last part is where one must present conclusive remarks about previous statements made in the introductory paragraph alongside their own opinion on the given subject matter together with their own justification for it.

The main difference between the discursive essay conclusion and other parts of a discursive paper is that there should be an overview of previous statements made which gives readers a clear idea of what has been said throughout the writing piece. This also provides them with something to think about in case they don’t agree with your point-of-view. The last thing one needs to include is a sentence which restates your thesis statement and tells readers why they should care about the issue you wrote about since this kind of information engages audiences in various ways by making them feel like they’ve learned something new or there’s at least an opportunity for further thought after they finish reading through your essay.

How to plan a discursive essay

This isn’t difficult – all you need is to know how to plan an essay !

A good way to plan a discursive essay is to begin by writing down some keywords that relate to the subject. For example, if you were planning an argumentative essay about why students should attend university then some of your key words might be “education”, “job prospects” and “social life”. Underneath these, write down some notes on why each point is important.

This helps divide ideas into general categories so that when you go back to it later you can decide what order they should appear in. It’s also useful to see how many points you want to cover as this enables you to determine how long your essay will need to be. Another helpful approach is asking yourself open-ended questions like: “What would happen if I didn’t go to university?” or “Why is education important in the modern world?”. These questions are designed to get you thinking about what’s at stake, how it can be improved and why readers should care.

It’s also worth remembering that the introduction of your discursive essay should include a sentence which provides readers with an overview of what will follow so they know exactly what kind of argument you’re going to be making. The conclusion needs to do something similar but it shouldn’t just repeat material from the intro – try giving readers some final food for thought! This means summarizing your main points while drawing attention to anything that appears frequently throughout the body of your essay. You might also want to discuss potential solutions or suggestions on how things could improve even further.

How to write a discursive essay

A discursive essay is an essay that explores a controversial topic. It can be divided into two types: for and against, or pros and cons. In a discursive essay, you should present both sides of the argument before giving your own opinion. However, it’s important to remember that a discursive essay is not a debate – you’re not trying to win over the reader to your point of view. Instead, your goal is to explore the issue and provide a well-rounded perspective. Here are some tips on how to write a discursive essay step by step:

1. Choose a topic that you’re passionate about. 

The first step in writing a discursive essay is to choose a topic and take a position. You will need to select an issue that you feel strongly about and have a clear opinion on. Once you have done this, you can start planning your essay.

2. Do your research.

In order to write a convincing discursive essay, you need to be well-informed about both sides of the argument. This means doing some research and familiarizing yourself with the key points of both arguments. Try to find reputable sources that present both sides of the issue fairly.

3. Write the introduction.

When writing a discursive essay, it is important to start with a brief introduction that outlines the main points of discussion. This will help to engage the reader and set the stage for the rest of the essay.

4. Present both sides of the argument fairly and objectively. 

The fourth step is to present both sides of the argument.

5. Write the conclusion.

In the conclusion part of your essay , restate your thesis and summarize the main points of discussion. Take care not to introduce any new information at this stage.

6. Proofreading and editing.

Proofread your work carefully before submit it. Ensure that there are no grammatical errors or typos.

Final Thoughts and tips

A discursive writing is more than just a list of arguments. It’s important to connect all the pieces of your argument together with claims, evidence and analysis so that readers understand what you’re saying clearly.

There are several things that need to be taken into account when writing a discursive essay.

  • First, one has to create an original thesis by making it specific and yet interesting for readers who are willing to listen to what you have to say on the subject matter.
  • Secondly, since this kind of formal writing piece is much more academic than other types of essays, there should be enough information provided so as to engage readers with facts or knowledge that can strengthen your argument in someway.
  • Thirdly, one must avoid adding any unnecessary details which don’t contribute anything much at all and merely use rhetorical techniques like anecdotes and definitions instead for added effect while still remaining precise and concise whenever possible.
  • Finally, one must be able to connect all the parts of your argument together without becoming too wordy or leaving some information out altogether in order to clearly state your point.

AP United States History discursive essay example

Thesis Statement: President Truman’s decision to send American troops into Korea was not only controversial but extremely important for various reasons because it signaled America’s entry into the world arena during the Cold War and also introduced us to our first war on foreign soil since World War II ended over 40 years ago which finally led to the containment of communism worldwide by dividing up Korea along the 38th parallel line.

The main reasons why President Truman’s decision to send U.S troops into Korea was extremely important is because it marked America’s entry into the world arena during the Cold War and also introduced us to our first war on foreign soil since World War II ended over 40 years ago which finally led to the containment of communism worldwide by dividing up Korea along the 38th parallel line.

First, this controversial decision helped signal America’s entry into the world arena after WWII by allowing us to become a superpower like we were before 1939 when we generally stayed out of European affairs and strictly practiced isolationism for several decades.

Secondly, Truman decided to send American troops into Korea as part of his containment policy towards Soviet expansion in Europe because he wanted them to back off from meddling around in parts of the world that weren’t even their business.

Finally, this important decision led to the beginning of the Cold War which lasted nearly half a century because it helped get us into Korea where we ended up fighting on foreign soil for over three years until an armistice was finally reached at Panmunjom in 1953 along roughly the same boundary line established during Tokyo’s rule of Korea before Japan surrendered in WWII.

In conclusion, President Truman’s decision to send American troops into Korea was extremely important for several reasons because it helped signaled America’s entry into the world arena during the Cold War and also introduced us our first war on foreign soil since World War II over 40 years ago which finally led to the containment of communism worldwide by dividing up Korea along the 38th parallel line at Panmunjom where a temporary armistice was signed in 1953 that created a demilitarized zone between both countries until today.

Analysis of the above sample discursive essay

The first paragraph is all about giving readers a clear idea about what kind of argument I’m supporting throughout my entire essay by explaining how President Truman’s decision not only changed America but influenced almost every other country in some way or another when he decided send troops into Korea between 1950-1953.

The second paragraph is mainly about how President Truman’s decision to send troops into Korea was important in the beginning of the Cold War because it led to a major shift in American foreign policy from isolationism to a more interventionist approach during the early 20th century.

The third and final paragraph focuses on why sending American troops into Korea ultimately helped lead to the containment of communism worldwide when Kim Il-sung took over North Korea after his father Kim Il-Sung died and continued his reign until 1994 when he died at the age of 82, taking one country with him after another began falling under communist rule due to Soviet influence in every other region except for South Korea, who has been democratic ever since they officially gained their independence from the Japanese empire after their 36 th year of occupation in 1945.

References:

  • Discursive Writing – Higher English Revision – BBC Bitesize
  • How To Write A Band 6 Module C Discursive Essay

What is Discursive Writing?

  • Discursive Writing: How to Do it Well!
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv8yEHpLrq8
  • Discursive Essay Writing.pdf – Holy Cross High School

Sample Discursive essay topics

Wondering what to write about for your discursive essay? There are plenty of creative discursive essay topics. As usual, the best way to find one is to brainstorm ideas by asking yourself questions like:

  • What do you consider to be important social issues/the most pressing problems in your community?
  • What are some creative solutions to these problems?
  • If you were a leader, what would be the first thing that you’d change within society and why?
  • What has surprised you most about living in your country or local area? Why?
  • How could people better work together as a community or team at their jobs or school?
  • How can I make my workplace more effective through teamwork?
  • How can I help foster better communication between teachers and students at my school?
  • What is something that you believed to be true as a child, but now as an adult you no longer believe this to be the case and why?

Some of the best discursive essay topics include:

  • The changing face of the modern family
  • The rise and fall of political correctness in society
  • The pros and cons of having a criminal history taken into account during recruitment by employers
  • The pros and cons of increased funding for teachers as a means to improve education standards
  • Discuss the benefits of taking up Yoga classes
  • How can I help my child overcome anxiety?
  • Why people should be more open to the idea of home education
  • Are all teenagers rebellious?
  • The benefits of organic food.
  • Why there is no need for war.
  • The link between religion and moral standards in society
  • How public opinion is formed by the media, government propaganda and advertising
  • The role of counter culture movements in promoting social change
  • How self expression can impact on individuals and society (eg. tattoos and piercings)
  • What is the definition of a hero?
  • Is it time for marijuana to be legalized?
  • Are people becoming too dependent on their mobile phones?
  • How should I go about finding my true self?
  • Do looks really matter in a relationship.
  • The pros and cons of pursuing a career in music or acting.
  • All students should study a second language from an early age.

As you can see, there is no shortage of interesting essay topics!

The above discursive essay topics give students an opportunity to explore various issues, processes and trends within societies which have both positive and negative aspects. This allows students to make balanced arguments with supporting evidence from statistics or expert opinion where relevant.

If you need more help narrowing down your topic, especially if you are looking for something specific like ‘discursive essay examples’, our writer team would be happy to assist you further so feel free to ask a question online to get assistance help with discursive essay writing .

Discursive essay writing is designed to test how well students can read, analyse, structure information and communicate their ideas. Good luck and ask for essay help if you get stuck.

tutlance

Author: tutlance

Dialogue essay.

  • how to introduce a quote in an essay
  • Personal Observation essay
  • Visual Analysis Essay

Essay Draft: How To Write a Draft Essay

  • short answer questions/ examples

How to write a synthesis essay

500 word essay, related guides, writing effective essays: tips for students, how to write an effective essay in 5..., how to write a summative essay | definition,..., how to write an ethics essay, topics, outline,..., enduring issues essay, writing a commentary essay, how to write a film analysis essay with..., background information essay, formal essay vs informal essay, how to shorten an essay, how to write a photo essay – examples..., proper heading for essay, analysis paper, attention grabbers for essays, how to polish an essay for a better..., peel paragraph.

  • Homework Help
  • Online Tutors
  • Essay Writing Services
  • Do My Math Homework
  • Assignment Help
  • Take My Online Math Class
  • Take My Exam
  • Take My Test
  • Take My Course
  • Dissertation Services
  • Essay Introduction
  • Essay Thesis Statement
  • Essay Hooks
  • Essay Conclusion
  • Essay Revision
  • Essay Title
  • Essay Format
  • Essay Outline
  • Essay Cover Page
  • Classification Essay
  • Analytical Essay
  • Cause and Effect Essay
  • Expository Essay
  • Descriptive Essay
  • Argumentative Essay
  • Compare and Contrast Essay
  • Definition essay
  • Narrative essay
  • Persuasive essay
  • Reflective essay
  • Literary analysis essay
  • Proposal essay
  • Process essay
  • Reflection Paper
  • Evaluation Essay
  • Exemplification essay
  • Illustration Essay
  • Informative essay
  • Rhetorical analysis essay
  • Review essay
  • Scholarship essay
  • Dissertation
  • Annotated Bibliography
  • Research Paper
  • Research Paper Topics
  • Position Paper
  • Speech Writing
  • Summary Writing
  • Story writing
  • Swot Analysis
  • Resume Writing
  • Business Plan
  • Grant Writing
  • Book Writing
  • Personal Statement
  • Writing Process
  • Research Process
  • Online Tutoring Subjects
  • Become a Tutor
  • Forgot Password?

