DISCURSIVE WRITING

PRACTICE TASKS
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:

 The practice of photographic image

enhancement is potentially dangerous. Discuss
 It is unnecessary for all students to achieve a
qualification in English and maths. Discuss
 Should cannabis be legalised for adult use?
Discuss
 Music forms a major part of our communication
with each other. Discuss
PLANNING
Write down three or four strong points to support
your argument. Then write the opposing
viewpoint. For each point, think of two, or more
pieces of evidence.
For example:
(POINT) The excessive use of cars causes
environmental damage.
(EVIDENCE)1. Flooding 2. Global warming 3.
Health issues
INTRODUCTION
Use the title to write your introduction. Pad it out with
some additional information then state your own
opinion.
For example:
Are there too many cars on our roads? Discuss
Many people are concerned by the ever increasing number of cars on
our roads. Our small island is having to bear the brunt of this
phenomenon and our public transport systems seem unable to offer a
viable alternative to privately owned vehicles. Should we feel anxious?
Personally, I think that we should take a far more serious look at
addressing this growing problem before it’s too late.

WRITE YOUR OWN INTRODUCTION USING YOUR CHOSEN TOPIC

P.E.E. PARAGRAPHS

Point – Evidence – Explain

(POINT)The increase in the number of cars on our roads is causing environmental
problems. (EVIDENCE) 1.During the winter of 2014, our country experienced
flooding on an unprecedented scale. Many people are of the opinion that this was
not only the result of excessive rainfall and lack of river dredging, but the continual
drive to cover our landscape in tarmac, thus preventing rainwater from draining
away into the ground. 2.It is also a well-documented, scientific fact that exhaust
emissions from cars cause damage to the ozone layer which, in turn, impacts on
global warming, resulting in the polar ice caps melting as global temperatures rise
– more flooding! 3.Do you suffer from asthma or other respiratory diseases? Here,
again, we see evidence of other problems caused by our love of cars - a massive
20% increase in respiratory diseases.
(EXPLAIN) Don’t we have enough evidence to demonstrate the harm we are causing
the Earth? Surely our children’s children deserve a better legacy than the one we
are creating through our profligate use of fossil fuels.

WRITE YOUR OWN P.E.E. PARAGRAPH USING YOUR CHOSEN TOPIC

OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS & COUNTER ARGUMENTS

It is fair to say that not everyone is of the same opinion and there are sceptics
who would argue that the changes in our climate are, in fact, due to naturally
occurring fluctuations in weather patterns. However, it is hard to dispute the
results demonstrated through decades of research by leading scientists in the
field of climate change. Even the politicians are concerned:
“The warnings about global warming have been extremely clear for a long time.
We are facing a global climate crisis. It is deepening. We are entering a period
of consequences.”
AL GORE, speech at National Sierra Club Convention, Sept. 9, 2005

WRITE YOUR OWN OPPOSING VIEWPOINT AND COUNTER ARGUMENT USING

YOUR CHOSEN TOPIC
CONCLUSION
Take the points you make in the main body of your writing and use these to
write your conclusion. Reiterate your opinion and, finally end with a new point
for consideration, or a rhetorical question. For example:

When we consider the damage we are doing to our beautiful planet and our
children’s health, the increase in the number of fatalities caused by cars each
year and the slow pace of change in creating more cycle routes, or to improve
the design of cars to enable us to drive more eco friendly vehicles, we should
be very angry. But, we are not! Unless we become less complacent and more
proactive in the campaign to bring about change, nothing will happen to
change the current situation. Is it fair to leave this terrible legacy for future
generations to try to resolve? We must act now!

WRITE YOUR OWN CONCLUSION USING YOUR CHOSEN TOPIC