Exploring Discursive Writing

Discursive writing is an important literary tool to help you express your thoughts in a structured, organised, and creative way. It can be used to capture the reader’s interest and help you effectively convey your message. In this article, we’ll explore what discursive writing is, its purpose, structure and look at some of the common mistakes to avoid in discursive writing.

What is discursive writing?

Discursive writing is a style of writing that moves from one idea to another in a logical, organised manner. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from academic writing to more informal types of writing like blog posts. It’s an important tool that helps writers create clear and concise pieces of writing.

At the core of discursive writing is the ability to present an argument in a logical and reasoned way. This means that the writer should be able to present their ideas in an organised fashion, considering all sides of the argument and weighing the pros and cons. Discursive writing is also characterised by a focus on providing facts and evidence to support the writer’s point of view.

Discursive writing is often used in academic contexts, such as essays, research papers, and other types of writing that require a degree of critical thought and analysis. In these types of writing, the writer should be able to take an informed and unbiased approach to their argument. Discursive writing should aim to be objective, provide evidence to support the writer’s point of view, and use formal language that is appropriate for the context.

Discursive writing is also used in more informal contexts, such as blog posts, opinion pieces, and social media posts. In these cases, the writer should still strive to remain objective and provide evidence to support their point of view. However, they can also use a more conversational tone and include personal opinions and experiences to make their argument more effective.

The purpose of discursive writing 

Discursive writing is to present a reliable and unbiased analysis of an issue. However, you don’t have to be completely neutral in your discursive writing. You should offer all sides of the argument in your writing by employing facts and research reports.

Discursive writing can be a powerful tool to help you express your thoughts and ideas in an organised and effective way. It can be used to explore complex issues, present a point of view, and encourage critical thinking. It can also be used to create persuasive arguments and compelling stories.

Discursive writing can also be used to craft effective statements and arguments in professional and academic writing. It can be used to make a case for a certain point of view or to convince the reader of the validity of an argument. It can also be used to make persuasive presentations or speeches.

The structure of a discursive essay 

A basic structure employed when planning a discursive essay could include:

• An interesting introduction
• It should show your position in relation to the topic clearly
• There should be supporting evidence with each of your arguments
• A conclusion in which you reiterate your stance on the issue.

Common mistakes to avoid in discursive writing

Writing a discursive essay can be a difficult task for some students. As such, it’s important to be aware of the common mistakes to avoid when writing a discursive essay.

1. Failing to plan: Writing a discursive essay requires a lot of planning. Before starting to write, it’s important to map out the structure of the essay, decide on the key points to be discussed and make sure the essay is well-structured.
2. Not following the instructions: Before starting to write, it’s important to read the instructions carefully. Make sure to understand the essay topic and the requirements of the task.
3. Not providing evidence or examples: Discursive essays should be supported by evidence and examples. Make sure to provide clear evidence or examples to support your arguments.
4. Not exploring both sides of the argument: Discursive essays should explore both sides of the argument. It’s important to provide a balanced view, giving equal weight to each side.
5. Not including counter-arguments: A key part of writing a discursive essay is including counter-arguments. Make sure to consider the other side of the argument and provide counter-arguments to refute them.
6. Not being consistent: It’s important to be consistent throughout your essay. Make sure to use the same tone and style throughout the essay and avoid changing arguments or introducing new points which do not relate to the topic.
7. Not using appropriate language: Discursive essays should be written using formal language. Avoid using slang, contractions or colloquialisms.
8. Not providing a conclusion: Make sure to provide a conclusion which summarises the main points of the essay.

These are some of the common mistakes to avoid when writing a discursive essay. Make sure to plan your essay carefully, follow the instructions and provide evidence to support your arguments. Be consistent, use appropriate language and language features, and provide a conclusion. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your discursive essay is well-structured and of a high standard.

Discursive Writing Example

Conclusion

Discursive writing is a powerful tool to help you express your thoughts and ideas in an organised and creative way. It can be used to explore complex issues, present a point of view, and encourage critical thinking.