This article provides you with tips on how to optimize your writing process with a smart AI tool like Cowriter.ai, which can help you structure, develop, and refine your arguments for a well-rounded and compelling essay.

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Writing a discursive essay means exploring multiple perspectives on the given topic. Typically, you should aim to create tension between two or more prominent viewpoints.

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Fredrick Eghosa

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This article provides you with tips on how to optimize your writing process with a smart AI tool like Cowriter.ai, which can help you structure, develop, and refine your arguments for a well-rounded and compelling essay.

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Writing a discursive essay means exploring multiple perspectives on the given topic. Typically, you should aim to create tension between two or more prominent viewpoints.

This can be tasking, but here’s the kicker: You can optimize your writing process with a smart AI tool like Cowriter.ai, which can help you structure, develop, and refine your arguments for a well-rounded and compelling essay.

Key Takeaways

Select a topic with naturally opposing viewpoints, such as a moral dilemma, societal debate, or philosophical question, to set the stage for a compelling discursive essay.

The core of a strong discursive essay is the emotional tension between conflicting perspectives. This tension engages readers and encourages them to think critically about the issue.

Cowriter.ai simplifies the writing process by helping you structure your essay, generate balanced arguments for both sides and provide supporting details, making your essay well-rounded and persuasive.

Ensure each viewpoint is explored thoroughly and fairly because a neutral tone presents the complexity of the issue without bias.

Cowriter.ai's editing tools assist in refining your essay for clarity, coherence, and style, ensuring a polished final draft that is ready for submission.

Writing a Discursive Essay With AI

A discursive essay allows a writer to explore complex issues. At its core, it is an exploration of conflicting viewpoints.

On a lighter note, a discursive essay is an outlet to air the mental discomfort we feel when holding two or more conflicting beliefs or ideas.

Your goal isn't necessarily to solve this dissonance but to present two dissenting beliefs in a way that engages the reader's mind. Thus, encouraging them to consider the complexity of the issue.

The exploration of two or more opposing sides without a strong disregard for one side is a key difference between a discursive essay and an argumentative essay. Here are other differences:

Difference Between a Discursive Essay and an Argumentative Essay

In our argumentative essay guide, we highlighted two models that would assist you in successfully countering existing arguments.

That is because an argumentative essay is about winning your audience to your side.

However, that’s not exactly the case with a discursive essay.

As much as they may be slightly confusing, here are 5 key differences which when understood properly, will help you approach your essay in the right way:

Purpose: Persuasion vs. Exploration

Persuasion is at the core of an argumentative essay. The primary purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to accept a specific point of view.

You take a clear stance on an issue, and your goal is to convince the reader that your position is the correct one.

Every argument, piece of evidence, and rhetorical device in your essay is geared toward reinforcing your thesis and persuading the reader.

For example, if you were writing an argumentative essay on whether school uniforms should be mandatory, you might argue that uniforms promote equality among students.

Your entire essay will be focused on building a strong case for this viewpoint, using statistics, expert opinions, and logical reasoning to back up your argument.

However, a discursive essay aims to explore an issue to encourage critical thinking concerning that issue.

It is more about this exploration than persuasion. Instead of taking a firm stance, you present multiple viewpoints on a topic, allowing the reader to see the issue from different angles.

The goal is not to convince the reader to agree with you but to encourage them to think deeply about the topic and its complexities.

Continuing with the example of school uniforms, in a discursive essay, you would present both the advantages and disadvantages of uniforms.

You might discuss how uniforms can promote equality but also explore how they might suppress individual expression.

The essay would present these viewpoints in a balanced way, without pushing the reader towards one conclusion.

Structure: Linear vs. Multi-Angled

Argumentative essay has a linear Progression The structure is typically straightforward and linear.

You start with an introduction that presents your thesis, followed by body paragraphs that each focus on a specific point supporting your argument.

You might include a counterargument to acknowledge the other side, but this is usually brief and followed by a strong rebuttal that reinforces your position.

The essay concludes with a summary of your key points and a restatement of your thesis.

This linear structure is designed to guide the reader step-by-step towards accepting your argument. Each paragraph builds on the previous one for a cohesive and compelling narrative.

On the other hand, a discursive essay has a multi-angled approach. The structure is less rigid and more fluid.

You still have an introduction, body, and conclusion, but the way you organize your points is more flexible.

