what to write in 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?

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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!

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• 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.

There are a few points you should remember:

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• 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.

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
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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.

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.

Introduction

• 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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

What is Discursive Writing?

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.

Discursive Essay Format

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.

Discursive Essay Topics

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.

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

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.

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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 .

Introduction

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
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• 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.

Author: tutlance

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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

• Introduction
• 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.

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While there are many types of essays, they can be broadly categorized into the following four main types – argumentative, expository, descriptive, and narrative.

Most students struggle to figure out how to use transitions in essay. Here is all you need to know about transitions in an essay.

This article aims to provide you to understand the concept of descriptive and narrative essay style along with the necessary tips required for these essays.

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How to Write a Discursive Essay: Awesome Guide and Template

Generally, if you are studying for an academic degree, you most definitely will have to write an essay. This type of academic paper comes in various types, including a discursive essay. What is a discursive essay? In a nutshell, it is a formal paper that has to express an author’s neutral position regarding a topic. If you wonder how to write a discursive essay, there are several common options:

• Expressing your impartial view on the topic
• Providing arguments for or against the matter
• Presenting a few problem solutions

Remember, a top-tier discursive essay usually has a calm tone, unlike a persuasive essay. Besides, it’s best to avoid slang and other types of informal language in a paper like this. If you need the best results you can either buy an essay paper or spend the time to learn the main rules on how to write a discursive essay yourself. 

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What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

According to the discursive essay definition, this kind of work represents a strong position with reliable backup. Hence, creating a good argumentative paper requires meticulous preparation. Some might believe that writing relies on pure talent, but it’s just one of the components of success. Let’s unpack the secrets of an A+ essay!

Opt for a controversial topic

You might be wondering: “How do I stay original?”. People often choose to play safe and pick common essay themes. But if you want to be unique, it’s best to choose something unusual. Fortunately, there are numerous unconventional discussion topics today. Ideally, the theme should be both unusual and familiar to you to make it easier to provide interesting cases and back them up with arguments. It's quite another matter if you have the task of " do math homework ". Mathematics is an exact science, and accordingly you need to have the necessary knowledge.

Strong thesis

After you've selected an unconventional topic, the goal is to come up with a strong thesis statement. To clarify, an essay must contain a statement that narrows down the view on a broad problem. Avoiding statements that are obvious and hardly debatable is key. Instead, stick to the controversial subjects that are easy to support with facts. Learn more about sentence types on Essaypro - term paper writing service .

Thorough research

Another top priority before starting an essay is digging through different sources of information beforehand. To rely on word of mouth exclusively is ineffective. Take your time to find supporting evidence, especially if the theme is new to you. A lack of technical knowledge often leads to errors in an academic paper. Any discursive essay example must have relevant sources.

Discursive Essay Outline

Indeed, learning a discursive essay definition is hardly enough to create a great paper. The second essential step is to memorize the structure of such a paper. Normally, the discursive essay outline includes:

• Introduction

A key rule is to express one thought in one paragraph. This way, the text becomes easier to perceive. Overall, the secret to creating a top-notch academic piece is in making it logical, coherent, and engaging. An author’s goal is to make the narration seamless, so each part should naturally flow into the next one. To find out what is a discursive essay, memorize the outline and its contents. 

Uses of punctuation marks is very important in proper essay writing. But many students often find it difficult to use it or some other details., and that's quite normal. Our team of experienced writers will help you to overcome these difficulties. If you need help with an essay, try to order custom essay from us and make sure it's easy to use!

Introduction: How do you start a discursive essay?

Even though a discursive essay introduction takes up a small part of the whole paper, it is of immense importance. In short, the introduction helps a reader get acquainted with the work. Write an intro to cater both to you and your audience.

Compressing the general idea and its topicality into a couple of sentences requires talent. Brevity is the soul of wit! A discursive essay introduction is essential as it delivers the relevance of the problem to the public. What is more, a good introduction can spark an interest in the most indifferent people.

Main body: Arguments

Once you are done with the discursive essay introduction, it's time for the main body paragraphs. Analyzing numerous discursive essay examples helps in defining the main body principles. First, build the opening paragraph, since it contains an author’s opinion on the matter.

Secondly, take time to lay out the arguments and counterarguments. Dedicate separate paragraphs to every point. It is essential to start each paragraph with topic sentences. According to the discursive essay definition, your top priority is gathering information on the matter. Therefore, all the statements should have a reliable source like specific literature, statistics, personal examples, and other supporting evidence.

Besides, you can see a skilled writer from afar by the way they list their arguments. A high-quality layout tells a full-fledged story through main body paragraphs.

Conclusion: Summing up your thoughts

For the final part of every discursive essay, it's necessary to write a conclusion. Just like the discursive essay introduction, it assists in framing the main part. Here, a writer summarizes all the previous points and even states their personal opinion if needed. A crucial requirement is to reference only the mentioned arguments and avoid introducing new information.

Additionally, the purpose of a conclusion is to encourage future discussions among the readers. There is no better compliment than their desire to do further research. Some authors prefer to include their predictions on the essay topic. Again, all the assumptions should be based on relevant data.

Discursive essay topics: Best ideas

By all means, a beneficial discursive essay sample is a life-saver for a student. Luckily, there are tons of intriguing and entertaining discursive essay topics. Picking the subject that amazes you is the key to success! Here are a few discursive essay examples for creative writing.

Health topics

• Are too many skincare treatment steps necessary?
• The boom of SPF products and its consequences
• The impact of weighted blankets on our mental and physical state
• Baby sensory videos: short-term delight or long-term nightmare?
• K-pop reign and the epidemic of skin bleaching
• Is listening to healing frequencies just a trend?

Technology topics

• Should Metaverse educational institutions replace traditional ones?
• Why are so many people skeptical about NFT?
• Potential threats and possibilities of deepfake technology
• No more nightmares? Sleep engineering and the quality of rest
• The eye in the sky: do drones take our privacy away?

Education topics

• How do students suffer from teachers’ professional deformation?
• Are there alternatives to modern classrooms?
• The detrimental effect of excessive school noise on academic performance
• How can we stop modern students from treating online lectures like podcasts or background noise?
• What is wrong with beauty contests at educational institutions?
• Should teaching methods vary to cater to students with ADHD?
• Do individual preferences of some students negatively affect group well-being?

Essay topics for high-school

• The impact of hyper-realistic beauty filters on the modern society
• Should there be concerts with holograms of no longer living superstars?
• No-backpack trend in schools: what are the other ways to stimulate students’ creativity?

Essay topics for college

• Is it wrong when parents exploit their children to gain followers and likes on social media?
• The necessity of mental health days in schools and universities
• Is it possible to lengthen the attention span of Generation Z?
• Why do university graduates overestimate their future salaries?
• What makes remote workers protest against going offline again?
• Is it time to move away from hustle culture?

Environment topics

• Will fast fashion drown us in the piles of clothes?
• Who is more guilty of pollution: corporations or end-users?
• Can the trend for secondhand beat the destructive results of overconsumption?
• Can traveling ever be sustainable?
• Tote bags and metal straws: a drop in the sea or sufficient good for the planet?

