discursive writing

to discuss the good and bad points of somethingto express your views on a particular subject

1. Giving reasons2. Making suggestions3. Giving

recommendations

DIS

CURS

IVE

WRI

TIN

G(f

or a

nd a

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st)

ORGANIZATION

You have only 120-180 words in which to write your answer, so you will need 4 paragraphs:

An introduction which sets the subject of discussion

Two paragraphs in which you give your ideas

A conclusion which in some way “summarises” what you’ve said or restates your main feeling, opinion, etc.

First and last paragraphs

Both are very important

The first paragraph should give a good first impression (or even a surprising one) and make the reader want to go on.

The last paragraph should leave the reader with a clear idea of what your conclusions are. It should feel as if you have tied all the ends togehter neatly, not just stopped because you’ve written enough.

• Use a word or phrase at the beginning to tell the reader this is the end.

• Summarize the main points.• Relate back to the original question.

STYLEAn essay that asks for your ideas fairly neutral

neither too formal

nor too informalSO

• Don’t use conversational language, eg. direct speech.• Use connecting words and phrases to link your ideas

Discursive words and phrasesA First, Firstly, First of all,

To start with, To begin with,

B Second(ly), Third(ly), Moreover,Furthermore, In addition, What is more,Apart from that, also

C Finally, Lastly,

D Not only … but also

E On the one hand … on the other hand

F For this reason, Because of this, As a result,Therefore, Thus,

G However, but althoughthough Even though In spite ofdespite nevertheless

H for example for instance such aslike

I In my opinion As I see it To my mindI believe (that)

J Some people believe (that)

According to

It is said (that)

K To conclude, In conclusion To sum up,In summary,

1.Expressing contrast

2. Introducing a further point in a list of points3. Expressing results

4. Presenting two opposing points of view

5. Introducing a final point in a list of points

6. Expressing someone else’s opinion

7. Introducing the first point in a list of points

8. Introducing a conclusion

9. Expressing your opinion

10. Giving examples

11. Presenting two (disa)dvantages together

Match the labels on the left to the expressions in the table.

Important things

Remember who you are writing for (fellow students, your teacher, the local newspaper, a friend)

Be consistent, e.g. do not suddenly introduce a “chatty” phrase into a serious discussion.

Suggested approach for writing articles

An international magazine is investigating the question: ‘Can the ordinary person do anything to prevent a crime happening?’ Write a shor article for this magazine.Look at the sample text which follows and answer the questions

answer