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Discursive Essay Topics for Students

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Discursive Essay

Introduction

An essay paper is one of the shortest forms of academic tasks, but it isn’t exactly the easiest. Conducting thorough research, preparing a thesis statement, drafting the essay, and proofreading can be quite hectic if you are chased by a stringent deadline. Besides, if you have to write a new type of essay, things may get a lot more challenging for you. A discursive essay is a perfect example of a task that challenges students beyond limits.

Unfortunately, most students don’t know much about a discursive essay. To put it simply, a discursive essay presents both sides of an argument, and then discusses the stance of the author. Here, you need to maintain a formal tone. You need to write the whole paper from the perspective of a third person, even while expressing your opinion. The outline of a discursive essay is quite simple.

Choosing the topic for your discursive essay

Since you have no experience in working on this essay type, it might seem difficult to prepare an essay all by yourself. Before you can get to the writing part, you need to pick a topic first. Selecting a topic is the most time-consuming segment of drafting an essay. To find the right topic for your discursive essay, you can consider the following factors:

  • Brainstorm :

To generate some effective topic ideas for your essay, try brainstorming with your friends. This process is used in various professions (including creative writing) worldwide to find innovative ideas. People try many ways to brainstorm for ideas. See what suits you the best and jot down the potential ideas for further consideration.

  • Preferences of the instructor :

While selecting a topic, you need to ensure that it is relevant to the readers, which in your case is the essay instructor. If you want to leave a lasting impression on the instructor, choosing a topic of his/her interests is essential. Communicate with the instructor and try to know about the topics he/she likes. This will help you boost your chances of scoring better marks.

  • Things that you are interested in:

Most students don’t enjoy academic writing as they find the task to be boring. If you need to draft a discursive essay, consider the topics that genuinely interest you. You will be excited to work on the essay help and you will put in more efforts to excel in the task. If you have already learned about the interests of the instructor, select a topic preferred by both of you.

  • Availability of research material :

Since you have to present both sides of the argument in a discursive essay, you need a significant amount of data to support your claim as well as the counter-argument. It is better to confirm the availability of necessary data on the chosen essay topic. Scan the internet with proper keywords. If you don’t find any reliable data on the topic, you should consider a different topic.

By considering the four aforementioned factors, you can find a remarkable topic for your discursive essay. In case you are running short on time, you can take ideas from the following list of discursive essay topic ideas.

Impressive topic ideas for a discursive essay

  • Can violence in video games cause behavioral problems in children?
  • Is it beneficial to enroll a child in a single-sex school than a co-ed school?
  • Do firewalls keep the users away from bad content?
  • Is there any possibility of having another world war in the near future?
  • Are teachers and schools responsible for the low-test score of a student?
  • Is the advancement of technology responsible for the increasing number of Cancer patients?
  • Is Facebook a great tool for socializing or a terrible place for privacy?
  • Has the internet brought more harm than good?
  • No one is above the law – is it true?
  • Is there too much pressure on teens to attend college?
  • Should there be a legal curfew for minors?
  • Do mainstream media have the responsibility to promote more diversity?
  • Should parents push their kids into extracurricular activities?
  • Should advertisements highlight warnings and side effects?
  • Do movies create unrealistic expectations for relationships and marriage?
  • Do children really need an allowance?
  • Is today's music educating young listeners?
  • Should parents be on social media platforms?
  • Should media representatives be punished for an unfair presentation of facts?
  • Was the war in Iraq justified?
  • Should court proceedings be televised?
  • Should gay marriages be accepted in all democratic nations?
  • Do the police favour law offenders based on their race?
  • Should parents go for advanced training in parenthood?
  • Is peer pressure bad?
  • Using animals as test subjects: necessary or cruelty?
  • Is a college degree important for success?
  • Sex education in schools: Should it be stopped or increased?
  • Should schools teach foreign languages right from kindergarten?
  • Should there be a dress code for every professional?
  • Should working places have afternoon nap facilities for the employees?
  • Is a vegan diet healthy?
  • Is being broke a habit?
  • Space exploration is just a huge waste of money.
  • Destroying forests is a crime against the planet.
  • Being wealthy and being happy are two different things.
  • Artificial Intelligence is not a danger to humanity.
  • Technologies used in space exploration can solve critical problems on earth.
  • Unmanned probes are not a great choice for space exploration.
  • Smoking zones should be brought down.
  • Is it possible to live a healthy life without eating meat?
  • Do curfews keep children out of trouble?
  • Are beauty pageants exploitative?
  • Should men get paternity leave from work?
  • Do photoshopped images affect self-image and self-esteem?
  • Passive smokers suffer more than active ones.
  • Everyone should have free access to healthcare.
  • Is online censorship critical for internet users?
  • Cross-cultural marriages have a positive impact on racial tolerance.
  • Working hours must be reduced to let people spend more time with their family.

You can use these topic ideas for reference and generate an impressive topic idea of your own. You can also use one of these ideas to get started with your discursive essay. However, it is always better to work on a unique topic idea to grab the attention of your instructor.

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155 Exceptional Discursive Essay Topics To Try

Discursive Essay Topics

Do you have a discursive essay to prepare, and getting the right topic is proving challenging? Selecting the best title for your essay can be challenging because it requires a lot of research and a deep understanding of the respective discipline. For others, it is simply a lack of confidence and materials for research. So, what is the way out?

To help you get high grades, this post provides a list of 155 hot topics that you can use. Consider using them as they are or tweak a little to fit your preference. Do not just select any topic for your discursive essay; select the best.

How to Select a Good Discursive Essay Topic

Before we can list the best topics to write a discursive essay on, it is important to answer the question, “How do you pick the best?” Here are some expert tips:

Interesting to You No matter the study discipline, the topic you select should be interesting. This can help you to develop a stronger attachment with the work, increasing the chances of crafting a high-quality paper. If you select a topic that is not interesting, the chances are that it will become challenging midway. Relevant As a college or university student, every paper you do should help push you higher into your career ladder. Therefore, it is important to select topics that are relevant to your field, especially the latest happenings. For example, a student pursuing international relations might want to explore areas such as the recent withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan, the recent Israel-Hamas war, or the American policy on climate change. Enough Materials As you select the topic, it will be an excellent idea to also think about the resources that will be used to prepare it. If you do not have ample books, journals, and other publications, there is a danger of getting stuck. Focused and Catchy

When your lecturer checks the essay, the topic is what you will get first, and, therefore, you should make it catchy. This makes the reader want to go deeper into the paper and see what you have to say. A good topic is also likely to earn you a higher grade.

Next, we will highlight the main essay ideas, starting with higher English discursive essay topics. We will also tell you why it is important to work with an expert writer.

Good Discursive Essay Topics for Higher English

  • Should foreign languages be taught in all schools?
  • Both safe sex and abstinence should be taught in high school.
  • In education, are motivational theories effective?
  • Teenagers and children should always speak out about domestic violence.
  • Should the government ban all types of sports betting?
  • Cheating during college examinations should be punished severely.
  • Alternative sources of energy are excellent in addressing global warming phenomena.
  • Good communication skills are crucial for success in business.
  • Should we make recycling mandatory for all?
  • E-books should not replace conventional books in college and university.
  • Should we reduce the legal age for acquiring a driving license in the UK?
  • Every business should invest in innovation.
  • Competition: Is it a good thing?
  • Are girls too mean in relationships?
  • Is fashion important?

Discursive Writing Topics in Sports

  • Can you keep children out of danger through sports?
  • Girls should be allowed to participate in the same sports as boys.
  • Should we legalize the use of steroid alternatives in athletics?
  • Students should be paid for participating in school sports.
  • All females should be banned from taking part in extreme sports.
  • Alcohol and tobacco adverts should be banned from school sports events.
  • The rules used to guide how coaches treat players are not strict enough.
  • Parents should disallow their students from participating in school soccer.
  • Should sports betting be made legal in all countries?
  • Are video games sports?
  • Is there a way of preventing injuries in soccer?
  • Engaging in professional sports is a way of life and not a hobby.
  • Being gay in sports draws a lot of attention from the media.
  • Is it acceptable for a soccer coach to lose his/her emotions on the field?
  • Sports can result in both positive and negative impacts on a person’s health.
  • Chess: Should it be considered a fully-fledged type of sport like basketball and soccer?
  • Do athletes experience stress?

Controversial Discursive Essay Topics for You

  • Death penalty: Is it effective?
  • What are the main causes of war?

Should we abolish all tobacco products?

  • Abortion should be abolished.
  • Illegal migrants: Should they be granted the right of abode?
  • What should society do to reduce payment inequality between men and women?
  • Capitalism is the best economic model.
  • Should we use animals for research?
  • BREXIT was a huge mistake.
  • Computer games are bad for children.
  • Ballarat Rebellion: Why did it end in just 30 minutes?
  • Sex before marriage should be forbidden.
  • Is homeschooling better than normal schooling?
  • To succeed in business, communication is the most important thing?
  • Fast foods should be disqualified as food.
  • Parents are to blame for high levels of overweight and obesity among children.
  • Is globalization really important?
  • Should human cloning be allowed?
  • Online dating has ruined the importance of traditional romance.
  • Can politics be free and fair?

Interesting Topics for Discursive Essays

  • Uniforms in school limit student’s freedom of expression.
  • Should all steroid users be banned from all sports in the UK?
  • Should all court proceedings be captured on camera?
  • Same-sex marriages: Should they be banned?
  • Does workplace diversity result in higher productivity?
  • What is the main challenge for women in the workplace?
  • Post-WWII America: How did it grow?
  • Should parents select careers for their children?
  • Reading non-fiction books helps to improve a person’s writing skills.
  • Should famous people get involved in leadership, especially politics?
  • Is Yoga a more spiritual event than fasting?
  • Short dresses should be banned from schools and workplaces.
  • Is space exploration a worthy undertaking?
  • Do we really require social media to stay in touch with each other?
  • Are vegetarians healthier than meat lovers?
  • WWI: What was the potential of the Russian Army?
  • Can virtual reality become dangerous to young people?
  • Rock music: Is it related to Satanism?

Unique Discursive Essay Topics

  • Do video games have an advantage for adults?
  • Punishing students that include physical torture should be banned in schools.
  • Is the global society becoming over-regulated?
  • Should we allow students to rate their trainers?
  • What is the biggest challenge faced by learners in college today?
  • Movies are better than cartoons.
  • Should America and Canada merge to form one country?
  • Smartphones are excellent learning tools.
  • Why do teenagers feel freer to talk on social media as opposed to face-to-face?
  • Does the training offered in college prepare students adequately for the real world?
  • To be successful, hard work alone is not enough.
  • Is the taxation system in the US effective?
  • Is college tuition in the UK too expensive?
  • Is studying Shakespeare in college a good idea today?
  • Without faith, life is incomplete.

Good Discursive Essay Topics in History

  • What was the impact of colonization on the Native Americans?
  • The main causes of the American Revolution.
  • History of racism in the UK.
  • What role did women play in WWII?
  • How significant are the measures adopted by the US to control terrorism?
  • What issues caused major conflicts between the South and North, resulting in the American Civil-war?
  • Were Egyptian pyramids constructed using slave labor?
  • Did WWII spur the creation of a new set of professionals?
  • During WWII, soldiers were the main spreaders of the Spanish Flu.
  • The results of WWI caused WWII: Is it correct?
  • The Second Civil War in South Sudan resulted in the creation of the independent republic of South Sudan.
  • Spanish-American War: Was it the cheapest war in history?
  • Why did the Soviet invade Afghanistan?
  • The Haiti Revolution of 1791-1804: Was it the only successful rebellion of liberated slaves?
  • Socio-economic and political revolution: What is the main difference?
  • The Panama Canal made the country one of the fastest-growing nations in Latin America.
  • Mexican-American War: Why did America Carry the Day?
  • How are the weapons of ancient Asian Civilization reflected in their culture?
  • How did the decolonized African states try to decolonize their history?

List of Discursive Essay Topics in Sociology

  • Should governments put some limits on the freedom of speech?
  • Giving male workers paternity leave: Is it a good idea?
  • Are there circumstances when torture is acceptable?
  • Failed parenting: What is the right form of punishment?
  • What are the main causes of single-parenthood in society today?
  • Socialism or capitalism: What is more beneficial to society?
  • Are women less privileged in society?
  • Increase in youth crime in the society: What are the major causes?
  • Is beauty more perceived than intelligence?
  • Racial stereotyping: What are the implications?
  • Society and culture: What is the meeting point?
  • Modern technology: Has it made the globe a better place?
  • Ethnicity: How does it impact social class?
  • Is it possible to stop social violence?
  • What are the psychological impacts of war on children?
  • Family structure: Does it influence societal development?
  • What is the best way to encourage society to have good morals?
  • Is the gay culture a threat to the traditional family?
  • Single parenting: Has it been accepted in society?

Top Discursive Essay Topics on Nature

  • Why is underground water not considered clean for drinking?
  • Tourism is one of the main reasons for animal theft.
  • Should all countries make recycling compulsory?
  • Plastic manufacturing factories: Should they be banned?
  • Between the public and government, who is more responsible for disturbing nature?
  • How does a vegan diet help the environment?
  • Is global warming real?
  • Can deaths caused by earthquakes be prevented?
  • Is scientific advancement creating an imbalance in nature?
  • Deforestation: How does it degrade the standard of life?
  • Is it possible to dump nuclear waste safely?
  • Can renewable sources of energy meet the growing demand?
  • Imagining the globe in 2300: How will it be when the oil is exhausted?
  • Should environmental conservation be introduced as a core course for all students?
  • Does smoking outdoors have any impact on the environment?
  • Should governments advocate for more artificial environments?
  • Is it a good idea to buy bottled water?
  • Are environmental awareness forums important?

Ideas for Discursive Essays in Nursing

  • Who between nurses and doctors is exposed to more health hazards?
  • Racial discrimination: Is it a major issue in nursing?
  • Do nurses play a bigger role than doctors in defining a patient’s recovery?
  • Should the government ban costumes that sexualize nurses?
  • What is the right number of nurses to have in a hospital?
  • Are female nurses more indifferent to patients than male ones?
  • Night shift nurses and day-time nurses: Who should earn more?
  • Nurses’ remuneration: Should their wages be at par with that of doctors?
  • Are most nurses negligent?
  • The importance of interpersonal skills in nursing?
  • What is the impact of nursing theories in nursing practice?
  • The importance of leadership and managerial skills in nursing.
  • Sociological issues in nursing.
  • Do nurses face racial issues in their course of work?

Use Essay Writing Help to Craft A-Rated Discursive Essays

Once you have selected the preferred topic to write a discursive essay on, it marks the start of the next phase, which is the actual writing of the paper. Here, you need to have top-notch research and writing skills to be able to prepare high-quality work. You also require a good mastery of the subject under consideration and enough time to work on the paper. Rarely do students have this combination, and their best way out is working with online academic writing experts.

The professionals offering academic writing services have been on this type of job for years and amassed enough experience. Indeed, they are likely to have handled similar types of paper before, and yours will be pretty easy to complete. The services are also cheap and the writers can work really fast to complete even the essays with the tightest deadlines. You can never go wrong with an expert holding your hand!

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150 Excellent Discursive Essay Topics for Students To Consider

Table of Contents

Do you want to write an engaging discursive essay? Are you struggling to come up with the best discursive essay topics for your assignment? Don’t worry! To help you with discursive essay writing, here, in this blog post, we have explained what a discursive essay means, its types, and the simple steps for writing it. Also, we have shared some interesting discursive essay topics and ideas to consider for assignments.

Discursive Essay Topics

If you don’t know where to begin your essay, then keep on reading this blog post and update your knowledge on discursive essay writing.

What is a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay is a type of academic essay in which you have to share your opinions or views in support of the topic or against the topic. Even at certain times, this essay would permit you to present your views on both sides of a topic in a neutral manner.

The ultimate aim of a discursive essay is to provide the readers with multiple viewpoints on a particular essay help topic or idea. Therefore, while writing a discursive essay, you will have to think deeper from various perspectives and review all the aspects of the subject.

Basically, a discursive essay appears like an argumentative essay or persuasive essay , but it is actually different from them in certain ways. In a nutshell, a discursive essay discusses arguments in a balanced way taking into account all the factors that are for and against the topic.

Types of Discursive Essays

The discursive essay is classified into three types as listed below.

Discursive Essay Topics

For and Against Essay

It is a form of discursive essay that will argumentatively discuss either for or against the topic or theme. When writing an essay of this type, you should make sure to concentrate on both the advantages and disadvantages of the topic and present your views neutrally. Particularly, before wrapping up the essay, you should showcase your opinion on the topic by specifying your preference.

Solutions Recommending Essay

This discursive essay type will outline the issue and will recommend several possible solutions for that issue. But when you wrap up this essay, in the conclusion paragraph, you should highlight your opinion on the best solution to the issue and explain why that solution is effective.

Opinion Essay

It is a kind of discursive essay in which you have to share your opinions or arguments on a specific topic with supporting evidence from credible sources. Most importantly, while concluding this essay, you should remember to put forward your arguments against the topic and explain the reason why they are not persuasive.

How to Write a Discursive Essay

Do you wonder how to prepare a discursive essay? Cool! Writing a discursive essay will not be so hard when you have a proper essay plan and idea about the essay structure. In general, a discursive essay is a formal essay in which you have to organize and present the ideas in a way that is easy for the readers to understand.

Here are some essential steps that would guide you to craft an excellent discursive essay.

  • First, read and understand the essay writing guidelines shared by your instructor.
  • Matching your instructor’s instructions, find a perfect discursive essay topic that allows you to share your opinions.
  • Next, research the selected topic and gather the important points or arguments for discussion.
  • After analyzing the topic, prepare a well-structured discursive essay outline that includes sections such as introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • With the help of the prepared essay outline, start preparing the first draft of the essay according to the standard essay structure.
  • Open the essay with a catchy introductory paragraph. The introduction should have an engaging hook statement, background information, and a strong thesis statement relevant to the essay topic.
  • Craft the body paragraphs. The body of the essay should discuss in detail all the major arguments supporting your thesis statement with valid evidence.
  • Wrap up the essay with a conclusion paragraph. The conclusion section should portray your feelings about the topic and list out all the necessary findings.
  • Add a reference page and list out the original source of the ideas you have used in your essay.
  • Before submission, double-check the entire draft of the essay and edit the grammar, spelling, or logical errors in it. The final draft of the essay should be original and free from errors.

