How to write a good essay II - The subject matter

Sep 22, 2026

Upload by Aditya

A guide to writing a strong discursive essay focused on the subject matter. It defines discursive essays as formal writing that examines a particular issue through structured argument. It explains three main types—for-and-against, opinion essays, and solution-focused essays—then outlines required components: an introduction stating the topic, a body with clearly separated justified points, and a closing paragraph that summarizes and restates the opinion with balanced consideration. It also details formal style features and useful techniques.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

How to write a good essay II: The subject matter

Discursive Essays

Formal style

Points to consider

| EXCERPT B
Read the following excerpts and find examples of each of the features
People argue a lot nowadays about
of formal and informal style listed in the table below.
whether or not works of art from one
country should be sold to another.I
EXCERPT A
don't think they should be.If they are,
A matter of considerable controversy
then the people in the country of origin
at present is the issue of whether works
lose out on the chance to see stuff that
of art should remain in their country of
really belongs to them.This just isn't
oriqin,or rather the owners of such
right.It's a problem,too,when you see
works should be allowed to sell them to
works of art in the wrong place.I mean,
collectors abroad,thus depriving the
the Parthenon friezes look boring the
country's population of a vital part of its
way they show them in the British
cultural heritage.Strong arquments
Museum.That's just not where they
exist in support of both sides of this
belong.But if you could see them on
debate,which implies that it is worth
the Parthenon,they'd look grea ...
examining both points of view before | | | --- | --- | | reaching any conclusions.
Should such sales be permitted.it is
arqued that the country of origin would lose pieces of art which rightfully
belona where thev were created.In addition.works of art which were
created to be viewed in a certain setting,or as part of a particular struc-
ture.lose a areat deal of their artistic impact when removed from this
context.Venus de Milo,an ancient statue of Aphrodite is a clear case in
point:this conspicuous example of the Hellenistic sculptural tradition,
carved in 150 BC and found on the Aegean island of Melos in 1820,is
now decoratina nothina more inspiring than a room at the Louvre
Museum in Paris .. | Beginning and endlng
dlscursive essays
In the first paragraph,you should state
the topic and/or your opinion,and you
may include one or more of the
following techniques.
● Make reference to an unusual or
striking idea/scene/situation
e.g.Imagine millions of people coming
home from school or work every da
to sit staring at a wall for four hours. | EATE 18th Annual Conference 4 # How to write a good essay II:The subject matter Natalja Zagura,University of Tartu # Discursive Essays A A discursive essay is a piece of formal writing which discusses a particular issue, situation or problem. There are three main types of discursive essays. i For and aaainst essavs present both sides of an issue,discussing points in favour of a particular topic as well as those against,or the advantages and disadvantages of a particular question.Each point should be supported by justifications,examples,and/or reasons.The writer's own opinion should be presented only in thefinal paragraph. ii Opinion essavs Dresent thewriter's personal opinion concening the topic,clear- ly stated and supported by reasons and/or examples.The opposing viewpont and reason should be included in a separate paragraph before the closing one, together with an argument that shows it is an unconvincing viewpoint.The writer's opinion should be included in the introduction,and summarised/restated in the conclusion. iii Essays suggesting solutions to problems,in which the problem(s)associated with a particular issue or situation are analysed and possible solutions are put for- ward,together with any expected results/consequences.The writer's opinion may be mentioned,directly or indirectly,in the introduction and/or conclusion. y A good discursive essay should consist of: a)an introductory paragraph in which you clearly state the topic to be discussed; ## Formal style ● Address the reader directly b)a maln body,in which points are clearly stated in separ

FAQs

What is a discursive essay and what does it discuss?

A discursive essay is formal writing that discusses a particular issue, situation, or problem. It presents and develops arguments around the topic.

What are the three main types of discursive essays?

They are for-and-against essays (both sides), opinion essays (personal view plus counterview), and solution essays (analyze problems and propose solutions with expected results).

What is required in a good discursive essay?

It should include an introductory paragraph stating the topic, a main body with clearly stated points in separate exemplified or justified paragraphs, and a closing paragraph summarising the main points and restating the opinion and/or giving balanced consideration.

Sep 22, 2026

Upload by Aditya