English Second Language·Writing skills · NSSCO 5.9
The argumentative / discursive essay
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Some essays ask you to pick a side and fight for it; others ask you to weigh both sides fairly and then decide. In this gentle lesson Miss Veronica shows you the difference between an argumentative essay and a discursive essay, how to build a strong point with a Reason and an Example, how to plan for and against a topic, and which persuasive and linking words hold it all together — ready for Paper 1, Task 6.
What you'll learn in this lesson
By the end you should be able to (NSSCO English Second Language 5.9):
- Learners should be able to explain the difference between an argumentative essay (which takes one side) and a discursive essay (which weighs both sides and gives a balanced view).
- Learners should be able to structure the essay with an introduction that names the topic and position, body paragraphs, and a clear conclusion.
- Learners should be able to build a body paragraph from a clear Point, a Reason, and an Example, and to turn a bare opinion into a reasoned argument.
- Learners should be able to plan for and against a topic using a for-and-against table before they begin to write.
- Learners should be able to include a counter-argument — mentioning the other side and answering it.
- Learners should be able to use persuasive and linking language for adding, contrast, cause and example, and to keep an assertive but polite tone.
- Learners should be able to keep to about 200 to 250 words, stay relevant to the task, and avoid the common pitfalls.
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Miss Veronica and Mike talk through the whole topic — with the figure and working drawn live.