HOW TO WRITE A DISCURSIVE ESSAY
FIRST SOME BASICS - GET THE BASICS RIGHT BECAUSE IT'S THE EASY PART.
DO:
DO NOT:
FIRST SOME BASICS - GET THE BASICS RIGHT BECAUSE IT'S THE EASY PART.
DO:
- You must write this essay in the PAST TENSE.
- You must write in chronological order.
DO NOT:
- Do not write “in this essay I will…or I think…...” In fact, NEVER use the words I or WE. Therefore, never write in the first person, always write in the third person. Instead of saying “I think….” rather write “it can be argued that….”
- In the beginning, when you start, do not waste time by writing the question out.
- Do not use slang. Do not use metaphorical language. Eg. “The USSR was like a wolf in sheep’s clothing….”
- Do not use chatty or colloquial terms. You must use plain formal language.
- Do not write your essays in point form. Write full sentences in paragraphs.
- Do not call historical figures by their first names. For example do not refer to Martin Luther King as Martin, or even Nelson Mandela as Madiba!
- Do not write personal notes for the person marking your paper.
- Do not colour in, highlight, underline or use smileys to emphasize any points.
- Do not use ‘ etc.' This usually means that you don’t know anything else and makes you look unprepared.
- Do not repeat yourself. Once you’ve spoken on a topic, leave it alone. Don’t jump back to it a few paragraphs later on.
- Do not make up your own abbreviations. Do not use an abbreviation without writing it out in full the first time that you use it. You must introduce it.
- Do not use big words that you don’t understand.
- Do not use broad sweeping statements that have no substance. We call this waffle! Eg. “America is always at fault because they always interfere in other people’s business.”
- Do not judge! Do not make bias comments or cast value judgements. So, don't ever claim that something or someone was good or bad.
TO START: CLEARLY ANALYSE AND UNDERSTAND THE QUESTION
The most important part of the Discursive Essay is the QUESTION. You have to zone in on exactly what the question is asking and then focus on doing that. For example, if the question asks about Tanzania's economic developments, then focus on the economic aspects. Eg. "How successful was Julius Nyerere in securing Tanzania's economic prosperity after independence?" Don't go on and on about the social and political developments, and don't vaguely refer to political developments of other African countries..... keep the focus.
Also, look for keywords around which the question revolves.
Eg. "The Soviet Union pushed the USA to a point of brinkmanship on more than one occasion during the Cold War conflict." Assess the accuracy of this statement.
Obviously you have to explain the actions of the USSR and USA, but if you don't take them back to how they led to acts of brinkmanship, then you haven't answered the question.
The most important part of the Discursive Essay is the QUESTION. You have to zone in on exactly what the question is asking and then focus on doing that. For example, if the question asks about Tanzania's economic developments, then focus on the economic aspects. Eg. "How successful was Julius Nyerere in securing Tanzania's economic prosperity after independence?" Don't go on and on about the social and political developments, and don't vaguely refer to political developments of other African countries..... keep the focus.
Also, look for keywords around which the question revolves.
Eg. "The Soviet Union pushed the USA to a point of brinkmanship on more than one occasion during the Cold War conflict." Assess the accuracy of this statement.
Obviously you have to explain the actions of the USSR and USA, but if you don't take them back to how they led to acts of brinkmanship, then you haven't answered the question.
NEXT: PLAN YOUR ESSAY SO THAT YOU CAN WORK FROM A ROUGH LIST
The reasons for this are threefold: 1. so that you don't forget anything, 2. so that you arrange the different points in a logical and as chronological order as possible, and 3. so that you can ensure that you have written an argument, not a narration. The most common mistake that students make, is they write a narrated essay, which is when you just give a history lesson. Of course you need the facts and points, real historical terminology and evidence, but if you don't show discussion then you've only done half the task. This again is also why analyzing the question is so important, because the question is going to lend itself towards a discussion. Trust me, it is worth spending time on the planning.... especially in the exam.
HELPFUL HINT:
Most essay topics can be covered under three headings, political, economic and social. Or, depending on the theme, aims, methods, successes and failures. So, when studying or when planning your essay, list your points/arguments under those headings.
The reasons for this are threefold: 1. so that you don't forget anything, 2. so that you arrange the different points in a logical and as chronological order as possible, and 3. so that you can ensure that you have written an argument, not a narration. The most common mistake that students make, is they write a narrated essay, which is when you just give a history lesson. Of course you need the facts and points, real historical terminology and evidence, but if you don't show discussion then you've only done half the task. This again is also why analyzing the question is so important, because the question is going to lend itself towards a discussion. Trust me, it is worth spending time on the planning.... especially in the exam.