How To Write Discursive Essays

  • Essay Writing Lower Secondary

How To Write Discursive Essays

1. What is a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay is an essay which involves a discussion. You’re encouraged to examine different perspectives on the issue so that the discussion you provide is a balanced one! You are on the right track if your essay sheds light on the issue by looking at it from different viewpoints.

But before you go on reading… You might want to download a pdf copy of this article as it is quite long!

Click the blue download button, enter your email, and the pdf file will be delivered to your inbox! (Remember to check spam!)

how to write a discursive essay

  Click here to Download

2. How do I Identify a Discursive Essay Topic?

Let’s take a look at some of the discursive essay topics from past year papers:

2021 O-Level: “Young people are changing the world for the better.” What is your opinion?

  • 2019 O-Level: “Most young people today are obsessed with fame and imitating celebrities.” What are your views?

In recent years, “What is your opinion?” and “What are your views?” are common signposts used to indicate a discursive essay topic. However, there are also instances where such questions are not used. Consider:

  • 2012 O-Level: People all over the world are living longer. What are the advantages and disadvantages of their increased life expectancy?
  • 2010 O-Level: What important lessons in life are learned away from school?

So note that the question can still indicate discursive writing even when it does not contain “What is your opinion?” or “What are your views?”

3. What is the Difference Between a Discursive Essay, an Argumentative Essay and an Expository Essay?

shrub vector

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s look at the differences in requirements for a discursive and an argumentative essay.

Argumentative: you are required to take an explicit stand on the issue. Your essay is structured in a manner that argues towards this stand. When writing an argumentative essay, your goal is to persuade, to convince the reader to be in support of your stand.

Discursive: you are not required to take an explicit stand on the issue. In other words, you do not need to pick a side. You may choose to pick a side; that’s perfectly fine! Just note that the goal here is not to persuade or to convince; it is to provide the reader with a balanced discussion by examining the issue from various viewpoints.

Now that you’ve learnt how to identify a discursive question and gotten a better idea of what it requires, let’s look at how to plan a discursive essay.

4. How do I Approach or Structure a Discursive Essay?

vector image of thinking

Some essays require  a binary approach , meaning to say you tackle the issue by addressing the positive and the negative aspects of the question at hand. 

Here is how you can plan your body paragraphs for such topics:

Now, it’s your turn! Try planning an outline for the following topics:

  • 2017 O-Level: It is often said that people
  • are too concerned with getting things and spending money. What is your opinion? 

On the other hand, there are topics which are not suited for such a binary approach. Consider questions such as:

  • Give 3 x features (1 per body paragraph)
  • Give 3 x important lessons (1 per body paragraph)

vector image of balance

5. How do I Brainstorm Ideas for a Discursive Essay to Achieve a Balanced Discussion?

Give yourself 10 minutes to do a proper planning. It’s useful to approach the issue at hand by exploring its significance and relevance in different spheres and domains : Education, Ethics or Morals, Technology, Law etc.

Instead of giving 3 different points from an education perspective, why not broaden your scope and look at the issue from not just an educational perspective, but also a technological perspective and an ethical perspective?

This is what makes for a matured, holistic response. 

Let’s use the following topic as an example:

vector image of man working

If you run out of ideas, you can also examine two sides of a coin in a single domain. For example, you’ll see that in the example, that for the technological sphere, there are instances of youths making and  not changing the world for the better.  

Now that the brainstorming is done, let’s put pen to paper and start writing!

6. How do I Write an Introduction for a Discursive Essay?

  • Share an insight or observation regarding the issue. Why is this issue worth discussing? What are the implications of the issue? You can also use 5W1H questions to help you generate ideas.
  • Define your scope of discussion and if needed, define the keywords in the topic by setting out what is meant by, for instance, “young people” and “for the better”.

You can ask yourself these questions to help you with your intro:

  • Who are “young people”?
  • In which domains are youths making significant impact?
  • Why do some people believe that they are making the world a better place?
  • Why do other people not trust youth to positively impact the world?
  • What is my thesis?

Simply answer these questions + include your thesis. Voila, you have a solid introduction!

7. How do I Write the Body Paragraphs for a Discursive Essay?

Students, you must have heard of the PEEL method by now. We introduce the POINT in the first sentence, ELABORATE on the point, then substantiate with EVIDENCE or EXAMPLES , and finally, we round it all off by LINKING back to the point.

It sounds easy enough, doesn’t it?

vector image of good job

Each body paragraph should only discuss one main idea , and only one! Introduce the main idea in your topic sentence (the first sentence of your body paragraph), not after you’ve given your example or when you’re wrapping up the paragraph.

A good topic sentence is straightforward and clear .

Here is an example of a coherent and concise topic sentence:  

  • In the sphere of education, youth activists are making positive changes by advocating to make education available to girls in less developed societies.

After you have crafted your topic sentence, it’s time to elaborate on your main point. A well-developed body paragraph elaborates by delving deeper into the main point and substantiating with relevant examples or evidence.

For our point on “education”, consider asking and answering the following questions:

  • Why is making education available to girls changing the world for the better?
  • Education imparts knowledge and skills to girls, which then grants more employment opportunities. In turn, they break free from the poverty cycle.
  • Don’t stop here! Make sure to link back to the idea of “making the world a better place”.
  • This means lower poverty rates in the world and society also benefits from the contributions that the girls go on to make in the workforce.

Important Reminders:

vector image of warning sign

a. Your essay  must not be example-driven ! It must always be point-driven. 

b. Remember to make the link from your examples/ evidence back to your topic sentence. This illustrates the relevance and strength of your evidence and reinforces your main point. 

For our example, a coherent body paragraph could look like this: 

8. How to Write a Conclusion for a Discursive Essay?

vector image of man lifting a star

Many students just reiterate the points in conclusion. But that is… you guessed it, boring. Last impression lasts!   You want to provide an insight to this issue to demonstrate your maturity of thought. Apart from summarising your points, link your conclusion back to the introduction so that your essay comes a full circle. You can also use a quote or thought-provoking question for readers to make their own conclusion.

Students, this is how you tackle a discursive essay. Try applying these tips to one of the topics above!  

You might want to download a pdf copy of this article for future reference!

Click here to Download

how to write a discursive essay

Follow Writing Samurai on Telegram for the latest tips and strategies for English, Chinese, and Creative Writing!  Pssst... We will also share the latest compo topics during test or exam season!

Click this link to follow our channel >>> https://t.me/writingsamurai

' src=

A Guide On How To Prepare for PSLE

How to write argumentative essays.

' src=

Cancel reply

Your comment ...

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Free Resources
  • Model Compos
  • Courses & Ebooks
  • Primary English Tuition
  • Secondary English Tuition
  • Log In / Register

how to write a discursive essay

How to Write a Discursive Essay: Introduction, Body and Conclusion

Whenever you are required to write a discursive essay, you desire to create a masterpiece that will wow your professor and earn you the best marks. And this desire is so strong that it pushes you to research profoundly and sometimes spend sleepless nights to churn out the best.

But despite your hard work, this might all be in vain if you do not know how to create stellar essays. This is because discursive pieces require you to research and be equipped with the knowledge and tips to help you develop the right content.

So, how do you write this piece’s introduction, body, and conclusion? Here are more details.

How to Write the Introduction of a Discursive Essay

The introduction of your discursive essay is an integral part. It sets the tone, gives the reader some background information, and helps you make an excellent first impression on your audience.

New Service Alert !!!

We are now taking exams and courses

Further, this part should be relevant, informative, and interesting to your readers. It should also state what you will say in your essay and why it is crucial, although subtly.

Generally, an introduction should;

  • Give your reader an overview of what they’re going to read
  • Make them want to continue reading by making them curious about what you’re going to say next
  • Show them how your paper fits into the bigger picture and what other researchers have said on the topic

To achieve all these, here are some things that you need to keep in mind

Use catchy phrases and anecdote

There are several different ways to start an essay, but one of the most effective techniques is to use catchy phrases. These phrases should be short but descriptive. You want to catch your reader’s attention with something interesting, but you also need to give them some information about what they will be reading.

After your research, find interesting facts about the topic and present them here, such as interesting facts. For example, if writing about texting driving and how it has become more dangerous over time, you might say that 90% of road accidents are attributed to texting driving.

Such a fact grabs a reader’s attention and would want to learn more about the topic. Further, the fact is interesting and an everyday occurrence that many readers identify with.

Further, you can use anecdotes or stories to start your essay. Has something that relates to your topic happened recently? If so, include it in your introduction. Anecdotes and stories are great ways to catch the reader’s attention immediately and get them interested in reading more about what happened.  

They also help break up the flow of words without interrupting it too much and give readers little breaks that allow them to digest all the information before moving on to something else.

Provide an overview

The introduction is likened to a door or window of your essay. It provides information about your piece and even reasons readers should read it. Ideally, it gives readers an overview of the paper and what they will learn at the end.

With this in mind, your introduction should contain a thesis statement, however, do not make your position known. This will help keep yourself and your reader on track throughout the writing process. Without it, it’s easy for things to go off course once you start writing about other topics related or unrelated to your original idea and sometimes even end up with no conclusion.

Make it short

A good introduction should be short yet detailed and compelling. It should give enough information for the reader to understand what they will read. It should also encourage them to keep reading by making them want more information about your chosen topic.

Further, it should have a clear purpose and goal and have a unique angle or perspective that sets it apart from other essays.

Should have background information

As seen, an introduction should be short, clear, and hooking. And just like a door, it should also be welcoming. One way to achieve all these is by having background information about the topic.  

Background information helps you to build up your essay in a clear way and take your readers along. In addition, including the background information allows you to show your readers how well-informed and intelligent you are and that you have done some research on the topic.

How to Write the Body of a Discursive Essay

The body of a discursive essay is the part where you can make your point. Typically, it is the section where you write about the topic. The section’s length depends on the required word count and the complexity of the matter.  

However, experts recommend writing as much as possible, but make sure your writing is not too repetitive or contains grammar or spelling errors.

This part’s sentences should contribute something valuable to the overall idea. It should not contain unnecessary information that has no connection whatsoever with your main idea or argument.

The following tips will help you write an effective body paragraph

Remain unbiased

Discursive essays are devoid of prejudice and personal opinions. Therefore, you must use a combination of facts and persuasive arguments.

The information should be accurate and up-to-date, not from secondary sources, as they may not be reliable enough.

Also, use examples from other sources, such as books and articles, to support your claims. This way, your argument will sound more convincing and make it easier for readers to believe you.

Similarly, you can include quotes that support your claim or prove your point. Quotes are an excellent way of showing what others think about specific issues and how they feel also show how knowledgeable you are about these issues.  

However, use quotes sparingly because too many can distract readers from what you are trying to say. Use only those which support your arguments clearly and directly.

Arrange your points logically, starting from the strongest argument

Your body entails the bulk of your essay. It is the part where readers learn more about your idea or the information the piece passes.