The body of the essay might explore several different viewpoints, each in its paragraph or section.

There’s no need to rebut opposing arguments; instead, you present them as equally valid perspectives.

The conclusion of a discursive essay doesn’t reaffirm a single viewpoint. Instead, it often leaves the issue open-ended, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and allowing the reader to draw their conclusions.

Tone: Assertive vs. Reflective

The tone of an argumentative essay is assertive, passionate, confident, and convincing.

Since your goal is to persuade, you use strong, clear language to make your case. You present your arguments with conviction.

For example, in an argumentative essay about climate change, you might use an urgent tone, emphasizing the dire consequences of inaction and the need for immediate solutions.

On the flip side, the tone of a discursive essay is more reflective and thoughtful.

You’re not trying to convince the reader to take a particular stance, so your language is more neutral and balanced.

Instead of pushing an agenda, you guide the reader through different perspectives, allowing them to see the merits and drawbacks of each.

In a discursive essay on climate change, your tone would be more measured.

You might explore the scientific evidence for climate change, the economic implications of addressing it, and the ethical considerations, all in a way that invites the reader to reflect on the issue rather than pushing them to a specific conclusion.

Use of Evidence: Selective vs. Comprehensive

There is selective use of evidence. In an argumentative essay. In choosing your backup points, you go for the most compelling statistics, expert opinions, or case studies that align with your thesis.

While you might acknowledge opposing evidence, your focus is on presenting the evidence that makes your case as strong as possible.

For instance, if arguing for the health benefits of a vegetarian diet, you’d emphasize studies showing the positive effects on heart health, longevity, and weight management, while minimizing or rebutting evidence to the contrary.

In a discursive essay, you aim to present a comprehensive view of the topic, so you include evidence from multiple sides of the debate.

This means presenting statistics and studies that support various viewpoints, without selectively choosing only those that align with a particular stance.

If you are writing a discursive essay on vegetarianism, you would include evidence of health benefits but also explore studies that question these benefits or highlight potential nutritional deficiencies.

The goal is to give a balanced overview, not to push one perspective over the other.

How to Write a Compelling Discursive Essay

The key to writing a compelling discursive essay is to create an emotional state from the tension that exists between the two sides of the topic. Here is how to structure and write your essay:

Introduction: Introduce the topic and the different viewpoints. Thereafter, you present your hook and outline the central question or conflict.

Understanding the Topic

Every good essay starts with a clear understanding of the topic, and that is through intensive and comprehensive research.

When writing a discursive essay, it's essential to pick an issue that naturally has two or more sides.

The issue in question could be a moral dilemma, a societal debate, or a philosophical question. For instance:

Moral Dilemma Example: Should Parents Be Allowed to Choose Their Baby's Gender?

Here, you discuss the ethical considerations of allowing parents to select the gender of their child through medical interventions.

Societal Debate Example: Should College Education Be Free?

Your task is to weigh the considerations of whether higher education should be provided free of charge to students.

Philosophical Question Example: Does Money Buy Happiness?

Here, you explore whether financial wealth is the key to happiness or if other factors play a more significant role.

Finding the Perfect Hook for a Discursive Essay

Your hook is the way you grab your reader’s attention right from the start. Since a discursive essay explores the tension between conflicting ideas, you can begin your essay with a statement or question highlighting this conflict.

For instance, if you’re writing about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, you might start with a question like, “Can machines ever truly understand human emotions, or are they just clever imitations?”

This question sets the stage for exploring the dissonance between technological advancement and human experience.

Main Discourse: You explore different viewpoints in the body. This is where the main discourse takes place.

First Viewpoint: Present the first side of the argument. Use logical reasoning, evidence, and examples to support this view and make it as convincing as possible.

For example, suppose you’re writing about whether we should prioritize economic growth over environmental protection. In that case, you might begin by arguing that economic growth is essential for lifting people out of poverty and improving their quality of life.

Second Viewpoint: Present the opposing side. Again, use evidence and examples, but also highlight how this viewpoint conflicts with the first.

You don’t need to refute the first point immediately; instead, hint at the underlying tension.

For instance, after discussing the benefits of economic growth, you might say, “However, this pursuit of prosperity comes at a significant cost.”

This means you need to seamlessly transition into the next point with emotional appeal or ethical considerations to make this viewpoint compelling.