Sport topics

• The dark side of overexercising
• How can we fight verbal and physical abuse from coaches?
• Can you put E-sports in the same line as regular sports?

Culture topics

• What is the problem with doing Asian-inspired makeup?
• Where is the fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation?
• Do most companies use diversity just for profits and reputation points?
• The importance of racial representation through skins in the metaverse
• How is the fetishization of Japanese people detrimental to their culture?

To sum up, a discursive essay helps people express their opinions on controversial topics and back up their statements. This type of work requires meticulous preparation and sticking to a set of particular rules. However, an author can get creative with the essay topic that sparks their interest. The Internet most likely contains a suitable discursive essay example.

Discursive Essay: Template

Here is a good example of a discursive essay from our service:

We also recommend that you read some exemplification examples , perhaps they will be of interest to you.

Related Articles

How To Write Discursive Essays

• Essay Writing Lower Secondary

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!

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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?

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?

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)

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:

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?

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:

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?

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!

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How to write a Discursive Essay: Expert Guidelines Leading to Success

If you are in the process of obtaining an academic degree, working on writing assignments is an inherent part of your curriculum. Essays are some of the most popularly assigned types of writing that come in a variety of types. One of the most popular kinds is discursive essays. So, if you wonder how to write a discursive essay, this article is just the thing for you.

What Is Discursive Essay?

It is an essay that focuses on a specific problem, issue or controversy. Such essay can be formal or informal. This task is included in the academic curriculum of many students because it helps them showcase their writing, analytical, and interpretive skills. The characteristic feature of any discursive essay is its objectivity. When covering a particular topic, the writer should do it in a maximally objective and unbiased manner, thus providing the most accurate and relevant arguments. When writing a discursive essay, you need to avoid phrases like “I believe,” “I suggest,” “I opine,” etc. Instead, it is recommended to use the third-person perspective to make the essay sound objective. Writing a discursive essay requires working with peer-reviewed and credible academic sources to add value to arguments.

Keep in mind that, when writing discursive essay, it is recommendable to adhere to a calm tone of writing. Unlike in a persuasive essay, there is no need to provide strong arguments and sound convincing within the given topic. More so, you ought also to mind vocabulary usage, i.e. avoid colloquial language, slang, and other examples of informal language. If you want to excel in discursive essay writing, you can try to order an essay from WeWriteOnline.com or devote sufficient time to learning the main principles and guidelines on how to write a discursive essay on your own.

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There are three types of discursive essays.

• For and against essay. In such an essay, you need to discuss a controversial topic providing solid reasons for and against it. Before finalizing your essay, you need to state your personal opinion by giving your preference to one position;
• Opinion essay. This essay requires stating your opinion on a specific topic and proving it with solid arguments. When writing such an essay, the writer should also state the opposing viewpoint and explain why it is wrong;
• A solution essay. Such an essay informs the reader about a problem and suggests a solution to this problem based on an in-depth investigation.

How to Write a Discursive Essay: Paper Structure

To write a successful and effective discursive essay, you need to maintain a proper structure. Specifically, this essay is to have a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a conclusion. To make sure that you follow the structure in a proper way and do not deviate from the plan, it is recommendable to write a discursive essay outline. The most important part of the essay is the main body, which ought adequately to discuss the main aspects of the topic and include supportive evidence and examples. The ideas presented in the main body have to be coherent and related to the thesis statement.

On the whole, discursive essay structure is similar to that of other essay types. As you have already noticed, it has all the main elements, i.e. the introduction, body paragraphs, and the conclusion. The only thing that is essential to remember about the discursive essay format is that it presents viewpoints on the topic in a specific way so that the main opinion is agreed on by the target audience by the time the conclusion is reached. Thus, one needs to be acquainted with the rhetorical strategies of presenting viewpoints and effectively communicating ideas across. Still, there are some basic rules that can help you succeed in discursive paper writing, so check them out below.

Writing an Introduction: How to Start a Discursive Essay?

You may think that an introduction is merely a short part of the essay, so it does not bear much importance. However, it really does as it serves to be the opening paragraph that appeals to the audiences and catches their attention. Also, the role of the introduction is to help readers get familiar with the topic and its background. So, you need to learn how to fit the most essential basic information into a brief paragraph. When writing a discursive essay, you have also to focus on the significance of the issue and pinpoint to how the problem or topic is relevant.

Body Paragraphs: Convey the Arguments

How to write a discursive essay main body? Once you have composed the introduction that provides background information on your topic, it is high time to develop the very topic throughout the body paragraphs. If you do not know how to structure and develop the body paragraphs, you may take a look at an example of a discursive essay and get acquainted with the way of essay organization.

First, write an opening paragraph that contains more summative information or the author’s general opinion on the topic. Second, pay ample attention to the development of arguments and counterarguments. Make sure that each separate point is to be written from a new paragraph. It is crucial to start each body paragraph with a topic sentence so that it is clear to your readers what ideas you plan to discuss. When developing ideas, make sure that you rely on credible and up-to-date sources, i.e. journal articles, peer-reviewed sources, statistical and numerical data, and other trustworthy supporting evidence.

If you encounter problems developing arguments, get discursive essay help from expert writers.

Writing a Conclusion: How to Summarize Your Thoughts

To wrap up your discursive essay, you need to write an effective conclusion. While the introduction makes a first impression on the reader, the conclusion provides a lasting impression, so it is also really important. To conclude the essay, you need to frame the main issues, sum up the underlying ideas, and provide a personal opinion on the topic, if needed. It is crucial to consider that you ought not to introduce any new ideas but simply reiterate the analyzed ones. What is more, the purpose of the conclusive paragraph is to provide a call for further discussions or future research. Nonetheless, take into account that any assumptions or predictions you make is to be relevant to the topic.

Present your subject. Provide some information about the situation in your region. Identify the factors that could cause such a situation. Follow the example given below:

Crimes are one of the most essential problems…

Recently, crimes have been increased/decreased.

Among the typical crimes are …

The terrible thing is that there is a rise in…

The decisive factor in this is the level of unemployment which…

One more reason for this is …

Notice: If you support a particular point of view, you need to present the opposing opinion first. On the contrary, you should do everything vice versa if you deny a certain statement.

Paragraph II: Supporting arguments

Explain why you adopt this position. Set out convincing reasons. Give good examples and present concrete facts.

Paragraph III: Opposing arguments

State the reasons for supporting this viewpoint. Site vivid examples and provide strong arguments.

Paragraph IV: Summarizing section

In this unit, you need to show your attitude towards the discussed question. You can use the following phrases:

To my mind…, As for me…, I find it….

Stylistic Peculiarities

When producing a discursive essay, it is necessary to present different points of view on the addressed matter. Therefore, your work will sound more objective. However, in the concluding unit, you need to present only your own viewpoint. During the course of writing, you should use the passive constructions, transition words (e.g. nevertheless, additionally, hence, etc.), and other grammar structures.

Presenting facts:

Someone thinks that it is necessary to bring back severe sentences.

Some British people support the American “Three strikes” laws.

Additionally, some people think that prisoners live in very good conditions.