Also, arrange the paragraphs logically, starting with the most crucial topic and working through it to the least important. This is because essay writing is a process of building up from the foundation.

Additionally, starting with the strong points makes you sound convincing and helps you keep control of your essay throughout its length.

The trick here is to make sure you put forward one main point first and then support it by providing evidence from various sources, such as statistics and examples. You can also use ideas from other people’s work, but make sure they are relevant and do not contradict yourself.

Flesh your paragraph

Since the body is where you explain your argument, you need to make sure that you include a strong and relevant topic sentence. This sentence introduces your point and tells the reader what to expect in the paragraph. It should be no longer than two sentences long, and it should be a complete thought.

After this introductory sentence, you can begin listing all of your evidence for this point. You may have multiple pieces of evidence for each point you make, but each piece should be limited to one paragraph.

Generally, a paragraph should be well-organized with an introduction and a conclusion. The introduction should include a topic sentence, also called a thesis statement, and will tell you precisely what you will write about.  

It should also contain some background information or facts on your topic. The main body of your paragraph should include all of your evidence, examples, or details to support your thesis statement.  

The last part of the paragraph is a summary reminding the reader of what was discussed and providing a transition into the next section or paragraph if needed.

How to Write the Conclusion of a Discursive Essay

The essay’s conclusion is your last chance to make another impression on your reader; thus should be a good one. Generally, this part summarizes your main points, presents some arguments about the topic, and shows how you have reached these conclusions.

In other words, it’s your chance to drive home your argument clearly and concisely. In fact, it should not be an afterthought; instead, be at the forefront of your thinking throughout the writing process.

Also see: how long should a conclusion be?

These are some of the tips on how to write a powerful conclusion

Restate your thesis

Restating your thesis is essential in writing an essay’s conclusion paragraph. This is because you want to ensure your readers remember your intent. Therefore, restating your thesis, in conclusion, helps readers remember what you are trying to prove through your essay.

Additionally, restating your thesis enables you to explain how it is supported by the evidence you have presented. A good essay will also explain how this new information helps us to understand the topic more deeply.

Don’t add new information

As highlighted earlier, the conclusion wraps up your ideas and puts them into a coherent whole. It is also where you make your most important point, so it should be brief and concise.

Therefore, as you summarize previous points, you should not introduce new ideas. So don’t add new information or examples. Instead, restate what you’ve written, tie everything together, and ensure that each part of your essay supports your claims.

Summarize your points

A good conclusion should summarize the essay’s main points, with an argument that draws all of these points together. This is important because it gives readers a sense of closure and that everything has been explained to their satisfaction.

However, a   good conclusion does not simply summarize the main points of your paper. It also addresses any unresolved issues that your argument may have raised, or it can draw some further conclusions that you’ve reached as a result of writing your paper.  

As you summarize, you should also state the significance of your findings and advise other researchers who may be working in the same field.

An excellent way to do this is to use a rhetorical question at the beginning of your conclusion. Then follow up with an answer that explains how all the pieces fit together.

Show How Ideas Are Related to Each Other

Another great tip for writing conclusions is showing how each point relates to another. To achieve this, ensure you show how the essay is relevant to the thesis statement. Also, you can mention a few pieces of evidence that are related and how they build up your claim

Further, this part should do more than repeat what you have already said. This means you should provide evidence for your argument by showing how different points fit together into one coherent whole.

To show the relationship between points, consider

  • What are some main ideas that must be covered?  
  • What do they add up to?  
  • How are they related?
  • How will these points strengthen your argument?  
  • How does each point relate to previous ones?  
  • How does each point connect forward to the next section?

Close With Final Thoughts

Final thoughts in conclusions help you end on a powerful note. It is your chance to state your lessons and what you think about the whole topic or what the issue points towards. However, ensure sure not to leave any loose ends or unanswered questions. This part should be a stand-alone without having to be read with other pieces of the paper.  

How to Write a Good Discursive Essay?

05 June, 2020

7 minutes read

Author:  Elizabeth Brown

What does a discursive essay mean? We have an answer to this and many other questions in our article. Welcome to the world of ideal essay writing. Ever wanted to build buzz for your text? We know you do. And we also know how you can do that with minimum effort and little diligence. So forget about your trivial academic essays - they are not as exciting as a discursive one. Ready to dive in?

discursive essay

For all those who wanted to know the discursive essay meaning, here it is: a discursive essay is a writing piece, in which the focal element is devoted to an argument. That is, discursive writing presupposes developing a statement that ignites active discussions. After this essay, readers should be motivated to express their own opinions regarding the topic. Discursive essays have much in common with argumentative and persuasive papers, but these are not to be confused. Despite some similarities, discursive writing is a separate type of work that has its specific features and nuances. What we do want you to remember about discursive essays is that you need to concentrate on the power of thought rather than factology and pieces of evidence. In short, your mind is the only tool required to persuade and interest others on the topic you choose.

Now that we’ve figured out what is discursive writing, it’s time to focus more on the “skeleton” of discursive essay. Like any other piece of writing, discursive essays have clear requirements that help to glue their elements into a coherent paper. By the way, there are many writing services available which can help you present an excellent academic essay. So if you need professional assistance with your task, check them out. But if you want to do it yourself, you can simply take any discursive essay example from the web and use it as a starting point for your paper.

As for the discursive structure itself, you need to start your essay with an introduction in the first place. Create a lead-in that’ll spark the reader’s interest and make them genuinely responsive to the topic. Also, make sure that your introduction is neither small nor extensive. Stick to the optimal amount of words that’ll be sufficient for readers to get the general idea of your essay.

Another essential aspect of an effective intro is your opinion. It’s worthy of note that some discursive essays might require no particular stance on the topic. In situations like this, wait until the end of an essay comes, and only then share your personal view on the matter. This way, readers will understand the neutral tone throughout the piece, shape their own thoughts about it, and later decide whether to agree with yours or not.

In the paragraphs that follow, you’ll need to accentuate on the argumentation. There’s no room for vague and unarticulate expressions at this point. Quite the contrary – you need to unfold your statements consecutively, in a couple of paragraphs, to depict the entire image of your stance for or against the topic. And don’t forget to link your discursive text to supporting evidence.

The last section is the conclusion. Your finishing remarks should clearly articulate your position toward this or that issue, with a close connection to the main ideas in the essay body.

Discursive Essay Thesis

To construct a good thesis for your discursive essay, you’ll need to describe the general stance your work will argue. Here, it’s important to back up the thesis statement with points. These are the opinions that support your thesis and allow to create an affirmative structure for the entire paper.

Discursive Essay Linking Words

The points you use while writing a discursive essay need to flow smoothly so that readers could see a logical organization of the work. For this, you can use transition words that’ll make your paper easily readable and crisp. For example, if you want to list some points, opt for such words as firstly, to begin with, secondly, lastly, finally, etc. If you wish to point at advantages or disadvantages, consider using these transitions: the main/greatest/ first advantage of… is …, another positive side is…, an additional drawback is, another negative aspect of…is…

How to Write an Introduction for a Discursive Essay?

The introductory part is the critical aspect of creating a good discursive essay. In this section, specific attention should centralize on what your topic is all about. Therefore, it needs to be presented with clarity, be informative, and attention-grabbing. How to make your intro sentence for discursive essay memorable? You can start with a spicy anecdote to add humor to discussion. Another powerful way for hooking readers is stating a quote or opinion of experts and famous influencers. This will add to the credibility of your statements, making readers more motivated to read your work.

How to Write a Discursive Essay Conclusion?

Your discursive essay ending is the climax of your argument, a final link that organically locks up a chain of previously described points. This part is devoted to the restatement of the main arguments that sum up your attitude to the topic. And just like with introduction, the conclusion should leave a trace in readers’ minds. To achieve this result, your closing paragraph should include a call to action, warning or any other food for thought that will encourage people to ponder on the issue and make relevant conclusions.

The ideas for discursive papers are so versatile that it’s hard to compile all of them in one list. For such list will extend to kilometers. However, we’ve collected some of them for you to facilitate your work on this task. So here are some discursive essay examples you can use any time:

As you understand now, discursive writing definition and discursive essay definition are not as scary as they seem from the first glance. Even though the art of this type of paper is hard to master, over time, you’ll notice significant progress. All you need for this is practice and a little bit of patience to understand the subtle nuances of this task and develop the skill of writing confidently. And if you ever wondered what is an essay, a team of professional academic essay writers can give a helping hand and provide you with a top-notch paper.

Best Essay Writing Services

Best Essay Writing Services 2023

Student life can often be quite challenging because students have to deal with challenging college essay writing assignments. To facilitate the learning process, many services help you complete written work and get high scores. Now we will tell you about the best services that you can turn to and get high-quality papers. Essay Writing Service […]

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Bright Writers

How to Write a Discursive Essay – Full Writing Guide 

  • Fred Waititu
  • June 28, 2022
  • How To's

Here's What We'll Cover

Many college students ask themselves this when they are first introduced to this essay. How to write a discursive essay: As a college student, it is essential to learn a discursive essay as it will help them better understand complex topics and arguments. 

What is a discursive essay? A discursive essay is a piece of writing that discusses a particular topic in a straightforward and informative way. 

Discursive essays are a vital part of many college students’ education. These essays provide an opportunity to explore a topic in-depth, critically evaluate different points of view, and develop well-reasoned arguments. By engaging with various perspectives on a given issue, students can learn to think flexibly and see the world from multiple angles. In addition, discursive essays promote clear and logical thinking and help students sharpen their writing skills. As such, they can be special tools for preparing students for the challenges of college and beyond. Therefore, college students must take the time to learn how to write discursive essays effectively.

This complete writing guide will discuss everything you need to know about writing a successful discursive essay!

how to wite a discursive essay service

The Difference Between a Discursive Essay and an Argumentative Essay 

Similarities between a discursive and argumentative essay..

Just like an argumentative essay, a discursive essay can be very controversial depending on the chosen topic and the supporting evidence. The essays are both presented with factual research and discussion. The purpose of the two papers is to educate the readers on a particular topic.

Now that you know the differences and similarities between a discursive essay and an argumentative essay, we can learn more about the three main types of a discursive essay.

The Main Types of a Discursive Essay 

As a student, you need to achieve writing an excellent discursive essay. Below is the definition of the three main types of a discursive essay:

how to write a discursive essay

Opinion Essay

An opinion essay is a discursive essay presenting an argument responding to a topic. This essay aims to persuade the reader to agree with the writer’s opinion. To do this, the writer must present a well-reasoned case supported by evidence and examples.

The organization is vital in an opinion essay; the argument must be clear and easy to follow. Furthermore, the writer must be careful not to allow personal bias to cloud the discussion. When done correctly, an opinion essay can be a powerful tool for persuasion.

For and Against Essay 

The for and against is an essay where you discuss two or more conflicting viewpoints on a single issue. You can either focus on one side or present a balanced view of both sides. When writing this type of essay, it is essential to be aware of the different arguments on the topic and present them fairly and honestly. 