Discursive Essay Writing Tips

By following all the above-mentioned steps in order, you can come up with a great discursive essay. But besides, we also recommend you stick to the below-mentioned tips when writing a discursive essay because it would help you to fine-tune your essay format and structure.

Tips for Writing a Brilliant Discursive Essay

  • Write the discursive essay in a formal third-person speech.
  • When writing this essay, use the right choice of words and formal language conventions.
  • Avoid using emotional writing style and clichés to exaggerate your opinions.
  • Follow the standard essay structure that contains separate sections for the introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Explain the arguments using a balanced and calm tone.
  • Use well-known real-life examples as proof to explain the main arguments.
  • Never change the original structure of a discursive essay.
  • Add references to all the ideas taken from external sources.
  • Make sure to use transition words in between the paragraphs to maintain a smooth and seamless narration flow.
  • Include persuasive writing techniques such as hyperbole, imagery, metaphors, oxymoron, repetition, and similes at the appropriate places, if needed.

Tips For Choosing a Good Discursive Essay Topic

In the discursive essay writing process, topic selection is the first step that you can’t skip. Generally, you won’t find it hard to identify a topic when your instructor provides a list of discursive essay prompts for you to choose from. But the real challenge comes only when you are given the option to choose a topic of your choice.

For writing a discursive essay, there are numerous topics available on various subjects. Out of them all, based on your interest, you can search and identify any good topic. But the problem here is, when you have many topics, then finding one perfect topic from them would become too hard to handle.

So, to help you identify the right essay topic, here we have shared some key tips to keep in mind during the discursive essay topic selection phase.

  • Pick a topic in which you have a strong opinion or knowledge.
  • Go with the topic that is convenient for you to write about.
  • Avoid selecting a frequently discussed topic.
  • Identify a topic that is interesting for you and your readers.
  • Choose a controversial topic in which you can raise varying viewpoints or opinions.
  • Select a complex topic with two sides, so that you can extract more arguments that are for and against it.
  • Give preference to the topic that has many valid facts or evidence to prove your arguments.
  • Finalize the essay topic only if it meets your instructor’s essay writing guidelines, if there are any.

List of Discursive Essay Topics

Here are some unique discursive essay topic ideas on various disciplines.

Discursive Essay Topics

If you don’t know what topic to choose for your discursive essay, feel free to access the entire list below and spot any topic that suits you perfectly.

Best Discursive Essay Topics

  • Do space explorations assure long-term survival?
  • Is the current education system productive?
  • Is English one of the toughest languages to learn?
  • Does reading non-fiction build up the writers’ creativity?
  • Do parents have to reward their children for behaving well?
  • Describe the best kind of parenting observed in your country.
  • Should tobacco production be made illegal across the world?
  • Which is better: reading e-book or paperback?
  • Discuss the effective ways to keep children away from the use of drugs.
  • Are acts of sex and violence acceptable on TV?
  • Is the dependency on technology making us dumber?
  • Is rock music related to Satanism?
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile phones.
  • Has blockchain enhanced trade finance in 2018?
  • Can virtual reality turn out to be dangerous for youngsters?
  • Should social media platforms be banned from collecting their users’ data?
  • Do companies have to hire human workers instead of using autonomous machines?
  • Should cell phones be banned from vehicles?
  • Has the internet made society better?
  • Should parents limit screen time for kids?

Excellent Discursive Essay Topics

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of globalization?
  • Is it essential to ban steroid takers from sports?
  • Are political authorities involved in illegal activities?
  • Discuss the association between food, fitness, and weight.
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of video games among teenagers?
  • Should schools avoid punishing students that include physical torture?
  • Is society becoming over-regulated?
  • How can students contribute to the safety of nature?
  • Do schools have to ban uniforms?
  • Explain the adverse effects of detox diets.
  • Why are policymakers pushing STEM education nowadays?
  • Should the government ban same-sex marriages?
  • Should there be restrictions on freedom of speech?
  • What are the workplace challenges faced by women?
  • Will robots in the future add to our efficiency?
  • Does every country have to ban capital punishment?
  • Should court proceedings in the UK be documented for television?
  • Is print media almost dead?
  • Is social media having a positive impact on our lives?
  • Is home-schooling good for students?
  • Discuss the need for employees to use social networks at work
  • Cite reasons why internet slang like LOL should be in the dictionary
  • Explain the challenges of over-dependence on technology for modern schools
  • Critique any innovation that has made us lazier than before
  • Discuss why so many college athletes struggle with schoolwork

Interesting Discursive Essay Topics

  • Is a college education mandatory to be successful in life?
  • Which is better: listening to the mind or the heart?
  • Which is better: watching a movie on the big screen or in your home?
  • Should parents be honest with their kids?
  • Share your views about the marriage of convenience.
  • Is Graffiti an art?
  • Are plastic water bottles spoiling the environment?
  • Are athletes the best role models for children?
  • Is social media presence necessary for a small business to succeed?
  • Should people in Muslim countries develop a religious tolerance?
  • Should public schools have a responsibility to teach social-emotional skills to students?
  • Is the best music founded on social oppression?
  • Should animal sports be banned?
  • Should zoos be abolished?
  • Is cutting hands the only way to stop corruption?
  • Should polio vaccinations be compulsory for every citizen of the United States?
  • Is it good to believe that car seats are effective to keep children safe in car crashes?
  • Should social media sites be banned from collecting their users’ data?
  • Should healthcare professionals be allowed to market and sell drugs to their patients?
  • Should companies switch to hiring employees using autonomous machines?

Amazing Discursive Essay Prompts

  • Explain the scenario of healthcare and medicine in the 1900s.
  • Is Facebook really needed to stay in touch with each other?
  • Should short dresses be restricted from the workplace?
  • Should offshore drilling be widened?
  • Should famous people in society stay active in politics?
  • Is social media contributing to a more narcissistic society?
  • Is IoT no longer a tool that screws up privacy and security?
  • Is studying Shakespeare outdated in today’s world?
  • Does workplace diversity contribute to increased productivity?
  • Are contemporary people across the world depending too much on technology?
  • Should the average driving age in your country be reduced or increased?
  • Is yoga a more spiritual activity than fasting?
  • Discuss the pros and cons of peer pressure.
  • Are non-vegetarians healthier than vegetarians?
  • Discuss your viewpoints on cryptocurrency.
  • Analyze the future of cryptocurrencies
  • Should there be more parties in the United States?
  • Should college students be restricted from participating in Greek life?
  • Is co-education better than single-sex education?
  • Should college students get to autonomy to choose which professor’s class they attain?

Read more: Amazing Descriptive Essay Topics and Ideas for Students

Top Discursive Essay Questions

  • Are tattoos a work of art?
  • Is exercising mandatory for losing weight?
  • Is plastic surgery good?
  • Do parents have to be on the same social network as their children?
  • Is MBA necessary to be successful in business?
  • Are technological advancements making us lazier?
  • Does slavery have a positive influence on world economics?
  • Explain your views about the child-free movement.
  • Should cell phones be allowed in school?
  • What should be the penalty for internet trolling or cyberbullying?
  • Which is better: traditional medicine or alternative medicine?
  • Is texting and texting apps like WhatsApp ruining the English language?
  • Should companies allow employees to take a nap in the afternoon?
  • At what age should a child start doing household chores?
  • Should cheerleading be recognized as a sport and played in the Olympics?
  • Discuss the correlation between wealth and happiness.
  • Which is better: Single-sex School or Co-ed School?
  • Will Google bring about the end of privacy?
  • Is good grammar necessary?
  • Which is worse: White-collar crime or Blue-collar crime?

Captivating Discursive Essay Ideas

  • Is radio important as a form of media in the 21st century?
  • Discuss the prospect of having a woman president.
  • Discuss the mortgage crisis in the economy.
  • Is it important to heavily regulate newspapers?
  • Is earning money through the lottery a good idea?
  • Does technology isolate the individual?
  • Why an assassination can never be justified?
  • Discuss the challenges in outsourcing to foreign countries.
  • Should rape victims be hanged to death?
  • Explain how the celebrity culture is spoiling the moral values of young teenagers.

Outstanding Discursive Essay Topics

  • Do social media platforms affect the academic performance of students?
  • Should the government censor rap music culture?
  • Are tattoos and paganism related to each other?
  • Do airlines have to provide a two-seat policy for heavier people?
  • Are dating websites a good place to meet romantic partners?
  • Are drug abuse commercials effective?
  • Is the military’s use of drones an invasion of privacy?
  • Should GMOs be allowed in food?
  • Discuss the negative and positive effects of Blockchain on energy.
  • Why should we prohibit the destruction of rainforests?
  • Do energy drinks cause health risks to teenagers?
  • Should text message acronyms be added to dictionaries?
  • Does the gaming world promote problematic gender and racial stereotypes?
  • Do all adults need eight hours of sleep?
  • Is cheerleading a way to objectify young women?

Read more: Sample GRE Essay Topics To Practice

Compelling Discursive Essay Topics

  • Which is better: nuclear families or joint families?
  • Is social media more relevant these days than traditional media?
  • Is it essential to emphasize etiquette in all curriculums?
  • Are apps more of a help or a waste of time?
  • Do contact sports encourage aggression?
  • Do video games have educational value?
  • Is it possible to create a society based on matriarchy?
  • Should schoolchildren learn religion as a part of their curriculum?
  • Is it important to ban beauty contests?
  • Do politicians rely on the media in order to remain in power?

Incredible Discursive Essay Topics

  • Discuss the prospect of making education a free for all affair
  • Explain how the concept of consumer debt affects purchasing ability.
  • Discuss the correlation between the price of textbooks and education
  • Should zoos, circuses, and aquariums be closed for the violation of animal rights?
  • Discuss the ethical prospect of bringing back extinct species through cloning
  • Is it necessary to abolish the grading system in the education field?
  • Explain the challenges that different countries face when trying to end poaching.
  • Should the case for equal pay for equal work be advanced?
  • Explain how the sitting government perpetuates poverty.
  • Why is it important to allow college students to choose the course they wish to study?

Wrapping Up

From the above-recommended list of unique discursive essay topics, without any hesitation, select a topic matching your interest and prepare an extraordinary discursive essay. Haven’t you identified the right discursive essay topic for your assignment yet? Do you need instant discursive essay writing help? Contact us now!

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26 Planning a Discursive Essay

Discursive essay – description.

A discursive essay is a form of critical essay that attempts to provide the reader with a balanced argument on a topic, supported by evidence. It requires critical thinking, as well as sound and valid arguments (see Chapter 25) that acknowledge and analyse arguments both for and against any given topic, plus discursive essay writing appeals to reason, not emotions or opinions. While it may draw some tentative conclusions, based on evidence, the main aim of a discursive essay is to inform the reader of the key arguments and allow them to arrive at their own conclusion.

The writer needs to research the topic thoroughly to present more than one perspective and should check their own biases and assumptions through critical reflection (see Chapter 30).

Unlike persuasive writing, the writer does not need to have knowledge of the audience, though should write using academic tone and language (see Chapter 20).

Choose Your Topic Carefully

A basic guide to choosing an assignment topic is available in Chapter 23, however choosing a topic for a discursive essay means considering more than one perspective. Not only do you need to find information about the topic via academic sources, you need to be able to construct a worthwhile discussion, moving from idea to idea. Therefore, more forward planning is required. The following are decisions that need to be considered when choosing a discursive essay topic:

  • These will become the controlling ideas for your three body paragraphs (some essays may require more). Each controlling idea will need arguments both for and against.
  • For example, if my topic is “renewable energy” and my three main (controlling) ideas are “cost”, “storage”, “environmental impact”, then I will need to consider arguments both for and against each of these three concepts. I will also need to have good academic sources with examples or evidence to support my claim and counter claim for each controlling idea (More about this in Chapter 27).
  • Am I able to write a thesis statement about this topic based on the available research? In other words, do my own ideas align with the available research, or am I going to be struggling to support my own ideas due to a lack of academic sources or research? You need to be smart about your topic choice. Do not make it harder than it has to be. Writing a discursive essay is challenging enough without struggling to find appropriate sources.
  • For example, perhaps I find a great academic journal article about the uptake of solar panel installation in suburban Australia and how this household decision is cost-effective long-term, locally stored, and has minimal, even beneficial environmental impact due to the lowering of carbon emissions. Seems too good to be true, yet it is perfect for my assignment. I would have to then find arguments AGAINST everything in the article that supports transitioning suburbs to solar power. I would have to challenge the cost-effectiveness, the storage, and the environmental impact study. Now, all of a sudden my task just became much more challenging.
  • There may be vast numbers of journal articles written about your topic, but consider how relevant they may be to your tentative thesis statement. It takes a great deal of time to search for appropriate academic sources. Do you have a good internet connection at home or will you need to spend some quality time at the library? Setting time aside to complete your essay research is crucial for success.

It is only through complete forward planning about the shape and content of your essay that you may be able to choose the topic that best suits your interests, academic ability and time management. Consider how you will approach the overall project, not only the next step.

Research Your Topic

When completing a library search for online peer reviewed journal articles, do not forget to use Boolean Operators to refine or narrow your search field. Standard Boolean Operators are (capitalized) AND, OR and NOT. While using OR will expand your search, AND and NOT will reduce the scope of your search. For example, if I want information on ageism and care giving, but I only want it to relate to the elderly, I might use the following to search a database: ageism AND care NOT children. Remember to keep track of your search strings (like the one just used) and then you’ll know what worked and what didn’t as you come and go from your academic research.

The UQ Library provides an excellent step-by-step guide to searching databases:

Searching in databases – Library – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

Did you know that you can also link the UQ Library to Google Scholar? This link tells you how:

Google Scholar – Library – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

Write the Thesis Statement

The concept of a thesis statement was introduced in Chapter 21. The information below relates specifically to a discursive essay thesis statement.

As noted in the introduction to this chapter, the discursive essay should not take a stance and therefore the thesis statement must also impartially indicate more than one perspective. The goal is to present both sides of an argument equally and allow the reader to make an informed and well-reasoned choice after providing supporting evidence for each side of the argument.

Sample thesis statements: Solar energy is a cost -effective solution to burning fossil fuels for electricity , however lower income families cannot afford the installation costs .

Some studies indicate that teacher comments written in red may have no effect on students’ emotions , however other studies suggest that seeing red ink on papers could cause some students unnecessary stress. [1]

According to social justice principles, education should be available to all , yet historically, the intellectually and physically impaired may have been exempt from participation due to their supposed inability to learn. [2]

This is where your pros and cons list comes into play. For each pro, or positive statement you make, about your topic, create an equivalent con, or negative statement and this will enable you to arrive at two opposing assertions – the claim and counter claim.

While there may be multiple arguments or perspectives related to your essay topic, it is important that you match each claim with a counter-claim. This applies to the thesis statement and each supporting argument within the body paragraphs of the essay.

It is not just a matter of agreeing or disagreeing. A neutral tone is crucial. Do not include positive or negative leading statements, such as “It is undeniable that…” or “One should not accept the view that…”. You are NOT attempting to persuade the reader to choose one viewpoint over another.

Leading statements / language will be discussed further, in class, within term three of the Academic English course.

Thesis Structure:

  • Note the two sides (indicated in green and orange)
  • Note the use of tentative language: “Some studies”, “may have”, “could cause”, “some students”
  • As the thesis is yet to be discussed in-depth, and you are not an expert in the field, do not use definitive language
  • The statement is also one sentence, with a “pivot point” in the middle, with a comma and signposting to indicate a contradictory perspective (in black). Other examples include, nevertheless, though, although, regardless, yet, albeit. DO NOT use the word “but” as it lacks academic tone. Some signposts (e.g., although, though, while) may be placed at the start of the two clauses rather than in the middle – just remember the comma, for example, “While some studies suggest solar energy is cost-effective, other critical research questions its affordability.”
  • Also note that it is based on preliminary research and not opinion: “some studies”, “other studies”, “according to social justice principles”, “critical research”.

Claims and Counter Claims

NOTE: Please do not confuse the words ‘claim’ and ‘counter-claim’ with moral or value judgements about right/wrong, good/bad, successful/unsuccessful, or the like. The term ‘claim’ simply refers to the first position or argument you put forward (whether for or against), and ‘counter-claim’ is the alternate position or argument.

In a discursive essay the goal is to present both sides equally and then draw some tentative conclusions based on the evidence presented.

  • To formulate your claims and counter claims, write a list of pros and cons.
  • For each pro there should be a corresponding con.
  • Three sets of pros and cons will be required for your discursive essay. One set for each body paragraph. These become your claims and counter claims.
  • For a longer essay, you would need further claims and counter claims.
  • Some instructors prefer students to keep the pros and cons in the same order across the body paragraphs. Each paragraph would then have a pro followed by a con or else a con followed by a pro. The order should align with your thesis; if the thesis gives a pro view of the topic followed by a negative view (con) then the paragraphs should also start with the pro and follow with the con, or else vice versa. If not aligned and consistent, the reader may easily become confused as the argument proceeds. Ask your teacher if this is a requirement for your assessment.

topic discursive essay

Use previous chapters to explore your chosen topic through concept mapping (Chapter 18) and essay outlining (Chapter 19), with one variance; you must include your proposed claims and counter claims in your proposed paragraph structures. What follows is a generic model for a discursive essay. The following Chapter 27 will examine this in further details.

Sample Discursive Essay Outline 

The paragraphs are continuous; the dot-points are only meant to indicate content.