Particular arguments are provided in favor of imposing the death penalty again.

Perhaps it is necessary to take the opinion of the victim’s relatives into consideration.

There are some counterarguments to handing out capital punishment and heavier sentences.

One of the facts in support of shorter imprisonment is that the prisons are overcrowded.

There are some people who think that prisons can improve criminals’ behavior.

Additionally, it is thought that capital punishment is considered judicial murder.

It is also stated that there may be cases when innocent people may suffer from the wrong verdicts.

Moreover, a death penalty is regarded as an infringement of human rights.

Providing examples, arguments, and facts:

A number of people think that keeping the most violent criminals in prisons for a long time is one of the advantages of severe sentences.

One more benefit is that people could feel greater safety.

As a result, the number of crimes committed by a small group of people could be eliminated.

For instance, a lot of crimes are carried out by former prisoners.

There are still some people who think that harsher sentences may cause a lot of disadvantages. The thing is that it would be harder for prisoners to live in society again.

According to the conducted research&hellip.

Analyzing statistical data

Building a Vocabulary

Types of crimes and punishment:

Crimes: murder – murderer, shoplifting – shoplifter, burglary – burglar, rape – rapist, to commit a crime, to be given a severe sentence, to be arrested, to be let off with a fine, to consider the desires of victims, to be let out of prison, to bring back capital punishment, etc.

Legislative issues: the courts, judicial/legal system, judges, judicial mistakes, law, etc.

Cause / Result Connection:

There was an increase in drug consumption that resulted in the rise in the number of crimes.

The number of dangerous crimes has increased because of heavy drug consumption.

The rise of dangerous crimes can be explained by increasing drug consumption.

The drug consumption boosted. It resulted in the growth of crimes.

Due to the increase in the consumption of drugs, there was a rise in serious crimes.

The growth of serious crimes is the result of growing drug consumption.

It is said that today’s prisons can be compared to five-star hotels because huge sums of money were spent on them.

Prisoners should be reformed so that they are able to come back and live in society.

Significant reforms should be introduced to bring prisoners back to life in society.

As / Like Issues:

The article was amazing as it was about the arrest of a group of criminals (“as” = “because”)

His brother works as a prison officer (“works as” means “is”)

Capital punishment is like any other type of murder (“like” equals “the same as”)

People treated him as a violent criminal (“as” stands for “in the same way as”)

It is because of several reasons, like unemployment and terrible living conditions (“like’ is used instead of “for instance”)

The reason for that is such problems as unemployment and terrible living conditions (“such as” means “for example”)

It is not as hard as it is thought (comparison).

How to Write a Discursive Essay?

If you question yourself how to write a discursive essay, keep in mind that it is a type of writing that researches a controversial topic in depth. The essay may make emphasis on exploring either for & against aspect or identify and analyze the pros and cons. Whatever approach you choose, consider that you have to provide a well-balanced argument and only after that share your personal opinion.

At the same time, keep in mind that a discursive paper is not written in a debate-like form. Your main aim ought not to be to convince your readers but rather to investigate the given topic from multiple perspectives.

Tips on How to Write a Discursive Essay Step-by-Step

• Select discursive essay topics you are passionate about. The very first step is to choose a topic for your paper unless your professor has not assigned one to you. After picking the topic, you will have to decide on the position regarding it. So, after you choose a certain controversial issue, make sure you have a clear opinion on it and then start developing a plan or an outline.
• Research the topic. To make your essay convincing and strong, research the topic in-depth. Use credible and trustworthy sources from peer-reviewed journals. Make sure you are familiar with the background of the topic. Try to provide supporting evidence for both arguments and counter-arguments.
• Compose the introduction. Start with a brief and succinct introduction that conveys the main purpose and essence of your essay. Appeal to the reader’s interests and try to catch their attention from the very first sentences.
• Convey arguments and counter-arguments throughout body paragraphs. Present all arguments thoroughly and in detail. Use supporting evidence and try to be as objective and fair as possible.
• Write the conclusion. Reiterate the thesis statement and the main issues of the paper. Highlight the most essential parts of the discussion. Do not provide any new ideas in this paragraph.
• Proofread and edit the content upon paper completion. Before submitting the paper, edit and proofread it carefully. Make sure there are no major flaws and errors as well as petty mistakes.

Check Your Paper

• Content: Is your essay constructed logically?
• Transitions: Have you used transition words and phrases? Is it possible to add more linking words to make smooth transitions between the sentences?
• Writing Style: Make sure that your work is written in formal language. Provide your personal opinion in the concluding paragraph only.
• Grammar and spelling: Check the paper for grammar and spelling mistakes.

Creative Topics for Discursive Essay Writing

If you still wonder how to write a discursive essay successfully, you may look through samples. They may also come in handy for you if you hesitate as to what topic to choose. Our experts have come up with multiple engaging topics that you may like. Check them out below:

• The fast-changing image of the contemporary family.
• Political equality within the society.
• Criminal history within the realm of employment opportunities: investigate advantages and disadvantages.
• Analyze the pros and cons of improving educational standards by means of increasing salaries for teachers.
• Advantages one can derive from taking yoga classes.
• Ways of assisting children tackle anxiety.
• Causes for teenagers becoming rebellious.
• Advantages of eating organic products.
• Prospects of getting home education.
• Is there a need for war: discuss for and against reasons.
• Relationship between the societal ethical standards and religious principles.
• Are looks that much important in a long-term relationship?
• How can a person find his or her true self?
• Do people greatly depend on their gadgets and smart phones?
• Should marijuana be legalized?
• How can you define a hero?
• The role of piercings and tattoos in self-expression.
• Advantages and disadvantages of obtaining a career in acting or nursing.
• How do advertisement and media propaganda form people’s opinions?
• Counter-culture movements and their role in spreading social change across.

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If you are having any difficulties with writing discursive essay, do not waste your time and let us assist you. Our team of seasoned writers and editors is at your disposal 24/7. No matter how challenging or urgent your request is, we will provide you with a perfect paper that will please the most demanding teacher. If you have any questions in the process of our cooperation, you can get in touch with our support representatives and they will provide you with accurate answers. After all, we are working to make you closer to your academic success. So, stop hesitating and buy discursive essay projects at our custom writing service!

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What Is A Discursive Essay And How To Write It?

What is a Discursive Essay?

How to write a discursive essay, how to write a discursive essay introduction, types of discursive essay, difference between discursive and argumentative essay, why you should take help with discursive essay.

A discursive essay is a type of essay, in which the writers usually pick one topic or side of an argument and present points either supporting or against that particular topic. This is the definition of a discursive essay. In some cases, the writers do not select a single opinion but discuss the positives and negatives of the concept to provide more content to the reader to help them develop their idea. Discursive essays are often confused with argumentative and persuasive essays, but there are some very significant differences between them discussed later. First, let's understand how to write a discursive essay.

A discursive essay example would involve examining the idea of parliamentary democracy wherein the writer would provide information about the parliamentary form of government, talk about its positives and negatives, and then reflect and provide his viewpoint on the topic.

