Linking ideas in a discursive essay
A discursive essay is one that gives arguments for and against.
There are examples of this in your first textual investigation.
You need to link your sentences in more 'academic' ways.
This will help:
Any well-written piece of discursive writing will flow as one continuous piece despite being made up of three or four different arguments. One of the techniques which can help you to achieve this effectively is the use of linking words. These words are usually used at the beginning of a new paragraph but can also be used to link ideas within a paragraph.
Same line of thought
e.g. - and, firstly, secondly etc., next, furthermore, likewise, in addition, similarly, also, moreover.
Conclusion/summary
e.g. - thus, therefore, consequently, accordingly, in retrospect, hence, in conclusion, in brief, as a result.
Definite statement
e.g. - without question, without doubt, unquestionably, absolutely.
Contrasting idea
e.g. - yet, on the other hand, nevertheless, however, although, conversely, otherwise, on the contrary.
Further examples
because, for instance, since, for example, so that, despite the fact that, accordingly, although, if, though, unless.
Formal tone in a discursive essay
It is important when you write a discursive essay to write in a proper formal way.
You should not use an informal style to write a discursive essay.
In simple terms, this means the following -
| Do | Do not use |
|---|---|
| Write in proper, complete sentences | Abbreviations (i.e./e.g./etc./UK/&) |
| Use complete words and expressions | Contractions (isn't/don't/won't) |
| Use proper, standard English | Slang (e.g. bloke/geezer etc) |
| Colloquial language (mate/bolshy etc.) |
On a slightly different note, you should also try to make sure that you use a decent standard of vocabulary in any formal essay you write.
In particular, try to avoid weak vocabulary such as 'get', 'got' and 'getting'. Relying on this level of vocabulary too often suggests that your power of expression is weak. Build up your word power!
