When writing in the academic style, learners are often expected to write essays of different types with different functions. Two typical types of the same, which may be confusing to students, include discursive essays and argumentative essays. Though the two essays are similar in that they are based on presenting an argument and evidencing it, the structure of the essay and the purpose that it has are very different. The knowledge of such differences would be significant to enable such students to write better and correctly according to the demanded profession in essay writing.
The principal distinction between a discursive essay and an argumentative essay is the tone, structure, and aim of each. A discursive essay intends to cover a subject in several aspects, and both sides of the claim are given a similar, fair analysis. On the other hand, an argumentative essay aims at convincing the reader to believe a particular point of view by using logical reasons and evidence. This blog will discuss the definition of a discursive essay, differentiate it from the argumentative essay organization, and offer you the essay writing tips that will guide you know how and when to use each of these essay types.
What is a Discursive Essay?
It is worth learning what a discursive essay is before immersing into the differences. A discursive essay denotes a particular type of writing that explores a subject by using different opinions. A discursive essay aims to set out a topic and to discuss it in a bias-free, balanced style, by looking at the various sides of an issue.
Key Features of a Discursive Essay
Contrary to an argumentative essay writing in which the author seeks to convince the reader to embrace a particular position, a discussion essay does not take sides. It will state the advantages and disadvantages of a certain issue, but it will leave the reader to draw their own conclusion.
There is usually an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion in a discursive essay. The introduction gives the topic, the body provides the various points of view of the matter, and the conclusion restates the arguments without saying anything. When writing a discursive essay, one should employ a formal style of writing in the essay. This makes the tone neutral and objective.
What is an Argumentative Essay?
An argumentative essay, however, presents an argument aimed at convincing the reader about the opinion or point of view held by the writer on a given issue. Such a kind of essay implies the necessity to draw a definite stand on the issue and to prove it with the help of evidence, arguments, and examples.
Structure of an Argumentative Essay
The structure of the argumentative essay tends to be more formal than in the discursive essay. The introduction is followed by the writer expressing his or her position, and hence the body talks about the arguments that support his or her position, and the conclusion is the reinforcement of the position the writer is taking, summing up on the arguments presented and even asking that action be taken or something be changed.
An argumentative essay is meant to persuade the reader into a given course of action or a belief. Such evidence as statistical data, studies, or expert opinion can often spot the writer of his or her argument. Although the standpoint of the writer is well spelled out, he would also need to recognize the counterargument and counter it using logic.
Key Differences Between Discursive and Argumentative Essays
Purpose and Tone
The purpose and tone may be regarded as one of the greatest dissimilarities in discursive essays and argumentative essays. A discursive essay aims to look into an issue in a neutral and balanced manner. The author does not favor one side of his work; rather, he brings out the positive and the negative aspects of it and leaves the reader to develop their opinion on the issue. It has an objective and unbiased tone, but it aims to inform and present different points of view. in contrast to an argumentative essay, where the task of a writer is to convince the reader to appreciate his/her particular point of view. It is longer and more assertive, with the writer trying to make the reader believe that the argument he or she is making is true.
Structure and Organization
Regarding the structure, a discursive essay usually has a suggestive pattern, and every paragraph is a reflection of a variety of opinions followed by a conclusion that summarizes the problem without supporting a particular side. In its turn, an argumentative essay is more structured and contains such elements as an introduction with a thesis statement, a body consisting of several paragraphs supporting the argument, and a conclusion which summarises once again the position declared by the writer.
Use of Evidence
The evidence in a discursive essay is used to develop some of the perspectives. It contains facts, figures, and examples of the various sides of the issue, but it is not to persuade but more to inform and educate.
In an argumentative essay, the evidence is provided to prove the position the writer assumes and persuade or her to trust the correctness of such a position. This argument is usually used in a manner that opposes the other side.
When to Use a Discursive Essay
Discursive essays allow one to use them when one wants to learn more about a subject and examine possible ways to look at it. This kind of an essay is commonly seen in the academic environment where a person aims to give a critical review of a problem instead of attempting to influence the reader into accepting a specific point of view. Discursive essays come in handy when you wish to present an argument or a message that you can also gives the reader a chance to form their idea based on the arguments on the surface.
But, the case is different with an argumentative essay, whose purpose is to have a point of view on an issue and to persuade the reader to agree with the writer. Such a form of essay is typical in discussion, opinion, and persuasive matters when the aim is to convince the reader to either do some action or believe in something.
Both forms of essays demand a good grasp of the topic under discussion; however, a discursive essay is more objective and tends to explore a variety of options, whereas an argumentative one is aimed at supporting a certain perspective.
Essay Writing Tips for Students: Discursive vs. Argumentative
Discursive essay and argumentative essay writing are done using different strategies, and you need to understand the differences because the knowledge aids in developing a better and well-structured essay. Some writing tips on how to write essays that students should use in order to guarantee success in both essay types include:
Tips for Writing a Discursive Essay
When writing a discursive essay, it is highly important to speak like a neutral party. You must be careful not to include opinions; instead, you must state the facts and various points of view on the matter. Be sure to support an objective study of the problem by considering the strong and weak points of all arguments. Applying a formal writing style in essays will help maintain the tone, objective, and academic. Moreover, apply the discursive writing construction words to join your thoughts easily and so that your argument makes sense when you go to another paragraph.
Tips for Writing an Argumentative Essay
To write an argumentative essay, it is also necessary to be straightforward in your position and prove it with relevant arguments. You should reveal your opinion in the introduction, and in the body paragraphs, you need to give logical arguments and counterarguments. Be sure to discuss the counter-arguments and dispel them with logically based reasoning. Essays: A formal style of writing should be used in essays to ensure that they do not have a casual tone or an emotional appeal. The point is to give evidence to your argument based on examples, facts, and the opinions of experts.
Choosing Between a Discursive and an Argumentative Essay
When given the choice of either type between a discursive essay and an argumentative one, you should make your choice based on the subject and the aim of the essay. A discursive essay should be used in case it is necessary to present several views and leave the reader with the opportunity to make their judgement. But in case it is necessary to persuade the reader from some point of view or to make a decision, an argumentative essay should be utilized.
It is good to know the application of each of the essay types to give you an idea of how to go about with your essay. When writing a discursive essay or argumentative essay, you should understand the tones, structure, and purpose to find the most efficient ways to present your ideas.
Conclusion
To summarize, although the discursive and the argumentative essays have much in common, especially regarding the use of evidence and the systemized argumentation, they have many more differences in terms of their reasoning and style. A discursive essay is written to provide an evenhanded discussion of a subject, whereas an argumentative essay is meant to win the acceptance of the reader to a particular opinion. By being aware of the variations between the two, you will be able to handle your writing work more efficiently according to the nature of the essay that needs to be written.
Always make sure that when writing an argumentative or a discursive essay, you follow the proper outline of the essay, you also maintain the formal nature of the writing, and that the arguments presented are well stated and arranged. Knowing these main differences and hints will make your writing unique, thus enabling you to succeed in a scholarly endeavour.