A discursive essay plan covers several points. The points to be kept in mind when trying to write a discursive essay are outlined below:

• Introduction : Start with an exciting introduction that makes the reader interested and eager to read your essay. You can begin your essay with quotations, examples, poems, etc.
• Opening Paragraph : In the opening paragraph, you should introduce your point of view for the topic in the essay, which requires you to present your point of view up front. You can clearly state whether you are for or against the issue of whether you are ambiguous about the topic and believe that there are both positive and negative sides to it and wish to discuss them. In essays that do not require your opinion upfront, you should wait till the end of the paper to let your reader know your point of view.
• Subsequent Paragraphs : The following paragraphs are where you should straightforwardly present your argument. You can offer your views in favour of or against the topic, whichever side you choose to support. However, your arguments should be clear and backed up with evidence that is reliable and valid.
• Alternating arguments : Discursive essays are not argumentative essays and may often require discussing both sides of the topic. In such cases, the writer should keep alternating between the arguments. For example, suppose the first paragraph deals with arguments supporting the topic. In that case, the following paragraph should be against the issue, and then the next paragraph can again be in the supporting tone and so on. This alternating between the arguments is one of the critical features of a discursive essay.
• Conclusion : This is the end section of the essay, and one of the most important things that you should do here provides a summary of the paper. You can choose to end the paper in support of the topic or against the subject or neither as per the essay's requirements and structure. You can also reflect and talk about your personal opinion in regards to the essay topic. However, you should provide justifications and evidence for your subjective opinion while relating it to points presented in the essay. It should be kept in mind that the conclusion is an essential part of the essay and it does not involve restating the issues raised in the essay but rather a summary of those points.

The first paragraph of your discursive essay deals with the introduction to the essay. Here you can briefly introduce the topic and present one argument supporting the essay and one against the essay. An example of a discursive essay introduction will look like this:

"Veganism is a topic of heated debate in the 21st century. For many years supporters and opposers of veganism have argued the cases for and against. On the one hand, veganism is seen by the people opposing it as unnatural, breaking traditions, and unhealthy in food structure components. On the other hand, many people now see it as a cruel and selfish act because of which millions of animals suffer. With strong feelings on both sides of the argument, what then are the main issues surrounding veganism?"

The reader should understand the topic and what type of content the essay will cover. The introduction should be interesting and intriguing so that the reader is motivated to read the whole essay. As in the example above, you can also end the first introduction paragraph with a question to encourage the reader to think for themselves and remain hooked on the topic. Another technique involves talking about a story, giving an example or lines from a poem.

There are essentially three main types of discursive essay as follows:

• For and against essay:  This is the type of discursive writing where the writer has to highlight and talk about both sides of the story, that is, present arguments both in favour of and against the topic. Before concluding, the writer usually has the liberty to state their opinion on the topic by talking about what they prefer and the reasons for it. For example, writing a discursive essay on veganism can involve highlighting and talking about both sides of the topic.
• Opinion Essay:  In this type of essay, the writer should put forward their opinion at the beginning of the essay and provide their justifications and arguments in support of their opinion throughout the essay. In the ending paragraphs, the writer should also counter their opinion and provide arguments against it to provide a complete holistic picture of the topic. For example, on a discursive essay about studying abroad vs. studying in one's own country, the writer, if of the opinion that one should study in one's own country, can state that opinion and provide arguments in its favour. However, in the end, the writer should also highlight the positive sides of studying abroad.
• Solution providing essay : In this essay, the writer discusses a particular problem, offers various solutions to the problem, and highlights the best solution to the problem. For example, a discursive essay on the ways to boost the global economy after the pandemic would require in-depth research about the effect of the pandemic on the global economy and ways to boost it.

These are the types of discursive essay types.

The points of difference between discursive essay and argumentative essay are as follows:

Students of various courses often face the arduous task of writing a discursive essay on various kinds of issues and topics. Writing a discursive essay is complex, difficult and exhausting as it requires an in-depth understanding of the topic, intense research, a holistic analysis of the issue and then presenting and articulating your point of view properly. This takes a lot of time and effort.

In such cases, it is natural for students to seek out custom essay writing help online from online essay typers . We, at Sample Assignment, provide rapid delivery of assignments. If you are looking for discursive essay writing help, the following are the reasons for choosing Sample Assignment for help with writing a discursive essay:

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You can trust Sample Assignment for providing the best discursive essay and all other kinds of academic writing help.

Nick is a multi-faceted individual with diverse interests. I love teaching young students through coaching or writing who always gathered praise for a sharp calculative mind. I own a positive outlook towards life and also give motivational speeches for young kids and college students.

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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.

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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.  

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155 Exceptional Discursive Essay Topics To Try

Do you have a discursive essay to prepare, and getting the right topic is proving challenging? Selecting the best title for your essay can be challenging because it requires a lot of research and a deep understanding of the respective discipline. For others, it is simply a lack of confidence and materials for research. So, what is the way out?

To help you get high grades, this post provides a list of 155 hot topics that you can use. Consider using them as they are or tweak a little to fit your preference. Do not just select any topic for your discursive essay; select the best.

How to Select a Good Discursive Essay Topic

Before we can list the best topics to write a discursive essay on, it is important to answer the question, “How do you pick the best?” Here are some expert tips:

Interesting to You No matter the study discipline, the topic you select should be interesting. This can help you to develop a stronger attachment with the work, increasing the chances of crafting a high-quality paper. If you select a topic that is not interesting, the chances are that it will become challenging midway. Relevant As a college or university student, every paper you do should help push you higher into your career ladder. Therefore, it is important to select topics that are relevant to your field, especially the latest happenings. For example, a student pursuing international relations might want to explore areas such as the recent withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan, the recent Israel-Hamas war, or the American policy on climate change. Enough Materials As you select the topic, it will be an excellent idea to also think about the resources that will be used to prepare it. If you do not have ample books, journals, and other publications, there is a danger of getting stuck. Focused and Catchy

When your lecturer checks the essay, the topic is what you will get first, and, therefore, you should make it catchy. This makes the reader want to go deeper into the paper and see what you have to say. A good topic is also likely to earn you a higher grade.

Next, we will highlight the main essay ideas, starting with higher English discursive essay topics. We will also tell you why it is important to work with an expert writer.

Good Discursive Essay Topics for Higher English

• Should foreign languages be taught in all schools?
• Both safe sex and abstinence should be taught in high school.
• In education, are motivational theories effective?
• Teenagers and children should always speak out about domestic violence.
• Should the government ban all types of sports betting?
• Cheating during college examinations should be punished severely.
• Alternative sources of energy are excellent in addressing global warming phenomena.
• Good communication skills are crucial for success in business.
• Should we make recycling mandatory for all?
• E-books should not replace conventional books in college and university.
• Should we reduce the legal age for acquiring a driving license in the UK?
• Every business should invest in innovation.
• Competition: Is it a good thing?
• Are girls too mean in relationships?
• Is fashion important?