Introduction

  • Thesis statement
  • Essay outline (including 3 controlling ideas)

Body Paragraphs X 3 (Elaboration and evidence will be more than one sentence, though the topic, claim and counter claim should be succinct)

  • T opic sentence, including 1/3 controlling ideas (the topic remains the same throughout the entire essay; it is the controlling idea that changes)
  • A claim/assertion about the controlling idea
  • E laboration – more information about the claim
  • E vidence -academic research (Don’t forget to tell the reader how / why the evidence supports the claim. Be explicit in your E valuation rather than assuming the connection is obvious to the reader)
  • A counter claim (remember it must be COUNTER to the claim you made, not about something different)
  • E laboration – more information about the counter claim
  • E vidence – academic research (Don’t forget to tell the reader how / why the evidence supports the claim. Be explicit in your E valuation rather than assuming the connection is obvious to the reader)
  • Concluding sentence – L inks back to the topic and/or the next controlling idea in the following paragraph

Mirror the introduction. The essay outline should have stated the plan for the essay – “This essay will discuss…”, therefore the conclusion should identify that this has been fulfilled, “This essay has discussed…”, plus summarise the controlling ideas and key arguments. ONLY draw tentative conclusions BOTH for and against, allowing the reader to make up their own mind about the topic. Also remember to re-state the thesis in the conclusion. If it is part of the marking criteria, you should also include a recommendation or prediction about the future use or cost/benefit of the chosen topic/concept.

A word of warning, many students fall into the generic realm of stating that there should be further research on their topic or in the field of study. This is a gross statement of the obvious as all academia is ongoing. Try to be more practical with your recommendations and also think about who would instigate them and where the funding might come from.

This chapter gives an overview of what a discursive essay is and a few things to consider when choosing your topic. It also provides a generic outline for a discursive essay structure. The following chapter examines the structure in further detail.

  • Inez, S. M. (2018, September 10). What is a discursive essay, and how do you write a good one? Kibin. ↵
  • Hale, A., & Basides, H. (2013). The keys to academic English. Palgrave ↵

researched, reliable, written by academics and published by reputable publishers; often, but not always peer reviewed

assertion, maintain as fact

The term ‘claim’ simply refers to the first position or argument you put forward (whether for or against), and ‘counter-claim’ is the alternate position or argument.

Academic Writing Skills Copyright © 2021 by Patricia Williamson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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135 Outstanding Discursive Essay Topics and Ideas

Table of Contents

A discursive essay is a common type of academic essay that teachers will often assign to test the student’s knowledge and skills. Right now, would you have to prepare a discursive essay? Are you looking for the best discursive essay topics and ideas for your assignments? Well, in this blog post, we have explained what a discursive essay means and how to write a brilliant discursive essay to impress your teachers. Also, here, we have shared a list of great discursive essay topic ideas to consider for your essay writing assignment.

To get more ideas about discursive essay writing, continue reading this blog post.

What is a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay is a type of essay where you must either support or refute the topic. You might be able to express your opinions on both sides of a topic in a balanced manner without choosing a side in some discursive essays. It typically allows you to present opposing viewpoints on a particular idea or subject. Most importantly, writing a discursive essay will force you to examine all aspects of a topic and make you think more deeply about it.

Types of Discursive Essays

A discursive essay is commonly classified into three types.

Discursive Essay Topics

For and against Essay

In this essay, you will have to argumentatively discuss an issue, either for or against the subject. When writing this essay, you should specify the pros and cons of the topic of discussion in a neutral manner. Finally, before concluding the essay, you should highlight your opinion on the topic by mentioning your preference.

Opinion Essay

In this type of discursive essay, as a writer, you will have to explain your opinion or arguments on a particular topic with valid supportive evidence. However, before wrapping up the essay, you should present your arguments against the topic and should explain why they are not persuasive.

Solutions Suggesting Essay

This essay type will outline a problem and will suggest several possible ways to solve the problem. In the conclusion section of this discursive essay type, you should make sure to share your opinion on the best solution to the problem and should explain the reason why it is effective.

A discursive essay usually looks like an argumentative essay or persuasive essay, but it actually differs from both of them because the discursive essay presents arguments in a balanced manner considering all the factors related to for and against.

Discursive Essay Topics

Know How to Write a Discursive Essay

A discursive essay is a formal essay that should be structured properly to make your readers understand your viewpoints. If you are not sure how to write a discursive essay, then be certain to follow the below-mentioned steps for writing a discursive essay.

  • First, search and identify a good discursive essay topic that is convenient for you to share your opinions.
  • Analyze your selected topic and collect the main points or arguments for discussion.
  • Sketch a neat and clear discursive essay outline as per the standard essay structure that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Draft the essay according to the main essay structure and organize all your ideas.
  • Write an engaging introductory paragraph. In the introduction section, give brief information about the topic and announce the main questions to be described in the entire paper. The thesis statement included in this section should be understandable to your readers.
  • Prepare body paragraphs. In the body section of the essay, discuss all the main arguments relevant to your thesis statement with valid evidence.
  • Craft a powerful conclusion paragraph and finish your essay. In the conclusion section, share your feelings about the topic and the necessary findings of the topic. Also, highlight the value of your paper and the topic on which you have expressed your opinion.
  • After you finish writing the essay, proofread your paper several times and edit if there are any mistakes in it.

Points to Remember While Writing a Discursive Essay

Discursive essays are usually difficult to write. Even though the paper is small, writing a great essay requires more attention. You can follow the steps above in order, especially if you want to write a great discursive essay. In addition, you should keep the following discursive essay writing tips in mind.

  • Craft the essay using a formal third-person point of view.
  • The essay should be written using appropriate word choice and formal language conventions.
  • Never use buzzwords, profound composing style, and casual language to misrepresent on own rightness.
  • Include the essential parts, like an introduction, body, and conclusion, to organize your thoughts and structure your essay.
  • Prefer to explain your points in a calm and balanced manner.
  • Make use of well-known real-world examples to back up your arguments in relation to the thesis statements.
  • All of the ideas you’ve taken from other sources should have references to them.
  • Make use of appropriate transition words between paragraphs to keep a smooth narration flow.
  • Without disrupting the discursive essay’s structure, use persuasive writing techniques like imagery, oxymoron, repetition, metaphor, hyperbole, and simile in the appropriate places.
  • Draft the essay content according to your teacher’s essay writing guidelines.

Tips for Choosing a Good Discursive Essay Topic

In the essay writing process, topic selection is the most important step that should be given a high level of importance. Basically, your instructors will provide some discursive essay prompts for you to choose from, or they will ask you to select any topic of your choice.

The topic selection will become tough if you are given the freedom to choose the essay topic on your own. So, to make the topic selection easier for you, here we have shared some important discursive essay topic selection tips.

Keep all these key tips in mind during topic selection to come up with a good discursive essay topic.

  • Select a controversial topic that can be argued about with varying opinions or viewpoints.
  • Choose a topic in which you have strong knowledge and opinion.
  • Pick a complex topic that has at least two sides, so that you can generate more arguments for and against them.
  • Give preference to the essay topic that is comfortable for you to write about.
  • Identify an interesting and unique essay topic that has the power to grab the attention of the readers.
  • Choose a topic that has many relevant facts or evidence to support your arguments or opinions.

Discursive Essay Topics

List of Discursive Essay Topics and Ideas

Are you hunting for unique discursive essay topics for your assignment? Cool! Just access the entire list of discursive essay topic ideas suggested below and pick any topic that matches you the most.

Best Discursive Essay Topics

  • How can students contribute to the safety of nature?
  • Should schools avoid punishing students that include physical torture?
  • What are the negative effects of detox diets?
  • Is society becoming over-regulated?
  • Should uniforms in schools be banned?
  • Are political authorities involved in illegal activities?
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of globalization.
  • What are the pros and cons of video games among teenagers?
  • Is it necessary to ban court proceedings in the UK  for television?
  • Ban on steroid takers from sports.
  • Discuss the link between food, fitness, and weight.
  • Is print media almost dead?
  • Should capital punishment be banned in every country?
  • Is homeschooling a disadvantage for students?
  • Is social media having a negative impact on our lives?

Also read: Best Definition Essay Topics for Students

Simple Discursive Essay Topics

  • Is it necessary to prevent the freedom of speech of people?
  • Why are many policymakers pushing STEM education nowadays?
  • Will robots in the future add to our efficiency?
  • Should the government forbid same-sex marriages?
  • Discuss the workplace challenges faced by women.
  • Discuss how negative public relations (PR) can help an individual become more popular and successful in the entertainment industry.
  • Explain the healing capacity of listening to a favorite song.
  • Discuss how peacekeeping missions can bring peace to a nation
  • Develop an argumentative study on why should abortion be banned in every country
  • Discuss the reasons for attending lectures as optional for students who work to earn a living.
  • Are online matrimonial platforms a good option to find and meet potential partners to marry?
  • Is an active presence in social media platforms necessary for a small and medium business to attract potential customers and succeed financially and operationally?
  • Is it better to watch an action movie on the big screen or in your own home?
  • Should clothes labeled as active wear be worn as casual wear?
  • Discuss how the extensive use of social networking sites and gaming platforms impacts the academic results of children and adolescents.

Unique Discursive Essay Ideas

  • Discuss how sports and music provide relief from stress.
  • Does reading non-fiction enhance the writers’ creativity?
  • Describe the best kind of parenting observed in your country.
  • Are acts of sex and violence acceptable on TV?
  • Illegal production of tobacco across the world.
  • How to keep children away from the use of drugs?
  • Is English one of the hardest languages to learn?
  • Do space explorations guarantee long-term survival?
  • Is t necessary to reward children for behaving well?
  • Which is better- reading an e-book or paperback?
  • Does the media play the most crucial role in spreading fake news and intentionally crafted misinformation?
  • Discuss the way bad PR and negative publicity help someone become more powerful and successful in the field of politics
  • The beauty product industry is responsible for promoting negative racial and gender stereotypes: Explain with justification
  • Currently, social media platforms are becoming more important compared to conventional print and broadcast media: Explain with reasons
  • Discuss the positive and negative impact of using blockchain technology on the performance of the international financial market

Amazing Discursive Essay Topics

  • Is the current education system efficient?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile phones?
  • Is increased dependency on technology making us foolish?
  • Can virtual reality turn out to be dangerous for youngsters?
  • Is rock music related to Satanism?
  • Has Blockchain improved trade finance in 2018?
  • Is social media contributing to a more toxic society?
  • Are contemporary people across the world depending too much on technology?
  • Is IoT no longer a tool that ensures privacy and security?
  • Does workplace diversity contribute to increased productivity?
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of peer pressure.
  • Is it necessary to ban short dresses from the workplace?
  • Describe the scenario of healthcare and medicine in the 1900s.
  • Should famous people in society get involved in politics?
  • Do we really need Facebook to stay in touch with each other?

Interesting Discursive Essay Ideas

  • Is it necessary to expand offshore drilling?
  • Is studying Shakespeare obsolete in today’s world?
  • Should the average driving age in your country be reduced or increased?
  • Explain your views on cryptocurrency.
  • Is yoga a more spiritual activity than fasting?
  • Are meat-eaters healthier than vegetarians?
  • Why do a lot of spiritual people choose to become vegetarian?
  • How do the practices of reading great novels help people to sharpen their ability to think outside of the box?
  • Are athletes the best role models for children?
  • Does a safe, secure, and healthy workplace help employees give their best for the organization?
  • Describe the key factors or components of a good office culture
  • Is Graffiti an art?
  • Should people develop religious tolerance in Muslim countries?
  • Are plastic water bottles destroying the environment?
  • Is social media presence necessary for a small business to succeed?

Also read: Best Internship Essay Topics For Students to Consider

Outstanding Discursive Essay Topics

  • Which is better- watching a movie on the big screen or in your home?
  • Is a college education necessary to be successful in life?
  • Express your views about the marriage of convenience.
  • Is it essential to ban animal sports?
  • Which is better- listening to the mind or the heart?
  • Should parents be honest with their kids?
  • Is the best music founded on social oppression?
  • Is cutting hands the only way to dust the corruption?
  • Do public schools have a responsibility to teach social-emotional skills to students?
  • Is it necessary to abolish zoos?
  • Should GMOs be allowed in food?
  • Are drug abuse commercials effective?
  • Why is it necessary to prohibit the destruction of rainforests?
  • Is the military’s use of drones an invasion of privacy?
  • Explain the negative and positive effects of Blockchain on energy.

Captivating Discursive Essay Topics

  • Are tattoos and paganism related to each other?
  • Do social media platforms affect the academic performance of students?
  • Are dating websites a good place to meet romantic partners?
  • Should the government censor rap music culture?
  • Should airlines provide a two-seat policy for heavier people?
  • Does the gaming world promote problematic gender and racial stereotypes?
  • Do energy drinks cause health risks to teenagers?
  • Is cheerleading a way to objectify young women?
  • Is it necessary to add text message acronyms to dictionaries?
  • Do all adults need eight hours of sleep?
  • Explain your views about the child-free movement.
  • Are technological advancements making us lazier?
  • What should be the penalty for internet trolling or cyberbullying?
  • Does slavery have a positive influence on world economics?
  • Should cell phones be allowed in school?

Also read: Fantastic Narrative Essay Topics for You to Explore and Consider

Latest Discursive Essay Topics

  • Is plastic surgery good?
  • Are tattoos a work of art?
  • Is an MBA necessary to be successful in business?
  • Is exercising necessary for losing weight?
  • Should a parent be on the same social network as their child?
  • Will Google bring about the end of privacy?
  • Discuss the correlation between wealth and happiness.
  • Which is worse: White-collar crime or Blue-collar crime?
  • Which is better: Single-sex School or Co-ed School?
  • Is good grammar necessary?
  • Should a 20 to 30-minute afternoon nap be allowed at work?
  • Is traditional medicine better than alternative medicine?
  • Should cheerleading be recognized as a sport and played in the Olympics?
  • Is texting and texting apps like WhatsApp killing the English language?
  • At what age should a child start doing household chores?
  • Work-from-office culture or work-from-home culture: Which is better and why?
  • Should social media platforms need to be allowed to regulate and censor user posts?
  • Should society hold celebrities to a high moral standard?
  • Should religious organizations need to pay taxes as businesses do?
  • Should all religious people be allowed to marry and have children?

Fascinating Discursive Essay Topics

  • Should the law abolish the wage gap between genders?
  • How can musicians motivate their audience toward an ideal path?
  • Why does society ignore harassment and domestic violence against men?
  • How is male chauvinism influenced by English literature?
  • Explain the adverse impacts of social media on literature.
  • Differentiate between modern and Western cultures with examples.
  • Is it better to be business partners with a family member?
  • Does violence in song lyrics influence the members of society?
  • Does body shaming and bullying by the teachers impact a student’s mindset?
  • How can colleges and universities promote travel writing?

The Bottom Line

Hopefully, the list of excellent essay topics recommended in this blog post will help you in preparing a top-quality discursive essay. So, feel free to go through the entire list and spot a perfect topic that matches your interest. In case, you need help with discursive essay writing, and essay topic selection, contact us. We have skilled essay writers to offer extraordinary essay writing help on almost all types of academic essays including discursive essays. Based on the requirements you share with us, the experts in our platform will assist you in preparing plagiarism-free discursive essays. Moreover, by utilizing our cheap and best online assignment writing service , you can finish your tasks on time and achieve top grades in your class.

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Home / Essay Writing Tutorials / 30 Professor Recommended Discursive Essay Topics (Updated for 2022)

30 Professor Recommended Discursive Essay Topics (Updated for 2019)

discursive essay topics

  • Published Date: September 25, 2018

Writing on your choice of discursive essay topics gives you the rare opportunity to walk the fine line that separates a discursive essay from its close cousins—the argumentative or persuasive essay . While in certain lights, a discursive essay might resemble its relatives, the argumentative or persuasive essay, they are still very distinct. For example, an argumentative essay seeks to convince you of an argument, but a discursive essay seeks to examine the arguments on opposing sides of an issue—with marked detachment.

A discursive essay forces you to look at an issue you might be very passionate about and to approach it with the cool detachment of a surgeon. You need to actively find a way to push your personal opinions aside and examine a topic seeing the validity of two opposing perspectives. Crafting a discursive essay might be a bit more challenging, but the entire process serves to elevate your level of writing. This is because you are forced to examine and explain the validity of viewpoints you might personally disagree with. This pushes a level of higher emotional maturity into your writing and helps to expand your perspective regarding the overall complexity of the world. You might find that after writing a discursive essay, you don’t object as strongly to divergent viewpoints over controversial topics.

Table of Contents

  • 1.1 Grade 8 Topics
  • 1.2 Sports Topics
  • 1.3 Music Topics
  • 1.4 2018 / Current Events Topics
  • 1.5 Higher English Topics
  • 1.6 Provocative Topics
  • 2 Conclusion

topic discursive essay

Discursive Essay Topics

Grade 8 topics.

#1 Is college still necessary to be very successful in life?

For the longest time, getting a college degree has been viewed as crucial stepping-stone in life on the path to reaching one’s full potential. However, now in the digital age, more and more entrepreneurs are getting started in high school, creating their own empires on social media and branding their own goods and services. Perhaps geniuses like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, who both ultimately dropped out of college were showing society how unnecessary this institution is. Discuss.

#2 Should text message acronyms (lol, smh, yolo) be included in dictionaries?

It seems as though the vocabulary base of digital messaging grows bigger everyday and that young people are rapidly finding ways to communicate directly and efficiently through the use of acronyms. Do these digital acronyms represent a “dumbing down” of language or should they be embraced and entered officially into dictionaries. Explain.

#3 Is it better to meet your husband/wife later or earlier in life?

The media has definitely romanticized the idea of high school sweethearts as being an ideal relationship to grow old in. Is this really the best iteration of true love or a relationship? Discuss the pros and cons of finding love later and earlier in life.

#4 Should parents be brutally honest with their kids?

For the last few decades, common parenting wisdom has dictated that there are certain truths about the world that aren’t appropriate for children of all ages. This has created a multitude of scenarios where parents will sugarcoat facts about reality to their children, leading them to learn harsh realities later on in life. Is this common practice best for raising the most self-aware children or is brutal honesty the best way to acquaint children to the world at large?

#5 Do you think soda should be banned in public schools?