To do this, you must research the topic thoroughly and consider all sides of the argument before concluding. 

Essay Offering a Solution To a Problem 

When writing a discursive essay offering a solution, it is essential to remain impartial and objectively present both sides of the argument. The paper should also be well-organized and well-researched. To write a successful discursive essay, you must consider your audience and ensure that your discussion is presented. It would help if you also were prepared to refute the opposing viewpoint. If you are looking for an exciting topic for your following discursive essay, consider discussing the pros and cons of offering a solution to a problem.

How to Write a Discursive Essay Step-by-Step Process 

Now, let’s begin with a straightforward step-by-step procedure when tasked with an assignment to write a discursive essay.

Follow these key steps carefully:

Choose a Topic

When writing a discursive essay, one of the most important things to remember is choosing a good topic. It can be difficult, as there are so many options to choose from. However, there are a few key things that you should keep in mind when making your decision. 

First, you must ensure that the topic is something you are interested in. Writing a good essay will be very difficult if you are not interested in the subject. 

Secondly, you must ensure that the topic is easy to research. If you choose a topic that is too difficult to study, you will likely struggle to find information.

Finally, it would be best if you made sure that the subject is something that has two sides. A good discursive essay will explore both sides of an issue to conclude. By keeping these three things in mind, you will be well in choosing a good topic for your discursive essay.

Write an Outline

When writing a discursive essay, it is essential to draft an outline first. An outline will help ensure that your essay is well-organized and includes all necessary information. In addition, here are a few key points you should have:

  • A brief introduction that states the essay’s main topic.
  • A discussion of the different sides of the issue. This is where you will present the pros and cons of the case.
  • Your own opinion on the subject. Make sure to give your argument clearly and concisely.
  •  A conclusion that briefly summarises the main points of the essay.

Discursive Essay Outline

how to write a discursive essay

Write an Introduction

In a discursive essay, it is essential to have a strong introduction that will engage the reader and give them an overview of the topic that will be discussed. The introduction should also provide a brief explanation of the opposing viewpoint so that readers know both sides of the issue. 

An excellent way to start a discursive essay is to provide a general history or background on the topic to give readers some context. Once you have introduced the case , you can explore both sides of the argument more deeply. Remember to use evidence and reasoning throughout the essay to support your points.

Write the Body

When writing the body of a discursive essay, there are specific tips to keep in mind.

In this section, it is essential to provide a fair and balanced exploration of both sides of the issue. 

Here are some tips to follow to write an effective discursive essay:

how to write a discursive essay

  • Firstly, remember that a discursive essay should be objective and impartial. It means you should not express any personal opinion or take sides in the debate. 
  • Secondly, make sure that you consider all points of view equally. Even if you may personally agree with one side of the argument more than the other, you should still present both sides fairly and evenly. 
  • Thirdly, back up your points with evidence. When making claims or assertions, support them with facts and specific examples. Evidence helps make your argument more convincing and prevents you from coming across as biased. 
  • Finally, avoid using inflammatory or offensive language. Even if you are trying to be objective, using language that could be seen as rude or offensive will only alienate readers and make your essay less effective.

Write the Conclusion

Finally, for your essay to be effective, you must ensure that your conclusion is just as balanced as the rest of your paper. In other words, you should neither reaffirm your opening statement nor introduce any new information in the conclusion. Instead, it would be best if you focused on bringing together the various strands of your argument and leaving the reader with a clear sense of your overall perspective. If done correctly, this will give your reader a sense of completion and leave them with something to think about long after reading your essay.

5 Simple Tips on How to Write a Discursive Essay

Now that you have a clear understanding of how to write a discursive essay, we will share with you five simple tips for you to use to write an excellent article.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your discursive essay is well-written and informative.

Keep Neutrality 

The body of your essay should be neutral. It is excellent advice because you will neither support nor oppose the topic sentence. Neutrality can be challenging, especially if you feel strongly about the topic. Still, it is essential to remember that your goal is to provide a well-rounded overview of the issue. To do this, you must present both sides of the argument fairly and objectively.

Select Good Sources 

Another critical tip when writing the body of a discursive essay is to use evidence from your sources to support your claims. A good source is written by an expert on the topic, is free of bias, and somewhat presents both sides of the issue. Use relevant and persuasive evidence to help you make your case effectively. 

Provide Your Opinions 

An excellent tip in this is to provide your opinions. Your opinions will help make your argument more persuasive and ensure your reader understands your position. Remember, the goal of a discursive essay is not simply stating your opinion but convincing your reader that your idea is valid. 

Use a Formal 3rd Voice 

When writing a discursive essay, it is essential to use a formal 3rd personal voice to help make your essay sound more objective and balanced. Maintaining a proper tone of voice throughout the essay’s body will help you avoid contractions and allow you to use the appropriate for an academic setting. In addition, it will also help to give your argument more weight and make it more convincing to the reader., 

Use Evidence and Real Examples

You should use evidence and real examples to support your points and avoid personal anecdotes or unsupported claims. This will allow you to show that you have considered the issue from multiple factual perspectives. Give your argument more weight and make it more persuasive. In addition, using evidence and real examples will make your essay more engaging and more accessible for readers to follow. So if you’re wondering how to write a discursive essay, remember to use evidence and real examples to support your points.

In conclusion,

So there you have it! Our guidelines for writing a discursive essay. We hope that this has been helpful and informative. If you need help putting these tips into practice or want us to review your work, please don’t hesitate to contact Bright Writers. We are here to help you succeed in your academic endeavors!

how to write a discursive essay

What is the structure of a discursive essay?

  • The first step is introducing the topic and giving some background information. 
  • Secondly, present both sides of the argument.
  • Finally, summarize the essay’s main points and give your opinion on the issue.

How do I start a discursive essay?

You can start by asking questions to grab your reader’s attention. You can also be imaginative and creative as you begin your essay.

How is a discursive essay different from an argumentative essay?

A discursive essay is a type of essay that covers a wide range of topics. Unlike an argumentative essay, which takes one side of an issue and defends it, a discursive essay explores both sides of a case.

Let Us Help You Get Better Grades

Achieve academic success with Bright Writers

Unlocking A+ Essays

Insider Tips Your Professor Won't Share

Don't leave before you grab this deal!!

Get 20% OFF your first order. Professional essays at $10 a page

inkmypapers

Discursive Essay: How to Write (With Examples!)

how to write discursive

At some point or another in college, you will be asked to write a discursive essay. It’s the academic version of death or taxes — it’s unavoidable.

Learning to write a discursive essay is very important for your education. The process of writing a discursive essay teaches you about constructing the basic outline of all academic papers . If you understand how to write discursive essays, you will understand how to write and interpret other academic papers.

If you’re here, it’s probably your first time writing a discursive essay. Don’t panic. We’re here to help you understand the process of writing a discursive essay — fancy words and all.

Let’s start at the beginning.

what is a discursive essay

A discursive essay is one of four types of essays you’ll encounter in your studies. These are

  • the Narrative Essay
  • the Argumentative Essay
  • the Descriptive Essay
  • and, of course, the Discursive Essay

We’ll get back to these four in a second (they’re quite useful in understanding our discursive essay). First, let’s focus on the discursive essay.

A discursive essay is written in order to present a topic in a balanced way . It presents all sides of an argument, and provides the reader with objective evidence about a particular topic. It is written in an impersonal style, which helps to keep things unbiased.

This means that, as the writer of a discursive essay, you have to be very careful to avoid arguing for one viewpoint. Instead, you should try to keep your personal opinion out of the discussion. If you start to argue a point, your essay will turn into an argumentative essay (like Cinderella’s carriage-pumpkin at midnight.)

Discursive Essays vs Other Essays

Discursive writing is different from other types of essay writing. Let’s look at how it’s similar to and different from other types of essays.

Descriptive Essays

Our first essay type, the descriptive essay, is written to paint a picture for your brain to imagine. It does this by using descriptive language. If you want to get technical, it uses plenty of adjectives, adverbs, comparisons, and sensory figures of speech.

A discursive essay, on the other hand, gives cold, hard facts . There ain’t no time for flowery words here. Unless the evidence needs to be described in a sensory way, descriptive writing stays away from being overly descriptive.

Narrative Essays

A narrative essay tells a story. It is usually written in informal language, and it usually incorporates aspects of descriptive writing. It uses details to tell a story and draw the reader in. Think of all the classic fairy-tales, like Cinderella , or Goldilocks and the Three Bears . These are all examples of narrative writing.

Now, stories are a great way of drawing readers in, but they don’t necessarily work for discursive essays. With a discursive essay, you must focus on presenting facts and examples. Present evidence. Don’t focus on weaving a story. This makes it easy to lose focus on the facts you’re trying to present.

Argumentative Essays

This is like the bossy older sister of the discursive essay . Essentially, these two come from the same family, ie they discuss topics and present facts and examples about them. Except argumentative writing prefers to see things from one point of view. It might acknowledge the facts, but it will present several arguments about why its opinion is better.

At it’s core, the argumentative writing is used to try and persuade the readers to think in an alternate manner. Arguments are presented to convince the audience to change their mind. The discursive essay merely presents the facts from all sides.

How to Approach Discursive Essay Writing

Now that we know what we’re talking about, let’s jump in. You don’t need to be a professional writer to write a discursive essay well. You just need to remember the basics. If you can express your thoughts in logical way in the English language, you’re 80% of the way there already!

Research Your Particular Topic

the research process

Before embarking on the quest to craft the perfect essay, you have to know what you’re writing about. This will be accomplished by following a good research process. .

You don’t have to be passionate about the subject of your composition, but you have to make some good points and present a good argument. It might help to choose a controversial topic . Here are some suggestions for discursive essay topics:

Essay Topic Examples

  • Do violent video games influence a person’s behaviour?
  • Should the death penalty should be banned in Singapore?
  • Should children under the age of 10 have cell phones?
  • Is social media ruining our ability to interact with other people?
  • Are Gen Z’s entitled?

We’ve found another great list of topic ideas for all kinds of essays. Check it out here .

Pro Tip: Controversial topics make great discursive essays. The reason for this is because your teacher (or lecturer) wants you to demonstrate that you can approach a highly emotional topic in a rational and objective manner.

Once you have chosen your topic, research it extensively . You should investigate the topic from as many different angles as possible. As you do your research try find answers to the ‘old faithful’ questions:

Many types of essays

After that, do it again , but this time from the opposing point of view . By the time you put pen to paper, you’ll be able to write a powerful argument from both perspectives.

Plan your paper

Don’t write your introduction yet. Research is great, but unless you plan how to write it all down, your essay could be messy. Here’s an example of an essay plan . This example works well for verbal learners.

If you’re more of a visual or kinaesthetic learner, here’s an example of a how to create a mind map , which may help you to express your ideas better.

If neither of these work for you, you can simply write out all of the main topics that you will address.

Pay attention to structure

Just like when you build a house, it’s important to structure your writing. You do this by organising your paragraphs in the correct order , and by including the appropriate information in the corresponding paragraphs. Obviously, you should start with an introduction and end with a conclusion, but what comes in between ?