HELPFUL HINT:
Most essay topics can be covered under three headings, political, economic and social. Or, depending on the theme, aims, methods, successes and failures. So, when studying or when planning your essay, list your points/arguments under those headings.
NOW WRITE YOUR ESSAY, STARTING WITH A CLEAR INTRODUCTION
The introduction is very important but it is not the essay. It simply sets the scene and confirms the stance that you are taking with regard to how you are going to answer the question. Use the same wording (that was in the question) and clearly answer the question; be obvious and be blunt. But do not write the why or the how in the introduction, that's what must happen in the rest of the essay. Don't even just very briefly list the points that you are going to discuss. Save it for the main body in the essay. Basically what happens is that it appears as if you are repeating yourself when you tell it in the introduction and then again in the body. Besides, you don't have time in an exam! An introduction is never longer than 3 or 4 sentences.
So, if we take the above mentioned example, "The Soviet Union created the spheres of tension, and thus was to blame, for the Cold War conflict." Assess the accuracy of this statement. You should have an introduction that looks like this:
The Cold War consisted of conflict situations, perpetrated by either the USSR or the USA. Whilst some believe that the USSR, because of her aggressive foreign policy, was responsible for creating the spheres of tension, it was the policies of the United States of America, which to a greater extent, created the conflict and tension. Therefore the statement is not accurate as it was the USA which was to blame.
Notice how short the introduction is! Can you see the discussion that will occur in the rest of the essay, based on this introduction? There will be acknowledgement that the USSR was not blameless, and her actions will be discussed, but there will also be discussion on the role of the USA. Throughout the essay, the actions of these two superpowers will be weighed up and compared so that they can be interwoven into a discussion.
Or, if we take the Tanzania essay, "Nyerere dreamed of a self-reliant and self-sufficient Tanzania. To what extent were Julius Nyerere's economic and social policies able to achieve this?", it will look like this:
Julius Nyerere's vision for a self-reliant and self-sufficient Tanzania was not realized post independence. After some initial successes in the early 1960s, both the economic and social development of Tanzania declined rapidly thereafter and, on the whole, Tanzania was worse off under Nyerere than it had been before. Whilst there were some slightly more positive outcomes and successes with his social policies, the economic policies were a complete failure.
The introduction is very important but it is not the essay. It simply sets the scene and confirms the stance that you are taking with regard to how you are going to answer the question. Use the same wording (that was in the question) and clearly answer the question; be obvious and be blunt. But do not write the why or the how in the introduction, that's what must happen in the rest of the essay. Don't even just very briefly list the points that you are going to discuss. Save it for the main body in the essay. Basically what happens is that it appears as if you are repeating yourself when you tell it in the introduction and then again in the body. Besides, you don't have time in an exam! An introduction is never longer than 3 or 4 sentences.
So, if we take the above mentioned example, "The Soviet Union created the spheres of tension, and thus was to blame, for the Cold War conflict." Assess the accuracy of this statement. You should have an introduction that looks like this:
The Cold War consisted of conflict situations, perpetrated by either the USSR or the USA. Whilst some believe that the USSR, because of her aggressive foreign policy, was responsible for creating the spheres of tension, it was the policies of the United States of America, which to a greater extent, created the conflict and tension. Therefore the statement is not accurate as it was the USA which was to blame.
Notice how short the introduction is! Can you see the discussion that will occur in the rest of the essay, based on this introduction? There will be acknowledgement that the USSR was not blameless, and her actions will be discussed, but there will also be discussion on the role of the USA. Throughout the essay, the actions of these two superpowers will be weighed up and compared so that they can be interwoven into a discussion.
Or, if we take the Tanzania essay, "Nyerere dreamed of a self-reliant and self-sufficient Tanzania. To what extent were Julius Nyerere's economic and social policies able to achieve this?", it will look like this:
Julius Nyerere's vision for a self-reliant and self-sufficient Tanzania was not realized post independence. After some initial successes in the early 1960s, both the economic and social development of Tanzania declined rapidly thereafter and, on the whole, Tanzania was worse off under Nyerere than it had been before. Whilst there were some slightly more positive outcomes and successes with his social policies, the economic policies were a complete failure.