A host of negative health impacts are connected to the consumption of soda from obesity to tooth decay. Does this mean it has no place near children in public schools or is it just a harmless treat in moderation? Discuss.

topic discursive essay

Sports Topics

#6 Cheerleading : Valid sport or another way to objectify young women?

Cheerleading is viewed by many as offering a valuable skillset to young women, a healthy experience with competition and lessons in teamwork. Others view cheerleading as the subjugation of young women to the sidelines in support of male victory. Discuss.

#7 Animal sports such as bull fighting and horse racing are just as barbaric as cock fighting or dog fighting and should be banned.

As society continues to evolve, more and more citizens are becoming deeply concerned with the rights of animals and how people treat them. This has caused certain animal- centered sports to receive new scrutiny. Are such sports the remaining relics of antiquated and barbaric traditions or mere harmless fun? Discuss.

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#8 University sports departments should have a fixed budget, not to exceed a small percentage of yearly revenue.

Universities have a moral and legal obligation to focus on academics first of all. This priority is something often undermined by the fat budgets and excessive spending of athletic departments. Should all athletic departments have a fixed budget (not to exceed 5-10% of the annual budget) or is it important for universities known for sports (such as ones like Notre Dame) to be given the freedom to allocate their budgets as they see fit, empowering them to them attract big donations from alumni? Discuss.

#9 The wage gap between genders in professional sports should be immediately abolished by law.

In a perfect world, everyone would earn the same amount of money and there would be no one who was poor nor homeless. However, our society views certain jobs/roles as more valuable and as able to offer a bigger return for the tasks they complete. Is the pay gap between genders a reflection of a still antiquated and misogynist society, or simply a reflection of the bigger market for male athletes? Discuss.

#10 Athletes are the best/worst role models for children.

Athletes show the power of hard work, perseverance and facing one’s fears. On the other hand, they can also demonstrate overly-competitiveness, ruthlessness, obsessiveness and over-commercialism. Discuss how athletes are both the best and worst role models for children.

topic discursive essay

Music Topics

#11 Does violence or misogyny in song lyrics desensitize members of society to these forces or are these references innocuous? Discuss.

Many song lyrics contain some rather disturbing misogynist suggestions or racial epithets that are not the hallmark of a healthy society. Is this harmless creative expression or factors that continue to promote inequality, injustice and marginalization of women and minorities?

#12 The music industry transformed from one focused on album sales to one which focuses on song sales and streaming. Which business platform was better for the creation of great music?

The music industry was built on the fact that consumers had no choice but to buy entire albums. Now consumers have more choices and can purchase songs or stream them, allowing them to save money and just purchase what they really, truly want to own. Have these changes in the market created better or worse music?

#13 Most musicians just have a few hits in them that they are capable of making. The bulk of their work is mediocre.

One could argue that only a small handful of artists are able to produce music that is critically acclaimed and a popular success, year after year. Others argue there are lots of musicians all over the world capable of creating hit music, they just aren’t able to receive the same level of exposure as those at the top. Discuss.

#14 Music can be powerfully transformative in improving one’s mood or is it merely a distraction from one’s problems and the monotony of life?

Science has long studied the mood enhancing impacts of music. Are these effects really as concrete and beneficial as one would like to think or are they a simple distraction for the brain, akin to television? Explore.

#15 Do you think the best music was founded in social oppression? Discuss.

Many believe that art is at its greatest incarnation when it addresses some form of injustice. Many believe some of the greatest music every written does exactly that. Is this the case or does great music simply center on human experience, both good and bad? Explain.

topic discursive essay

2018 / Current Events Topics

#16 Trump is a manifestation of the end of corruption in politics or the fullest realization of corruption politics. Discuss.

Trump might be one of the most polarizing presidents this country has ever known. His platform was to “drain the swamp” meaning rid Washington D.C. of the corrupt politicians so many Americans have tired of. Is this what he has achieved or is he a representation of the furthest extent of corruption? Explain.

#17 Separating children from their parents at the border (if their parents have tried to cross illegally) is inhumane or standard policy for crime and punishment. Discuss.

The Trump administration’s policy of separating children from their parents was an issue that caused the most bitter debates all over the nation. Some viewed it as the obvious consequence of a crime committed. Others viewed it as inhuman and a manifestation of a policy that bordered on scathing totalitarianism. Explore.

#18 Social media in contributing to a more narcissistic society.

For all the benefits that social media provides us with (making friends, finding support, discovering new places, sharing moments from life) it does cause the individual to forge a hyper-awareness of themselves, their image and appearance. Some might argue this leads to narcissism, insecurity and a tendency to compare oneself to others. Still others might object, asserting it just creates a healthy level of self-awareness. Explore and discuss.

#19 Transgender people should compete in sports of their original gender not their transferred or selected gender.

Experts in development have long argued that when someone transfers from one gender to another, they should attempt to fully embrace the new gender in all scenarios. A male transitioning to female should use female bathrooms, pick a female name and compete in female sports, if desired. Others argue that such a heavy-handed policy creates massive unfairness on the playing field and in other forms of athletic competition. Explore the best options for transgender students.

#20 Internet pornography is a healthy outlet for exploring eroticism or a devastating perversity leading to addiction and violence against women.

The porn of the digital age is unlike anything the human body or mind has ever been exposed to. The enormous variety and extremity of the porn available is so immense that it has the power to create addictions overnight or to help people find a healthy, safe outlet to explore their erotic inclinations. Discuss.

topic discursive essay

Higher English Topics

#21 Studying Shakespeare is obsolete in today’s world. Discuss.

While modern day scholars have lauded the plays of Shakespeare, the style of writing is so inaccessible that one might argue many of his plays are just over-hyped tedious tales. Others would strongly object, asserting these plays tell timeless tales of the more eternal aspects of human existence, such as justice, revenge, hope, love, and victory. Explain.

#22 Advanced English classes should include slang, including slang from song lyrics. Discuss.

Some may argue that slang is temporal, and while it is hip and beloved by the young, not necessary for mastery of the English language. Others would disagree, saying that mastery of current slang is precisely what makes or breaks someone’s advanced English skills.

#23 British English is the purest and most elegant manifestation of the English language.

Learning the “Queen’s English” gives one’s language skills an undeniable touch of class. Others might disagree, calling such a notion antiquated and out of touch with modern times. Discuss.

#24 Speaking and listening are the most important aspects of learning any foreign language: writing is the least important.

Speaking and listening skills are precisely what empowers one to go out into the world with one’s foreign language skills—to any degree of success. Writing is the least important, particularly with the advent of voice dictation on smart phones. Many linguists disagree, asserting that writing is the exact skill which helps connect speaking and listening. Explore.

#25 English is one of the hardest/easiest languages to learn. Discuss.

Some English language learners argue that even though English is founded in Latin, its host of borrowed words means its has irregular verb tenses and odd spelling rules. However, compared to so many other languages English is easy: there are no cases, no genders and the subject verb agreement is often to pick up.  Explore this issue.

Provocative Topics

#26 Should medicating kids for ADHD be outlawed?

For children with ADHD, their lives can feel like chaos. Medication is a quick fix but is it the best one? Some experts argue treatments like meditation, supplements, time in nature and limitation of the television should be used first instead. Explore.

#27 Do all religions create an us vs. them mentality?

Religion offers many people a sense of something greater and a respite from the demands of the physical world, along with a sense of safety and security. Others might argue it is another manmade faction in the world that promotes divisiveness. Explore.

#28 The gaming world promotes problematic gender and racial stereotypes. Discuss.

The game world, while exciting and enticing for so many, has helped to promote deeply troubling representations of women and ethnic minorities. Is this issue harmless entertainment or does it make a permanent contribution to a damaging problem in society?

#29 Graffiti can be creative expression and/but it is often/never art. Discuss.

Some art scholars celebrate graffiti as a form of art in the streets. Others condemn it as mere creative expression, but not any expression that can actually be considered high art. Explore.

#30 Public schools have a responsibility to teach social-emotional skills like empathy.

This modern era puts pressure on young people in ways that are more intense than any other generation has experienced before. Teaching emotional-social skills gives students immediate benefits, as does society. Others disagree, arguing these things should be left up to the parents. Explore.

Selecting the best out of an array of discursive essay topics will be the first step in creating the most excellent essay that you are capable of writing. When you pick a topic that you are genuinely interested in, it makes the process of conducting research far more engaging. You’ll notice that a lot of these essay topics can be used in an argumentative or persuasive essay, as well. These topics are all controversial and often spark heated debate. However, what makes them fitting for a discursive essay is your treatment of them within the body of your essay text. Regardless of how intensely you feel one way or the other, you still need to force yourself to have the enlightened detachment of a critical scholar. This will allow you to dig deep and explore nuances of each topic that you hadn’t been aware of before.

Finally, if you find yourself hitting a mental brick wall, our writers are always available to offer suggestions, guidance or sample essays for you to use as inspiration. We understand the pressures students are up against and we’ve been assisting for decades.

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topic discursive essay

topic discursive essay

How to Write a Discursive Essay: Awesome Guide and Template

topic discursive essay

Interesting fact: Did you know that the term "discursive" is derived from the Latin word "discursus," which means to run about or to traverse? This reflects the nature of a discursive essay, as it involves exploring various perspectives, moving through different points of view, and presenting a comprehensive discussion on a given topic.

In this article, you will find out about a discursive essay definition, learn the difference between a discourse and an argumentative essay, gain practical how-to tips, and check out a discursive essay example.  

What Is a Discursive Essay

A discursive essay definition is a type of formal writing that presents a balanced analysis of a particular topic. Unlike an argumentative essay, which takes a firm stance on a single perspective and seeks to persuade the reader to adopt that viewpoint, a discursive essay explores multiple sides of an issue. 

The goal of a discursive essay is to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject, presenting different arguments, counterarguments, and perspectives in a structured and organized manner.

This type of essay encourages critical thinking and reasoned discourse. It typically includes an introduction that outlines the topic and sets the stage for the discussion, followed by a series of body paragraphs that delve into various aspects of the issue. The essay may also address counterarguments and opposing viewpoints. 

Finally, a discursive essay concludes by summarizing the key points and often leaves room for the reader to form their own informed opinion on the matter. This form of writing is commonly assigned in academic settings, allowing students to demonstrate their ability to analyze complex topics and present a well-reasoned exploration of diverse viewpoints. In case you find this type of composition too difficult, just say, ‘ write my paper ,’ and professional writers will take care of it. 

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Difference Between a Discursive Essay and an Argumentative

The main difference between discursive essays and argumentative lies in their overall purpose and approach to presenting information.

  • Discursive: The primary purpose of a discursive essay is to explore and discuss various perspectives on a given topic. How to write a discursive essay is about providing a comprehensive overview of the subject matter by presenting different arguments, opinions, and viewpoints without necessarily advocating for a specific stance.
  • Argumentative: In contrast, an argumentative essay is designed to persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. It presents a clear and focused argument in favor of the writer's position, often addressing and refuting opposing views.

Tone and Language:

  • Discursive: The tone of a discursive essay is generally more balanced and objective. It allows for a more open exploration of ideas, and the language used is often neutral and formal.
  • Argumentative: An argumentative essay tends to have a more assertive tone. The language is focused on presenting a compelling case from the writer's perspective, and there may be a sense of conviction in the presentation of evidence and reasoning.
  • Discursive Essay: A discursive essay typically follows a more flexible structure. It may present multiple points of view in separate sections, allowing for a free-flowing exploration of the topic.
  • Argumentative Essay: When learning how to write an argumentative essay, students usually follow a more rigid structure, with a clear introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs that present evidence and arguments, and a conclusion that reinforces the writer's stance.

Conclusion:

  • Discursive Essay: The conclusion of a discursive essay often summarizes the main points discussed and may leave room for the reader to form their own opinion on the matter.
  • Argumentative Essay: The conclusion of an argumentative essay reinforces the writer's position and may include a call to action or a clear statement of the desired outcome.

While both types of essays involve critical thinking and analysis, the key distinction lies in their ultimate goals and how they approach the presentation of information. 

Types of Discursive Essay

Before writing a discursive essay, keep in mind that they can be categorized into different types based on their specific purposes and structures. Here are some common types of discursive essays:

purpose of discursive essay

Opinion Essays:

  • Purpose: Expressing and supporting personal opinions on a given topic.
  • Structure: The essay presents the writer's viewpoint and provides supporting evidence, examples, and arguments. It may also address counterarguments to strengthen the overall discussion.

Problem-Solution Essays:

  • Purpose: Identifying a specific problem and proposing effective solutions.
  • Structure: The essay introduces the problem, discusses its causes and effects, and presents possible solutions. It often concludes with a recommendation or call to action.

Compare and Contrast Essays:

  • Purpose: Analyzing similarities and differences between two or more perspectives, ideas, or approaches.
  • Structure: The essay outlines the key points of each perspective, highlighting similarities and differences. A balanced analysis is provided to give the reader a comprehensive understanding.

Cause and Effect Essays:

  • Purpose: Exploring the causes and effects of a particular phenomenon or issue.
  • Structure: The essay identifies the primary causes and examines their effects or vice versa. It may delve into the chain of events and their implications.

Argumentative Essays:

  • Purpose: Presenting a strong argument in favor of a specific viewpoint.
  • Structure: The essay establishes a clear thesis statement, provides evidence and reasoning to support the argument, and addresses opposing views. It aims to persuade the reader to adopt the writer's perspective.

Pro-Con Essays:

  • Purpose: Evaluating the pros and cons of a given issue.
  • Structure: The essay presents the positive aspects (pros) and negative aspects (cons) of the topic. It aims to provide a balanced assessment and may conclude with a recommendation or a summary of the most compelling points.

Exploratory Essays:

  • Purpose: Investigating and discussing a topic without necessarily advocating for a specific position.
  • Structure: The essay explores various aspects of the topic, presenting different perspectives and allowing the reader to form their own conclusions. It often reflects a process of inquiry and discovery.

These types of discursive essays offer different approaches to presenting information, and the choice of type depends on the specific goals of the essay and the preferences of the writer.

How to Write a Discursive Essay

Unlike other forms of essay writing, a discursive essay demands a unique set of skills, inviting writers to navigate through diverse perspectives, present contrasting viewpoints, and weave a tapestry of balanced arguments. 

You can order custom essay right now to save time to get ready to delve into the art of crafting a compelling discursive essay, unraveling the intricacies of structure, language, and critical analysis. Whether you're a seasoned essayist or a novice in the realm of formal writing, this exploration promises to equip you with the tools needed to articulate your thoughts effectively and engage your audience in thoughtful discourse. 

discursive essay aspects

Discursive Essay Format

The format of a discursive essay plays a crucial role in ensuring a clear, well-organized, and persuasive presentation of multiple perspectives on a given topic. Here is a typical discursive essay structure:

1. Introduction:

  • Hook: Begin with a captivating hook or attention-grabbing statement to engage the reader's interest.
  • Contextualization: Provide a brief overview of the topic and its relevance, setting the stage for the discussion.
  • Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main argument or the purpose of the essay. In a discursive essay, the thesis often reflects the idea that the essay will explore multiple viewpoints without necessarily taking a firm stance.

2. Body Paragraphs:

  • Topic Sentences: Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point or argument.
  • Presentation of Arguments: Devote individual paragraphs to different aspects of the topic, presenting various arguments, perspectives, or evidence. Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs.
  • Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints to strengthen the overall credibility of your essay.
  • Supporting Evidence: Provide examples, statistics, quotations, or other forms of evidence to bolster each argument.

3. Transitions:

  • Logical Transitions: Use transitional phrases and words to ensure a smooth and logical flow between paragraphs and ideas. This helps readers follow your line of reasoning.

4. Conclusion:

  • Restate Thesis: Summarize the main argument or purpose of the essay without introducing new information.
  • Brief Recap: Provide a concise recap of the key points discussed in the body paragraphs.
  • Closing Thoughts: Offer some closing thoughts or reflections on the significance of the topic. You may also leave room for the reader to consider their own stance.

5. Language and Style:

  • Formal Tone: Maintain a formal and objective tone throughout the essay.
  • Clarity and Coherence: Ensure that your ideas are presented clearly and that there is coherence in your argumentation.
  • Varied Sentence Structure: Use a variety of sentence structures to enhance readability and engagement.

6. References (if applicable):

  • Citations: If you use external sources, cite them appropriately according to the citation style required (e.g., APA, MLA).

Remember, flexibility exists within this format, and the specifics may vary based on the assignment requirements or personal writing preferences. Tailor the structure to suit the demands of your discourse and the expectations of your audience.

Introduction

A discursive essay introduction serves as the gateway to a thought-provoking exploration of diverse perspectives on a given topic. Here's how to structure an effective discursive essay introduction:

  • Begin with a compelling hook that captures the reader's attention. This could be a striking statistic, a thought-provoking quote, a relevant anecdote, or a rhetorical question. 
  • Offer a brief context or background information about the topic. This helps orient the reader and sets the stage for the discussion to follow. 
  • Clearly state the purpose of the essay. This often involves indicating that the essay will explore various perspectives on the topic without necessarily advocating for a specific stance. 
  • Provide a brief overview of the different aspects or arguments that will be explored in the essay. 
  • Conclude the introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement. 

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Writing a discursive essay involves crafting the body of your discursive essay. The number of paragraphs in the body should correspond to the arguments presented, with an additional paragraph dedicated to the opposing viewpoint if you choose to disclose both sides of the argument. If you opt for this approach, alternate the order of the body paragraphs—supporting arguments followed by counterarguments.

Each body paragraph in your discursive essay should focus on a distinct idea. Begin the paragraph with the main idea, provide a concise summary of the argument, and incorporate supporting evidence from reputable sources.

In the concluding paragraph of the body, present potential opposing arguments and counter them. Approach this section as if engaging in a debate, strategically dismantling opposing viewpoints.

While composing the body of a discursive essay, maintain a cohesive narrative. Although individual paragraphs address different arguments, refrain from titling each paragraph—aim for a seamless flow throughout the essay. Express your personal opinions exclusively in the conclusion.

