Discursive essay IELTS task 2
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Writing a discursive essay can be a part of your task 2 exam, therefore you want to make sure you know how to do it to the best of your abilities. To help you get there we have created a step-by-step plan explaining how to structure your discursive essay in order to get the best marks. Spend some time analysing these examples, and memorise the structure. Once you have it in your head, the rest will come naturally.
Definition of discursive essay?
A discursive essay explores different opinions on a specific topic or idea.
The writer gives reasons and facts to support each argument he talks about. He then may provide his own opinion based on his exploration of these different perspectives.
How to structure a discursive essay?
When writing a discursive essay for your exam, you are limited to 200 – 250 words within a time frame of 40 minutes.
We recommend splitting your discursive essay into four paragraphs. This way you’ll get around ten minutes to prepare and write each paragraph.
Paragraph one: introduction
You should always begin your discursive essay with an introduction.
Structure your introduction like this:
1. A background statement.
2. A more detailed background statement.
3. A summary of the opinions (for and against) this topic.
Electric cars will fully replace petrol and diesel-fuelled cars in the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
1. A background statement about the topic:
Electric cars are currently being developed by many well-known automotive companies.
2. A more detailed background statement about the topic:
Many people still question whether electric cars are a feasible replacement for petrol and diesel-fueled vehicles.
3. A summary of the opinions (for and against) this topic:
In this essay I will explore the opinions for and against the use of electric cars and their replacement of petrol and diesel-fuelled cars.
Paragraph two: argument/opinion 1 (for the topic)
In paragraph two you can discuss the first argument/opinion (the argument for the topic).
Structure paragraph two like this:
1. Opinion/argument 1 (for the topic)
2. One example to support this opinion/argument
3. A concluding sentence summing up the opinion/argument 1
Try to use connectors like:
1. Opinion/argument 1:
On one hand, electric cars are environmentally friend. They require no non-renewable energy and are clean to run and maintain on the road.
2. One example to support this opinion/argument:
To support this opinion, recent studies show that the use of electric cars helps to minimize pollution in urban and rural areas.
3. A concluding sentence summing up the opinion/argument 1:
Clearly, electric cars are one way to tackle ecological concerns and support a ‘greener’ environment.
Paragraph three: argument/opinion 2 (against the topic)
In paragraph three write about the opinion/argument 2 (usually going against the topic).
Structure your paragraph three like this:
1. Opinion/argument 2 (against the topic)
2. One example to support this opinion/argument
3. A concluding sentence summing up the opinion/argument 2
1. Opinion/argument 2 (against the topic):
On the other hand, electric cars are inconvenient to maintain and to dispose of.
2. One example to support this opinion/argument:
The driver of an electric vehicle must recharge his car approximately every 100 kilometres.
In addition, the plutonium battery of an electric car is toxic to the environment and must be safely disposed of through expensive means.
3. A concluding sentence summing up the opinion/argument 2:
In brief, scientists are still exploring ways to produce these types of vehicles so that they are easier to manufacture, maintain and use safely.
Paragraph four: concluding paragraph
The last paragraph of your discursive essay should contain a summary of both previous opinions, and be ended with the writer’s opinion.
The last paragraph should be structured like this:
1. Summary of both previous opinions.
Use key phrases like:
2. The writer’s opinion.
Use language like:
3. Suggestion and Conclusion
1. Summary of both previous opinions:
To sum up, it’s evident that there are both pros and cons in the development of electric vehicles.
2. The writer’s opinion:
Despite the expense of development and the inconvenience of recharging electric cars, I still believe strongly that it is well worth the investment to continue research and production of these vehicles.
3. Suggestion and Conclusion:
To conclude, we should remain open, supportive to the use of electric cars and to their development in the future.
The full example of a discursive essay written following our structure
Electric cars are currently being developed by many well-known automotive companies. Many people still question whether electric cars are a feasible replacement for petrol and diesel-fuelled vehicles. In this essay, I will explore the opinions for and against the use of electric cars and their replacement of petrol and diesel-fuelled cars.
On one hand, electric cars are environmentally friend. They require no non-renewable energy and are clean to run and maintain on the road. To support this opinion, recent studies show that the use of electric cars helps to minimize pollution in urban and rural areas. Clearly, electric cars are one way to tackle ecological concerns and support a ‘greener’ environment.