Discursive Writing Topics in Sports

• Can you keep children out of danger through sports?
• Girls should be allowed to participate in the same sports as boys.
• Should we legalize the use of steroid alternatives in athletics?
• Students should be paid for participating in school sports.
• All females should be banned from taking part in extreme sports.
• Alcohol and tobacco adverts should be banned from school sports events.
• The rules used to guide how coaches treat players are not strict enough.
• Parents should disallow their students from participating in school soccer.
• Should sports betting be made legal in all countries?
• Are video games sports?
• Is there a way of preventing injuries in soccer?
• Engaging in professional sports is a way of life and not a hobby.
• Being gay in sports draws a lot of attention from the media.
• Is it acceptable for a soccer coach to lose his/her emotions on the field?
• Sports can result in both positive and negative impacts on a person’s health.
• Chess: Should it be considered a fully-fledged type of sport like basketball and soccer?
• Do athletes experience stress?

Controversial Discursive Essay Topics for You

• Death penalty: Is it effective?
• What are the main causes of war?

Should we abolish all tobacco products?

• Abortion should be abolished.
• Illegal migrants: Should they be granted the right of abode?
• What should society do to reduce payment inequality between men and women?
• Capitalism is the best economic model.
• Should we use animals for research?
• BREXIT was a huge mistake.
• Computer games are bad for children.
• Ballarat Rebellion: Why did it end in just 30 minutes?
• Sex before marriage should be forbidden.
• Is homeschooling better than normal schooling?
• To succeed in business, communication is the most important thing?
• Fast foods should be disqualified as food.
• Parents are to blame for high levels of overweight and obesity among children.
• Is globalization really important?
• Should human cloning be allowed?
• Online dating has ruined the importance of traditional romance.
• Can politics be free and fair?

Interesting Topics for Discursive Essays

• Uniforms in school limit student’s freedom of expression.
• Should all steroid users be banned from all sports in the UK?
• Should all court proceedings be captured on camera?
• Same-sex marriages: Should they be banned?
• Does workplace diversity result in higher productivity?
• What is the main challenge for women in the workplace?
• Post-WWII America: How did it grow?
• Should parents select careers for their children?
• Reading non-fiction books helps to improve a person’s writing skills.
• Should famous people get involved in leadership, especially politics?
• Is Yoga a more spiritual event than fasting?
• Short dresses should be banned from schools and workplaces.
• Is space exploration a worthy undertaking?
• Do we really require social media to stay in touch with each other?
• Are vegetarians healthier than meat lovers?
• WWI: What was the potential of the Russian Army?
• Can virtual reality become dangerous to young people?
• Rock music: Is it related to Satanism?

Unique Discursive Essay Topics

• Do video games have an advantage for adults?
• Punishing students that include physical torture should be banned in schools.
• Is the global society becoming over-regulated?
• Should we allow students to rate their trainers?
• What is the biggest challenge faced by learners in college today?
• Movies are better than cartoons.
• Should America and Canada merge to form one country?
• Smartphones are excellent learning tools.
• Why do teenagers feel freer to talk on social media as opposed to face-to-face?
• Does the training offered in college prepare students adequately for the real world?
• To be successful, hard work alone is not enough.
• Is the taxation system in the US effective?
• Is college tuition in the UK too expensive?
• Is studying Shakespeare in college a good idea today?
• Without faith, life is incomplete.

Good Discursive Essay Topics in History

• What was the impact of colonization on the Native Americans?
• The main causes of the American Revolution.
• History of racism in the UK.
• What role did women play in WWII?
• How significant are the measures adopted by the US to control terrorism?
• What issues caused major conflicts between the South and North, resulting in the American Civil-war?
• Were Egyptian pyramids constructed using slave labor?
• Did WWII spur the creation of a new set of professionals?
• During WWII, soldiers were the main spreaders of the Spanish Flu.
• The results of WWI caused WWII: Is it correct?
• The Second Civil War in South Sudan resulted in the creation of the independent republic of South Sudan.
• Spanish-American War: Was it the cheapest war in history?
• Why did the Soviet invade Afghanistan?
• The Haiti Revolution of 1791-1804: Was it the only successful rebellion of liberated slaves?
• Socio-economic and political revolution: What is the main difference?
• The Panama Canal made the country one of the fastest-growing nations in Latin America.
• Mexican-American War: Why did America Carry the Day?
• How are the weapons of ancient Asian Civilization reflected in their culture?
• How did the decolonized African states try to decolonize their history?

List of Discursive Essay Topics in Sociology

• Should governments put some limits on the freedom of speech?
• Giving male workers paternity leave: Is it a good idea?
• Are there circumstances when torture is acceptable?
• Failed parenting: What is the right form of punishment?
• What are the main causes of single-parenthood in society today?
• Socialism or capitalism: What is more beneficial to society?
• Are women less privileged in society?
• Increase in youth crime in the society: What are the major causes?
• Is beauty more perceived than intelligence?
• Racial stereotyping: What are the implications?
• Society and culture: What is the meeting point?
• Modern technology: Has it made the globe a better place?
• Ethnicity: How does it impact social class?
• Is it possible to stop social violence?
• What are the psychological impacts of war on children?
• Family structure: Does it influence societal development?
• What is the best way to encourage society to have good morals?
• Is the gay culture a threat to the traditional family?
• Single parenting: Has it been accepted in society?

Top Discursive Essay Topics on Nature

• Why is underground water not considered clean for drinking?
• Tourism is one of the main reasons for animal theft.
• Should all countries make recycling compulsory?
• Plastic manufacturing factories: Should they be banned?
• Between the public and government, who is more responsible for disturbing nature?
• How does a vegan diet help the environment?
• Is global warming real?
• Can deaths caused by earthquakes be prevented?
• Is scientific advancement creating an imbalance in nature?
• Deforestation: How does it degrade the standard of life?
• Is it possible to dump nuclear waste safely?
• Can renewable sources of energy meet the growing demand?
• Imagining the globe in 2300: How will it be when the oil is exhausted?
• Should environmental conservation be introduced as a core course for all students?
• Does smoking outdoors have any impact on the environment?
• Should governments advocate for more artificial environments?
• Is it a good idea to buy bottled water?
• Are environmental awareness forums important?

Ideas for Discursive Essays in Nursing

• Who between nurses and doctors is exposed to more health hazards?
• Racial discrimination: Is it a major issue in nursing?
• Do nurses play a bigger role than doctors in defining a patient’s recovery?
• Should the government ban costumes that sexualize nurses?
• What is the right number of nurses to have in a hospital?
• Are female nurses more indifferent to patients than male ones?
• Night shift nurses and day-time nurses: Who should earn more?
• Nurses’ remuneration: Should their wages be at par with that of doctors?
• Are most nurses negligent?
• The importance of interpersonal skills in nursing?
• What is the impact of nursing theories in nursing practice?
• The importance of leadership and managerial skills in nursing.
• Sociological issues in nursing.
• Do nurses face racial issues in their course of work?

Use Essay Writing Help to Craft A-Rated Discursive Essays

Once you have selected the preferred topic to write a discursive essay on, it marks the start of the next phase, which is the actual writing of the paper. Here, you need to have top-notch research and writing skills to be able to prepare high-quality work. You also require a good mastery of the subject under consideration and enough time to work on the paper. Rarely do students have this combination, and their best way out is working with online academic writing experts.