Here are some key pointers to help you organise your paper:

  • Always be sure to use separate paragraphs . This might seem obvious, but if you don’t know how to use a paragraph, your ideas quickly become jumbled.
  • Use your introductory paragraph well. Make your hypothesis statement in the first paragraph . Discursive writing isn’t about writing creatively. It’s about getting the information across succinctly. If it takes more than one paragraph for your reader to understand your discussion, they may lose interest.
  • Use the second paragraph to explain HOW you’re going to make your points. This will give the readers a ‘roadmap’ of your ideas, and help them to find the points. Use the main points from your essay planning to help guide you.
  • Use your body paragraphs to craft compelling arguments . The main body of your essay is the place for you to discuss the topic at length.
  • Write one idea per paragraph. Anything more a single idea in each separate paragraph starts to get confusing.
  • Write a conclusion that wraps everything up nicely. Body paragraphs are great, but they need to be tied together at the end.

Understand your main points

Before you try and make up a single body paragraph, you have to ensure that you can answer the main questions about a topic.

That’s the key: Ask the right questions .

This ties back in with our ‘old faithful’ questions. If you have a thorough understanding of the topic, your reader will, too. People can tell when you’re waffling.

Include supporting evidence

Whenever you make a statement in your body paragraphs, make sure that you can substantiate it with evidence. Here are two easy ways to make sure that you’re doing this:

  • After each statement, ask ‘why?’ If you can’t give a decent answer, perhaps the statement shouldn’t be there.

discursive essay structure

  • Use the SEA method:
  • Statement: Make a statement.
  • Example: Give an example (or evidence) to substantiate your claim.
  • Application: Show how the theory applies in real life. (Personal examples may be useful here)

Useful Tips

  • All paragraphs should have their own topic sentences.
  • Don’t waffle in the main body paragraphs.
  • Give yourself enough time to complete your essay. All nighters aren’t ideal.
  • Don’t forget to write a conclusion.
  • A discursive essay is not the place to voice your own opinion.
  • Use formal language.
  • A good writer communicates their ideas well — focus on that.
  • Good academic performance doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Make time for other aspects of life, like friends and family, too .

Discursive essay FAQ

discursive essay faq

Once you have your argument points in place and have written a good introduction and conclusion, you’re most of the way there! Here are a few other things to consider.

What are examples of discursive writing?

You will find some of the best examples of discursive writing in well-written news articles. Note that this does not include tabloid or personal stories, but rather well-researched, in-depth articles written by respected journalists. Here is a list to get you started.

How many discursive essay attempts should I make?

There is no specific number of attempts you should make to get a discursive essay right. It is a good idea to leave enough time to reread your essay once you’re finished writing it. If necessary, then attempt another draft, or at the very least, make corrections. It’s always a good idea to sleep on it and read it again the next day with fresh eyes.

What is the difference between a discursive essay and an argumentative essay?

There are various subtle differences, but the main difference between the two is that discursive essay writing is objective, while argumentative essay writing is written to convince the reader of a specific viewpoint.

How do you know if an essay is discursive?

You can identify a discursive essay by its content. An essay is discursive if it shows both sides of a story and lays out a compelling argument for both sides without showing any bias.

Right. Now Write.

Need some more help? Check out our article on checking your essay before you submit it!

Leave a reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

synthesis essay

6 Killer Tips to Writing an Excellent Synthesis Essay

how to write a discursive essay

5 Easy Steps for Writing Persuasive Essays

how to write a discursive essay

How to Juggle School and Social Life Efficiently

  • click to login
  • --> --> --> --> --> -->

    Recent Post

    • How to Write an Analytical Essay? (With Samples)
    • How to Write a Character Analysis Essay—Guide for Students
    • How to Write an Exemplification Essay?
    • How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay?: A Complete Guide
    • How to Write an Expository Essay: Proven Tips
    • How to Write a Critical Analysis Essay? Tips to Write and a Complete Guide
    • How to Title an Essay: Tips, Guide & Examples
    • WHY CHOOSING GOOD ESSAY TOPICS IMPORTANT?
    • WHO INVENTED HOMEWORK – A BRIEF
    • HOW TO WRITE A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE EFFECTIVELY
    • TOP 50 RESEARCH PAPER TOPICS
    • Steps To Follow While Writing an Essay on Climate Change
    • Scope and Delimitations in Research – Explanation & Example
    • How to Write a Strong Essay on Depression
    • How to Write Autobiography Essay?
    • Dissertation vs. Thesis. What is the difference?
    • How to Write a Great Narrative Essay Outline?
    • 7 Reasons to Migrate To the United Kingdom
    • 50 Fun Activities to do with your college friends

    Isaiah david.

    Write a concise discursive essay to inform and persuade.

    A discursive essay, sometimes called a argument essay, is a critical analysis of a controversial topic that supports an opinion about that topic. The writer of a discursive essay attempts to present both sides of an issue, while showing why one side has greater merit. Discursive writing is a good way to learn how to structure an argument logically and to anticipate and counter the arguments of the other side. These fundamentals are essential for a good essay.

    Introduce a controversial topic in the first paragraph and explain the topic and how you feel about it.

    Explain your strongest argument in the second paragraph. This should be the most compelling piece of evidence that you can support logically to aid your position. Strengthen it with expert opinions, statistics and real-world examples, but avoid anecdotal claims, especially when writing college essays.

    Write supporting paragraphs in descending order of importance. Each paragraph should illustrate a single argument.

    Explain the counterarguments to your essay's thesis. Explain their beliefs and reasoning as completely as possible. Don't artificially weaken your opponent's arguments. Your essay will be stronger if you represent the counterarguments fairly.

    Explain why you reject the opponent's arguments. Your reasons might be moral, practical or logical. You may start with a concession statement, admitting that some of the opposing arguments are valid, but state that you still think your side is right.

    Write a conclusion for your discursive essay that acknowledges your opponents' principal argument, and explain why you don't subscribe to it. For example, if you were writing a paper against the death penalty, you might say, "I acknowledge that murderers deserve the most severe punishment society has, but I believe the death penalty should not be used because it can lead to the execution of innocent people."

    About the Author

    Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has over five years experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.

    Research Paper Topics on Gun Control

    Research Paper Topics on Gun Control

    How to Write an Ethics Paper

    How to Write an Ethics Paper

    How to Write an Introduction for an Argument Essay

    How to Write an Introduction for an Argument Essay

    How do I Develop Deductive Reasoning & Critical Thinking Skills?

    How do I Develop Deductive Reasoning & Critical Thinking...

    Important Elements in Writing Argument Essays

    Important Elements in Writing Argument Essays

    How to Write a Persuasive Essay

    How to Write a Persuasive Essay

    What Are the Differences Between Bias & Fallacy?

    What Are the Differences Between Bias & Fallacy?

    The Difference Between Discursive & Argumentative Essays

    The Difference Between Discursive & Argumentative Essays

    Tips for High School Students on Creating Introductions & Conclusions

    Tips for High School Students on Creating Introductions...

    How to Write a Paper on Strengths & Weaknesses

    How to Write a Paper on Strengths & Weaknesses

    How to Write a Hook for an Essay

    How to Write a Hook for an Essay

    What Is a Moral Thesis Statement?

    What Is a Moral Thesis Statement?

    Good Ways to Start an Essay

    Good Ways to Start an Essay

    Essay Paper Ideas on Federalism

    Essay Paper Ideas on Federalism

    What Is a Lead-in Statement?

    What Is a Lead-in Statement?

    How to Write Academic Persuasive Papers

    How to Write Academic Persuasive Papers

    How to Write About an Ethical Dilemma

    How to Write About an Ethical Dilemma

    How to Write an Essay That Stands Out

    How to Write an Essay That Stands Out

    How to Handle Being Insulted

    How to Handle Being Insulted

    How to Write a Resemblance Argument Essay

    How to Write a Resemblance Argument Essay

    Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers.

    • Accessibility
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright Policy
    • Manage Preferences

    © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. See disclaimer .

    Discursive Essay Writing Guide [+Examples]

    ' src=

    Students obtain various types of assignments during their studies. Each task is different and has strict requirements and guidelines to follow. A discursive essay example is considered to be one of the most challenging types of essay writing for college students. Many of them don’t see the difference between a discursive and argumentative essay. Yet, each essay type has distinct features that we are going to talk about here. If you were assigned to craft this paper and you have doubts, here are professional tips and advice on topics to select and create a stellar discursive essay plan.

    First of all, every college student who is assigned to craft this paper needs to understand that discursive essay topics can be different from those of an argumentative essay . On one hand, these pieces of writing can be similar as they both are essay types and have three main parts. On the other hand, discursive essay ideas differ in the purpose and structure.

    Good discursive essay topics provide an unprejudiced and reliable assessment of a certain problem. Yes, the topic should also be controversial leaving each student an opportunity to select their point of view and arguments to support one side. But discursive essay examples demonstrate a more balanced and formal discussion. It shouldn’t be absolutely neutral but the author needs to reflect both sides of the problem and present enough arguments and facts to support each side.

    So, once you realize that this is a separate type of assignment that shouldn’t be crafted the same way you write other academic tasks, let’s talk about the discursive essay definition. So, its definition is rather simple: this is a type of academic assignment that is aimed to discuss a particular issue or problem. The author should demonstrate both sides of the problem without stating his or her personal opinion.

    When choosing higher discursive essay topics, it is necessary to admit that the style of this task should be kept formal and impersonal compared to other written assignments. The structure is strict and similar to essay on science : you should submit an introduction, the main body, and the conclusion. Each separate question should be discussed in a separate paragraph so that the readers can distinguish what you are writing about and how many arguments you provide.

    discursive essay examples

    Main Types of Discursive Essay Writing

    Did you know that there are three main types of this assignment? Depending on the type you were assigned or you select, there may be different features to include in your text. Here they are:

    • Opinion Essay – if you have this type of paper in your discursive essay topics list, you should keep in mind that it demands your opinion of a problem you are going to discuss. This opinion needs to be mentioned in the discursive essay introduction and followed by examples and reasons. Another fact is that the opposing argument should be stated before the conclusion and you should explain why you found this argument unconvincing. The summary needs to be present in the conclusion.
    • Essay Offering Solution to a Problem – as you can notice from the name of this discursive essay meaning, the author should discuss the issue and try to find solutions. The issue should be stated in the introduction, and possible solutions should be mentioned in the body paragraphs. Each solution goes for a separate paragraph of the main body. The writer’s opinion is usually summarized in the conclusion of a discursive essay template.
    • For and Against Essay – this is a task written in the form of a debate with opposing opinions. You should be ready to describe every point of view, present facts, and be objective. The introduction of discursive essay topics higher English states the problem you are going to discuss. The main body demonstrates reasons, examples, and facts. The conclusion is finally for the writer’s opinion on the problem.

