Lesson Plan 05 Discursive Essay Writing

Preamble
What have you learnt in previous lessons about stages of writing?

Where can you utilize that knowledge?
General introduction to different types of writing
Learning Outcomes
After learning this topic the students will
 Be familiar with the particular techniques of a Discursive
 Be able to write a Discursive Essay
ARE YOU READY?
Have you ever made analysis of any topic in a balanced way?
What strategies do you use to be objective and neutral in your written expression?
Topic: Discursive Essay
The goal of a discursive essay is to present a balanced and objective examination of a
subject. Like an argumentative essay, the topic may be controversial, but the discursive essay
attempts to present a much more balanced discussion of the issue. It does not, however, have to
be expressly neutral. The essay should present both sides of the discussion, supported by facts
and research. The author may draw tentative conclusions about the subject and suggest them to
the reader.
Discursive Style
 The discursive style is written in a more formal and impersonal style than other
essays. It begins with an introduction to the topic.
 Each issue should be discussed in a separate paragraph and each paragraph should
begin with a strong topic sentence.
 The essay will typically alternate a paragraph of point followed by a paragraph of
counterpoint.
 Discursive essays often have transitional words leading into the next paragraph.
 The writer may choose to either express a low-key opinion in the final paragraph or
leave readers to draw their own conclusions.
Techniques for Discursive Writing

 Argue For
Once you have chosen the topic you plan to write on, one technique is to strongly argue for
one particular stance. The topic should ideally be something somewhat controversial so that you
can fully embrace your position. For example, you could choose a topic such as abortion and
provide a different argument or piece of evidence supporting your position in each paragraph.
One argument could state that it is the woman's fundamental right to make decisions regarding
her own body.
 Argue Against
Choose a controversial topic and take a stance that strongly disagrees with it. Arguing for
abortion would mean you have the same viewpoint as someone arguing against "pro-life"
politics, but the technique of the essay would be different. Arguing against a viewpoint should
focus more on why that stance is wrong versus why the opposing stance is right. Arguing against
"pro-life" views might use the misguidance of religious groups dabbling in politics to support
that this stance is wrong.
 Balanced Argument
Another technique is to show both sides of the argument from a balanced perspective.
Since you must state your stance at the beginning, make sure to clarify what aspects keep you
tied in the middle. For example, you may state that you believe in both the mother's right to
choose as well as the fetus's right to live, and therefore recognize that the situation is
fundamentally unjust. You can then take turns alternating between stances from one paragraph to
the next throughout the essay.
 Accept Both Sides, Support One More

This technique is perhaps the most effective in winning another person over to your
position, because it shows that you have the capacity for understanding both sides, yet your
judgment has led you to favour one over the other. In your introduction, state why you are able to
understand one side of the argument, yet why you must ultimately support the other. For
example, you might state that you believe abortion is unfair to the unborn child, but that the lives
of those living should be given more importance. You could then argue about the importance of
the mother's choice, the burden on society from unwanted children and the overpopulation
problem in the world at large.
Read more at http://examples.yourdictionary.com/essay-examples.html#Xy0DD6p5bkPhlbr7.99
Interactive Session
What is your understanding of the material presented in this lesson?
Which techniques you would use to make a balanced analysis of any topic?
What did you learn?

(1) What is an essay?
(2) What is a sensitive topic for an essay?
(3) What is a discursive essay?
Practice Discursive Writing
Vegetarianism
Write an essay describing the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a vegetarian, a diet that
consists of no meat. In the paper, introduce the pros of having a meat-free diet, such as lower
cholesterol, and the cons, such as protein deficiency. Argue your opinion through a moral
lens, also; some believe eating meat is cruelty to animals. Carnivores, on the other hand,
believe that certain animals are meant to be used as protein sources. Taking a look at
vegetarian practices in some religions and cultures will help make convincing research.
Any Other Topic of your Choice
Home Assignment
Write an essay on any one of the given topics.
i. Mobile phones in for college students
ii. Being a Morning Person
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Argumentative Writing

Lesson Plan 05 Discursive Essay Writing

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Preamble

What have you learnt in previous lessons about stages of writing?

Techniques for Discursive Writing

 Accept Both Sides, Support One More

Read more at http://examples.yourdictionary.com/essay-examples.html#Xy0DD6p5bkPhlbr7.99

What did you learn?

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