HOW TO WRITE

A DISCUSSION

ESSAY

What is a discussion essay?

We write it when we want to present a

balanced argument giving points FOR and

AGAINST a topic.

We give our own opinion at the end of the

essay.

STRUCTURE OF A DISCUSSION ESSAY

1. TITLE: try to write a striking title, e.g. a direct question

2. Introductory paragraph: write a statement that explains the topic and say that there are arguments for and against this idea.

3. Second paragraph: give the points FOR the topic or the advantages.

4. Third paragraph: give the points AGAINST the topic or the disadvantages.

5. LAST PARAGRAPH: Give your own conclusion

How to plan itWhen writing a discussion essay, planning beforehand is essential! NEVER START WRITING THE FINAL VERSION RIGHT

AWAY.

1. Start by writing 2 lists, one with advantages (FOR) and another one with disadvantages (AGAINST)

2. Choose the easiest points to write about and sort them out into paragraphs (1 paragraph FOR, 1 paragraph AGAINST).

3. Think of FACTS or IDEAS to support your arguments FOR and AGAINST.

4. USE LINKERS TO INTRODUCE YOUR IDEAS AND TO MAKE ADDITIONAL POINTS.

USEFUL LANGUAGE AND

DISCOURSE MARKERSSTARTING: at the moment | many people say/think | It is true that…

COMMENTING ON THE QUESTION: this is not an easy question | there isn’t a clear answer… | We must look at both sides of the question.

INTRODUCING POINTS: Firstly… Secondly…|On the one hand…| One advantage is…

CONTRASTING: although | but | on the other hand

ADDING: also | what’s more | furthermore | moreover

SUMMARISING: to sum up | all in all | in conclusion | in my opinion

ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS?

(direct question)

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH: Many people think that they would like to be famous. However, there also disadvantages to being in the public eye. We must look at both sides of the question.

SECOND PARAGRAPH: It is true that if you are famous people recognize you all the time and ask for pictures and autographs. (ARGUMENT 1): You belong to a special group of people and this can be fun. (ARGUMENT 2) IN

ADDITION TO THIS, fame usually brings money. (ARGUMENT 3): A very big advantage of being a celebrity is that you probably live in a fantastic house , drive a fast car and have holidays in wonderful places.

THIRD PARAGRAPH: ON THE OTHER HAND, it is not always easy to be a celebrity today. (ARGUMENT 1) A major disadvantage is that it becomes difficult to have a private life. People come up to you in your home, on the beach, or after a late party! (ARGUMENT 2) What’s more, some people become obssessed with celebrities and follow them everywhere.

LAST PARAGRAPH: All in all, I think being famous is great because it means recognizition to your work. However, the limits to private life have to be set down clearly to avoid unpleasant situations with fans.

NOW HAVE YOUR GO!

Are you for or against chain stores?

Are you for or against millionaire contracts in

sports?

Are you for or against fast food?