Key guidelines for writing the body of a discursive essay:

  • Remain Unbiased: Prioritize objectivity. Evaluate all facets of the issue, leaving personal sentiments aside.
  • Build Your Argumentation: If you have multiple arguments supporting your viewpoint, present them in separate, well-structured paragraphs. Provide supporting evidence to enhance clarity and credibility.
  • Use an Alternate Writing Style: Present opposing viewpoints in an alternating manner. This means that if the first paragraph supports the main argument, the second should present an opposing perspective. This method enhances clarity and research depth and ensures neutrality.
  • Include Topic Sentences and Evidence: Commence each paragraph with a topic sentence summarizing the argument. This aids reader comprehension. Substantiate your claims with evidence, reinforcing the credibility of your discourse.

By adhering to these principles, you can construct a coherent and well-supported body for your discursive essay.

Conclusion 

Writing an effective conclusion is crucial to leaving a lasting impression on your reader. Here are some tips to guide you in crafting a compelling and impactful conclusion:

  • Begin your conclusion by summarizing the key points discussed in the body of the essay. 
  • Remind the reader of your thesis statement, emphasizing the primary purpose of your discursive essay. 
  • Address the broader significance or implications of the topic. 
  • Explain why the issue is relevant and underscore the importance of considering multiple perspectives in understanding its complexity.
  • Reiterate the balanced nature of your essay. Emphasize that you have explored various viewpoints and arguments without necessarily taking a firm stance.
  • Reinforce the idea that your goal was to present a comprehensive analysis.
  • If applicable, suggest possible recommendations or solutions based on the insights gained from the essay.
  • Encourage the reader to reflect on the topic independently. 
  • Pose open-ended questions or invite them to consider the implications of the arguments presented. 
  • Resist the temptation to introduce new information or arguments in the conclusion.
  • Keep the tone of your conclusion professional and thoughtful. 
  • Conclude your essay with a strong, memorable closing statement.
  • Carefully review your conclusion to ensure clarity and coherence. Edit for grammar, punctuation, and overall writing quality to present a polished final product.

By incorporating these tips into your discursive essay conclusion, you can effectively summarize your arguments, leave a lasting impression, and prompt thoughtful reflection from your readers. Consider using our term paper writing service if you have to deal with a larger assignment that requires more time and effort.

Yays and Nays of Writing Discourse Essays

In learning how to write a discursive essay, certain do's and don'ts serve as guiding principles throughout the writing process. By adhering to these guidelines, writers can navigate the complexities of presenting arguments, counterarguments, and nuanced analyses, ensuring the essay resonates with clarity and persuasiveness.

  • Conduct thorough research on the topic to ensure a well-informed discussion.
  • Present multiple perspectives on the issue, exploring various arguments and viewpoints.
  • Maintain a balanced and neutral tone. Present arguments objectively without expressing personal bias.
  • Structure your essay logically with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use paragraphs to organize your ideas effectively.
  • Topic Sentences:
  • Include clear topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph to guide the reader through your arguments.
  • Support your arguments with credible evidence from reputable sources to enhance the credibility of your essay.
  • Use transitional words and phrases to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs and ideas.
  • Engage in critical analysis. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments and viewpoints.
  • Recap key points in the conclusion, summarizing the main arguments and perspectives discussed in the essay.
  • Carefully proofread your essay to correct any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.
  • Don't express personal opinions in the body of the essay. Save personal commentary for the conclusion.
  • Don't introduce new information or arguments in the conclusion. This section should summarize and reflect on existing content.
  • Don't use overly emotional or subjective language. Maintain a professional and objective tone throughout.
  • Don't rely on personal opinions without sufficient research. Ensure that your arguments are supported by credible evidence.
  • Don't have an ambiguous or unclear thesis statement. Clearly state the purpose of your essay in the introduction.
  • Don't ignore counterarguments. Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints to strengthen your overall argument.
  • Don't use overly complex language if it doesn't add to the clarity of your arguments. Strive for clarity and simplicity in your writing.
  • Don't present ideas in a disorganized manner. Ensure that there is a logical flow between paragraphs and ideas.
  • Don't excessively repeat the same points. Present a variety of arguments and perspectives to keep the essay engaging.
  • Don't ignore the guidelines provided for the essay assignment. Follow any specific instructions or requirements given by your instructor or institution.

Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed with all this new information? Don't worry! Buy an essay paper of any type that will be prepared for you individually based on all your instructions.

Discursive Essay Examples

Discursive essay topics.

Writing a discursive essay on a compelling topic holds immense importance as it allows individuals to engage in a nuanced exploration of diverse perspectives. A well-chosen subject encourages critical thinking and deepens one's understanding of complex issues, fostering intellectual growth. 

The process of exploring a good topic enhances research skills as writers delve into varied viewpoints and gather evidence to support their arguments. Moreover, such essays contribute to the broader academic discourse, encouraging readers to contemplate different facets of a subject and form informed opinions.

  • The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment.
  • Should Social Media Platforms Regulate Content for Misinformation?
  • Exploring the Ethics of Cloning in Contemporary Science.
  • Universal Basic Income: A Solution for Economic Inequality?
  • The Role of Technology in Shaping Modern Education.
  • Nuclear Energy: Sustainable Solution or Environmental Risk?
  • The Effects of Video Games on Adolescent Behavior.
  • Cybersecurity Threats in the Digital Age: Balancing Privacy and Security.
  • Debunking Common Myths Surrounding Climate Change.
  • The Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
  • Online Education vs. Traditional Classroom Learning.
  • The Impact of Social Media Influencers on Consumer Behavior.
  • The Ethics of Animal Testing in Medical Research.
  • Universal Healthcare: Addressing Gaps in Healthcare Systems.
  • The Role of Government in Regulating Cryptocurrencies.
  • The Influence of Advertising on Body Image and Self-Esteem.
  • Renewable Energy Sources: A Viable Alternative to Fossil Fuels?
  • The Implications of Space Exploration on Earth's Resources.
  • Is Censorship Justified in the Arts and Entertainment Industry?
  • Examining the Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity.
  • The Morality of Capital Punishment in the 21st Century.
  • Should Genetic Engineering be Used for Human Enhancement?
  • Social Media and Its Influence on Political Discourse.
  • Balancing Environmental Conservation with Economic Development.
  • The Role of Gender in the Workplace: Achieving Equality.
  • Exploring the Impact of Fast Fashion on the Environment.
  • The Benefits and Risks of Autonomous Vehicles.
  • The Influence of Media on Perceptions of Beauty.
  • Legalization of Marijuana: Addressing Medical and Social Implications.
  • The Impact of Antibiotic Resistance on Global Health.
  • The Pros and Cons of a Cashless Society.
  • Exploring the Relationship Between Technology and Mental Health.
  • The Role of Government Surveillance in Ensuring National Security.
  • Addressing the Digital Divide: Ensuring Access to Technology for All.
  • The Impact of Social Media on Political Activism.
  • The Ethics of Animal Rights and Welfare.
  • Nuclear Disarmament: Necessity or Utopian Ideal?
  • The Effects of Income Inequality on Societal Well-being.
  • The Role of Education in Combating Systemic Racism.
  • The Influence of Pop Culture on Society's Values and Norms.
  • Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Creative Industries.
  • The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Vaccination Policies.
  • The Role of Women in Leadership Positions: Breaking the Glass Ceiling.
  • Internet Privacy: Balancing Personal Security and Data Collection.
  • The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health.
  • The Morality of Animal Agriculture and Factory Farming.
  • The Rise of Online Learning Platforms: Transforming Education.
  • Addressing the Digital Gender Gap in STEM Fields.
  • The Impact of Global Tourism on Local Cultures and Environments.
  • Exploring the Implications of 3D Printing Technology in Various Industries.

By the way, we have another great collection of narrative essay topics to get your creative juices flowing.

Wrapping Up

Throughout this guide, you have acquired valuable insights into the art of crafting compelling arguments and presenting diverse perspectives. By delving into the nuances of topic selection, structuring, and incorporating evidence, you could hone your critical thinking skills and sharpen your ability to engage in informed discourse. 

This guide serves as a roadmap, offering not just a set of rules but a toolkit to empower students in their academic journey. As you embark on future writing endeavors, armed with the knowledge gained here, you can confidently navigate the challenges of constructing well-reasoned, balanced discursive essays that contribute meaningfully to academic discourse and foster a deeper understanding of complex issues. If you want to continue your academic learning journey right now, we suggest that you read about the IEEE format next.

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How to Write a Good Discursive Essay?

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Author:  Elizabeth Brown

What does a discursive essay mean? We have an answer to this and many other questions in our article. Welcome to the world of ideal essay writing. Ever wanted to build buzz for your text? We know you do. And we also know how you can do that with minimum effort and little diligence. So forget about your trivial academic essays - they are not as exciting as a discursive one. Ready to dive in?

discursive essay

What is Discursive Writing?

discursive essay

For all those who wanted to know the discursive essay meaning, here it is: a discursive essay is a writing piece, in which the focal element is devoted to an argument. That is, discursive writing presupposes developing a statement that ignites active discussions. After this essay, readers should be motivated to express their own opinions regarding the topic. Discursive essays have much in common with argumentative and persuasive papers, but these are not to be confused. Despite some similarities, discursive writing is a separate type of work that has its specific features and nuances. What we do want you to remember about discursive essays is that you need to concentrate on the power of thought rather than factology and pieces of evidence. In short, your mind is the only tool required to persuade and interest others on the topic you choose.

Discursive Essay Format

Now that we’ve figured out what is discursive writing, it’s time to focus more on the “skeleton” of discursive essay. Like any other piece of writing, discursive essays have clear requirements that help to glue their elements into a coherent paper. By the way, there are many writing services available which can help you present an excellent academic essay. So if you need professional assistance with your task, check them out. But if you want to do it yourself, you can simply take any discursive essay example from the web and use it as a starting point for your paper.

Discursive essay structure

As for the discursive structure itself, you need to start your essay with an introduction in the first place. Create a lead-in that’ll spark the reader’s interest and make them genuinely responsive to the topic. Also, make sure that your introduction is neither small nor extensive. Stick to the optimal amount of words that’ll be sufficient for readers to get the general idea of your essay.

Another essential aspect of an effective intro is your opinion. It’s worthy of note that some discursive essays might require no particular stance on the topic. In situations like this, wait until the end of an essay comes, and only then share your personal view on the matter. This way, readers will understand the neutral tone throughout the piece, shape their own thoughts about it, and later decide whether to agree with yours or not.

In the paragraphs that follow, you’ll need to accentuate on the argumentation. There’s no room for vague and unarticulate expressions at this point. Quite the contrary – you need to unfold your statements consecutively, in a couple of paragraphs, to depict the entire image of your stance for or against the topic. And don’t forget to link your discursive text to supporting evidence.

The last section is the conclusion. Your finishing remarks should clearly articulate your position toward this or that issue, with a close connection to the main ideas in the essay body.

Discursive Essay Thesis

To construct a good thesis for your discursive essay, you’ll need to describe the general stance your work will argue. Here, it’s important to back up the thesis statement with points. These are the opinions that support your thesis and allow to create an affirmative structure for the entire paper.

Discursive Essay Linking Words

Transition words

The points you use while writing a discursive essay need to flow smoothly so that readers could see a logical organization of the work. For this, you can use transition words that’ll make your paper easily readable and crisp. For example, if you want to list some points, opt for such words as firstly, to begin with, secondly, lastly, finally, etc. If you wish to point at advantages or disadvantages, consider using these transitions: the main/greatest/ first advantage of… is …, another positive side is…, an additional drawback is, another negative aspect of…is…

How to Write an Introduction for a Discursive Essay?

The introductory part is the critical aspect of creating a good discursive essay. In this section, specific attention should centralize on what your topic is all about. Therefore, it needs to be presented with clarity, be informative, and attention-grabbing. How to make your intro sentence for discursive essay memorable? You can start with a spicy anecdote to add humor to discussion. Another powerful way for hooking readers is stating a quote or opinion of experts and famous influencers. This will add to the credibility of your statements, making readers more motivated to read your work.

How to Write a Discursive Essay Conclusion?

Your discursive essay ending is the climax of your argument, a final link that organically locks up a chain of previously described points. This part is devoted to the restatement of the main arguments that sum up your attitude to the topic. And just like with introduction, the conclusion should leave a trace in readers’ minds. To achieve this result, your closing paragraph should include a call to action, warning or any other food for thought that will encourage people to ponder on the issue and make relevant conclusions.

Discursive Essay Topics

The ideas for discursive papers are so versatile that it’s hard to compile all of them in one list. For such list will extend to kilometers. However, we’ve collected some of them for you to facilitate your work on this task. So here are some discursive essay examples you can use any time:

Topics for a Discursive Essay

As you understand now, discursive writing definition and discursive essay definition are not as scary as they seem from the first glance. Even though the art of this type of paper is hard to master, over time, you’ll notice significant progress. All you need for this is practice and a little bit of patience to understand the subtle nuances of this task and develop the skill of writing confidently. And if you ever wondered what is an essay, a team of professional academic essay writers can give a helping hand and provide you with a top-notch paper.

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How to Write a Discursive Essay

November 17, 2023

A discursive essay is a type of academic writing that presents both sides of an argument or issue. Unlike an argumentative essay where you take a clear stance and defend it, a discursive essay allows you to explore different perspectives and provide an objective analysis. It requires careful research, critical thinking, and the ability to present logical arguments in a structured manner.

In a discursive essay, you are expected to examine the topic thoroughly, present evidence and examples to support your points, and address counterarguments to demonstrate a balanced understanding of the issue. The purpose is not to persuade the reader to take a particular side, but rather to present a comprehensive view of the topic. By mastering the art of writing a discursive essay, you can effectively convey complex ideas and contribute to meaningful discussions on various subjects.

What’s different about writing a discursive essay

Writing a discursive essay differs from other types of essays in several ways. Here are some key differences to consider when approaching this particular form of academic writing:

  • Explores multiple perspectives: Unlike an argumentative essay, a discursive essay examines different viewpoints on a given topic. It requires you to gather information, analyze various arguments, and present a balanced view.
  • Structured presentation: A discursive essay follows a clear structure that helps organize your thoughts and arguments. It typically consists of an introduction, several body paragraphs discussing different arguments, and a conclusion.
  • Impartiality and objectivity: While other essays may require you to take a stance or defend a particular position, a discursive essay aims for objectivity. You should present arguments and evidence without bias and demonstrate a fair understanding of each viewpoint.
  • Importance of research: Good research is essential for a discursive essay. You should gather information from reliable sources, consider various perspectives, and present evidence to support your ideas.
  • Addressing counterarguments: In a discursive essay, it is crucial to acknowledge and address counterarguments. By doing so, you show a comprehensive understanding of the topic and strengthen your own argument.
  • Use of transitions: To maintain coherence and provide a smooth flow of ideas, appropriate transitions should be used to link paragraphs and signal shifts between arguments.

By recognizing these key differences and adapting your writing style accordingly, you can effectively write a discursive essay that engages the reader and presents a well-rounded discussion of the topic.

Step-by-Step Discursive Essay Writing Guide

Selecting a topic.

Selecting a topic for a discursive essay is a crucial first step in the writing process. Here are some considerations to help you choose an appropriate and engaging topic:

  • Relevance: Select a topic that is relevant and holds significance in the current context. It should be something that sparks interest and discussion among readers.
  • Controversy: Look for topics that have multiple perspectives and controversial viewpoints. This will allow you to explore different arguments and present a balanced analysis.
  • Research opportunities: Choose a topic that offers ample research opportunities. This ensures that you have access to reliable sources and enough material to support your arguments.
  • Personal interest: It is easier to write about a topic that you are genuinely interested in. Consider your own passion and areas of expertise when selecting a subject for your essay.
  • Scope and depth: Ensure that the chosen topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. It should provide enough scope for thorough analysis and discussion within the word limit of your essay.

Remember, the topic sets the foundation for your discursive essay. Take time to consider these factors and select a topic that aligns with your interests, research capabilities, and the potential to present a well-rounded discussion.

Possible Discursive Essay Topics:

  • The impact of social media on society.
  • Should euthanasia be legalized?
  • Pros and cons of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
  • The influence of technology on human interactions.
  • Is homeschooling more beneficial than traditional schooling?
  • The effects of climate change on the environment.
  • Should animal testing be banned?
  • The advantages and disadvantages of globalization.
  • The ethics of capital punishment.
  • The legalization of marijuana: pros and cons.

Write the Thesis Statement

The thesis statement in a discursive essay serves as the central argument or main claim that sets the tone for the entire essay. It typically appears in the introductory paragraph and guides the reader’s understanding of the essay’s purpose and direction. Here are some key points to consider when crafting an effective thesis statement for a discursive essay:

  • Clear stance: The thesis statement should clearly express your position or viewpoint on the topic. It should present a concise statement that reflects your overall argument or analysis.
  • Controversy: The thesis statement should highlight the controversy or debate surrounding the topic. It should indicate that there are multiple perspectives to be explored and that you will discuss them in a balanced manner.
  • Specificity: The thesis statement should not be too vague or general. It should address a specific aspect of the topic that you will focus on in your essay.
  • Clarity: The thesis statement should be clear and easy to understand. It should provide a clear sense of direction for the reader, indicating the main points that will be discussed in the essay.
  • Strong and compelling: The thesis statement should be strong and compelling, capturing the attention of the reader. It should be a statement that provokes thoughtful analysis and discussion.

By considering these factors, you can develop a thesis statement that effectively sets the tone for your discursive essay and captures the essence of your argument or analysis.

Conducting Research

Conducting thorough research is a critical step in writing a discursive essay. Here are some essential tips to help you effectively gather information and sources:

  • Define your research question: Clearly define the question or issue you want to explore in your essay. This will guide your research and help you stay focused.
  • Use a variety of sources: Gather information from a diverse range of sources, such as books, scholarly articles, reputable websites, and academic journals. This will ensure a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the topic.
  • Evaluate the credibility of sources: Assess the reliability and credibility of each source before including it in your essay. Consider factors such as author credentials, publication date, peer-reviewed status, and the reputation of the source.
  • Take organized notes: As you read and review your sources, take organized notes to keep track of key points, quotes, and references. This will make it easier to cite sources accurately later.
  • Analyze and synthesize information: Analyze the information you have gathered and synthesize it into coherent arguments. Identify common themes, patterns, and conflicting viewpoints that will form the basis of your essay.
  • Address counterarguments: Remember to consider and address counterarguments in your research. Engaging with opposing viewpoints will strengthen your arguments and demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic.