THE BODY OF THE ESSAY
This is when you refer to that planning you did earlier!
You must stick to the stance that you took in the introduction. So, having claimed the USA was to blame, you now need to start the first paragraph with your first point/argument about why it was the US that was to blame. Remember to stick to ONE point per paragraph.
But an essay is not one-sided. You've already acknowledged that the Soviet Union had a role to play (in the introduction), so next talk about that.
Then in the following paragraph, go back to the policies and actions of the USA and counter the point that you have just made about the USSR. The best way to do this is to introduce your second point/argument.
And then you discuss the second point/argument about the why the USSR was to blame.
And so on..... just remember to keep points together so that the essay flows better. So, for example, finish the economic points/arguments before you start the social ones.
What is important is that you don't write two 'separate mini' essays in one essay. Don't write half an essay all about the polices and actions of the USA and then the other half, on the policies and actions of the USSR. You run the risk of narration, instead of discussion, and you run the massive risk of 'listing'. Also, it's incredibly boring. Whilst it's important to know the facts, the examiner doesn't actually want you to teach them to him or her. Don't write a history lesson, write a historical discourse. Show that you understand how the events relate and interact with each other.
This is when you refer to that planning you did earlier!
You must stick to the stance that you took in the introduction. So, having claimed the USA was to blame, you now need to start the first paragraph with your first point/argument about why it was the US that was to blame. Remember to stick to ONE point per paragraph.
But an essay is not one-sided. You've already acknowledged that the Soviet Union had a role to play (in the introduction), so next talk about that.
Then in the following paragraph, go back to the policies and actions of the USA and counter the point that you have just made about the USSR. The best way to do this is to introduce your second point/argument.
And then you discuss the second point/argument about the why the USSR was to blame.
And so on..... just remember to keep points together so that the essay flows better. So, for example, finish the economic points/arguments before you start the social ones.
What is important is that you don't write two 'separate mini' essays in one essay. Don't write half an essay all about the polices and actions of the USA and then the other half, on the policies and actions of the USSR. You run the risk of narration, instead of discussion, and you run the massive risk of 'listing'. Also, it's incredibly boring. Whilst it's important to know the facts, the examiner doesn't actually want you to teach them to him or her. Don't write a history lesson, write a historical discourse. Show that you understand how the events relate and interact with each other.
AND DON'T FORGET TO FOCUS ON THE WORDS IN THE QUESTION: eg. ECONOMIC POLICY AND AFRICAN SOCIALISM.
This is the key to success - showing focus.
I always say that you can show focus two ways: on the point you are making in the paragraph, and on the overall question. And throughout the essay, you need to be doing both.
But the only way to get this trick right, is to ensure that you are writing properly structured paragraphs, using the PEDF method.
This is the key to success - showing focus.
I always say that you can show focus two ways: on the point you are making in the paragraph, and on the overall question. And throughout the essay, you need to be doing both.
But the only way to get this trick right, is to ensure that you are writing properly structured paragraphs, using the PEDF method.
PEDF PARAGRAPHS
P = Point
E = explanation
D = discussion
F = focus
Remember that you are going to talk to ONE point in each paragraph. A lot of the time that fact can be divided up into lots of facts. Eg. you talk about the ECONOMIC failures of Tanzania - that's the point, but when you explain what they are, those are the facts.
(You are not going to to talk about two points in one paragraph. eg. You are not going to talk about ECONOMIC and SOCIAL failures. There will be far too many facts and you will end up getting very confused half way through. Then you start to repeat yourself, or waffle, and it becomes a nightmare!)
This is a paragraph speaking to the failure of Tanzania's economic policy:
Point = By 1970, Tanzania was one of the poorest countries in Africa, largely owing to the failed African Socialist policies of Nyerere's economic policy.
Explain = Nyerere introduced a socialist agenda that included collectivised farms, nationalization of industry and business and central government control over banks, welfare and transport.
Discuss = Tanzania experienced droughts that affected her agricultural production, however it was the Ujaama Village program that to a greater degree resulted in a failed crops, low levels of agricultural production, food shortages and extreme levels of poverty. Not only that, but people had been forcefully moved to the Ujaama Villages, after 1970, which created resentment and a lack of buy-in into the program. The nationalization of industry also affected the economy as production dropped owing to a lack of skill, inadequacy, mismanagement and nepotism. Likewise, a centrally controlled economy, limited service delivery and saw a decline in the standard of living.
