ARGUMENTATIVE OR DISCURSIVE ESSAY

BASIC STRUCTURE:

INTRODUCTION
This is the first paragraph and it states the situation or identifies the problem. The main points that we
are going to develop should be presented in this introductory overview so that the reader gets a clear
idea of what the text is about.
DEVELOPMENT
It is the body of the essay (usually 2 or 3 paragraphs), where we set out our arguments in an organised
way. We should devote one paragraph to each main point, supporting it with evidence or illustrating
with examples. Our ideas must be logically linked by discourse markers (make sure you use a wide
variety of connectors), to make it clear when we move from one to the next.
The first sentence of each paragraph introduces or summarises the 'controlling idea'; we will know
what the topic of each paragraph is about by reading it. It is important not to introduce ideas or
arguments that are irrelevant or just have nothing to do with the main point under discussion: this is
confusing and makes our argumentation more difficult to follow.
CONCLUSION
We find it in the last paragraph, and it offers a brief summary as well as the writer's personal opinion.

HERE'S SOME ADVICE:

In this kind of composition, you are usually asked to set out your ideas about an issue or to consider it from
different points of view. Planning and organisation are essential. It is important to remember that
successful compositions are the result of a process. Good essay writers usually do something like this:
Do some research by reading about the topic.
Write down ideas and words and select the main points that are going to be developed.
Prepare a simple plan.
Prepare a first draft.
Revise and edit it changing some ideas or removing some old ones - adding new ones or re-
ordering.
Write a second draft.
Make a thorough final revision.

SUCCESS depends on four things:

1. Having sufficient topic vocabulary

2. Having sufficient ideas and opinions
3. Having the structures and expressions to use in this type of essay
4. Good essay planning and organisation. This implies good uses of linkers.

There are two main types of discursive essays: the balanced argument and the opinion essay. In the
former, as the name suggests, youre expected to present the arguments in favour and against
proportionally; in the latter, you have to take sides, and devote most of the composition to explaining your
own pint of view. However, its important to be aware that, even in this opinion essay, its good to be able to
think about the main argument against that people who dont share your ideas present and refute it (but only
in one paragraph).
For clear examples of both types, please refer to the two essays delivered in class: Text-messaging is an
important advance in communication or is it? and, Tourism always brings a place more harm than good.

Next, you can see two model essays where I have used colours to indicate things a teacher would value
positively when marking an essay:
Highlighted in purple: column A in the assessment criteria, namely discourse markers.
In green: column C in the assessment criteria, particularly grammar variety.
In yellow: column C in the assessment criteria, particularly vocabulary rage.

MODEL COMPOSITIONS:

"THE IMPACT THE MOTOR CAR HAS ON EVERYDAY LIFE MAY REACH DISASTROUS
DIMENSIONS IN THE NEAR FUTURE. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM?"
It seems undeniably evident that we have to find imaginative solutions to our transport needs if we are to
avoid choking ourselves to death. Life in many big cities has become miserable because of the congestion,
noise and pollution from motor vehicles. I do believe, however, that the problem can be dealt with on three
levels: internationally, nationally and, last but not least, on a personal level.
On an international level, governments must cooperate to ensure that motor manufacturers produce more
efficient engines which demand less in fuel and are much cleaner. What is more, manufacturers must be
made to fit effective filters to all new vehicles. Damage to the ozone layer or acid rain does not respect
national boundaries.
Let us now look at what can be done on a national level. To begin with, there should be stricter regulations
on exhaust emissions, and cars without effective filters should be taken off the roads. Something else
national governments could do is put up the price of petrol: this would make people think twice before using
their cars. Next, public transport such as reliable trains, trams and buses should receive a far greater
investment.
Lastly, what can we do as individuals? First and foremost, we need to rid ourselves of the mentality that we
cannot do without our cars and that they are a reflection of our success and status in society. For another
thing, we should make immediate changes to our lifestyles and walk or use bicycles. Finally, we should
become politically active and make it clear that transport policy is a key issue in how we decide to spend our
vote.
To sum up, I have tried to show that there are steps that can be taken to reduce the damage caused by the
car. It is a problem that can be solved given the right levels of commitment. However, only by acting as
individuals first can we expect governments to act in their turn. By accepting responsibility and acting upon
it, we can avoid our self-destructive journey down the one-way street to destruction.

CITIES OFFER A BETTER ENVIRONMENT TO LIVE IN THAN THE COUNTRYSIDE. DISCUSS

One of the dominant social trends of the last century has been the growth of the city. Urban drift has resulted
in mega-cities appearing all over the world and a correspondingly high level of rural depopulation. As such,
it is worth asking if this is a direct result of cities being better living environments than the countryside.
First and foremost, cities are places of economic activity. Most people drawn to the city come in search of
work and it is undoubtedly true that cities offer more opportunities: there is money to be made and a wide
variety of jobs to be done. Furthermore, cities offer you a broader range of leisure-time activities: cinemas,
theatres, bars, clubs and galleries all thrive in an urban environment. Another plus is the fact that cities
provide a whole spectrum of differing life-styles, allowing you to choose whatever suits you best.
However, the competitive nature of cities inevitably causes stress. Individuals can fall through the safety nets
society provides and end up homeless. Alcoholism, drug abuse and domestic violence are all unfortunate
side-effects of city life, whilst the high crime rate guarantees suspicion, social isolation and loneliness for
many.
A rural life seemingly offers an idyllic existence. In theory living in a close-knit community means you can
bring up your children safely. However, things are not always what they seem. Narrow-minded attitudes are
common in the countryside and not even the most remote area is free from drug abuse or violence. Urban
drift has left rural areas devastated and high unemployment can lead to despair or even suicide. At the same
time, urbanisation is rapidly eating up the green belt.
All in all, therefore, I feel that cities do offer the best of all possible worlds, provided you are up to the
challenge of making the most of city life.

Sometimes, especially when in an exam, the best difficult part is how to start. If you go past barrier, usually
ideas will flow. Here you have some sentences you can use:

Writing your introductory paragraph

In an argumentative essay, the opening paragraph sets the scene for the whole work. It is important to show
you know why the subject is being discussed and then to introduce the question suggested in the title.
Complete these opening sentences with the following words: growing, interest, problematic, impact, issue,
recent.

1. Second-language learning in schools has become a burning in educational circles.

2. Many .. studies have focussed on the alarming increase in underage drinking.
3. There has recently been concern about the general standard of living on many high-
rise estates.
4. The increase in space travel has generated widespread in the possibility of life on
other planets.
5. The computer revolution of the last thirty years has had a massive on our lives.
6. The continuing illegality of certain drugs is becoming increasingly ..

Key

1. Second-language learning in schools has become a burning issue in educational circles.

2. Many recent studies have focussed on the alarming increase in underage drinking.
3. There has recently been growing concern about the general standard of living on many high-rise
estates.
4. The increase in space travel has generated widespread interest in the possibility of life on other
planets.
5. The computer revolution of the last thirty years has had a massive impact on our lives.
6. The continuing illegality of certain drugs is becoming increasingly problematic.