On the other hand, electric cars are inconvenient to maintain and to dispose of. The driver of an electric vehicle must recharge his car approximately every 100 kilometres. In addition, the plutonium battery of an electric car is toxic to the environment and must be safely disposed of through expensive means. In brief, scientists are still exploring ways to produce these types of vehicles so that they are easier to manufacture, maintain and use safely.
To sum up, it’s evident that there are both pros and cons in the development of electric vehicles. Despite the expense of development and the inconvenience of recharging electric cars, I still believe strongly that it is well worth the investment to continue research and production of these vehicles. To conclude, we should remain open, supportive to the use of electric cars and to their development in the future.
For an introduction on how to start IELTS writing task 2 click here:
For more practice, take a look at our task 2 sample essays, a band 9 IELTS essay or our essay correction service to help you improve your band score!
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What is a discursive essay?
A discursive essay is an essay where you are required to write on something, which can be either argued for the topic or against the topic. However, some discursive essays can also be written in a way where you don’t have to choose any particular side but to present your views on both the sides in a balanced manner. Sometimes you might also be required to write a discursive essay wherein you don’t argue for or against the topic or statement but instead need to present your own unbiased views and opinions on that matter.
Writing a discursive essay forces you to review all aspects and viewpoints of a particular topic, allowing you to think deeper and more critical. There are three types of discursive essays:
One example is using connectives by use of words like ‘equally’, ‘similarly’ in highlighting the similarities of two different paragraphs and where joining two similar paragraphs are required. Another important consideration while writing a discursive essay is that it should have technical and formal language in it. You should always try to use formal language in a discursive essay and do not use informal language, as the very nature of the discursive essay is formal. Other than that, you can also use persuasive writing techniques like the use of imagery, metaphors, repetition, hyperbole, similes, oxymoron, triads, where applicable, but keeping in mind that the structure of the essay remains intact. Otherwise, it will look more like a persuasive essay rather than the discursive one.
As with any other academic essay, a discursive essay also comes with a certain standard structure that other academic essays follow and that is: the introduction, the main body and the conclusion. The points mentioned below will help you become better in writing a discursive essay.
How to Write a Discursive Essay
Structure of a discursive essay
If you have followed the above points, you will surely find it much easier to write a discursive essay at your school, college or university life.
Discursive Essay Topics: 50 Most Creative Ideas
Good discursive essay topics will force you to review all aspects and viewpoints of a particular subject matter, allowing you to think deeper and more critical. Topics for discursive essays are wide and varied. Below is a comprehensive list of 50 ideas for discursive essays that you can refer to any time.
A good discursive essay topic is one in which you can be both passionate and objective about. Choosing a discursive essay topic that you are passionate about will enable you to have a lot of content for the essay. However, you must also be able to be objective so as not to create biases that can affect your ability to appropriately weigh the pros and cons of the subject matter. Try to keep this in mind when choosing your next discursive essay topic.
How to Write a Discursive Essay: Tips to Succeed & Examples
So, you need to write a discursive essay. The typical questions most students ask are: How do you write it? What is the meaning of discursive?
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A discursive essay is an academic paper that involves a discussion on a particular topic. It is usually assigned to college students. You may be required to write a paper wherein you have to do one of the following:
Check out the tips from Custom-writing.org experts below. They will assist you in discursive writing and encourage you to examine essay examples.
❓ What Is a Discursive Essay?
First of all, let’s figure out what the discursive essay is.
