How to Write a Discursive Essay? Format, Example, Types, Tips

Writing a discursive essay is not an easy task. But why? Well a common reason why a lot of people struggle with it is that in this, you are required to discuss multiple viewpoints, all while keeping the argument that you are making clear and balanced.

It is a tough way of writing an essay. There has been some research which shows that mastering this can help university students a lot. In fact, there was a study of 125 university students which found that those students who learned how to address opposing viewpoints ended up writing stronger essays and showing better critical-thinking skills.

There is also another analysis of 695 student essays which showed that those papers that have different discussion techniques earned better grades. So, in this guide, you will discover everything about how to write a discursive essay. From format, types, to discursive essay example and practical tips.

What is a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay is a type of essay in academic writing which can help you explore different points of view without choosing one over the other. What makes this different from other essays like personal narrative essay is that it tries to give readers multiple different perspectives, arguments, and evidence instead of pushing a single opinion on them.

To put discursive essay meaning simply, a discursive essay is more inclined towards building different discussions on a topic by looking at different sides of a single issue. Which is why it is a common assignment handled by an essay writing service. For example, in a topic like “Should social media be banned in schools?” you will have to talk about both of its benefits and faults before you reach a conclusion.

Some of the main parts of a discursive essay include:

1. Objective and Neutral Tone: The writers do not take a strong position and stay fair.
2. Balanced Arguments: Both sides of topics for discursive essay are talked about equally.
3. Proof-Based Discussion: Every claim that you make needs to be backed by facts, statistics, research studies, or examples.
4. Critical Analysis: You do not just have to simply list out different viewpoints but also have to assess them.
5. Correct Referencing: You need to cite each and every resource that you are using in your essay. And if needed, you will have to use a bibliography or reference list.

Structure of a Discursive Essay

Following a proper discursive essay structure is very important because it can help you stay accurate and readable. Here is how to write a discursive essay in a proper structure:

Introduction

The intro will help you set the stage for making your discussion which you can do by introducing the topic and then giving an outline for different views that you are going to explore in the essay. You should include the following things in the introduction:

• A brief intro of the topic
• Background info or a context
• A mention of the opposing viewpoints
• A thesis statement which will explain what the essay will discuss

For example: There are a lot of people who believe that social sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have had a negative impact on individuals and society. Discuss both views.

Sample intro:

All the different social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok have changed the way we communicate and share our info with the world. While yes there are some people who believe that social media has affected negatively on us individually and as a society. There are some others who believe that these also provide great benefits. This essay will take a look at both of these views before settling on a conclusion.

Main Body

The main body of a discursive essay requires you to present the argument in both for and against the topic by presenting different viewpoints.

Arguments in Favour

In this section you should talk about all the different views which can help you support one side of the discussion. You should also make sure that you focus on one argument per paragraph and then support it with evidence, examples, or facts.

In this, you should include:

• A clear topic sentence
• Supporting evidence or examples
• Explanation of how the evidence supports the argument that you made

Example:

One opinion against social media is that it can lower face to face interaction. There are a lot of young people who spend hours each day scrolling through social media. This can result in bad conversations with family and friends. It can also lead to weak personal relationships and communication skills.

Arguments Against

Next you should talk about the opposing view by using the same balanced approach. Your goal here is to discuss alternative opinions in a fair way instead of dismissing them.

For this, you should include: 

• A counterargument
• Supporting examples or evidence
• Explanation of its significance

Example:

But on the other hand social media also helps people to stay connected regardless of the distance between them. Families, friends, and coworkers can speak in an instant via messages and video calls. In fact these different platforms can also help students maintain relationships that would otherwise be hard to sustain.

Conclusion

And lastly, the conclusion of your diagnostic essay will need to bring together the different key points that you discussed in the essay. It also needs to summarise both sides of the argument that you made. And if appropriate, it should also provide a final opinion based on the evidence.

What to include:

• A summary of the main arguments
• Your final assessment or opinion (if needed)
• A recommendation or concluding thought

For example:

In conclusion social sites have both pros and cons. While too much use can negatively affect personal relationships and well being. These platforms can also make communication more easy to get and convenient. But in the end how they affect our everyday life mainly depends on how responsibly we are using them. Which makes it balanced and mindful.

How to Write a Discursive Essay in Simple Steps

You need to follow these simple steps to write a discursive essay:

1. Choose a Debatable Topic: Make sure that you choose topics for discursive essay which has at least two valid views. One of the main characteristics of a strong discursive essay is to talk about a topic where people can disagree. This will allow you to give a balanced discussion.
2. Research Both Sides: You should then collect info from trustworthy sources and explore all views equally. Make sure that you support your points with facts, statistics, expert opinions, and research instead of personal assumptions.
3. Create an Outline: Once you are done with your research you can create an outline and collect your thoughts into an introduction, arguments, counterarguments, and a conclusion.
4. Write an Objective Introduction: Give your hook and define the issue and then say that there are good opinions on both sides.
5. Develop Balanced Body Paragraphs: Each one of your paragraphs needs to address a specific part of the topic that you chose. You should also make sure to keep an ideal and third person tone.
6. Write a Summary Conclusion: Try to give a summary of the main discursive essay ideas that you talked about in the essay. After that you should express your final stance and explain which argument is stronger.
7. Review and Refine: Take a look at your final essay and see if it is flowing logically and is using transition words for better paragraph connectivity.

Types of Discursive Essays

There are mainly five different types of discursive essays. Below are their names and what they are best for:

For and Against Essay

This is actually one of the most common types of discursive essays. In this type of essay you have to discuss both the pros and cons of the topic. But you also have to make sure to give attention to each side before you reach a conclusion.