The professionals offering academic writing services have been on this type of job for years and amassed enough experience. Indeed, they are likely to have handled similar types of paper before, and yours will be pretty easy to complete. The services are also cheap and the writers can work really fast to complete even the essays with the tightest deadlines. You can never go wrong with an expert holding your hand!

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150 Excellent Discursive Essay Topics for Students To Consider

Table of Contents

Do you want to write an engaging discursive essay? Are you struggling to come up with the best discursive essay topics for your assignment? Don’t worry! To help you with discursive essay writing, here, in this blog post, we have explained what a discursive essay means, its types, and the simple steps for writing it. Also, we have shared some interesting discursive essay topics and ideas to consider for assignments.

If you don’t know where to begin your essay, then keep on reading this blog post and update your knowledge on discursive essay writing.

What is a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay is a type of academic essay in which you have to share your opinions or views in support of the topic or against the topic. Even at certain times, this essay would permit you to present your views on both sides of a topic in a neutral manner.

The ultimate aim of a discursive essay is to provide the readers with multiple viewpoints on a particular essay help topic or idea. Therefore, while writing a discursive essay, you will have to think deeper from various perspectives and review all the aspects of the subject.

Basically, a discursive essay appears like an argumentative essay or persuasive essay , but it is actually different from them in certain ways. In a nutshell, a discursive essay discusses arguments in a balanced way taking into account all the factors that are for and against the topic.

Types of Discursive Essays

The discursive essay is classified into three types as listed below.

For and Against Essay

It is a form of discursive essay that will argumentatively discuss either for or against the topic or theme. When writing an essay of this type, you should make sure to concentrate on both the advantages and disadvantages of the topic and present your views neutrally. Particularly, before wrapping up the essay, you should showcase your opinion on the topic by specifying your preference.

Solutions Recommending Essay

This discursive essay type will outline the issue and will recommend several possible solutions for that issue. But when you wrap up this essay, in the conclusion paragraph, you should highlight your opinion on the best solution to the issue and explain why that solution is effective.

Opinion Essay

It is a kind of discursive essay in which you have to share your opinions or arguments on a specific topic with supporting evidence from credible sources. Most importantly, while concluding this essay, you should remember to put forward your arguments against the topic and explain the reason why they are not persuasive.

How to Write a Discursive Essay

Do you wonder how to prepare a discursive essay? Cool! Writing a discursive essay will not be so hard when you have a proper essay plan and idea about the essay structure. In general, a discursive essay is a formal essay in which you have to organize and present the ideas in a way that is easy for the readers to understand.

Here are some essential steps that would guide you to craft an excellent discursive essay.

• First, read and understand the essay writing guidelines shared by your instructor.
• Matching your instructor’s instructions, find a perfect discursive essay topic that allows you to share your opinions.
• Next, research the selected topic and gather the important points or arguments for discussion.
• After analyzing the topic, prepare a well-structured discursive essay outline that includes sections such as introduction, body, and conclusion.
• With the help of the prepared essay outline, start preparing the first draft of the essay according to the standard essay structure.
• Open the essay with a catchy introductory paragraph. The introduction should have an engaging hook statement, background information, and a strong thesis statement relevant to the essay topic.
• Craft the body paragraphs. The body of the essay should discuss in detail all the major arguments supporting your thesis statement with valid evidence.
• Wrap up the essay with a conclusion paragraph. The conclusion section should portray your feelings about the topic and list out all the necessary findings.
• Add a reference page and list out the original source of the ideas you have used in your essay.
• Before submission, double-check the entire draft of the essay and edit the grammar, spelling, or logical errors in it. The final draft of the essay should be original and free from errors.

Discursive Essay Writing Tips

By following all the above-mentioned steps in order, you can come up with a great discursive essay. But besides, we also recommend you stick to the below-mentioned tips when writing a discursive essay because it would help you to fine-tune your essay format and structure.

• Write the discursive essay in a formal third-person speech.
• When writing this essay, use the right choice of words and formal language conventions.
• Avoid using emotional writing style and clichés to exaggerate your opinions.
• Follow the standard essay structure that contains separate sections for the introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Explain the arguments using a balanced and calm tone.
• Use well-known real-life examples as proof to explain the main arguments.
• Never change the original structure of a discursive essay.
• Add references to all the ideas taken from external sources.
• Make sure to use transition words in between the paragraphs to maintain a smooth and seamless narration flow.
• Include persuasive writing techniques such as hyperbole, imagery, metaphors, oxymoron, repetition, and similes at the appropriate places, if needed.

Tips For Choosing a Good Discursive Essay Topic

In the discursive essay writing process, topic selection is the first step that you can’t skip. Generally, you won’t find it hard to identify a topic when your instructor provides a list of discursive essay prompts for you to choose from. But the real challenge comes only when you are given the option to choose a topic of your choice.

For writing a discursive essay, there are numerous topics available on various subjects. Out of them all, based on your interest, you can search and identify any good topic. But the problem here is, when you have many topics, then finding one perfect topic from them would become too hard to handle.

So, to help you identify the right essay topic, here we have shared some key tips to keep in mind during the discursive essay topic selection phase.

• Pick a topic in which you have a strong opinion or knowledge.
• Go with the topic that is convenient for you to write about.
• Avoid selecting a frequently discussed topic.
• Identify a topic that is interesting for you and your readers.
• Choose a controversial topic in which you can raise varying viewpoints or opinions.
• Select a complex topic with two sides, so that you can extract more arguments that are for and against it.
• Give preference to the topic that has many valid facts or evidence to prove your arguments.
• Finalize the essay topic only if it meets your instructor’s essay writing guidelines, if there are any.

List of Discursive Essay Topics

Here are some unique discursive essay topic ideas on various disciplines.

If you don’t know what topic to choose for your discursive essay, feel free to access the entire list below and spot any topic that suits you perfectly.

Best Discursive Essay Topics

• Do space explorations assure long-term survival?
• Is the current education system productive?
• Is English one of the toughest languages to learn?
• Does reading non-fiction build up the writers’ creativity?
• Do parents have to reward their children for behaving well?
• Describe the best kind of parenting observed in your country.
• Should tobacco production be made illegal across the world?
• Which is better: reading e-book or paperback?
• Discuss the effective ways to keep children away from the use of drugs.
• Are acts of sex and violence acceptable on TV?
• Is the dependency on technology making us dumber?
• Is rock music related to Satanism?
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile phones.
• Has blockchain enhanced trade finance in 2018?
• Can virtual reality turn out to be dangerous for youngsters?
• Should social media platforms be banned from collecting their users’ data?
• Do companies have to hire human workers instead of using autonomous machines?
• Should cell phones be banned from vehicles?
• Has the internet made society better?
• Should parents limit screen time for kids?

