A ‣ The basis of a discursive essay*

In a discursive essay you have to express your own ideas and point of view [opinion]. It is also important to show that you understand both sides of an argument [reasons for something and reasons against something]. This means you need to understand and use different link words and phrases such as in addition, however, etc. (See Unit 93.)

* an essay that discusses a subject

B ‣ Expressing a point of view

Some people believe [Some people think] that no one should be sent to prison under the age of 18.

There is an argument [a reason to think] that everyone should have a university education.

C ‣ Giving both sides of an argument

One of the advantages of being an only child is that you have more attention from your parents. However, it can be lonely without the company of brothers and sisters.

On the one hand, computers can do so many things faster than human beings. On the other (hand), some people are becoming dependent on them, which is not a good thing.

D ‣ Comparing and contrasting*

We often make comparisons between groups of people, or between the past and the present.

Compared with / to my grandparents, I have had much more opportunity to travel abroad.

In the past people didn’t have computers, but nowadays there is one in almost every home.

Most parts of the developed world have become richer in the last thirty years. In contrast, many countries in Africa have become much poorer.

* saying how two things are similar and how they are different

E ‣ Making generalisations

Sometimes a simple statement is not accurate, e.g. Young people prefer to watch American films.

This is not true for all young people, so we use certain words and phrases to show that we are making a generalisation [saying that something is true most of the time or in most situations].

In general, Japanese society is more focused on groups than individuals. (syn on the whole) Teenagers tend to have [usually have] more freedom than in the past.

F ‣ Cause and effect*

Poor diet and lack of exercise are the main causes of obesity [reasons for being very fat].

Obesity is often the result of a bad diet and not enough exercise.

People don’t eat the right food or get enough exercise, and consequently [because of this; syn as a result] they put on weight. Poor diet can cause obesity, and this can have a bad effect on people’s health.

* how something happens, and then makes something else happen