Best for: This is best for pros and cons higher English discursive essay topics like social media, online learning, or remote work.

Opinion Essay

You have to talk about your views and where you stand on the topic in an opinion essay. But you also have to think about other views and explain why you agree or disagree with them.

Best for: An opinion essay is best for discursive essay topics for high school where you need to express and support your outlook.

Problem-Solution Essay

A problem-solution essay helps in finding a problem, explaining its causes and effects, and then suggesting possible solutions. A lot of the time the writer compares different solutions before they recommend the most effective one.

Best for: Issues like pollution, traffic congestion, or cybercrime.

Cause and Effect Essay

A cause and effect essay takes a look at why something is happening and what kind of results it is going to create. It also helps readers understand the relationship between events and their results.

Best for: This is best for higher English discursive essay topics that revolve around social issues, scientific developments, or historical events.

Compare and Contrast Essay

This essay compares two or more discursive essay ideas, subjects, or viewpoints by putting more focus on their similarities and differences. It helps readers understand each option more clearly.

Best for: Comparing theories, technologies, educational methods, or historical figures.

Discursive Essay vs. Argumentative Essay

There are a lot of students who get confused between discursive and argumentative essays. Mainly because both of them include discussing a topic. The main difference between these two depends on the purpose of the essay.

An argumentative essay can be a type of proposal essay which focuses on convincing readers that your view is correct. You choose a side, support it with proof, and try to convince the reader to agree with your position.

A discursive essay on the other hand focuses on exploring different views. It shows multiple viewpoints fairly and allows readers to form their own opinions instead of proving one side is right.

Discursive Essay Example

Here is a discursive essay example to better understand how you can write one:

Topic: Should Remote Work Become the New Standard?

Introduction

The rise of remote work has changed the modern workplace. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many employees enjoy the flexibility and convenience of working from home. While others believe that classic office settings are important for productivity and teamwork. This essay will take a look at both standpoints before reaching a balanced conclusion.

Arguments in Favour

Supporters of remote work claim that it offers greater flexibility and improves work life balance. Employees can save time and money by removing daily travel. This allows them to spend more time with their families or focus on personal well-being. There are also a lot of companies which have noted lowered operational costs due to lower spending on office space and utilities.

Arguments Against

However there are critics who believe that remote work can create challenges for both employees and organisations. Working from home may lead to feelings of aloneness and reduced team collaboration. Some workers also struggle to separate their professional and personal lives. This can negatively affect their productivity and mental health. There are also some jobs which need in-person interaction which cannot be easily replicated online.

Conclusion

In conclusion remote work offers great benefits. This includes flexibility, cost savings, and improved work-life balance. It also shows challenges when it comes to communication, collaboration, and employee well-being. Rather than adopting a fully remote or fully office-based approach, a hybrid model may provide the best balance between flexibility and workplace engagement.

Tips for Writing a Discursive Essay

Here are some tips that you can follow to write a strong discursive essay:

1. Stay Neutral and Objective: One of the main thing you should avoid is showing any kind of bias. You have to talk about both the different views in a fair way and then let the proof direct the discussion.
2. Research Thoroughly: A strong discursive essay will also rely on facts, statistics, expert opinions, and credible sources. So it is really important that you understand all the different sides of the topic before you start writing. Whether you are drafting it yourself or using an essay typer for assistance.
3. Give Equal Attention to Both Sides: Another thing you should avoid doing is spending three paragraphs on a single point and only one in discussing the other.
4. Use Linking Words: Use different transition words like however, on the other hand, furthermore, in contrast, and therefore. These can help you stay connected with the idea and improve your overall flow.
5. Write a Balanced Conclusion: You should summarise important points from both of the sides before you present your final thought. Also make sure to avoid talking about a new argument in the conclusion.

Conclusion

Learning how to write a discursive essay can help you develop important skills such as critical thinking, research, and clear communication. By presenting different viewpoints in a balanced way, you can create essays that are informative, engaging, and well-structured.

While writing a discursive essay may seem difficult at first, following the right format, using reliable evidence, and maintaining a neutral tone can make the process much easier. With regular practice, you'll become more confident in analysing complex and good discursive essay topics and expressing ideas clearly.

FAQs

When Would You Write a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay is written when a topic has more than one side to discuss. It is common in schools, colleges, and exams where students are asked to explore different opinions on an issue. These essays are useful for topics like social media, education, technology, or environmental issues where people may have different views.

What is the Purpose of a Discursive Essay?

The purpose of a discursive essay is to discuss a topic in a fair and balanced way. Instead of proving one side is right, it looks at different viewpoints and supports them with facts and examples. This helps readers understand the topic better and make their own decision.

What is an Example of Discursive Writing?

A good example of discursive writing is an essay on whether students should be allowed to use mobile phones in school. The essay would discuss both the advantages and disadvantages, such as easier access to info versus classroom distractions.

How to Write a Conclusion for a Discursive Essay?

To write a strong conclusion, simply summarise the main points you discussed in the essay. You should mention the key arguments from both sides and bring the discussion together. If your assignment allows it, you can also share your opinion, but keep it brief.

Expert Author

Author: Dr. Sarah Williams (Senior Academic Writing Consultant)

Dr. Sarah Williams holds a PhD in English Literature from the University of Oxford and has over 12 years of experience teaching academic writing at leading UK universities. She has helped over 5,000 students improve their essay writing skills through her workshops and online resources. Dr. Williams specializes in discursive and argumentative essay structures, critical thinking development, and academic referencing. She is a regular contributor to academic writing journals and has been featured in multiple education publications.