Excellent Discursive Essay Topics

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of globalization?
• Is it essential to ban steroid takers from sports?
• Are political authorities involved in illegal activities?
• Discuss the association between food, fitness, and weight.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of video games among teenagers?
• Should schools avoid punishing students that include physical torture?
• Is society becoming over-regulated?
• How can students contribute to the safety of nature?
• Do schools have to ban uniforms?
• Explain the adverse effects of detox diets.
• Why are policymakers pushing STEM education nowadays?
• Should the government ban same-sex marriages?
• Should there be restrictions on freedom of speech?
• What are the workplace challenges faced by women?
• Will robots in the future add to our efficiency?
• Does every country have to ban capital punishment?
• Should court proceedings in the UK be documented for television?
• Is print media almost dead?
• Is social media having a positive impact on our lives?
• Is home-schooling good for students?
• Discuss the need for employees to use social networks at work
• Cite reasons why internet slang like LOL should be in the dictionary
• Explain the challenges of over-dependence on technology for modern schools
• Critique any innovation that has made us lazier than before
• Discuss why so many college athletes struggle with schoolwork

Interesting Discursive Essay Topics

• Is a college education mandatory to be successful in life?
• Which is better: listening to the mind or the heart?
• Which is better: watching a movie on the big screen or in your home?
• Should parents be honest with their kids?
• Share your views about the marriage of convenience.
• Is Graffiti an art?
• Are plastic water bottles spoiling the environment?
• Are athletes the best role models for children?
• Is social media presence necessary for a small business to succeed?
• Should people in Muslim countries develop a religious tolerance?
• Should public schools have a responsibility to teach social-emotional skills to students?
• Is the best music founded on social oppression?
• Should animal sports be banned?
• Should zoos be abolished?
• Is cutting hands the only way to stop corruption?
• Should polio vaccinations be compulsory for every citizen of the United States?
• Is it good to believe that car seats are effective to keep children safe in car crashes?
• Should social media sites be banned from collecting their users’ data?
• Should healthcare professionals be allowed to market and sell drugs to their patients?
• Should companies switch to hiring employees using autonomous machines?

Amazing Discursive Essay Prompts

• Explain the scenario of healthcare and medicine in the 1900s.
• Is Facebook really needed to stay in touch with each other?
• Should short dresses be restricted from the workplace?
• Should offshore drilling be widened?
• Should famous people in society stay active in politics?
• Is social media contributing to a more narcissistic society?
• Is IoT no longer a tool that screws up privacy and security?
• Is studying Shakespeare outdated in today’s world?
• Does workplace diversity contribute to increased productivity?
• Are contemporary people across the world depending too much on technology?
• Should the average driving age in your country be reduced or increased?
• Is yoga a more spiritual activity than fasting?
• Discuss the pros and cons of peer pressure.
• Are non-vegetarians healthier than vegetarians?
• Discuss your viewpoints on cryptocurrency.
• Analyze the future of cryptocurrencies
• Should there be more parties in the United States?
• Should college students be restricted from participating in Greek life?
• Is co-education better than single-sex education?
• Should college students get to autonomy to choose which professor’s class they attain?

Read more: Amazing Descriptive Essay Topics and Ideas for Students

Top Discursive Essay Questions

• Are tattoos a work of art?
• Is exercising mandatory for losing weight?
• Is plastic surgery good?
• Do parents have to be on the same social network as their children?
• Is MBA necessary to be successful in business?
• Are technological advancements making us lazier?
• Does slavery have a positive influence on world economics?
• Explain your views about the child-free movement.
• Should cell phones be allowed in school?
• What should be the penalty for internet trolling or cyberbullying?
• Which is better: traditional medicine or alternative medicine?
• Is texting and texting apps like WhatsApp ruining the English language?
• Should companies allow employees to take a nap in the afternoon?
• At what age should a child start doing household chores?
• Should cheerleading be recognized as a sport and played in the Olympics?
• Discuss the correlation between wealth and happiness.
• Which is better: Single-sex School or Co-ed School?
• Will Google bring about the end of privacy?
• Is good grammar necessary?
• Which is worse: White-collar crime or Blue-collar crime?

Captivating Discursive Essay Ideas

• Is radio important as a form of media in the 21st century?
• Discuss the prospect of having a woman president.
• Discuss the mortgage crisis in the economy.
• Is it important to heavily regulate newspapers?
• Is earning money through the lottery a good idea?
• Does technology isolate the individual?
• Why an assassination can never be justified?
• Discuss the challenges in outsourcing to foreign countries.
• Should rape victims be hanged to death?
• Explain how the celebrity culture is spoiling the moral values of young teenagers.

Outstanding Discursive Essay Topics

• Do social media platforms affect the academic performance of students?
• Should the government censor rap music culture?
• Are tattoos and paganism related to each other?
• Do airlines have to provide a two-seat policy for heavier people?
• Are dating websites a good place to meet romantic partners?
• Are drug abuse commercials effective?
• Is the military’s use of drones an invasion of privacy?
• Should GMOs be allowed in food?
• Discuss the negative and positive effects of Blockchain on energy.
• Why should we prohibit the destruction of rainforests?
• Do energy drinks cause health risks to teenagers?
• Should text message acronyms be added to dictionaries?
• Does the gaming world promote problematic gender and racial stereotypes?
• Do all adults need eight hours of sleep?
• Is cheerleading a way to objectify young women?

Read more: Sample GRE Essay Topics To Practice

Compelling Discursive Essay Topics

• Which is better: nuclear families or joint families?
• Is social media more relevant these days than traditional media?
• Is it essential to emphasize etiquette in all curriculums?
• Are apps more of a help or a waste of time?
• Do contact sports encourage aggression?
• Do video games have educational value?
• Is it possible to create a society based on matriarchy?
• Should schoolchildren learn religion as a part of their curriculum?
• Is it important to ban beauty contests?
• Do politicians rely on the media in order to remain in power?

Incredible Discursive Essay Topics

• Discuss the prospect of making education a free for all affair
• Explain how the concept of consumer debt affects purchasing ability.
• Discuss the correlation between the price of textbooks and education
• Should zoos, circuses, and aquariums be closed for the violation of animal rights?
• Discuss the ethical prospect of bringing back extinct species through cloning
• Is it necessary to abolish the grading system in the education field?
• Explain the challenges that different countries face when trying to end poaching.
• Should the case for equal pay for equal work be advanced?
• Explain how the sitting government perpetuates poverty.
• Why is it important to allow college students to choose the course they wish to study?

Wrapping Up

From the above-recommended list of unique discursive essay topics, without any hesitation, select a topic matching your interest and prepare an extraordinary discursive essay. Haven’t you identified the right discursive essay topic for your assignment yet? Do you need instant discursive essay writing help? Contact us now!

The skilled essay writers from our team would assist you in preparing a plagiarism-free academic essay as per your requirements on time at a reasonable price. Also, as a part of our online assignment writing service , we will give you 24/7 customer support and unlimited essay revision until you get complete satisfaction.

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How to Write a Discursive Essay

What is a discursive essay? 

A discursive essay is an essay where you are required to write on something, which can be either argued for the topic or against the topic. However, some discursive essays can also be written in a way where you don’t have to choose any particular side but to present your views on both the sides in a balanced manner. Sometimes you might also be required to write a discursive essay wherein you don’t argue for or against the topic or statement but instead need to present your own unbiased views and opinions on that matter.