By following these research strategies, you can gather reliable and varied sources to support your discursive essay, ensuring a balanced and well-informed discussion of the topic.

Writing the Introduction

The introduction sets the tone and direction for a discursive essay, providing context and background information on the topic. Here are some key elements to include when writing the introduction to a discursive essay:

  • Grab the reader’s attention: Use a hook or attention-grabbing statement to draw the reader in and generate interest in the topic.
  • Introduce the topic: Clearly state the topic and provide some background information to contextualize the issue.
  • Define key terms: Define any key terms related to the topic that may be unfamiliar to the reader.
  • Present the thesis statement: Clearly state your main argument or claim, which sets the tone for the rest of the essay.
  • Outline the structure: Briefly outline the main points or arguments that will be addressed in the essay.
  • Write in a discursive style: Use a discursive style of writing in the introduction that presents multiple viewpoints on the topic.

By including these elements, you can craft an effective introduction to your discursive essay that engages the reader, establishes the context for the topic, and clearly presents your thesis statement. Remember to present a balanced analysis of multiple viewpoints, maintaining the discursive style of the essay.

Presenting Arguments and Counterarguments

Presenting arguments and counterarguments is a crucial aspect of writing a discursive essay. Here are some strategies to effectively structure and present your arguments and counterarguments:

  • Identify key arguments: Begin by identifying the main arguments or perspectives related to the topic. These arguments will form the basis of your essay and provide a framework for your analysis.
  • Develop supporting evidence: Gather relevant evidence, examples, statistics, or expert opinions to support each argument. This evidence should be well-researched and credible to strengthen your claims.
  • Present arguments in a logical order: Organize your arguments in a logical and coherent manner. You can choose to present each argument separately, dedicating individual paragraphs to each one or use a point-counterpoint approach where you counter each argument with a counterargument.
  • Address counterarguments: Acknowledge and include counterarguments in your essay to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Refute counterarguments by presenting contrasting evidence or providing a persuasive rebuttal.
  • Provide balanced analysis: While presenting arguments and counterarguments, ensure a balanced analysis that gives due weight to each viewpoint. Avoid bias and strive for objectivity by presenting evidence from various perspectives.
  • Use transition words and phrases: Utilize appropriate transition words and phrases to guide the reader through the presentation of arguments and counterarguments. Examples include “on the one hand,” “however,” “in contrast,” “nevertheless,” etc.

By following these strategies, you can effectively present arguments and counterarguments in your discursive essay, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the topic and engaging the reader in a thoughtful analysis.

Writing the Body Paragraphs

When writing the body paragraphs of a discursive essay, it’s important to present a balanced and well-structured analysis of the topic. Here are some key strategies to consider:

  • Organize your paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a single argument or idea. Start with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point of the paragraph.
  • Provide evidence and examples: Support your arguments with evidence, facts, statistics, or examples from credible sources. This will enhance the validity and persuasiveness of your arguments.
  • Use logical reasoning: Present clear and coherent reasoning to connect your evidence with your main argument. Use logic and critical thinking to explain the relevance and significance of your evidence.
  • Consider opposing viewpoints: Acknowledge potential counterarguments and address them within your body paragraphs. Refute counterarguments using logical and evidence-based reasoning.
  • Use paragraphs for different viewpoints: If you’re discussing multiple perspectives or arguments within the same essay, dedicate separate paragraphs to each viewpoint. Clearly indicate transitions between paragraphs to maintain a coherent flow.
  • Include topic sentences and transitions: Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states the main idea. Use transitional words and phrases to guide the reader smoothly from one paragraph to the next.

Remember, in a discursive essay, the body paragraphs should explore various arguments and perspectives related to the topic, providing a balanced analysis and supporting evidence. By following these strategies, you can construct well-organized and compelling body paragraphs for your discursive essay.

Incorporating Evidence and Examples

Effectively incorporating evidence and examples is crucial in a discursive essay to support your arguments and strengthen your analysis. Here are some strategies to consider when integrating evidence:

  • Choose credible sources: Gather evidence from reputable and reliable sources such as scholarly articles, books, authoritative websites, or academic journals. This ensures the validity and credibility of the evidence.
  • Use a variety of evidence: Draw from a range of sources to provide a well-rounded perspective on the topic. This can include facts, statistics, expert opinions, case studies, or historical examples.
  • Provide context: When presenting evidence, provide context to help the reader understand its significance. Explain the relevance of the evidence to your argument and how it supports your main points.
  • Analyze and interpret evidence: Avoid simply regurgitating evidence. Instead, analyze and interpret it, explaining how it supports your argument and contributes to your overall analysis.
  • Quote and paraphrase effectively: When using direct quotes, ensure they are relevant and support your argument. Use accurate paraphrasing to summarize and restate ideas from your sources.
  • Cite your sources correctly: Properly cite your sources using a citation style appropriate for your academic field, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. This gives credit to the original authors and avoids plagiarism.

By incorporating evidence and examples effectively, you can provide a solid foundation for your arguments in a discursive essay, enhancing your credibility and persuasiveness.

Addressing Counterarguments

Addressing counterarguments is an essential component of a discursive essay as it demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens your overall argument. Here are some strategies to effectively address counterarguments:

  • Identify counterarguments: Identify the main counterarguments or opposing viewpoints related to your topic. This shows that you have considered different perspectives on the issue.
  • Understand the counterarguments: Thoroughly analyze and understand the counterarguments before addressing them. This will help you develop a strong response based on evidence and reasoning.
  • Refute the counterarguments: Present a persuasive rebuttal to counterarguments by providing evidence or logical reasoning that challenges or disproves them.
  • Anticipate objections: Address potential objections or criticisms that readers might have. Proactively refute these objections by providing additional evidence or presenting alternative perspectives.
  • Acknowledge validity: Recognize the validity of certain counterarguments or aspects of opposing viewpoints. This demonstrates fairness and strengthens your overall argument by showing that you have carefully considered all sides.
  • Use transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases such as “however,” “although,” or “on the other hand,” to seamlessly introduce counterarguments and your responses.

By effectively addressing counterarguments, you can strengthen your own argument and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Engaging with opposing viewpoints in a fair and persuasive manner enhances the overall credibility and impact of your discursive essay.

Concluding the Discursive Essay

Concluding your discursive essay is an opportunity to summarize your main points and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Here are some strategies to effectively conclude your essay:

  • Restate your thesis statement: Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement in a concise and clear manner. This reminds the reader of your main argument and reinforces its significance.
  • Summarize your main points: Provide a brief summary of the main points you discussed in the body paragraphs. This helps to reinforce the key arguments and evidence presented throughout the essay.
  • Emphasize the significance of your argument: Highlight the importance and relevance of your argument in relation to the broader context or real-world implications. This helps to leave a lasting impact on the reader.
  • Address counterarguments: Briefly acknowledge the counterarguments you addressed in the essay and reiterate why your main argument is stronger or more compelling.
  • Offer a final thought or call to action: Conclude your essay by offering a final thought, reflection, or call to action that encourages the reader to further consider the topic or take action.
  • Provide closure: End your conclusion by providing a sense of closure to the essay. This can be achieved by offering a conclusive statement or returning to an anecdote or example mentioned earlier in the essay.

By following these strategies, you can effectively conclude your discursive essay, leaving a strong and memorable impression on the reader while summarizing the key points and reinforcing the significance of your argument.

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Discursive Essay Writing Guide [+Examples]

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Students obtain various types of assignments during their studies. Each task is different and has strict requirements and guidelines to follow. A discursive essay example is considered to be one of the most challenging types of essay writing for college students. Many of them don’t see the difference between a discursive and argumentative essay. Yet, each essay type has distinct features that we are going to talk about here. If you were assigned to craft this paper and you have doubts, here are professional tips and advice on topics to select and create a stellar discursive essay plan.

How to Write a Discursive Essay

First of all, every college student who is assigned to craft this paper needs to understand that discursive essay topics can be different from those of an argumentative essay . On one hand, these pieces of writing can be similar as they both are essay types and have three main parts. On the other hand, discursive essay ideas differ in the purpose and structure.

Good discursive essay topics provide an unprejudiced and reliable assessment of a certain problem. Yes, the topic should also be controversial leaving each student an opportunity to select their point of view and arguments to support one side. But discursive essay examples demonstrate a more balanced and formal discussion. It shouldn’t be absolutely neutral but the author needs to reflect both sides of the problem and present enough arguments and facts to support each side.

What Is a Discursive Essay?

So, once you realize that this is a separate type of assignment that shouldn’t be crafted the same way you write other academic tasks, let’s talk about the discursive essay definition. So, its definition is rather simple: this is a type of academic assignment that is aimed to discuss a particular issue or problem. The author should demonstrate both sides of the problem without stating his or her personal opinion.

When choosing higher discursive essay topics, it is necessary to admit that the style of this task should be kept formal and impersonal compared to other written assignments. The structure is strict and similar to essay on science : you should submit an introduction, the main body, and the conclusion. Each separate question should be discussed in a separate paragraph so that the readers can distinguish what you are writing about and how many arguments you provide.

discursive essay examples

Main Types of Discursive Essay Writing

Did you know that there are three main types of this assignment? Depending on the type you were assigned or you select, there may be different features to include in your text. Here they are:

  • Opinion Essay – if you have this type of paper in your discursive essay topics list, you should keep in mind that it demands your opinion of a problem you are going to discuss. This opinion needs to be mentioned in the discursive essay introduction and followed by examples and reasons. Another fact is that the opposing argument should be stated before the conclusion and you should explain why you found this argument unconvincing. The summary needs to be present in the conclusion.
  • Essay Offering Solution to a Problem – as you can notice from the name of this discursive essay meaning, the author should discuss the issue and try to find solutions. The issue should be stated in the introduction, and possible solutions should be mentioned in the body paragraphs. Each solution goes for a separate paragraph of the main body. The writer’s opinion is usually summarized in the conclusion of a discursive essay template.
  • For and Against Essay – this is a task written in the form of a debate with opposing opinions. You should be ready to describe every point of view, present facts, and be objective. The introduction of discursive essay topics higher English states the problem you are going to discuss. The main body demonstrates reasons, examples, and facts. The conclusion is finally for the writer’s opinion on the problem.

Discursive Essay Structure

Now let’s talk more about the structure of this academic assignment. As a scholarship essay , almost all essays have a strict structure that should be followed by students who want to obtain the highest grades. Here is how to structure a discursive essay:

sample discursive essay

Introduction

Many students wonder how to start a discursive essay. What should they mention in the first part? It is simple as that – all you need to do is state the issue and show some “hook” for the readers to follow. Think about ways to attract the attention of the lecturer. You may want to start with a rhetorical question or add a famous quote. Either way, you need to demonstrate both sides of the issue even if it’s Scottish independence discursive essay.

Here is what you need to remember when building your main part of the assignment: assess every aspect of the problem and stay unbiased when describing the points of view. Your own opinion can be mentioned only in the conclusion of the discursive essay examples in higher English. More than that, it is essential to insert at least three arguments to support your opinion. Start each argument with the new paragraph so that the readers can distinguish each reason. Be precise and distinct when you provide evidence and facts. This is how to write a discursive essay in higher English.

There are many discursive essay topics UK – make certain you select the one you understand and know how to use this structure. So, the conclusion is the last section of your task. This is a part where you can summarize the viewpoints mentioned above and express your own point of view. Don’t write too many sentences here and don’t copy what you’ve written in the introduction.

Top Ten Discursive Essay Topics

Here are several examples of good discursive essay topics for higher English as well as just interesting discursive essay topics for students to select from. If you have doubts and don’t know what topic to choose, you can opt for one from our list.

  • Zoos present good sources of knowledge and entertainment but they foster the misery of cage animals. Should they be abolished?
  • Modern digital technology: is it good or bad?
  • Present education system: is it good or bad?
  • Healthy food is often more expensive than junk food. Should it be like that?
  • The influence of social media on teenagers today.
  • Is it true that Google is bringing the end to our privacy these days?
  • Uniforms limit expression and freedom. Should we ban them in schools?
  • A child with two parents is less hard-working compared to a child with a single parent.
  • What are the effects of cyberbullying and how harmful can it be?
  • Should schoolchildren learn religion as a part of their curriculum? 

To sum up, it can be challenging to select the right discursive essay topic and structure your paper in a proper way. If you follow the above-mentioned advice and remember to proofread your document at the end, you will increase your chances of receiving the highest grades at college. Good luck!

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How to Write a Discursive Essay: Tips to Succeed & Examples

So, you need to accomplish your discursive essay writing. The typical questions most students ask are: How do you write it? What is discursive essay?

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A discursive essay is an academic paper that involves a discussion on a particular topic. It is usually assigned to college students. You may be required to write a paper wherein you have to do one of the following:

  • argue for the issue or against it;
  • present your points of view on both sides;
  • provide your unprejudiced opinion on that matter.

Don’t panic!

Check out the tips from  Custom-writing.org  experts below. They will assist you in discursive writing and encourage you to examine essay examples. Moreover, in this article, you’ll also learn about different types of discursive essay, and its introduction, main body, and conclusion structure.

  • ❓ What Is It?
  • 🏁 Main Types

Introduction

  • Basic Don’Ts
  • ✏️ Frequent Questions

❓ What Is a Discursive Essay?

First of all, let’s figure out what the discursive essay is.

You may think it’s similar to the argumentative essay. Yes, but there’s a difference between them in the structure and purpose of these two types of assignments:

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We will take a detailed look at how to structure a discursive essay later, and now let’s find out what are the types of this assignment.

Keep reading!

🏁 Discursive Essay: Main Types

You have to think more critically and more in-depth when reviewing all viewpoints and aspects of discursive writing. Check these three main types of essay writing:

  • Opinion Essay  requires the author’s opinion on an issue which is stated in the introductory paragraph. It should be clearly presented and followed by reasons and supporting examples. Also, this essay paper should contain an opposing argument that comes before the conclusion. The writer must explain to readers why the mentioned argument is considered to be unconvincing. The writer’s opinion should be restated/summarized in the conclusion.
  • For and Against Essay  provides readers with a thorough debate on the topic with the help of opposing points of view. Each point should be discussed objectively and described in details. The introductory paragraph puts the issue under consideration. The main body of this essay paper should present examples, reasons, and arguments supported by justifications. The author’s own opinion with balanced reflections on the topic should be stated only in conclusion.
  • Essay Suggesting Solution to a Problem  discusses problems and finds the main solutions. The introduction paragraph explicitly declares a problem and analyses its causes and consequences. The main body of the essay should offer some suggestions for a possible solution to the problem and potential state consequences or expected results. In conclusion, author’s opinion should be distinctly summarized.

📑 How to Write a Discursive Essay

Well, it’s time to talk about the structure of a discursive essay. Like most of the assignments, a discursive paper starts with an introduction and ends with a conclusion:

The first question you may ask is how to start a discursive essay introduction. Simple!

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  • Give your readers a hook – something that would sound interesting to them.
  • Provide a short explanation of the problem. You may use quotations, as well as rhetorical questions.
  • Show your readers both sides of the arguments and sum up.

You may be wondering…

Is there something I should avoid in my discursive essay introduction?

Yes. No stereotypes and generalizations, please!

The next step under formal essay writing you should take is to compose the body.

Tips on how to write a discursive essay.

There are a few points you should remember:

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  • First and foremost: stay unprejudiced . Assess all of the aspects of an issue. Leave your feelings behind or for another essay type.
  • Second: build your argumentation . If you have several arguments for your viewpoint—provide them in separate paragraphs. This will help you to keep your essay comprehensible and distinct. Don’t forget to submit supporting evidence.
  • Third: write the body of an essay in an alternate manner. What does it mean? If your first paragraph supports the paper’s argument, then in the second paragraph you should write something in the opposite of it. Such a combination of supporting and opposite paragraphs will make your essay look apparent, and well researched. Besides, it will help you to remain neutral.
  • Fourth: include topic sentences and evidence . Write a summary of the argument at the beginning of the paragraph. It will allow the reader to easier understand what the paragraph is about. Provide evidence to show that you’re not making the facts up.

Well, you’ve almost finished your writing. Now you should focus on the last section. Keep reading, and you will learn how to write a conclusion for a discursive essay.

  • In the last section, you should summarize your article including the main points, specified in the body paragraphs.
  • You may also logically express your opinion. Remember: it should resonate with your evidence stated in the body paragraphs.
  • Don’t repeat findings, just summarize them.

Keep it short. Your conclusion length should not exceed one paragraph.

👍 Do’s and Don’ts

Do you want more discursive essay writing tips? Fine! Just check them below:

Basic Do’s of a Discursive Essay

  • Write in formal, impersonal style.
  • Introduce each point in a separate paragraph
  • Use topic sentences for each paragraph
  • Write well-developed paragraphs
  • Give reasons and examples for each point
  • Use sequencing
  • Use linking words and phrases
  • Make references to other sources and make sure that you follow proper citation style
  • Identify used sources

Basic Don’Ts of a Discursive Essay

  • Don’t use short forms, like I’ll, don’t, they’ve
  • Don’t use informal/colloquial language, for example: old as the hills, ain’t, gonna, etc.
  • Don’t use very emotional language, since it might make your discursive article look prejudiced
  • Don’t use over-generalizations. Extending the features of some elements from a group more than it is reasonable will lead to generous and inaccurate conclusions.
  • Don’t express your personal opinion too insistently
  • Don’t refer to statistics without proper referencing (check our citation guides )
  • Don’t use personal examples, leave it for a personal experience essay

Well, now you know what discursive essay means, what are its main types, and how to structure it.

Tips on how to write a discursive essay.