You may think it’s similar to the argumentative essay. Yes, but there’s a difference between them in the structure and purpose of these two types of assignments:
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| Discursive essays | Argumentative essays | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Purpose | To provide a reliable and unbiased assessment of an issue. Nevertheless, your discursive writing does not have to be completely neutral. You should write it using the facts and research reports to present both sides of the issue. | To persuade the reader in your position, providing supporting evidence. This essay type relies on thorough research so that the author can both convince and educate the reader. However, the result should be less passionate and more concise than that of a persuasive essay. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Structure | Its style is more impersonal and formal in comparison with other assignment types: We will take a detailed look at how to structure a discursive essay later, and now let’s find out what are the types of this assignment. 🏁 Discursive Essay: Main TypesYou have to think more critically and more in-depth when reviewing all viewpoints and aspects of discursive writing. Check these three main types of essay writing: 📑 How to Write a Discursive EssayWell, it’s time to talk about the structure of a discursive essay. Like most of the assignments, a discursive paper starts with an introduction and ends with a conclusion: IntroductionThe first question you may ask is how to start a discursive essay introduction. Simple! We will write a custom essays specifically Get your first paper with 15% OFF You may be wondering… Is there something I should avoid in my discursive essay introduction? Yes. No stereotypes and generalizations, please! Main BodyThe next step under formal essay writing you should take is to compose the body. There are a few points you should remember: ConclusionWell, you’ve almost finished your writing. Now you should focus on the last section. Keep reading, and you will learn how to write a conclusion for a discursive essay. Keep it short. Your conclusion length should not exceed one paragraph. 👍 Do’s and Don’tsDo you want more discursive essay writing tips? Fine! Just check them below: Basic Do’s of a Discursive EssayBasic Don’Ts of a Discursive EssayWell, now you know what discursive essay means, what are its main types, and how to structure it. Good luck with your discussions and discursive essays! Be sure to check out the articles on our blog for more academic wisdom. By the way, on the Custom-Writing website, you may find the best essay topics for your academic writing. And don’t forget to share your opinion in the comments below. You might also be interested in: ✏️ Discursive Essay FAQThere is no one definitely correct answer to this question. Like any other essay, the text should have a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The most important thing is that the overall book needs to be cohesive, persuasive, and exciting to read. An example of a step by step guide is: 1. Take a closer look at the topic, think about the points to cover. 2. Choose the most relevant points and compose the Body of the essay. 3. Add an appropriate Introduction and Conclusion. To write a good conclusion, you need to have the rest of the essay finished. Does the body of your essay present well-structured points? Great, then see what you can conclude based on that. If possible, make a connection between the introduction and the conclusion. To ensure that your essay has a perfect structure, start with creating an outline. Based on such a plan, you can present your points step by step. Your text should have a relevant introduction, several points in the main body (with examples), and a logical conclusion. Как писать IELTS essayРанее мы разобрали стратегию выполнения первого задания письменной части экзамена IELTS, сегодня же рассмотрим второе задание — написание эссе IELTS. Оно оценивается выше первого, поэтому многие делают на него большую ставку.
Эссе — это изложение мыслей на заданную тему, которое должно быть четким по структуре и формальным или нейтральным по стилю. В IELTS Writing кандидатам для размышления предлагаются спорные вопросы, которые касаются нашей повседневной жизни. Эта статья поможет понять логику заданий и научиться писать разные типы эссе IELTS. Общие сведения об эссе IELTSНаписание эссе подразумевает выражение своего мнения по определенной теме, подкрепленного доказательствами и примерами. Рекомендуемое время выполнения работы составляет 40 минут, а объем — 250 слов. Примеры, приведенные в статье, взяты из учебников IELTS Writing Task 2 и The Complete Solution IELTS Writing. Структура работы:1. Вступление — 2-3 предложенияВступление должно быть коротким, простым и содержать:
Вступление вашего эссе — это перефразированная тема задания. Далее вы должны дать обобщенный короткий ответ на вопрос из задания. Рассмотрим варианты замены слов и выражений: affected → have had an influence Основные правила написания вступления: 2. Параграфы (2 или 3) — по 5-6 предложений каждыйВ этой части работы кандидату необходимо выразить свою точку зрения, аргументированно ее доказать и привести примеры. Текст нужно разделить на параграфы по принципы 1 параграф — 1 мысль. Количество параграфов в работе будет зависеть от типа эссе IELTS, про которые мы поговорим позже. Topic sentence (тематическое предложение) — это первое предложение вашего параграфа, которое в общем характеризует вашу мысль. После него следует переходить к деталям и доказательствам вашей точки зрения.
Первое предложение — topic sentence. Оно обобщенное, не сообщает ничего конкретного и в то же время дает понять, о чем пойдет речь в параграфе. Автор выбрал три сферы для описания, это понятно по связующим словам — firstly, secondly, finally. Он не только аргументированно доказывает свою точку зрения, но и приводит реальные примеры из жизни — for example. Во втором параграфе автор разбирает позитивное и негативное влияние технологий при помощи вводных конструкций on the one hand и on the other hand. Положительное влияние он описывает при помощи контрастного сравнения прошлого и настоящего, что подкрепляется словом nowadays. Отрицательное же влияние раскрывается при помощи примера. 3. Вывод — 2-3 предложенияГлавное правило написания вывода в работе — не вводить новую информацию. Вам нужно либо перефразировать уже сказанное во вступлении, либо подытожить информацию в параграфах.