Writing a discursive essay forces you to review all aspects and viewpoints of a particular topic, allowing you to think deeper and more critical. There are three types of discursive essays:

• Opinion essay – which requires the writer to state their opinion on a topic and then put forward arguments to support it. However, before concluding the essay, the writer must put forward arguments against the topic and say why they are unconvincing.  
• For and against essay – explains the reasons for and against a particular topic. Before concluding, the writer must state their opinion on the topic by giving their preference.  
• Essay suggesting a solution to a problem – outlines a problem and explains several ways to solve the problem. In conclusion, the writer should give their opinion on the best solution to the problem and why.

A discursive essay can look like just another argumentative or persuasive essay but the fact is that it differs from both of them as the arguments are presented in a better and balanced manner. Normally, you are required to present your views on the topic in a balanced way after taking consideration of all the factors, which include ‘for and against’. While writing a discursive essay, you should follow some conventions as they will not only help you in making the right choice of words and sentences but will also guide you in using the appropriate language for the essay. For example, the voice expressed in the essay should be calm and the tone should be as balanced as possible. Further, you should use a writing structure that can easily alternate from one stand to the other. Like in one paragraph you should be able to write something against a topic and in the next paragraph in favour of the topic/statement, but the transition between the paragraphs should be seamless - as smooth as possible.

One example is using connectives by use of words like ‘equally’, ‘similarly’ in highlighting the similarities of two different paragraphs and where joining two similar paragraphs are required. Another important consideration while writing a discursive essay is that it should have technical and formal language in it. You should always try to use formal language in a discursive essay and do not use informal language, as the very nature of the discursive essay is formal. Other than that, you can also use persuasive writing techniques like the use of imagery, metaphors, repetition, hyperbole, similes, oxymoron, triads, where applicable, but keeping in mind that the structure of the essay remains intact. Otherwise, it will look more like a persuasive essay rather than the discursive one.

As with any other academic essay, a discursive essay also comes with a certain standard structure that other academic essays follow and that is: the introduction, the main body and the conclusion. The points mentioned below will help you become better in writing a discursive essay.

Structure of a discursive essay

• Start an essay with an introduction that sounds interesting to the readers. Try to avoid generalizations and stereotypes in your approach.
• Give a clear stance in the opening paragraph of the essay itself – you can be for or against a topic or statement if the essay asks you to do so. However, in essays that do not require a particular stance, you need to wait till the end to present your own views on the matter.
• In the subsequent paragraphs, try to build your arguments. You might have several arguments for your essay but you should write them in separate paragraphs so that they are coherent and distinct. Whenever you are building your argument – either in favour of or against of the topic, you need to provide supporting evidence from internal or external sources to strengthen your argument.
• Make sure you alternate from one argument to the other in an alternate manner, i.e., if you have written the first paragraph in support of the topic, then your second paragraph should be something against the topic and not in support of it. However, the third paragraph could be similar to paragraph one, supporting the topic as before. The next paragraph should be again similar to paragraph two, arguing against the topic. This combination of alternate for and against paragraphs will make your essay look distinct, better and thoroughly researched and will result in a lasting impact on the reader’s mind.  
• After you have put all your thoughts and opinions in the body section, you now need to focus on the ending section, which is the conclusion. To write the conclusion you need to sum up the key points, which you have mentioned in the body paragraphs above and based on the essay type, you can state your final position on the topic/statement, which can be either for or against, or even can be neither of the two. However, whatever you write in the conclusion should resonate with your main body paragraphs. You can also write your personal opinion here if the essay requires you to do so but you should also express it in a logical way, clearly referencing it with your findings in the body paragraphs. Remember that your conclusion is not just a repetition of the arguments you have mentioned in the above body paragraphs but a summary of the main findings.

 If you have followed the above points, you will surely find it much easier to write a discursive essay at your school, college or university life. 

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Discursive Essay Topics: 50 Most Creative Ideas

Good discursive essay topics will force you to review all aspects and viewpoints of a particular subject matter, allowing you to think deeper and more critical. Topics for discursive essays are wide and varied. Below is a comprehensive list of 50 ideas for discursive essays that you can refer to any time.

• Is technology good or bad?
• Comment on the impact of social media on our youth.
• Should cell phones be allowed in school?
• Should there be guidelines/rules about the length of hair for boys in school?
• Should you euthanize cancer patients?
• Are the prices of cars too high?
• Should healthy foods cost more than “unhealthy” or “junk” food?
• The best time to exercise is in the morning when you are fresh and energetic.
• Young children should learn about the various religious sects in school, whether it is their chosen faith or not.
• Your marriage is more likely to flourish if it is based on a strong foundation of friendship that was established before the marriage.
• Is the education system as good as it should be?
• White collar crime is worse than blue collar crime.
• What should be the penalty for internet trolling/cyber bullying?
• Is texting and texting apps such as WhatsApp killing the English language?
• Technological advancements are making us lazier.
• Will Google bring about the end of privacy?
• Graffiti is a great form of art expression.
• The music today is not as good as it was before the year 2000.
• Should a parent be on the same social network as their child?
• Sixteen years is the ideal age for a child to commence social media use.
• Women over 35 years old should not give birth.
• Women should be allowed to determine their right to an abortion, with or without the consent of the father.
• Parenting classes should be compulsory for all new parents, regardless of gender, age or ethnic group.
• Time-out is the best and most effective method to discipline a child.
• Has social media created a narcissistic population?
• At what age should a child start doing household chores?
• Is MBA necessary for success in business?
• A child who is continuously exposed to a violent environment will eventually become violent.
• Discuss the pros and cons of home schooling and give your thoughts on which you believe is the best for our nation.
• The world would be better if everyone learned sign language as their second language.
• Single-sex schools are better than co-ed schools.
• Facilities such as a day-care and breastfeeding room should be established at all workplaces for working moms.
• A 20 – 30 minute afternoon (power) nap should be allowed at work.
• A vegetarian diet is the best one for optimal health.
• Exercising is a must for losing weight.
• The ideal amount of water to be consumed is best determined by the weight and physical activity levels of the person.
• Traditional medicine is better than alternative medicine.
• It is a big world and aliens exist somewhere out there.
• Wearing high heels for a long time will affect your health.
• The correlation between wealth and happiness - If you are wealthy, you are happy.
• If texting while driving has penalties, shouldn’t distractions such as drinking coffee while driving have penalties too?
• Smoking tobacco should be illegal.
• Are tattoos a work of art?
• Should cheerleading be recognized as a sport and played in the Olympics?
• Is good grammar still necessary?
• Are zoos an archaic way to view animals? Are there more modern ways to view animals for entertainment?
• Children who play violent video games eventually become violent.
• Reading is a dying art and pastime.
• The parents are to be blamed if a child is obese.
• The fundamental role of women has not changed and will never change, as balancing home and work will never be shared/done 50-50 between husband and wife.

A good discursive essay topic is one in which you can be both passionate and objective about. Choosing a discursive essay topic that you are passionate about will enable you to have a lot of content for the essay. However, you must also be able to be objective so as not to create biases that can affect your ability to appropriately weigh the pros and cons of the subject matter. Try to keep this in mind when choosing your next discursive essay topic.

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