1. Clear and Focused Thesis Statement:
* Discursive writing begins with a clear and concise thesis statement that states the main argument or topic being explored.
* This statement should be specific enough to guide the reader through the discussion.
2. Logical Organization:
* The writing is organized in a logical and coherent manner, usually following a structure like:
* Introduction with thesis statement
* Body paragraphs with supporting arguments and evidence
* Counterarguments and refutations
* Conclusion summarizing the main points and restating the thesis.
3. Evidence and Supporting Arguments:
* Discursive writing relies on evidence to support its claims. This evidence can be:
* Facts and statistics
* Examples and anecdotes
* Expert opinions
* Research findings
4. Balanced Presentation of Different Perspectives:
* Discursive writing acknowledges and explores different perspectives on the topic, including opposing viewpoints.
* It aims to present a fair and balanced analysis, avoiding bias or prejudice.
5. Counterarguments and Refutations:
* The author addresses potential counterarguments and refutes them with strong evidence and reasoning.
* This demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic and helps strengthen the overall argument.
6. Formal and Academic Tone:
* Discursive writing typically employs a formal and objective tone, avoiding slang or overly informal language.
* It focuses on clear and concise communication.
7. Objective and Impartial Language:
* The writer strives to maintain objectivity and impartiality throughout the piece, avoiding personal opinions or emotional appeals.
* The focus is on presenting information and arguments clearly and logically.
8. Call to Action (Optional):
* While not always present, some discursive writing may conclude with a call to action, encouraging the reader to think critically, take action, or engage further with the topic.
Examples of Discursive Writing:
* Essays
* Articles
* Research Papers
* Debates
* Discussions
Note: Discursive writing is distinct from persuasive writing, which aims to convince the reader to adopt a specific viewpoint. While both genres use evidence and arguments, discursive writing aims for a balanced and objective exploration, while persuasive writing aims to persuade the reader to agree with a particular position.