Вывод кандидат начинает с вводной конструкции in conclusion и говорит в общем о последствиях воздействия технологий. Типы эссе IELTSСтруктура эссе IELTS не меняется, каким бы ни был вопрос. Но от типа эссе IELTS зависит, как вы построите свое вступление и как разделите информацию на параграфы. Opinion essayOpinion essay подразумевает выражение своей точки зрения. Вы можете полностью согласиться с неким утверждением, частично либо выразить полное несогласие. Способ 1. Кандидат полностью согласен или полностью не согласен В этом случае каждому аргументу в поддержку вашей точки зрения необходимо посвятить по параграфу. В таком типе эссе свое мнение вы указываете во вступлении и выводе. Структура opinion essay 1: Способ 2. Кандидат частично согласен или частично не согласен Выбирая сбалансированный подход, вы должны не только описать проблему с двух сторон (один параграф — пункты за, а второй — пункты против), но и указать, какая позиция вам ближе. При этом желательно начать с идеи, которая вам менее близка, а второй параграф посвятить той, которой вы придерживаетесь. Свою позицию вы должны указать в трех местах: во вступлении, в выводе и в topic sentence второго параграфа. Структура opinion essay 2:
Во вступлении автор выражает свое мнение, начиная со слов in my opinion. В первом параграфе он указывает менее близкую для него позицию, а во втором — ту, к которой склоняется больше. При этом он приводит последовательные и убедительные аргументы в поддержку своего мнения при помощи вводных конструкций on the one hand, on the other hand. В выводе автор использует вводный оборот in conclusion и обобщает свое мнение с помощью фразы I am still convinced that. Discussion essayВ этом типе эссе IELTS вам дается тема, к которой нужно привести аргументы за и против. Собственное мнение нужно указывать, только если об этом сказано в задании. Если оно требуется, то структура работы будет совпадать со сбалансированным подходом (способ 2) opinion essay. Структура discussion essay:
Основная разница между opinion essay и discussion essay: в первом случае вы описываете свою точку зрения, а во втором — соглашаетесь или опровергаете чужую. Если в opinion essay вы можете привести примеры из вашей жизни, то в discussion essay вы аргументированно объясняете, почему одни люди придерживаются одних взглядов, а другие — противоположных. Рассмотрим разницу на примерах частей из параграфов:
Advantage and disadvantage essayПо своей сути advantage and disadvantage essay — то же самое, что discussion essay, только вам нужно описать плюсы и минусы идеи или какого-то явления. В одном параграфе вы указываете плюсы, а в другом — минусы, порядок не имеет значения. Структура advantage and disadvantage essay:
Слова benefits, advantageous и to benefit указывают на преимущества годового перерыва в обучении, в то время как drawbacks, an opposite angle, to lose и to demotivate — на недостатки этого явления. В конце автор делает вывод при помощи словосочетания despite some benefits. Полезные слова и выражения:
Cause and effect or solution essayВ этом типе эссе вам нужно указать причины и последствия определенной проблемы, а иногда предложить и пути ее решения.
Перечисляя причины, автор использует следующие выражения: main reasons, the causes of this phenomenon are varied, the origins of the problem mainly come from. Для перечисления последствий он применяет выражения a good or bad effect, to have an influence, severe influences, is adversely affecting и the effects can be seen as negative.
Direct question essayВ эссе с прямо поставленными вопросами требуется ответить на каждый из них в отдельном параграфе, приведя по 2 аргумента.
Основные темы IELTS essayДля написания эссе нужно уметь выразить свое мнение по самым разным вопросам, а также привести уместные аргументы и примеры. Основные темы IELTS essay: Чтобы вы могли написать эссе на любую тему, расширяйте свой кругозор: читайте тематические статьи, смотрите видеоролики и т. д. Вы должны уметь привести весомые аргументы по любому вопросу. Приведем примеры аргументов за и против на тему «Тестирование медицинских препаратов на животных». Аргументы за тесты над животными: Аргументы против тестирования на животных: Советы по подготовке к IELTS essayСоветы для самостоятельной подготовки к написанию эссе IELTS: Причины для подготовки к IELTS essay с преподавателем: Советы по написанию IELTS essay: IELTS Writing — та часть экзамена, где без преподавателя сложно понять, есть ли у вас прогресс, даже если вы максимально мотивированы на успех. Чтобы набить руку и писать хорошие эссе IELTS, записывайтесь на пробный урок и начинайте заниматься.  Привет, друзья! Сегодня мы с вами поговорим о замечательной  Привет, дорогие дети! Сегодня я хочу рассказать вам  Дорогие дети, сегодня мы поговорим о загадочной поговорке «  Привет, дорогие дети! Сегодня мы поговорим о забавной |