Focus = As a result, one can argue that Tanzania's economic policy, of African Socialism, failed to produce the necessary results needed to remain economically sustainable or financially independent.
CHECK LIST:
Are there FACTS/CONTENT
Yes: Ujaama Villages, collectivised farms, failed crops, food shortages, nationalization of industry, centrally controlled economy, etc.
Is there DISCUSSION?
Yes: "though to a greater degree", "not only that", "likewise", "as a result" - all of these phrases have turned my facts in discussion points, the tone of this essay is now one of discourse, not one of narration or fact-listing.
*There is a list below of phrases you can use to achieve this tone.
Is there FOCUS?
Look at the first sentence and the last sentence - what do you notice?
This paragraph started by saying the point was about African Socialism, and it also ended by speaking to African Socialism. So, it kept FOCUS.
If you refer back to the introduction, you will see that this paragraph also focuses on proving my stand, that Tanzania was economically unsuccessful. So this paragraph also focuses on that point.
P = Point
E = explanation
D = discussion
F = focus
Remember that you are going to talk to ONE point in each paragraph. A lot of the time that fact can be divided up into lots of facts. Eg. you talk about the ECONOMIC failures of Tanzania - that's the point, but when you explain what they are, those are the facts.
(You are not going to to talk about two points in one paragraph. eg. You are not going to talk about ECONOMIC and SOCIAL failures. There will be far too many facts and you will end up getting very confused half way through. Then you start to repeat yourself, or waffle, and it becomes a nightmare!)
This is a paragraph speaking to the failure of Tanzania's economic policy:
Point = By 1970, Tanzania was one of the poorest countries in Africa, largely owing to the failed African Socialist policies of Nyerere's economic policy.
Explain = Nyerere introduced a socialist agenda that included collectivised farms, nationalization of industry and business and central government control over banks, welfare and transport.
Discuss = Tanzania experienced droughts that affected her agricultural production, however it was the Ujaama Village program that to a greater degree resulted in a failed crops, low levels of agricultural production, food shortages and extreme levels of poverty. Not only that, but people had been forcefully moved to the Ujaama Villages, after 1970, which created resentment and a lack of buy-in into the program. The nationalization of industry also affected the economy as production dropped owing to a lack of skill, inadequacy, mismanagement and nepotism. Likewise, a centrally controlled economy, limited service delivery and saw a decline in the standard of living.
Focus = As a result, one can argue that Tanzania's economic policy, of African Socialism, failed to produce the necessary results needed to remain economically sustainable or financially independent.
CHECK LIST:
Are there FACTS/CONTENT
Yes: Ujaama Villages, collectivised farms, failed crops, food shortages, nationalization of industry, centrally controlled economy, etc.
Is there DISCUSSION?
Yes: "though to a greater degree", "not only that", "likewise", "as a result" - all of these phrases have turned my facts in discussion points, the tone of this essay is now one of discourse, not one of narration or fact-listing.
*There is a list below of phrases you can use to achieve this tone.
Is there FOCUS?
Look at the first sentence and the last sentence - what do you notice?
This paragraph started by saying the point was about African Socialism, and it also ended by speaking to African Socialism. So, it kept FOCUS.
If you refer back to the introduction, you will see that this paragraph also focuses on proving my stand, that Tanzania was economically unsuccessful. So this paragraph also focuses on that point.
THE CONCLUSION
The conclusion is short. Three sentences, maximum. You've said it all in the body of the essay, do not repeat it all again in the conclusion. Don't even just go over the highlights. But you must reaffirm what you wrote in the introduction. Clearly remind the reader what your stand was.
The conclusion is short. Three sentences, maximum. You've said it all in the body of the essay, do not repeat it all again in the conclusion. Don't even just go over the highlights. But you must reaffirm what you wrote in the introduction. Clearly remind the reader what your stand was.
PHRASES AND WORDS TO TURN THIS ESSAY INTO A ‘CHAT’ OR A DISCUSSION. THESE SHOULD BE INTERSPERSED INTO YOUR PARAGRAPHS.
Eg. Whilst one can argue that…. there is evidence to suggest that….
Eg. Whilst one can argue that…. there is evidence to suggest that….
- However, ….
- Arguably, ….
- Alternatively, ….
- Considering that….
- One important reason……
- Another reason…..
- It could be argued that…..
- An important underlying cause…..
- It is doubtful whether…..
- If one considers that…..
- Although some evidence suggests that ….. there is enough to counter such an argument because….