Discursive Essay Topics

  • Discussion of risk factors that impact human health.  
  • Discuss the necessity of understanding cultural heritage to provide efficient health care.  
  • Analyze different opinions on withdrawing patients’ treatment. 
  • Examine different views on the Civil War . 
  • Discuss what hostile emotional states are and how they impact human life.  
  • Discuss the meaning of metaphors used by Virgil in Aeneid . 
  • Describe different opinions on telehealth in nursing homes. 
  • The ethicality of stem cell technology. 
  • Explore the effectiveness of motivational interviewing . 
  • Discuss how people present themselves online . 
  • Discuss the reasons for Coca-Cola’s marketing success.      
  • Analyze the food safety issues and the ways to improve the situation.  
  • Examine the essential meaning of sleep for people’s physical and mental health.  
  • Explore various complications of working with groups . 
  • Discussion of the modern issues with virtue ethics . 
  • Describe different views on the definition of love . 
  • Give the for and against arguments considering food security technologies .  
  • Discuss how the concept of the American dream is presented in the film The Great Gatsby .  
  • Analyze the influence of family problems on children and suggest ways to improve the situation.  
  • Present the various points of view on the ethical concepts of Buddhism . 
  • Examine the attitudes towards the problem of homelessness and the suggested ways of its solution.   
  • Explore different opinions on the American revolution and its consequences.  
  • Discuss various policies and views around the globe on abortion . 
  • Discussion of the history of food foraging in different communities.  
  • Multiple thoughts on civility on the Internet . 
  • Analyze arguments on the effectiveness of hand sanitizers . 
  • Discuss the importance of visual aids in learning. 
  • Present and evaluate the theories of international development . 
  • Discuss how to prevent the spread of the West Nile Virus (WNV). 
  • Is embracing renewable energy sources beneficial for both environment and the global economy?    
  • Examine the correctness of the statement that the ideology of pleasure is the foundation of social activism .  
  • Discussion of the ethical dilemma of population control.  
  • Discuss the ethics of experimental studies .  
  • Analyze the topic of gun violence and gun control laws.  
  • Explore the reasons for opioid crises in the US.  
  • Give arguments for and against random drug testing . 
  • Discuss the problem of endangered species . 
  • Express your opinion on the necessity of parents to be included in children’s education . 
  • Present your attitude towards working in a bureaucratic organization . 
  • Discuss the issue of the nursing shortage and suggest a solution.  
  • Give different viewpoints on the definition of beauty .  
  • Analyze the problem of police misconduct . 
  • Discuss the description of violence of African people in literature . 
  • Examine the views on Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory . 
  • Describe the various opinions on mysticism and express your attitude towards it.  
  • Discuss the diverse standpoints on spirituality . 
  • Is nature protection an urgent problem?  
  • Analyze different ideas on physical privacy at work . 
  • Discussion on the Jewish heritage in nursing. 
  • Examine the views on the meaning of life .  

Good luck with your discussions and discursive essays! Be sure to check out the articles on our blog for more academic wisdom. By the way, on the Custom-Writing website, you may find the best essay topics for your academic writing.

And don’t forget to share your opinion in the comments below.

You might also be interested in:

  • Friendship Essay: Writing Guide & Topic Ideas about Friendship
  • Teamwork Essay: Quick Guide on How to Write a Good Paper
  • Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Tips and Examples
  • Transportation Essay: Writing Tips and Brilliant Topics

✏️ Discursive Essay FAQ

There is no one definitely correct answer to this question. Like any other essay, the text should have a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The most important thing is that the overall book needs to be cohesive, persuasive, and exciting to read.

An example of a step by step guide is:

1. Take a closer look at the topic, think about the points to cover.

2. Choose the most relevant points and compose the Body of the essay.

3. Add an appropriate Introduction and Conclusion.

To write a good conclusion, you need to have the rest of the essay finished. Does the body of your essay present well-structured points? Great, then see what you can conclude based on that. If possible, make a connection between the introduction and the conclusion.

To ensure that your essay has a perfect structure, start with creating an outline. Based on such a plan, you can present your points step by step. Your text should have a relevant introduction, several points in the main body (with examples), and a logical conclusion.

🔗 References

  • Writing an Opinion Essay: Grace Fleming, ThoughtCo
  • How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay: Easy Step-by-Step Guide: Master Class
  • Ending the Essay: Conclusions: Harvard College Writing Center
  • Academic Writing Style: University of Southern California
  • Cite Your Sources: Library Guides at University of California, Santa Cruz
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Discursive Essay Topics & Ideas 2022

Published by Alvin Nicolas at November 16th, 2022 , Revised On November 3, 2023

A discursive essay is a form of an academic essay in which you express your beliefs or points of view in favour of or against the issue. Even at times, this essay would allow you to impartially offer your points of view on all sides of a debate.

A discursive essay’s ultimate goal is to give readers many perspectives on a specific essay help topic or issue. As a result, when writing a discursive essay, you must think deeply from numerous viewpoints and evaluate all parts of the issue. Additionally, it is also important to come up with unique and appealing discursive essay topics .

A discursive essay, in a nutshell, explores arguments in a balanced manner, taking into account all of the elements for and against the issue.

Important links:   Research Essay Topics ,  Cause and Effect Essay Topics ,  Argumentative Business Essay Topics ,  Expository Essay Topics ,  84 Nursing Essay Topics

Topic Selection!

The first step in the discursive essay writing process you cannot omit is topic selection. In general, if your instructor gives a list of discursive essay topics from which to pick, you won’t have trouble coming up with a topic. However, the true test begins when you are given the option of selecting a topic of your choice.

There are countless themes accessible for writing a discursive essay on diverse issues. You can seek and identify any suitable topic from among them based on your interests. So, to assist you in identifying the best essay subject, we have included some crucial pointers to consider during the discursive essay topic choosing process:

  • Choose a topic on which you have strong feelings or knowledge.
  • Choose a topic that is both intriguing to you and your audience.
  • Pick a contentious issue on which you may provide opposing ideas or opinions.
  • Select a difficult issue with two sides to extract more arguments for and against it.
  • Choose a topic with many credible facts or proof to support your claims.

Only finalize the essay topic if it complies with your instructor’s essay writing criteria if any exist.

Discursive Essay Topics

  • Social networking sites are to blame for the creeping loss of the reading habit among schoolchildren. Explain.
  • Should parents reward their children for good behaviour?
  • Describe the finest type of parenting in your nation.
  • Should tobacco manufacture be made illegal globally?
  • Is our greater reliance on technology making us stupider?
  • Is rock music associated with Satanism?
  • A child raised by a single parent matures quicker than a youngster raised by both parents.
  • Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using mobile phones.
  • Is blockchain improving trade finance in 2018?
  • Can virtual reality end up being hazardous to children?
  • Explain some of our concerns regarding first impressions and their influence on encounters.
  • Explain why energy drinks are as dangerous as alcoholic beverages.
  • Explain ways to prevent online students from cheating.
  • Discuss why children should not have easy access to virtual reality.
  • Discuss if peacekeeping operations bring peace to countries or if they are simply a pretext for countries to attack one another and cause more violence than before.
  • Explain the remedies that should be made available to hyperactive children.
  • Using an entertainment industry case study, discuss how bad PR may help someone become more successful.
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of globalization?
  • Should steroid users be barred from participating in sports?
  • Are political leaders engaging in illicit activities?
  • Examine the relationship between diet, fitness, and weight.
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of video gaming among teenagers?
  • Should schools refrain from using physical torture to punish students?
  • Why are legislators now emphasizing STEM education?
  • Should the government outlaw same-gender marriage?
  • Should there be limitations on free speech?
  • What are the workplace issues that women face?
  • Will robots improve our efficiency in the future?
  • Should the death penalty be prohibited in all countries?
  • Should judicial hearings in the United Kingdom be televised?
  • Is it true that plastic water bottles harm the environment?
  • Are athletes good role models for kids?
  • Is a presence on social media required for a small business to succeed?
  • Should Muslims in Muslim nations cultivate religious tolerance?
  • Should public schools be responsible for teaching pupils social and emotional skills?
  • Is the Internet of Things no longer a technology that compromises privacy and security?
  • Is Shakespeare still relevant in today’s world?
  • Is workplace diversity beneficial to productivity?
  • Are modern people all across the world overly reliant on technology?
  • Should your country’s average driving age be decreased or increased?
  • Should mobile phones be permitted in the classroom?
  • What should the penalty be for trolling or cyberbullying on the internet?
  • Which is superior, traditional or alternative medicine?
  • Is texting and messaging applications such as WhatsApp destroying the English language?
  • Should workplace afternoon naps be permitted?
  • When should a youngster begin doing domestic chores?
  • Should cheering be considered a sport and competed in the Olympics?
  • Discuss the good and bad implications of blockchain technology on energy.
  • Why should we make it illegal to destroy rainforests?
  • Do energy drinks endanger the health of teenagers?
  • Should text messaging abbreviations be included in dictionaries?
  • Is the game industry responsible for negative gender and racial stereotypes?
  • Do all people require eight hours of sleep every night?
  • Is cheerleading a method of objectifying young women?
  • Do video games teach us anything?
  • Is it feasible to build a matriarchal society?
  • Should religion be taught in schools as part of the curriculum?
  • Should beauty pageants be outlawed?
  • Do politicians rely on the media to stay in power?
  • Is social media more important than conventional media these days?

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How to write a discursive essay?

A discursive essay requires presenting multiple viewpoints on a topic, providing evidence, and forming a balanced argument. Start with an introduction, present arguments with supporting evidence in body paragraphs, and conclude by summarizing the main points.

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How to Write a Discursive Essay – Guide with Examples

Published by Grace Graffin at March 28th, 2022 , Revised On July 26, 2023

What is a Discursive Essay?

You can see the word ‘discursive’ is close to the word ‘discourse’; in short, it means involving discussion. “In a discursive essay, you explore the discussion and perspectives surrounding a topic. Then proceeding with reason and argument, you reach a conclusion in which you may or may not agree with one of the perspectives you have presented.”

What is Discussed in a Discursive Essay?

Example: The discursive essay discusses ideas and opinions on a topic without the aim of persuading the reader to take a given view. It is your unbiased presenting of differing viewpoints that allows the reader to decide which is best. This allows you to present the topic from several viewpoints, showing the pros and cons of them all.

During the Renaissance, discursive essays were quite popular, though they have become much less so over time. Many consider the discursive essay to be one of the more difficult to approach. As such, many students struggle with them, and it is quite common to seek essay writing assistance .

What is the Purpose of a Discursive Essay?

The purpose of a discursive essay is to show that there are different and often competing viewpoints around a subject. The subject often raises a controversy or describes a problem requiring a solution. As such, discursive essay assignments are often used when comparing subjective opinions on literary works. Discursive essays highlight different opinions and arguments but do not argue either way.

Do Discursive Essays Offer Solutions to Problems?

It is not the author’s job to solve a problem. The problem could be a long-running one with no solution in sight. For example, in a discursive text, you do not examine a problem or literary text; instead, you discuss the opposing ideas and opinions surrounding them. These essays benefit readers by presenting a collection of various views on a subject all in one place, saving them from doing the research themselves.

What is the Author’s Role in a Discursive Essay?

Apart from creating the essay, the author’s role is minimal. That is, the essay should not be a personal opinion piece. The author stands in the centre of the ongoing debate, selects some of the best arguments and presents them to the reader. In this way, the author is more like a facilitator providing a clear view of the arguments surrounding the topic .

Should the Author Give an Opinion?

The role requires the author to stay mostly neutral, but it is acceptable for authors to take a stance. Whether you include your own stance in the essay is either up to you or your tutor. There is no rule that says you have to. You can clarify where you stand early in the essay, or you can wait until the conclusion.

Present Others’ Views Fairly

You should present the views of others in the best possible light; showing balance between the arguments is essential. When presenting others’ viewpoints, you should not try to prejudice readers or persuade them your view is best. This is not an argumentative essay .

How Does a Discursive Essay Differ from an Argumentative Essay?

When to write a discursive essay.

Your coursework may require a discursive essay in order to test your ability to find and presenting balanced evidence without bias. In this assignment, you need to make a balanced examination of arguments surrounding a topic, with the option of stating your own position. You are not attempting to settle the debate, only to show the thinking that surrounds it.

How do I Know if I Should Write a Discursive Essay?

Your tutor might not directly say ‘write a discursive essay’ but the essay question will give you a clue. It might be a relatively simple question, or it could just state that there is disagreement on a topic . It will not ask you to give your opinion or direct you to persuade your readers. Your essay is part of a study course, so there will be enough guidance from your tutors.

Here are some title examples that would be best discussed in discursive essays.

  • Is modern technology good or bad?
  • The effects of social media on today’s youth.
  • Should children under the age of ten be given mobile phones?
  • Should cigarettes be banned worldwide?
  • The positive and negative effects of water fluoridation.
  • Should governments subsidise healthy food and tax junk food?
  • Arranged marriages last longer than free-choice marriages.
  • Are educational standards declining?
  • How Harmful is cyberbullying?
  • Should gene editing and ‘designer babies’ be allowed?
  • Should the minimum age for driving a car be raised to 20?
  • Has the death penalty been proven as a failure or a success?
  • Does Google have too much power?

Types of Discursive Essays

There are three main types of discursive essays:

  • The opinion essay requires the author’s opinion on the issue. It should be clearly presented and supported with reason and evidence; it should also contain an opposing argument. The writer should explain why the counterargument is not convincing.
  • The for-and-against essay should provide readers with a good debate on the subject, aided by the opposing points of view. The main body should provide examples with sound reasoning to support claims. This should be an objective piece, as its purpose is to bring the information to the reader to make a decision.
  • Essays suggesting a solution to a problem should discuss the stated problem and find the main solution(s) that have been suggested. The introduction defines the problem, its causes and the consequences. The main body offers some suggestions for a possible solution to the problem and the possible consequences that can be anticipated from this solution.

Approaching a Discursive Essay

Before you do anything, read the essay question/prompt several times; let it sink in. All the work you undertake will be based on this. If you study remotely and receive the essay prompt digitally, copy it onto paper to make it real. Highlight key words and make sure you thoroughly understand what you are expected to write. Are you being asked to analyse , discuss , or explain something? These keywords are important to understand.

Steps Towards Creating your Essay

Before you even write the first line of the introduction, you have to carry out research. Trying to write an essay before doing research is like polishing a car before washing it. Researching is a way of learning about the subject while gathering and filtering information, forming the backbone of your coursework. The research you carry out should look into the subject and more importantly, also investigate the broad range of opinions and evidence surrounding it. Your research should not focus solely on the argument you favour but should cover other views equally.

How Many Viewpoints to Include

Some issues have a huge number of opinions surrounding them; you cannot include them all. Using too many will confuse the reader and make a conclusion difficult. Also, you won’t have the word limit to include everything you discover. Ask yourself if you have considered the most relevant viewpoints. Working through your discovered material, you can determine what to include based on appropriateness. It can become overwhelming, but there is plenty of help out there.

Where to Find your Evidence

Much of your research will be done online. But you should not disregard relevant books and other print sources, some of which are also online. There is also television and video to consider, and depending on the subject, you can ask family members and friends. Variety in your research shows you have really made an effort to cover all bases.

Always consider the credibility of any source you use, and always note where you found it. You will need this information to complete your bibliography. When you feel you have enough material and researching has given you a richer understanding of the subject, you can start writing.

Writing your Discursive Essay

The first thing to write is an outline ; think of it as a framework. You are going to fill this framework with good material. Remember that every word you put into it will have to justify its inclusion. For a discursive essay, the structure will likely follow the usual format of title, introduction , main body , and conclusion , followed by a reference section.

The Introduction

Example: The introduction should touch on all the points you’re going to cover, even if only broadly. It should provide a concise description of the topic and what your focus will be. Everything you discuss in the body should come under the umbrella created by the introduction.

Help the Reader Right from the Start

From the introduction, the reader should understand where the essay is going; it should not be a mystery tour. This is especially important if the subject is very broad. You can state your position on the subject in the introduction, but it is not necessary.

The discursive essay does not have a formal thesis statement , as with other essay types . This gives you the option of opening with something to really hook the reader. For example, any of these can be used:

  • Be provocative – “Maybe you don’t care about children’s self-confidence…”
  • Be balanced – “There are different opinions on whether children should do martial arts.”
  • Use a relevant quote – “As martial arts practitioners, we are not the type of people who allow life to happen to us. We are the author of our own lives.” – Jay Haynes.
  • Illustrate something – “Four-foot-tall Lisa was once bullied. After taking up kickboxing, she seems to stand much taller. She is no longer a target.”
  • Use an anecdote – “I lacked confidence and direction as a child. Taking up Tae Kwon Do changed all that in the first few weeks.”

After this is a rhetorical question at the centre of the discussion and a description of what the essay will cover.

Argumentative Essay Checklist

Frequently asked questions, should i analyse evidence in a discursive essay.

Although you will provide evidence in a discursive essay, it is not the same as in persuasive or argumentative essays. For example, if the essay is questioning the correct interpretation of a literary work, you do not analyse or review the literary work. Rather, you look at what others say about it and present that for the reader. What you present are ideas. And you support these ideas with quotations from other people, although it’s possible to do this by referring to your own experiences.

Can I disagree with the prevailing opinion on the subject?

You do not have to take a position on the subject you write about in a discursive essay. Your tutor might even instruct you not to. If you decide to tell the reader your position, you briefly say what you think and why. It shouldn’t become a major part of your assignment because this is not a persuasive or argumentative essay. The essay is not based on what you think.

Can I address the reader directly?

Yes, it makes your work more personal if you do this. You could do this right at the start of the introduction, asking something like, “Have you ever wondered how much information big tech companies hold about you?” A direct question like this can be a useful hook to keep the reader reading. You could say that it reduces formality and brings in familiarity, but used minimally, maybe just once, it can be effective. Generally, the discursive essay should be quite formal and impersonal.

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Discursive Essay Topics: Everything You Need to Know

Students have a lot of assignments to write, and it can be tough to come up with new ideas for each one. That’s why we have compiled this list of great topics for argumentative essay. If you’re looking how to write a discursive essay or want to see what other people are writing about, check out these prompts.

