give reasons support oppose persuade convince

Advantages and disadvantages

Expressing opinions/providing solutions to problems

Expressing for and against a topic

Compare and contrast something or somebody

Your reader may not agree with you, you may have to persuade them.

You may have to defend an idea or disprove an argument.

A discursive essay, like any argument, follows when people disagree about something. Your job is to try and convince them you know best (without actually saying that).

The argument essay takes a side of an issue; it often suggests something is done. The general thesis statement is usually expressed with the modal should.

e.g. All governments should make sport compulsory for all students.

On the other hand, someone else might argue that students should be able to choose if they wish to play sport or not.

1) Introduce and explain the issue or case.

2) Offer reasons for your opinion and give evidence or examples for those

reasons

3) Give reasons against (refute) the opposing arguments

4) Conclusion

This is the place to give some background on the topic e.g.

Why sport should be compulsory for all students.

There are many countries and schools in the world where students are not expected to play sport. Some people think sport is just a hobby or pastime and not important, so it should not be part of student life. However, some valuable reasons for sport to be compulsory for students are about the health of individuals and of society, as well as having a broad education.

The first reason why students should have compulsory sport is for their personal health. We are told of the many problems from obesity, causing ongoing health problems e.g. to heart and blood pressure. These problems can be helped by reduced weight and this can be helped by keeping fit by playing sport.

The second reason for compulsory sport for students is the value to society. If students are all involved in sport, then their schools, families and communities get behind them, supporting the teams and generally enjoying the whole thing. Happiness is very important for a healthy society. Sport is a proven way for communities to enjoy time together, not just at World Cup or Olympics time but also at local inter-school competitions.

Some people argue that sport is just a hobby and should be a choice, not compulsory. This might be correct for later in life, but only after a good healthy pattern has been set and the student has learned the lesson of the value of sport. Choice is not a good enough reason to cancel out the need to play sport to be a healthy, slimmer student.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why sport should be compulsory for students. The most important of these relate to their health and the health and happiness of their societies. The truth is that people will continue to get more obese and be more unhealthy unless we do something to prevent this. Compulsory sport for students is one thing we can do.

4 Paragraphs

1.Topic sentence / Introduces the subject2.Good / advantage3.Bad / disadvantage4.Conclusion

Revise pg 24 + 25 from R+W Book to help you

write the essay

Sequence firstly / secondly / finally / in the first place / lastly

Contrast in spite of / however / on the other hand / despite

Examples e.g. / for example / for instance

Endings to conclude / in conclusion

Linkers – linking ideas Linkers – linking ideas Words that develop an argument:-as a result, in view of this, because of this, obviously, as a consequence,consequently, this being so …

Words that reinforce an argument:- moreover, furthermore, and, further, in addition, also, not only…but also, indeed,

Words that change the direction of an argument:-however, yet, but, nevertheless, although, in spite of, on the other hand, whilst, on the contrary, alternatively, despite ….

Words that conclude an argument:- In conclusion, to sum up

Discursive essays must be well organized. The points should be signposted or noted

briefly in the introduction. Each point is discussed in a new paragraph. Remember to include reasons/evidence

why your points are valid or true, with examples.

Include a paragraph saying why one or two opposing points are not important or true.

Sum up in a clear conclusion.

When selecting which hair salons to visit,

reputation should be the only factor inmaking your choice. (250 words)

Question 1 - Playing in a team has much more to offer than competing as an individual. How much do you agree or disagree with this statement? (250 words)

Question 2 - Nowadays, people are too dependant on computers. How much do you agree or disagree with this statement? (250 words)

Question 3 - English should be the official language in Saudi Arabia. How much do you agree or disagree with this statement? (250 words)

Question 4 - Violence on the screen encourages violence in real life. How much do you agree or disagree with this statement? (250 words)

Princess Nora Bint Abdul Rahman University PYP English Program

Good example of essay - Mobile technology

Mobile phones are now a part of our everyday lives. Most people find them essential and could not manage without them. However, there are also some drawbacks to owning and using a mobile phone.

There are three main advantages to having mobile phones. Firstly, there is the convenience of being able to make or receive a phone call at any time and in any place. Secondly, they are essential for keeping in touch with family and friends. Parents worried about their children ca n always ring them to check they are safe, and children can let their family know if they are going to be late home. Finally, mobile phones can save lives. For example, if there is an accident, help can be called immediately, wherever the accident takes place.

On the other hand, there are significant problems with the use of mobile phones. In the first place, using them can cause accidents, for instance, when people are driving and using their phone at the same time. In addition, the loud use of mobile phones in public places such as restaurants and cinemas is rude and can be very irritating for other people. Lastly, there has been an increase in street crime directly related to mobile phones. People have been attacked and their phones stolen from them.

NEEDS A CONCLUSION