    Discursive Essay Structure

    Now let’s talk more about the structure of this academic assignment. As a scholarship essay , almost all essays have a strict structure that should be followed by students who want to obtain the highest grades. Here is how to structure a discursive essay:

    sample discursive essay

    Many students wonder how to start a discursive essay. What should they mention in the first part? It is simple as that – all you need to do is state the issue and show some “hook” for the readers to follow. Think about ways to attract the attention of the lecturer. You may want to start with a rhetorical question or add a famous quote. Either way, you need to demonstrate both sides of the issue even if it’s Scottish independence discursive essay.

    Here is what you need to remember when building your main part of the assignment: assess every aspect of the problem and stay unbiased when describing the points of view. Your own opinion can be mentioned only in the conclusion of the discursive essay examples in higher English. More than that, it is essential to insert at least three arguments to support your opinion. Start each argument with the new paragraph so that the readers can distinguish each reason. Be precise and distinct when you provide evidence and facts. This is how to write a discursive essay in higher English.

    There are many discursive essay topics UK – make certain you select the one you understand and know how to use this structure. So, the conclusion is the last section of your task. This is a part where you can summarize the viewpoints mentioned above and express your own point of view. Don’t write too many sentences here and don’t copy what you’ve written in the introduction.

    Top Ten Discursive Essay Topics

    Here are several examples of good discursive essay topics for higher English as well as just interesting discursive essay topics for students to select from. If you have doubts and don’t know what topic to choose, you can opt for one from our list.

    • Zoos present good sources of knowledge and entertainment but they foster the misery of cage animals. Should they be abolished?
    • Modern digital technology: is it good or bad?
    • Present education system: is it good or bad?
    • Healthy food is often more expensive than junk food. Should it be like that?
    • The influence of social media on teenagers today.
    • Is it true that Google is bringing the end to our privacy these days?
    • Uniforms limit expression and freedom. Should we ban them in schools?
    • A child with two parents is less hard-working compared to a child with a single parent.
    • What are the effects of cyberbullying and how harmful can it be?
    • Should schoolchildren learn religion as a part of their curriculum? 

    To sum up, it can be challenging to select the right discursive essay topic and structure your paper in a proper way. If you follow the above-mentioned advice and remember to proofread your document at the end, you will increase your chances of receiving the highest grades at college. Good luck!

    ' src=

    Christopher Ferguson

    Chris is energetic and creative Academic Tutor. He provides educational assistance and help students to improve their academic performance. He supplies students with the necessary tools for better understanding their level and needs to achieve academic goals. Got an excellent communication and problem solving skills and gives support to create a personalized learning experience for all students.

    who am i essay

    Who Am I Essay: How to Improve Your Personality with Academic Writing

    Applying for a new job or passing college exams, you may be asked to write Who Am I essay. Since...

    how to make an essay look longer

    How to Make an Essay Longer [5 Tips That Really Work]

    One of the most significant components of a successful academic paper is its length. If you manage...

    I really like how they give profound meaning into what they write, and how it makes the reader feel. I know that it makes me feel alive and interested in reading more. Personally, I love to write and t type, I would love to be able to write more and know what I should talk about. I’m very glad for those authors who take their time to write the stories they do for us to be able to read and be inspired by the message we read. Adding on to that also, being able to use what we read and apply it to what we want to write.

    Leave a comment Cancel reply

    Toll-Free 24/7

    +1989 394 3006

    Nov 8, 2023

    How to Write a Discursive Essay

    In this guide, we will shed light on a rather rare type of academic paper – a discursive essay. Whether you are completely new to this type of essay, or you have already had some experience with writing it at school or college, this guide is guaranteed to take everyone’s discursive skills to the next level! 

    Throughout this guide, you will learn about the purpose of a discursive essay, its optimal structure, the right and the wrong ways of writing it, as well as plenty of discursive topic ideas, and an example of a perfect discursive essay.   

    A discursive essay is a type of essay that provides a thoughtful and unbiased discourse on a chosen topic. The word “discursive” is derived from the Latin word “discursus” which means a conversation. In both verbal and written forms, such a conversation implies an open exchange of opinions, sharing of different perspectives, and exploring various facets and angles of a particular topic. 

    In a discursive essay, the writer employs the style and logic of an open conversation, yet it takes on the form of a contemplative monologue (an internal discussion), necessitated by the inability to engage in a self-dialogue. Such an internal discussion should move from one point to another, considering various aspects, viewpoints, and ideas related to the chosen subject. 

    The genuine discursive essay meaning aligns with the purpose of discursive writing, which is to furnish a comprehensive and balanced overview of a subject by analyzing multiple arguments and perspectives. For that reason, many people confuse a discursive essay with an analytical one. There are, however, a few important differences worth noting:

    Maintaining a neutral and objective tone while meticulously examining opposing viewpoints is fundamental to the essence of a discursive essay. Furthermore, adhering to an academic writing style and eschewing emotional language is essential to ensuring that your essay avoids any perception of bias in the eyes of your readers.

    When writing a discursive essay, the writer presents a methodical review of all pros and cons, arguments in favor and opposition, and supporting and contradicting arguments. For this reason, seasoned writers often introduce into their essays bullet points, numbered lists, and subheadings, each devoted to a particular fact or argument.  

    Writing a good discursive essay starts with a topic selection. If you select a trite topic that claims a well-known fact, you won’t be able to make an interesting discussion out of it. Instead, you should come up with a debatable and even controversial topic that has room for multiple arguments. It will allow you to present different viewpoints, plus, reading such a thought-provoking paper will be appreciated by your audience.

    Discursive essay topics examples:

    • Government surveillance in the name of peace and security
    • Legalization of psychedelic drugs when conventional drugs no longer help
    • The right to bear arms
    • The use of AI and predictive analytics in criminal justice
    • The usefulness of the United Nations in resolving regional and global conflicts
    • Study-life balance in schools and colleges
    • Indigenous land rights and environmental conservation
    • Legalization of same-sex adoption
    • Ethical considerations in AI development
    • Research in biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
    • The use of performance-enhancing drugs in popular sports

    Once the topic is chosen, take some time to research it. Even if you know the subject well, you should still aim to collect as many details and additional facts as possible, and to that end find at least several trusted sources. 

    Most institutions and instructors require students to format their sources in discursive essays according to one of the popular style guides. These may be APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), or Chicago styles.     

    Structure of a Discursive Essay

    As mentioned earlier, a discursive essay is characterized by a highly structured approach. In practice, this means that a student should come up with a clear outline before crafting a discursive essay:

    • A captivating start of an essay – the hook;
    • Followed by a clear explanation of the topic – background information;
    • Ending with a clear thesis statement – the goal, or the roadmap for the essay, in which the author lists point by point the aspects that they intend to discuss in the paper.
    • Structure of the main body of the paper according to the aspects and arguments outlined earlier;
    • The main body requires splitting the text into paragraphs (if the text is shorter than 500 words) or adding chapters into the structure for longer texts;
    • Each paragraph or chapter starts with a topic sentence and includes facts, evidence, and examples in support of the relevant topic;
    • Counterarguments come at the end of the main body – they also require a thorough review supported by facts and evidence.
    • Restating the thesis statement;
    • Summary of the key arguments for and against it;
    • Connection to a broader perspective and/or projection into the future to make a lasting impression on the audience.

    The Right Ways and Wrong Ways of Writing a Discursive Essay

    Once you start writing, you should maintain quality all the way. Our summary of the right ways and the wrong ways of writing a discursive essay will help you in that:

    The Right Ways

    The Wrong Ways  

    Take a look at this example of a discursive essay on the topic of social media. Notice how the author balances arguments for and against social media in light of its societal influence.

    The language used in this essay is neutral, while the main body is structured by paragraphs devoted to a particular aspect of social media. Interestingly, the usage of the transition words and phrases is minimal, nevertheless, this allows for a smooth flow of thoughts from one argument to another.

    Those who pay close attention might have noticed that the conclusive sentences could’ve been more direct/provoking to make a more pronounced impression on the reader. Think of what kind of supposition or perhaps a question you would add to achieve that effect.    

    The Key Takeaway

    Discursive essay writing , no matter how complicated it may seem initially, serves a very straightforward and important purpose – to train students’ ability to make weighted decisions. By providing the readers with a balanced analysis of controversial subjects, we learn how to approach complex problems from multiple angles, accounting for diverse factors, and doing it with a cool head, so to speak. Such skills and experience become handy in many life situations, including shopping choices, investments, career, and even marriage planning. 

    So, equip yourself with the tips and examples provided in this guide, and get down to the business of writing your finest discursive essay ever!

    Time is precious don’t waste it!

    Get instant essay writing help!

    Plagiarism-free guarantee

    Privacy guarantee

    Secure checkout

    Money back guarantee

    You Might Also Like

    • How to Write a Leadership Essay?
    • How to Write a Diagnostic Essay?
    • How to Write a Thematic Essay?
    • How to Write a Process Analysis Essay?
    • How to Write a Long Essay?

    how to write a discursive essay

    present your points of view on both sides; provide your unprejudiced opinion on that matter. Don't panic! Check out the tips from Custom-writing.org experts below. They will assist you in discursive writing and encourage you to examine essay examples.

    A discursive essay is a form of critical essay that attempts to provide the reader with a balanced argument on a topic, supported by evidence.

    🔍Helpful Tips: How to Write a Good Discursive Essay? 💪How to Write a Discursive Essay? How to Start a Discursive Essay? How to Develop the Discursive Essay Body? How to End a Discursive Essay? 📝Do's and Don'ts of a Discursive Essay What to Do When Writing a Discursive Essay? What Not to Do When Writing a Discursive Essay?

    November 17, 2023 A discursive essay is a type of academic writing that presents both sides of an argument or issue. Unlike an argumentative essay where you take a clear stance and defend it, a discursive essay allows you to explore different perspectives and provide an objective analysis.

    In a discursive piece you are expected to discuss a given topic and present an argument related to it. Organising a discursive essay There are two basic types of discursive essay. Firstly...

    Tone The discursive essay is a formal essay that requires a formal tone. This means that you'll write in third person point of view to evaluate arguments and express your opinion. You'll also need to use formal word choices to keep the tone of your essay in check. In other words, don't write this:

    A discursive essay definition is a type of formal writing that presents a balanced analysis of a particular topic. Unlike an argumentative essay, which takes a firm stance on a single perspective and seeks to persuade the reader to adopt that viewpoint, a discursive essay explores multiple sides of an issue.

    A discursive essay is a type of academic essay which, as its name suggests, is written to discuss a specific topic. In a discursive essay , you'll explore the topic in depth and provide different perspectives on it. This means that you must have a balanced perspective which takes into consideration the opposing views .

    Your essay is structured in a manner that argues towards this stand. When writing an argumentative essay, your goal is to persuade, to convince the reader to be in support of your stand. Discursive: you are not required to take an explicit stand on the issue. In other words, you do not need to pick a side. You may choose to pick a side; that ...

