Discursive Writing

Development

General: The bulk of your argument will take place in the central section of the essay and must follow the plan you set out before beginning to write. however, there are some points worth remembering.

Links: The Development should follow logically from the Introduction and lead equally logically into the Conclusion. Similarly within the Development itself paragraphs should be linked to provide a logical
progression of ideas. Links are created not only by related ideas but also by transitional expressions that will signal a change to the reader.

comparisons
similarly, likewise, in the same way.

contrasts
although, for all that. however, on the contrary, otherwise, yet, but, even so.

reasons
to this end, for this reason, for this purpose.

results
accordingly, as a consequence,, as a result, hence, therefore, inevitable, moreover, furthermore.

examples
for example, for instance, in other words, by way of, illustration.

conclusions
as has been noted, finally, in brief, in short, on the whole, in other words.

Discursive Writing in Higher English
National Conference : December 1988

Paragraphs

The paragraph is the basic building block of any argument and, while it is impossible to make a rule that will guarantee success, you will not go far wrong if paragraphs are constructed as:

(a) Transitional phrase linking with previous paragraph.
(b) Statement of topic to be covered in the paragraph.
(c) Illustration / example to supply evidence for the statement.
(d) Conclusion (if needed) to be drawn from initial statement - (and perhaps link to other topics)
(e) Transitional phrase linking to subsequent paragraph.

Please note that you may also wish to include ideas that run counter to your point of view and these would most probably be inserted between (c) and (d).

1. (a) Have I written from a personal viewpoint? Review
Folio
Literature
Reports
(b) Have I accepted a neutral stance?

2. Is there evidence to support my statements?

3. Does the evidence come from a number of sources?

4. Does the essay show a logical progression?

5. Have I shown that I understand the main issues?

6. Are other points of view dealt with?

7. Are the connections between two views presented in such a way that it is obvious and understand them?

8. Have I stated my point of view and subject in the opening paragraph?

9. Have I enlarged upon, provided evidence for and looked at in some depth, the subject of the essay?

10. Does the conclusion restate the subject and point of view?

11. Are the links clear?

12. Are their any technical errors? E.g (spelling, punctuation)

13. Is the vocabulary appropriate?

14. Is the essay up to, or within, the limits set by the Examination Board?

AMDG

5 English Module 6