5. Theory – How to write a discursive text
Theory – How to write a discursive text
#1 What is the purpose of a discursive text?
o Discursive is about exploring a range of perspectives on an argument. You can flicker between two perspectives to provoke thoughts in the reader. Then you unpack these perspectives by using figurative language to express ‘evidence’ for these perspectives in the wider world.
o A personal discursive piece is often a relatable provoking discussion and could end with a reflective resolution but no clear argument.
o Purpose/audience/context: consider who will read your writing and what kind of piece they’d want to see.
#2 Content
o Content
▪ Often reflects of societal concerns, controversial topics or raises significant questions
▪ Draws upon real life experiences and personal anecdotes can be included
▪ Must have a compelling topic to explore
▪ You will need evidence so make sure that you research on your topic
▪ You don’t need to end with a clear conclusion
#3 Structure
o Structure: follow basic essay structure (intro, body paragraphs, conclusion), but you can be looser as long as you have internal cohesion.
o Suggestions to start:
- You can open anecdote as a strong ‘hook’
- Quotation or proverb
- Background information or context
#4 Voice/Stance
o Voice/stance: can be quite casual and conversational, and don’t have to have a fully-established stance on the issue at hand
#5 Language
o Language: formal or conversational… you choose!
o Cohesion: do you need a thesis? Not necessarily
o Stylistic/figurative/linguistic features/techniques: rhetorical devices,
stylistic elements and description to inject expression, can use first and
second person, can use contractions (as much as it is reasonable to!)
Planning
▪ Identify the event, idea, situation, person
▪ What questions are provoked?
▪ How do you feel and respond?
▪ Did it change the way you perceive yourself, others or the world
around you?
Scaffold:
| Introduction | – Introduce your main, overarching point that directly answers the question- Include a rhetorical question: prompt the reader to contemplate on the topic- Offer an anecdote: connect with the reader by speaking of your own personal experiences- Other perspectives: what other perspectives will you be introducing to deepen your understanding of the subject matter? Introduce at least two |
| Body paragraph1:Perspective one | – You do not necessarily have to start off with a topic sentence, but it is always good to give the reader a clear idea on what your paragraph will be about- Elaborate on one perspective you had mentioned in your introduction- Provide examples and quotes to support this perspective- You might want to consider offering modern day or pop culture references, as well as anecdotes to further engage and connect with the reader- Emphasise that there are other perspectives, not just this one, to view the topic |
| Body paragraph2:Perspective two | – Same as the above!- But you might want to open your paragraph with something like “as opposed to the previously discussed perspective, this one…” or “on the other hand, while x idea says this, y idea…” |
| Body paragraph3:Personalperspective | – Similar structure to the other two- But this is where you are offering an anecdote foregrounding your own personal perspective on the topic |
| Conclusion | – “in conclusion…”, “to conclude…”- Reiterate the topic- Mention the central perspectives once again- Offer two to three sentences on why theseperspectives are crucial to the reader’s understanding of the topic- Emphasise that these perspectives are not definitive ways of understanding the topic. You have merely equipped your readers with optional lenses to view the topic- Remember: never ever introduce any new ideas in the conclusion! |
Marking Guideline
Use the image above as a guide during your planning. Remember that your text needs to be both engaging and articulate. You will also need to answer the question and regularly refer to the given quote or idea throughout your response.