    When you write a broadly discursive essay close broadly discursive essay An essay that requires you to look at a subject and present well-researched information or an argument about a topic. it is ...

    This lesson goes through the intricacies and techniques behind writing a great discursive essay.

    Provide an overview. Make it short. Should have background information. How to Write the Body of a Discursive Essay. Remain unbiased. Arrange your points logically, starting from the strongest argument. Flesh your paragraph. How to Write the Conclusion of a Discursive Essay. Restate your thesis.

    05 June, 2020 7 minutes read Author: Elizabeth Brown How to Write a Good Discursive Essay? What does a discursive essay mean? We have an answer to this and many other questions in our article. Welcome to the world of ideal essay writing. Ever wanted to build buzz for your text? We know you do.

    An explanation on a discursive essay. The topic of objectivity is discussed. Writing tips and features of the essay are explained. The importance of content ...

    Four (4) Steps to follow in Discursive Writing Choose a topic. There are many different types of topics that you can pick from, but before picking one it's important to make sure the reader will be interested enough in what you have to say about it. Formulate introduction:

    Fred Waititu June 28, 2022 How To's Here's What We'll Cover Many college students ask themselves this when they are first introduced to this essay. How to write a discursive essay: As a college student, it is essential to learn a discursive essay as it will help them better understand complex topics and arguments. What is a discursive essay?

    Don't panic. We're here to help you understand the process of writing a discursive essay — fancy words and all. Let's start at the beginning. What Is a Discursive Essay? A discursive essay is one of four types of essays you'll encounter in your studies. These are the Narrative Essay the Argumentative Essay the Descriptive Essay

    These include structure, format, and more. Therefore, to help you understand how to write a discursive essay, our team has compiled a simple list of things you can follow. These include helping you choose topics for discursive essays and more. First, we must go back to a few basics before working our way up to an A+.

    Don't know what a discursive essay is? Do you know what the differences between a discursive and persuasive essay are? Don't worry. In this article, we explain what discursive writing for Year 12 Module C: The Craft of Writing is and give you a step-by-step process for writing a discursive essay.

    A discursive essay, sometimes called a argument essay, is a critical analysis of a controversial topic that supports an opinion about that topic. The writer of a discursive essay attempts to present both sides of an issue, while showing why one side has greater merit. Discursive writing is a good way to learn how to ...

    1. Choose a Topic The main advantage of the discursive essay is that it can be dedicated to any topic. But on the other hand, it is a disadvantage for a student: he must think about numerous issues and express own feelings in the right manner. There are two options for you: you may choose one topic from the list or use your own and unique one.

    This is how to write a discursive essay in higher English. Conclusion. There are many discursive essay topics UK - make certain you select the one you understand and know how to use this structure. So, the conclusion is the last section of your task. This is a part where you can summarize the viewpoints mentioned above and express your own ...

    In a discursive essay, the writer employs the style and logic of an open conversation, yet it takes on the form of a contemplative monologue (an internal discussion), necessitated by the inability to engage in a self-dialogue. Such an internal discussion should move from one point to another, considering various aspects, viewpoints, and ideas ...

    Northern Writers’ Awards open for entries in 25th anniversary year

    Posted 22 Nov 2023 by Laura Fraine

    young writers north

    The Northern Writers’ Awards will celebrate their 25 th anniversary year in 2024, with many of the award categories now open for entry until 12 February 2024.

    Founded and produced by New Writing North, the Northern Writers’ Awards are the largest and longest-running writer development programme of their kind in England, with a reputation for identifying some of the country’s best unpublished writing. Previous winners include Katie Hale, Kit Fan, Benjamin Myers, Okechukwu Nzelu, Andrew McMillan, Helen Mort, Sharma Walfall and Hannah Hodgson.

    By supporting writers at an earlier stage than most literary awards – usually before an agent or publisher is involved – the Northern Writers’ Awards offer crucial support for writers at a pivotal stage of their careers, as well as providing a pipeline of new talent to the publishing and broadcast industries.

    Mari Hannah won a Northern Writers’ Award in 2010 for the draft manuscript of her novel, Settled Blood , leading to her signing with her literary agent Oli Munson at AM Heath. Her fifteenth novel, The Longest Goodbye, will be published by Orion in January 2024. Mari Hannah said: “I have often wondered where I’d be without winning a Northern Writers’ Award at a time when my debut was on the desk of Pan Macmillan’s then commissioning editor, Wayne Brookes. The publishing industry regard New Writing North as the gold standard in terms of writer development in our region. Back in 2010, they recognised my potential, launching my career as a crime writer two years later. My fingers haven’t left my keyboard since, so I’d urge writers to submit for these prestigious awards. It literally changed my life.”

    Judges for the 2024 awards include the poet Malika Booker, novelist Ashley Hickson-Lovence and literary agent Rachel Mann.

    Malika Booker said: “I am delighted to be the poetry judge for the Northern Writers’ Awards. It is gratifying to be associated with a prize that has made such a difference to so many poets lives, and launched the careers of some notable northern writers. I really admire the developmental and interventionist nature of this prize and am looking forward to reading the poems you all submit to the prize. I am particularly looking for imaginative, and ambitious poems from poets whose voices are distinctive and unique.”

    Ashley Hickson-Lovence said: “It’s a great honour to be a judge for the Northern Writers’ Awards. I am looking forward to discovering new stories written with heart and crafted with flair. It’s such a great privilege to be given unrestricted access to new words, new worlds, new wonders and I’m particularly looking forward to reading bold, original and innovative works that aren’t afraid to push the boundaries a bit. Can’t wait to get reading.”  

    Rachel Mann said: “It is a sad rarity to be a literary agent based in the North of England, and so I’m very pleased to be supporting the wonderful work of New Writing North alongside Ashley and Malika. Excellent literature knows no borders, despite the restrictions of the industry, and I’m so looking forward to reading the nominees’ submissions.”

    The Northern Writers’ Awards are produced by New Writing North with support from Northumbria University and Arts Council England. The full suite of awards is made possible by a range of vital partnerships with Arvon, Bonafide Films, Channel 4, Hachette Children’s Group, Lime Pictures, The Literary Consultancy, Newcastle University, The North Literary Agency, Oneworld Publications, The Society of Authors, University of York, the Word Factory as well as generous donations from individual donors including the Chaplin family, the Hale family, Andrew McMillan, and Benjamin Myers.

    Will Mackie, Senior Programme Manager (Talent Development) and Programme Leader (MA in Publishing), said: “We’re hugely grateful to our lead partners Northumbria University and Arts Council England for their continued support of the Northern Writers’ Awards. Over the course of the last 25 years, the Northern Writers’ Awards have helped to transform the creative and professional lives of hundreds of writers and have contributed to an enrichment of the UK’s writing culture. The awards themselves have evolved during these ever-changing years, responding to the challenges writers face in progressing their work and navigating their way through the trade. As an organisation, we have built up a significant body of learning that informs our specialist approach to talent development. We have helped to build and sustain thriving networks in our writing communities and are immensely proud of all our award winners. We are hugely grateful to the partners and donors who make our work possible, our amazing judges and readers, and the industry professionals who give their time and expertise to supporting this programme.”

    Richard Kelly, Associate Professor in English and Creative Writing at Northumbria University, said: “The Northern Writers’ Awards are precious, unique prizes, altogether a lifeblood for up-and-coming creative writers in the region, and Northumbria University is hugely proud to be a lead partner for what promises to be another tremendous unveiling of new talent in 2024.”

    The Northern Writers’ Awards offer a wide range of support and opportunities for writers at all stages of their careers, including publication, mentoring, manuscript assessment, writing placements, retreats and cash awards to buy time to write.

    The following Northern Writers’ Awards, made possible through New Writing North’s partnership with its lead award partner Northumbria University, are now open until 12 February 2024:

    • Northern Writers’ Awards Cash prizes of up to £5000 to support writers of fiction, narrative non-fiction, YA, graphic novels, short stories and poetry.
    • Northern Debut Awards Structured developmental support to writers of fiction, young adult fiction, narrative non-fiction or poetry who are yet to publish a full-length work. The package of support includes a £2000 bursary and mentoring.
    • Northumbria University Student and Alumni Award Worth £2000, for a single standalone piece of fiction, narrative non-fiction or poetry, or an extract of a longer work, is open to final-year students and recent graduates of Northumbria University in any discipline.
    • Matthew Hale Award Open to young writers aged 11-18 who show promise but have had limited opportunities to pursue their talent. This award is funded by the Hale family and consists of a package of support created by New Writing North, worth £500.
    • Young Northern Writers’ Awards Recognises young writers aged 11-14 and 15-18 whose work shows exceptional promise. Each writer will be awarded £150. Up to two writers may also be highly commended across the age categories.

    In addition, the Hachette Children’s Novel Awards opened for entry in October 2023 and are accepting entries until 4 January 2024. These awards are open to debut writers of middle-grade children’s fiction and early teen fiction. Two winners will receive £3000 each; and a nine-month programme of mentoring opportunities with professionals at Hachette Children’s Group. Judges for this award are JJ Arcanjo, Sadie Cheshire, Sarah Lennon Galavan, Aliyana Hirji and Jordan Lees.

    Later in 2024, further awards will include the Channel 4 Writing for Television Award; Tempest Prize for LGBTQ+ writers, funded by the poet and novelist Andrew McMillan; the Finchale Award for Short Fiction, funded by the novelist Benjamin Myers; and the Sid Chaplin Award.

    Entry is now open

    TheWrap

    Young Gibbs-Led 'NCIS: Origins' Prequel Series Ordered at CBS

    CBS has ordered a new "NCIS" prequel surrounding young Gibbs straight to series, the network announced Friday.

    Narrated by Mark Harmon, "NCIS: Origins" will follow young Leroy Jethro Gibbs beginning in 1991, years before the events of "NCIS." In the series, which is slated for the 2024-2025 broadcast season, "Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks," according to the official logline.

    Mark Harmon and his son, Sean Harmon -- both of whom have portrayed Gibbs -- will executive produce the series alongside "NCIS" writers David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal. North, who currently serves as a co-showrunner and EP on "NCIS," and Monreal are set to co-write the premiere episode and serve as co-showrunners.

    The idea to expand the "NCIS" universe was initially brought to Monreal, North and CBS Studios by Sean and Mark Harmon, according to an individual with knowledge of the series. Despite playing young Gibbs in several "NCIS" episodes, casting will soon begin for the role as Sean focusing on his EP work, according to the individual.

    "The character of Gibbs has been an important part of my life for 20 years, both in watching my father craft the role and previously having the honor to play young Gibbs myself," Sean Harmon said in a statement. "I always felt there was a tale worth telling about his earlier years, so I am thrilled to be stepping into a producing role alongside Gina, David and my dad as we tell this story and reveal a new side of this beloved character."

    "We're thrilled to be bringing this new chapter to life along with Mark and Sean Harmon," Monreal and North added. "This really is the making of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. And even the most dedicated NCIS fans will discover that they don't know the whole story."

    The upcoming series reunites North and Monreal after the pair served as writers on "NCIS" for 10 years. 

