Discursive essays
Write discursive essays that explore several perspectives fairly before reaching a reasoned position.
In this lesson you will
- Present multiple viewpoints fairly
- Use impersonal language for others’ views
- Reach a reasoned, balanced conclusion
Learn
A discursive essay explores an issue from different angles. Unlike a purely argumentative essay, it gives serious weight to several perspectives before (optionally) taking a position.
Structure: introduction (issue + why it matters) → perspective 1 → perspective 2 → (perspective 3 / synthesis) → conclusion (balanced judgement).
Presenting views impersonally: Proponents of… maintain that… ; Those who oppose… point out that… ; From an economic perspective, … ; It is often argued that… ; A further consideration is…
Fairness: present each view at its strongest (no ‘straw man’). Then evaluate: While both positions have merit, the evidence tends to favour…
Examples
- Proponents of a universal basic income maintain that it would reduce poverty and bureaucracy.
- From an economic perspective, however, the cost could be prohibitive.
- While both positions have merit, a gradual pilot approach may offer the most reliable evidence.
Vocabulary
discursive
discussing several aspects of a topic
proponent
a supporter of an idea
perspective
a way of viewing something
straw man
a weak, distorted version of an opponent’s argument
prohibitive
too expensive to be possible
Practice
A discursive essay…
Speaking
Present two perspectives on zoos (conservation vs animal welfare) for 45 seconds each, then give a balanced judgement.
Writing
Write a discursive essay (300–350 words): “Should wealthy countries accept more climate migrants?” Present at least two perspectives fairly and reach a balanced conclusion.
- ☐ Issue introduced and its importance explained
- ☐ At least two perspectives, each presented fairly
- ☐ Impersonal language for others’ views
- ☐ Evaluation
- ☐ Balanced conclusion
Lesson quiz
“Critics point out that…” presents…
Review
Key points
- Several perspectives, fairly.
- Impersonal language for views.
- No straw men.
- Balanced judgement.
What you learned
- ✓ I can write discursive essays.
- ✓ I present views fairly.
- ✓ I reach reasoned conclusions.