Continuing with the example, you could argue that unchecked economic growth leads to environmental degradation, which ultimately harms the very people it’s supposed to benefit.

Further Exploration: Depending on the complexity of the issue, you may include additional paragraphs that explore nuances, alternative perspectives, or the implications of each viewpoint.

Socratic questioning is a powerful tool for exploring complex issues. In your essay, you can use this technique to challenge assumptions and dig deeper into the topic.

A way to do this is by asking open-ended questions. At the end of each paragraph, pose a question that encourages further reflection. For example, after discussing the environmental impacts of economic growth, you might ask, “But can we afford to sacrifice our planet’s health for short-term gains?” This keeps the reader engaged and prompts them to think critically about the issue.

Another thing you could do is encourage critical thinking because, really, this is the goal of a discursive essay.

So, rather than providing clear answers, use questions to guide the reader through the thought process.

Conclusion: After all is said, summarize the main points without taking a definitive stance. Instead, it leaves the reader with something to ponder, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the debate. Make sure you acknowledge the complexity of the issue and the validity of both viewpoints.

Example Conclusion: “The debate over economic growth versus environmental protection reveals deep-seated tensions between our desire for progress and our responsibility to future generations.

While both sides offer compelling arguments, the path forward remains unclear. Perhaps, in the end, the answer lies not in choosing one over the other, but in finding a way to reconcile these conflicting values.”

Final Tips to Make Your Discursive Essay Stand Out

Your discursive essay needs to be rich. And really, only deep research can make that possible.

However, after you fulfill that requirement—you now know the topic, the nuances, and the complexities around it like the back of your palm—make sure you infuse the following ingredients into your essay.

Use Real-Life Examples: Illustrate your points with real-world examples or case studies. This not only makes your essay more relatable but also helps ground abstract concepts in reality.

Keep It Balanced: Remember, the goal of a discursive essay is not to persuade but to explore. Ensure that you give equal weight to each viewpoint. Yes, allow the reader to make up their mind.

Edit for Clarity: Finally, edit your essay to ensure that your arguments are clear and concise. A well-organized essay is easier to follow and more engaging for the reader.

How to Write a Discursive Essay with AI

The fastest and most effective way to write a discursive is with the help of AI tools. With a smart writing assistant like Cowriter.ai, the process becomes much easier and more efficient. Here’s a simple guide on how to use Cowriter.ai to craft a compelling discursive essay.

Log into the Cowriter.ai App

The first step is to log into the Cowriter.ai app. If you don’t have it installed yet, you can easily download it from your app store. Once installed, sign in or create an account if you don’t have one. The app’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to get started.

Set Up Your Essay Topic

After opening the app, you’ll be prompted to enter your essay topic. For example, let’s say you’re writing a discursive essay on the topic "Should College Education Be Free?"

Type this topic into the app’s prompt box. Cowriter.ai will then ask if you want to explore multiple perspectives, which is crucial for a discursive essay. Confirm this to proceed.

Generate Ideas and Structure

Cowriter.ai will generate a range of ideas for both sides of the debate. For the topic "Should College Education Be Free?" the AI might suggest points like:

For Free Education: Equal access to education, reducing student debt, and fostering a more educated society.

Against Free Education: Potential tax increases, devaluation of degrees, and strain on public resources.

You can select the most compelling arguments from each side. Cowriter.ai will then help you organize these points into a logical structure, ensuring that your essay flows well from one argument to the next.

Develop Your Arguments

Once you have your structure, Cowriter.ai assists in fleshing out each point with supporting details, examples, and explanations, as you can see here.

Cowriter.ai helps you develop balanced arguments, making sure each side is presented fairly and thoroughly.

Review and Edit

After drafting your essay, Cowriter.ai offers tools to review and refine your work. It can suggest improvements in clarity, grammar, and style, ensuring that your essay is polished and professional.

Finalize and Export

Once you’re satisfied with your essay, you can use Cowriter.ai to export your final draft. Whether you need it in a Word document, PDF, or another format, the app makes it easy to download and submit your work.

Discursive Essay Examples PDF Free Download

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Why Use Cowriter.ai to Write Your Discursive Essays

Cowriter.ai not only saves time but also helps you think critically. It’s like having a writing assistant that does the grueling work while you supervise. The result is a well-rounded, persuasive, and expertly crafted essay.