    "We are elated and honored to continue the expansion of the NCIS universe in such a unique and unexpected way," CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach said. "Viewers can look forward to Mark Harmon returning to CBS to narrate the complex and mysterious backstory of Leroy Jethro Gibbs' early years in 'NCIS: Origins,' which will build on the rich legacy of this character while reintroducing fan-favorite characters and meeting new ones."

    "There's no denying the cultural and global phenomenon of the NCIS franchise for the last 20 years," CBS Studios president David Stapf said. "When Sean and Mark approached us all with this exciting expansion of the universe - exploring a young Gibbs - we knew it was the next story that needed to be told. We also couldn't be luckier to have Gina and David at the helm as co-showrunners who are not only brilliant and adept writers, but know this character and universe so well."

    The "NCIS" franchise recently expanded to its first international spin-off with "NCIS: Sydney," which premiered on CBS this fall.

    Mark Harmon is repped by Gersh and Barry Axelrod, Atty while Sean Harmon is repped by 3Arts Entertainment, Gersh and Genow Goodman. Monreal is represented by CAA, Mosaic, and Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson McGinnis Ryan LLP, and North is repped by Dan Halsted Manage-Ment.

    The post Young Gibbs-Led 'NCIS: Origins' Prequel Series Ordered at CBS appeared first on TheWrap .

    Mark Harmon, courtesy Brian Bowen Smith/CBS; David J. North; Gina Lucita Monreal, courtesy Joanna DeGeneres; Sean Harmon, courtesy Courtney Harmon

    For more audio journalism and storytelling, download New York Times Audio , a new iOS app available for news subscribers.

    The Daily logo

    • February 16, 2024   •   39:24 An Explosive Hearing in Trump’s Georgia Election Case
    • February 15, 2024   •   29:38 How China Broke One Man’s Dreams
    • February 14, 2024   •   33:06 The Biden Problem Democrats Can No Longer Ignore
    • February 13, 2024   •   27:23 Why the Race to Replace George Santos Is So Close
    • February 12, 2024   •   21:57 Why Boeing’s Top Airplanes Keep Failing
    • February 11, 2024   •   42:04 The Sunday Read: ‘The Unthinkable Mental Health Crisis That Shook a New England College’
    • February 9, 2024   •   34:05 Kick Trump Off the Ballot? Even Liberal Justices Are Skeptical.
    • February 8, 2024   •   36:53 A Guilty Verdict for a Mass Shooter’s Mother
    • February 7, 2024   •   29:15 El Salvador Decimated Gangs. But at What Cost?
    • February 6, 2024   •   31:45 The U.N. Scandal Threatening Crucial Aid to Gaza
    • February 5, 2024   •   25:10 The 1948 Economic Moment That Might Explain Our Own
    • February 4, 2024 The Sunday Read: ‘The Great Freight-Train Heists of the 21st Century'

    An Explosive Hearing in Trump’s Georgia Election Case

    Fani t. willis, the district attorney, defended her personal conduct as defense lawyers sought to disqualify her from the prosecution..

    • Share full article

    Hosted by Michael Barbaro

    Featuring Richard Fausset

    Produced by Rob Szypko ,  Sydney Harper and Alex Stern

    With Rachelle Bonja

    Edited by Devon Taylor

    Original music by Marion Lozano and Dan Powell

    Engineered by Chris Wood

    Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

    In tense proceedings in Georgia, a judge will decide whether Fani T. Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, and her office should be disqualified from their prosecution of former President Donald J. Trump.

    Richard Fausset, a national reporter for The Times, talks through the dramatic opening day of testimony, in which a trip to Belize, a tattoo parlor and Grey Goose vodka all featured.

    On today’s episode

    young writers north

    Richard Fausset , a national reporter for The New York Times.

    Fani Willis is pictured from the side sitting behind a witness stand. She wears a pink dress.

    Background reading

    With everything on the line, Ms. Willis delivered raw testimony .

    What happens if Fani Willis is disqualified from the Trump case?

    Read takeaways from the hearing .

    There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

    We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

    The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

    Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

    Richard Fausset , based in Atlanta, writes about the American South, focusing on politics, culture, race, poverty and criminal justice. More about Richard Fausset

    Advertisement

    Navigation menu

    Personal tools.

    • Request account
    • View source
    • View history
    • Featured content
    • Browse categories
    • Recent changes
    • Random page

    interaction

    • Community portal
    • Trapeza (Discussion)
    • What links here
    • Related changes
    • Upload file
    • Special pages
    • Printable version
    • Permanent link
    • Page information
    • Cite this page
    • This page was last edited on March 2, 2016, at 03:50.
    • This page has been accessed 32,137 times.
    • Copyright Information
    • Privacy policy
    • About OrthodoxWiki
    • Disclaimers
    • Mobile view

    Copyright Information

IMAGES

  1. Young Writers’ Summer: Guest writer commissions

    young writers north

  2. Young Writers' Groups

    young writers north

  3. Young Writers' Summer Schools

    young writers north

  4. New Writing North Young Writers’ Groups in Cramlington, Newcastle

    young writers north

  5. Young Writers’ Summer Schools are back

    young writers north

  6. Young Writers' Talent Fund: Call for applicants

    young writers north

COMMENTS

  1. Young Writers

    New Writing North Young Writers is our programme for young people. We support you to express your ideas, to work with professional writers and artists, to create and share new work and to meet other young writers. ... Why join Young Writers? All sorts of young people aged 11-25 take part in our programme. Some people join to make friends, to ...

  2. Young Writers' Institute

    Mrs. Hancock graduated with a Master's in Education from North Carolina State University, holds a BA from North Carolina State University, a teaching certification from Meredith College and has over 20 years of teaching experience. ... Ms. Goldberg loves the challenge of building confidence and perseverance in young writers. Contact Us. Young ...

  3. New Writing North Young Writers

    New Writing North Young Writers. 1,546 likes · 1 talking about this. We are New Writing North's Young Writers' programme. We work with professional...

  4. New Writing North Submission Manager

    This award is open to young writers aged 11-18 in the North of England. Young writers can submit creative work in any form including prose, poetry, scriptwriting, blogging, songwriting and rap. There are two age categories, 11-14 and 15-18. Entrants must be 18 years or under on 12 February 2024 when the awards close.

  5. Young Writers' Day: Writing Mystery with New Writing North Young

    Lisette has delivered several workshops for New Writing North Young Writers in the past, most recently on our Young Writers' City programme in Gateshead. Matt Wesolowski is an author from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in the UK. He started his writing career in horror and was a winner of the Pitch Perfect competition at 'Bloody Scotland'; Crime ...

  6. New Writing North Young Writers

    1 Play New Writing North Young Writers You Can't Have It All 12 days ago 581 Play New Writing North Young Writers Ninkle Winkle Podcast 1 month ago 3 2 Play New Writing North Young Writers Living In The Dark Side Of The Moon 1 month ago 481 Play New Writing North Young Writers Let You Go 1 month ago 531 Followers Following

  7. North Carolina Reading Association

    The Young Authors Writing Project is a wonderful way to encourage writing across all grade levels. Students who submit writing have the potential to win at 3 different levels: School, County, and State.

  8. Young Writers

    The Young Writers Workshop is a two-week summer afternoon program that helps writers ages 10-14 develop and explore their creative writing talents and skills. See the easy two-step process below to apply. Sponsorship and Origins

  9. The Young Writers' Annual Showcase 2023

    The Young Writers Annual Showcase is an amazing way to celebrate your students' hard work & creativity by giving them the chance for their outstanding pieces to be published in a real book alongside other children & young adults from across the United States. From stories and poems to blog posts and essays you (or your students) can choose any ...

  10. North Carolina State University: Young Writers Workshop

    Sponsored by the English Department within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and held on N.C. State University's campus, the Young Writers' Workshop nurtures the creative spirit and teaches creative writing skills and techniques to young writers ages 10 -14 going into grades 5 -8. The Young Writers' Workshop is a two-week, non ...

  11. Young and Teen Writers Workshops

    Take a journey into the world of creative writing! The Young and Teen Writers Workshops have been serving the community for over 38 years. This nonprofit arts program is sponsored by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at NC State University. Please check back in spring 2024 for next summer!

  12. Young Writers Contest

    Since 1984, the West Virginia Young Writers Contest has celebrated student writing in the state. The contest grows out of a deep commitment to writing in all subjects, and to the publishing, displaying, and celebrating of student writing. Teachers and administrators in each county will encourage students to submit writing for judging, first at ...

  13. Summer Writing Camps for Young People

    The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers a Young Writers’ Camp. This two-week camp, in its fifth year, is for students in grades 3-12. It will be offered July 11-July 22, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, in the UNCG School of Education Building.

  14. Young Writers' Institute

    Young Writers' Institute, Cary, North Carolina. 382 likes · 130 were here. Young Writers' Institute is a community of budding authors who come together to learn, share, and

  15. Registrations Open for Summer Youth Writing Camps

    Open to all aspiring young writers in grades 8-12! Please spread the word to any interested participants and their families! FOR WRITERS AGED 7-15 The I Love to Write / We Love to Write workshops are a series of summer writing workshops for youth and families to write in a supportive environment. This year's workshops will focus on a variety ...

  16. guelph humber creative writing

    Jump to navigation Skip to content. Search form. P&W on Facebook; P&W on Twitter; P&W on Instagram; Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contes

  17. Northern Writers' Awards open for entries in 25th anniversary year

    Open to young writers aged 11-18 who show promise but have had limited opportunities to pursue their talent. This award is funded by the Hale family and consists of a package of support created by New Writing North, worth £500. Young Northern Writers' Awards Recognises young writers aged 11-14 and 15-18 whose work shows exceptional promise.

  18. Young Gibbs-Led 'NCIS: Origins' Prequel Series Ordered at CBS

    Mark Harmon and his son, Sean Harmon -- both of whom have portrayed Gibbs -- will executive produce the series alongside "NCIS" writers David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal.

  19. STELS, OOO

    Find company research, competitor information, contact details & financial data for STELS, OOO of Elektrostal, Moscow region. Get the latest business insights from Dun & Bradstreet.

  20. Nemchinovka (Russia) map

    The nearest airport is VKO - Moscow Vnukovo, located 16.1 km south of Nemchinovka. Other airports nearby include SVO - Moscow Sheremetyevo (27.7 km north), KLD - Tver Migalovo (157.3 km north west),

  21. An Explosive Hearing in Trump's Georgia Election Case

    In tense proceedings in Georgia, a judge will decide whether Fani T. Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, and her office should be disqualified from their prosecution of former President ...

  22. Russian True Orthodox Church (Raphaelites)

    On March 13, 1999 he was removed from office and on November 27 1999 deprived "episcopal" dignity for violation of church canons and training extrasensory. The condemned Bishop Raphael, with Bishop Sergius Moyseenko, created the alternative Synod of the True Orthodox Church in Russia (TOCiR) without any blessing or Tomos from his mother Church.