UK K12 GCSE/A-Level: Year 6 KS2 English - Writing, Discursive Essay and Argument

Learning Objectives

By the end of this topic, students will be able to:

• Understand the purpose and structure of a discursive essay
• Identify and explain the key features of a discursive essay, including the use of arguments, counterarguments, and evidence
• Write a clear and well-structured discursive essay, using persuasive language and rhetorical devices
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different arguments and counterarguments in a discursive essay
• Recognize and address common misconceptions in discursive essay writing

Core Concepts

A discursive essay is a type of essay that presents a balanced argument on a particular topic, using evidence and reasoning to support a point of view. It is often used in academic writing, journalism, and public speaking.

Key Features of a Discursive Essay

• Arguments: A clear and well-supported claim or assertion that is based on evidence and reasoning.
• Counterarguments: A opposing view or argument that is presented in order to strengthen the main argument or to show that it is not the only possible perspective.
• Evidence: Facts, statistics, expert opinions, or other types of data that are used to support an argument.
• Persuasive language: Language that is used to persuade the reader or audience to adopt a particular point of view.
• Rhetorical devices: Techniques used to persuade or engage the reader, such as metaphors, allusions, and repetition.

The Structure of a Discursive Essay

A discursive essay typically follows a standard structure, which includes:

• Introduction: An introduction that presents the topic and sets out the main argument.
• Body paragraphs: One or more body paragraphs that present arguments, counterarguments, and evidence.
• Conclusion: A conclusion that summarizes the main points and reiterates the main argument.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Writing a Discursive Essay

Imagine that you have been asked to write a discursive essay on the topic "Should schools start later in the day?" You have decided to argue in favor of later start times.

Here is a possible introduction:

"Should schools start later in the day? This is a question that has been debated by parents, teachers, and students for many years. While some argue that an earlier start time is necessary for academic success, I believe that a later start time would have numerous benefits for students. In this essay, I will argue that schools should start later in the day, citing evidence from research and expert opinions."

And here is a possible body paragraph:

"One of the main benefits of a later start time is that it would allow students to get more sleep. Research has shown that teenagers need between 8-10 hours of sleep per night, but many students are not getting enough sleep due to early start times. By starting school later, students would be able to get the sleep they need, which would improve their concentration, memory, and mood. This would lead to better academic performance and a reduced risk of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety."

Example 2: Evaluating Arguments

Imagine that you have been asked to evaluate the following argument:

"Schools should start later in the day because it would allow students to get more sleep. This is a well-known fact, and it is supported by numerous studies. Furthermore, a later start time would give students more time to relax and enjoy their leisure activities, which would improve their overall well-being."

This argument is persuasive because it:

• Presents a clear and well-supported claim (students need more sleep)
• Uses evidence from research to support the claim (numerous studies)
• Appeals to the reader's emotions by emphasizing the benefits of a later start time (improved well-being)

However, the argument could be strengthened by:

• Addressing potential counterarguments (e.g. what about students who have early morning commitments or responsibilities?)
• Providing more specific evidence to support the claim (e.g. what are the exact benefits of a later start time?)
• Using more persuasive language to engage the reader (e.g. what are the consequences of not getting enough sleep?)

Common Misconceptions

• Misconception 1: A discursive essay is the same as a persuasive essay.
• Misconception 2: A discursive essay must present only one side of the argument.
• Misconception 3: A discursive essay is not relevant to real-life situations.
• Misconception 4: A discursive essay is only about presenting facts and figures.

Exam Tips

• Tip 1: Make sure to understand the topic and the question before starting to write.
• Tip 2: Use clear and concise language to present your argument.
• Tip 3: Use evidence and reasoning to support your argument.
• Tip 4: Address potential counterarguments and criticisms.
• Tip 5: Use persuasive language and rhetorical devices to engage the reader.

MCQs with Explanations

MCQ 1: [F]

What is the main purpose of a discursive essay?

A) To present a clear and well-supported claim B) To persuade the reader to adopt a particular point of view C) To present a balanced argument on a particular topic D) To entertain the reader with a story

Correct answer: C) To present a balanced argument on a particular topic

Why the distractors fail:

• A) This is a feature of a discursive essay, but it is not the main purpose.
• B) This is a feature of a persuasive essay, but it is not the main purpose of a discursive essay.
• D) This is not a purpose of a discursive essay.

MCQ 2: [H]

What is the term for a technique used to persuade or engage the reader?

A) Rhetorical device B) Persuasive language C) Evidence D) Argument

Correct answer: A) Rhetorical device

Why the distractors fail:

• B) This is a feature of a discursive essay, but it is not the term for a technique used to persuade or engage the reader.
• C) This is a feature of a discursive essay, but it is not the term for a technique used to persuade or engage the reader.
• D) This is a feature of a discursive essay, but it is not the term for a technique used to persuade or engage the reader.

MCQ 3: [F]

What is the structure of a discursive essay?

A) Introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion B) Introduction, conclusion, body paragraphs C) Body paragraphs, introduction, conclusion D) Conclusion, introduction, body paragraphs

Correct answer: A) Introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion

Why the distractors fail:

• B) This is the reverse of the correct order.
• C) This is the reverse of the correct order.
• D) This is the reverse of the correct order.

MCQ 4: [H]

What is the term for a opposing view or argument that is presented in order to strengthen the main argument or to show that it is not the only possible perspective?

A) Counterargument B) Argument C) Evidence D) Persuasive language

Correct answer: A) Counterargument

Why the distractors fail:

• B) This is the main argument, not the opposing view.
• C) This is the evidence used to support the argument, not the opposing view.
• D) This is the language used to persuade the reader, not the opposing view.

MCQ 5: [F]

What is the main benefit of a later start time for schools?

A) Students would get more sleep B) Students would have more time to relax and enjoy their leisure activities C) Students would have more time to focus on their academic work D) Students would have more time to participate in extracurricular activities

Correct answer: A) Students would get more sleep

Why the distractors fail:

• B) This is a potential benefit of a later start time, but it is not the main benefit.
• C) This is not a direct benefit of a later start time.
• D) This is not a direct benefit of a later start time.

Short-answer questions

Question 1

What is the main purpose of a discursive essay? Provide an example of a discursive essay topic and explain how you would approach it.

Question 2

What are the key features of a discursive essay? Provide an example of a discursive essay and identify the key features.

Question 3

What is the structure of a discursive essay? Provide an example of a discursive essay and explain how it follows the standard structure.

Question 4

What is the term for a technique used to persuade or engage the reader? Provide an example of a rhetorical device used in a discursive essay.

Question 5

What is the main benefit of a later start time for schools? Provide evidence from research to support your answer.