What Does a Good Essay Need?

It’s all about the topic. If you want to produce a good essay, you need to choose good discursive essay topics. So, how do we find this perfect, golden nugget of information? Well, we have some suggestions for you!

Good topics should:

  • Be suitable to your audience (for example, if you are composing an essay on pollution in Delhi and the audience is people who live there.)
  • Be interesting and engaging (otherwise, no one will read it!)

The Writing Process

Before you start the writing process, you need to figure out what your argument will be. If you don’t know your thesis statement, it’s hard for anyone else to read your essay and understand your point of view.

Once the essay writer has a topic in mind, they should write a few sentences about what kind of information the reader should expect from reading this essay. Then write three paragraphs that expand on each one of these points in detail. They are called body paragraphs. The first body paragraph should introduce the main idea — the topic sentence — and then provide examples or points relating to that central idea (the supporting details). The second body paragraph expands on another aspect associated with the first part of the paper while also including different facts or evidence than were included previously (in case two subjects were covered by two various topics). The third body paragraph does something similar but may include even more new ideas or evidence than before.

How to Choose Topics for Argumentative Essay

Choosing a topic is the first step to writing an essay. You need to select a topic that will interest you. It has to be something you are interested in and can write about. You’ve come to the ideal place if you’re looking for a topic for a research paper. There are countless options available, including cases in politics, science, and more! We have a ton of discursive essay topics that are sure to catch your attention and stimulate your thinking. Here are some of them:

  • Should the US outlaw assault rifles?
  • Is fame or wealth preferable?
  • What is the ideal place to visit?
  • Should all firearms be required to be registered?
  • Man or woman, who makes a better leader?
  • Should all citizens be eligible for free housing from the government?
  • Should the minimum wage be eliminated?

Discursive Essay Topics: Tips and Tricks

Finally, the argumentative essays topics should be relevant and engaging. Your thesis statement should motivate your audience to read further. You need to present evidence in support of your argument. It is essential to explain not only why something is right or wrong but also why it matters that way (for example, what effect it has on society).

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50 Powerful Discursive Essay Topics With Unique Writing Tips

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Guide on 50 Powerful Discursive Essay Topics with Unique Writing Tips!

Discursive writing necessitates more than adherence to rational thought; it also necessitates automaticity of representation that conveys the fine points of the writer's deductive reasoning. While fluency is realised by combining many geometric forms, from spelling and punctuation to organisation, the degree to which theories and concepts are smooth as possible woven together is also important. If he is unable to replicate the subtlety of his thought in his writing, even the most sagacious scholar will fall short in arguing a thesis. What rules of thumb might be helpful in achieving such competency?

We've organised a list of 50 Powerful Discursive Essay Topics with Unique Writing Tips to assist you in getting started.

topic discursive essay

50+ Excellent Discursive Essay Topics to Consider

And it is now time for the icing on the cake! Here's a collection of the best discursive writing topics , in furthermore to each of the above-mentioned technical aspects explored. Require some practice to read, and you'll be able to confidently hit the target this course.

  • wearing a uniform restrict students' freedom of expression. Should school uniforms be prohibited?
  • Talk about the advantages and disadvantages of video games among high school kids.
  • Should colleges and universities outlaw the use of physical torture as a form of punishment for students?
  • Should steroid users be prohibited from participating in team sports in the United Kingdom?
  • What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of globalisation?
  • Should court proceedings in the United Kingdom be broadcast on television?
  • How can students contribute to the social movement for environmental protection?
  • Should same-sex marriages be prohibited by the government?
  • Are political authorities in the United Kingdom involved in illegal activities?
  • Talk about the drawbacks of detox diets.
  • Should tobacco production and sale be prohibited in the United Kingdom?
  • Is society becoming excessively regulated?
  • What are Block-negative c's and positive effects?
  • Is crypto-currency, in today's world, a breeding ground for mistrust?
  • Is Facebook really necessary for us to communicate with one another?
  • Is machine programming jeopardising our freedom of choice?
  • Has the use of blockchain in trade finance improved in 2018?
  • Should the government censor rap music culture?
  • Is the Internet of Things no longer a tool for ensuring privacy and security?
  • Is it possible that virtual reality will end up being harmful to children?
  • Should airlines consider allowing heavier passengers to travel in two seats?
  • Is it true that meat-eaters are healthier than vegetarians?
  • Is print media already dead in the United Kingdom?
  • What is the best type of parenting seen in the United States?
  • Should the right to free speech be restricted?
  • Should we continue to read e-books rather than paperbacks?
  • Do you think social media has a positive or negative impact on our lives?
  • Do parents in the United Kingdom go to great lengths to prevent their children from abusing drugs?
  • What was the healthcare and a medical situation like in the early 1900s?
  • May indeed having to read nonfiction help writers be more creative?
  • Would you join a different family if you had the option?
  • Will robots improve our efficiency in the future?
  • Is it appropriate for well-known people in society to get involved in politics?
  • Is it acceptable to watch sex and violence on television?
  • Is it better to lower or increase the overall driving age in the United Kingdom?
  • Should parents praise their children for good behaviour?
  • Do you think yoga is more spiritual than fasting?
  • What are the various benefits and drawbacks of peer pressure?
  • Is today's educational system effective?
  • Should short dresses be outright prohibited in the workplace?
  • Why should we make an effort to prevent rainforest destruction?
  • Can long-term survival be guaranteed by space exploration?
  • Is it true that commercials about drug abuse are effective?
  • Is there a link between tattoos and paganism?
  • Is Satanism linked to rock music?
  • 13. Are today's people all over the world overly reliant on technology?
  • Should capital punishment be abolished in all countries?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of using a mobile phone?
  • Identify a true link between food, weight, and fitness.
  • Is there a link between workplace diversity and increased productivity? Is it the other way around, or vice versa?
  • Would the House of Lords having veto power over the House of Commons be beneficial to the United Kingdom?
  • Does homeschooling have a significant disadvantage for students?
  • Why are so many policymakers now promoting STEM education?
  • What are the most significant challenges that women face in the workplace?
  • Are we becoming dumber as a result of our increased reliance on technology?

Writing discursive writing topics isn't exact science if you've learned the basics of flawless writing. We hope the descriptive recommendation on discursive essays listed above, as well as an extensive list of important articles, will assist you in forming a clear explanation. Our Essay Writing Help Tutors can assist you with the assignments and different topics. Simply make an effort and set aside some time to put the strategies into action.

Discursive Essay Topics with Unique Writing Tips-

The writing process creates a student's technical knowledge and skills, so discursive essay topics are a popular form of evaluation at community colleges. Further writing potential is accumulated as an ability of learners, insightful, inclusive, and problem-solving knowledge and skills are assessed.

These abilities, honed through the writing of discursive essay topics, are essential for graduate-level texts, scholarly articles, and dissertations. Developing these academic skills is essential for graduating from university with a good grade. Of a sort, these abilities are immediately useful as well. Businesses are willing to hire people with university regents for a variety of reasons, one of which is the progression of such expertise.

How Do Online Assignment Expert Assist You?

We hope, you these 50 Powerful Discursive Essay Topics with Unique Writing Tips assist you with your writings. If you're having trouble coming up with a well-written discursive essay, look no further and hire our online academic help right away. Online Assignment Expert provides comprehensive Essay Writing Help to students on any topic.

We've put together a group of dedicated essay tutors. You will receive only the best solutions, whether it is a discursive or narrative essay. The following is a comprehensive list of the various essay genres in which we specialise. You can connect with us through a phone call, message or an email!

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140 Great Discursive Essay Topics for Students to Deal With

Table of Contents

Do you want to write an engaging discursive essay? Are you struggling to come up with the best discursive essay topics for your assignment? Don’t worry! To help you with discursive essay writing, here, in this blog post, we have explained what a discursive essay means, its types, and the simple steps for writing it. Also, we have shared some interesting discursive essay topics and ideas to consider for assignments.

Discursive Essay Topics

If you don’t know where to begin your essay, then keep on reading this blog post and update your knowledge on discursive essay writing.

What is a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay is a type of academic essay in which you have to share your opinions or views in support of the topic or against the topic. Even at certain times, this essay would permit you to present your views on both sides of a topic in a neutral manner.

The ultimate aim of a discursive essay is to provide the readers with multiple viewpoints on a particular essay help topic or idea. Therefore, while writing a discursive essay, you will have to think deeper from various perspectives and review all the aspects of the subject.

Basically, a discursive essay appears like an argumentative essay or persuasive essay , but it is actually different from them in certain ways. In a nutshell, a discursive essay discusses arguments in a balanced way taking into account all the factors that are for and against the topic.

Types of Discursive Essay

The discursive essay is classified into three types as listed below.

Discursive Essay Topics

For and Against Essay

It is a form of discursive essay that will argumentatively discuss either for or against the topic or theme. When writing an essay of this type, you should make sure to concentrate on both the advantages and disadvantages of the topic and present your views neutrally. Particularly, before wrapping up the essay, you should showcase your opinion on the topic by specifying your preference.

Solutions Recommending Essay

This discursive essay type will outline the issue and will recommend several possible solutions for that issue. But when you wrap up this essay, in the conclusion paragraph, you should highlight your opinion on the best solution to the issue and explain why that solution is effective.

Opinion Essay

It is a kind of discursive essay in which you have to share your opinions or arguments on a specific topic with supporting evidence from credible sources. Most importantly, while concluding this essay, you should remember to put forward your arguments against the topic and explain the reason why they are not persuasive.

Steps for Writing a Discursive Essay

Are you worried about how to prepare a discursive essay? Cool! Writing a discursive essay will not be so hard when you have a proper essay plan and idea about the essay structure. In general, a discursive essay is a formal essay in which you have to organize and present the ideas in a way that is easy for the readers to understand.

Here are some essential steps that would guide you to craft an excellent discursive essay.

  • First, read and understand the essay writing guidelines shared by your instructor.
  • Matching your instructor’s instructions, find a perfect discursive essay topic that allows you to share your opinions.
  • Next, research the selected topic and gather the important points or arguments for discussion.
  • After analyzing the topic, prepare a well-structured discursive essay outline that includes the section such as introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • With the help of the prepared essay outline, start preparing the first draft of the essay according to the standard essay structure.
  • Open the essay with a catchy introductory paragraph. The introduction should have an engaging hook statement, background information, and a strong thesis statement relevant to the essay topic.
  • Craft the body paragraphs. The body of the essay should discuss in detail all the major arguments supporting your thesis statement with valid evidence.
  • Wrap up the essay with a conclusion paragraph. The conclusion section should portray your feelings about the topic and list out all the necessary findings.
  • Add a reference page and list out the original source of the ideas you have used in your essay.
  • Before submission, double-check the entire draft of the essay and edit the grammar, spelling, or logical errors in it. The final draft of the essay should be original and free from errors.

Tips for Writing a Brilliant Discursive Essay

By following all the above-mentioned steps in order, you can come up with a great discursive essay. But besides, we also recommend you to stick to the below-mentioned tips when writing a discursive essay because it would help you to fine-tune your essay format and structure.

Tips for Writing a Brilliant Discursive Essay

  • Write the discursive essay in a formal third-person speech.
  • When writing this essay, use the right choice of words and formal language conventions.
  • Avoid using emotional writing style and clichés to exaggerate your opinions.
  • Follow the standard essay structure that contains separate sections for introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Explain the arguments using a balanced and calm tone.
  • Use well-known real-life examples as proof to explain the main arguments.
  • Never change the original structure of a discursive essay.
  • Add references to all the ideas taken from external sources.
  • Make sure to use transition words in between the paragraphs to maintain a smooth and seamless narration flow.
  • Include persuasive writing techniques such as hyperbole, imagery, metaphors, oxymoron, repetition, and simile at the appropriate places, if needed.

How to Select a Good Discursive Essay Topic

In the discursive essay writing process, topic selection is the first step that you can’t skip. Generally, you won’t find it hard to identify a topic when your instructor provides some list of discursive essay prompts for you to choose from. But the real challenge comes only when you are given an option to choose a topic of your choice.

For writing a discursive essay, there are numerous topics available on various subjects. Out of them all, based on your interest, you can search and identify any good topic. But the problem here is, when you have many topics, then finding one perfect topic from them would become too hard to handle.

So, to help you identify the right essay topic, here we have shared some key tips to keep in mind during the discursive essay topic selection phase.

  • Pick a topic in which you have a strong opinion or knowledge.
  • Go with the topic that is convenient for you to write about.
  • Avoid selecting a frequently discussed topic.
  • Identify a topic that is interesting for you and your readers.
  • Choose a controversial topic in which you can raise varying viewpoints or opinions.
  • Select a complex topic with two sides, so that you can extract more arguments that are for and against it.
  • Give preference to the topic that has many valid facts or evidence to prove your arguments.
  • Finalize the essay topic only if it meets your instructor’s essay writing guidelines, if there are any.

Discursive Essay Topic Ideas List

Here are some unique discursive essay topic ideas on various disciplines.

Discursive Essay Topics

If you don’t know what topic to choose for your discursive essay, feel free to access the entire list below and spot any topic that suits you perfectly.

Best Discursive Essay Topics

  • Do space explorations assure long-term survival?
  • Is the current education system productive?
  • Is English one of the toughest languages to learn?
  • Does reading non-fiction build up the writers’ creativity?
  • Should parents reward their children for behaving well?
  • Describe the best kind of parenting observed in your country.
  • Should tobacco production be made illegal across the world?
  • Which is better: reading e-book or paperback?
  • Discuss the effective ways to keep children away from the use of drugs.
  • Are acts of sex and violence acceptable on TV?
  • Is increased dependency on technology making us dumber?
  • Is rock music related to Satanism?
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile phones.
  • Has block-chain enhanced trade finance in 2018?
  • Can virtual reality turn out to be dangerous for youngsters?
  • Should social media platforms be banned from collecting their users’ data?
  • Should companies have to hire human workers overusing autonomous machines?
  • Should cell phones be banned from vehicles?
  • Has the internet made society better?
  • Should parents limit screen time for kids?

Excellent Discursive Essay Topics

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of globalization?
  • Should steroid takers be banned from sports?
  • Are political authorities involved in illegal activities?
  • Discuss the association between food, fitness, and weight.
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of video games among teenagers?
  • Should schools avoid punishing the students that include physical torture?
  • Is society becoming over-regulated?
  • How can students contribute to the safety of nature?
  • Should uniform in schools be banned?
  • Explain the adverse effects of detox diets.
  • Why are policymakers pushing STEM education nowadays?
  • Should the government ban same-sex marriages?
  • Should there be restrictions to freedom of speech?
  • What are the workplace challenges faced by women?
  • Will robots in the future add to our efficiency?
  • Should capital punishment be banned in every country?
  • Should court proceedings in the UK be documented for television?
  • Is print media almost dead?
  • Is social media having a positive impact on our lives?
  • Is home-schooling good for students?
  • Discuss the need for employees to use social networks at work
  • Cite reasons why internet slang like LOL should be in the dictionary
  • Explain the challenges of overdependence on technology for modern schools
  • Critique any innovation that has made us lazier than before
  • Discuss why so many college athletes struggle with school work

Interesting Discursive Essay Topics

  • Is a college education mandatory to be successful in life?
  • Which is better: listening to mind or heart?
  • Which is better: watching a movie on the big screen or in your home?
  • Should parents be honest with their kids?
  • Share your views about the marriage of convenience.
  • Is Graffiti an art?
  • Are plastic water bottles spoiling the environment?
  • Are athletes the best role models for children?
  • Is social media presence necessary for a small business to succeed?
  • Should people in Muslim countries develop a religious tolerance?
  • Should public schools have a responsibility to teach social-emotional skills to students?
  • Is the best music founded in social oppression?
  • Should animal sports be banned?
  • Should zoos be abolished?
  • Is cutting hands the only way to stop corruption?
  • Should polio vaccinations be compulsory for every citizen of the United States?
  • Is it good to believe that car seats are effective to keep children safe in car crashes?
  • Should social media sites be banned from collecting their users’ data?
  • Should healthcare professionals be allowed to market and sell drugs to their patients?
  • Should companies switch to hire employees using autonomous machines?

Amazing Discursive Essay Topics

  • Explain the scenario of healthcare and medicine in the 1900s.
  • Is Facebook really needed to stay in touch with each other?
  • Should short dresses be restricted from the workplace?
  • Should offshore drilling be widened?
  • Should famous people in society get involved in politics?
  • Is social media contributing to a more narcissistic society?
  • Is IoT no longer a tool that screws up privacy and security?
  • Is studying Shakespeare outdated in today’s world?
  • Does workplace diversity contribute to increased productivity?
  • Are contemporary people across the world depending too much on technology?
  • Should the average driving age in your country be reduced or increased?
  • Is yoga a more spiritual activity than fasting?
  • Discuss the pros and cons of peer pressure.
  • Are non-vegetarians healthier than vegetarians?
  • Discuss your viewpoints on cryptocurrency.
  • Analyze the future of cryptocurrencies
  • Should there be more parties in the United States?
  • Should college students be restricted from participating in Greek life?
  • Is co-education better than single-sex education?
  • Should college students get to autonomy to choose which professor’s class they attain?

Read more: Amazing Descriptive Essay Topics and Ideas for Students

Top-rated Discursive Essay Topics

  • Are tattoos a work of art?
  • Is exercising mandatory for losing weight?
  • Is plastic surgery good?
  • Should a parent be on the same social network as their child?
  • Is MBA necessary to be successful in business?
  • Are technological advancements making us lazier?
  • Does slavery have a positive influence on world economics?
  • Explain your views about the childfree movement.
  • Should cell phones be allowed in school?
  • What should be the penalty for internet trolling or cyberbullying?
  • Which is better: traditional medicine or alternative medicine?
  • Is texting and texting apps like WhatsApp ruining the English language?
  • Should afternoon naps be allowed at work?
  • At what age should a child start doing household chores?
  • Should cheerleading be recognized as a sport and played in the Olympics?
  • Discuss the correlation between wealth and happiness.
  • Which is better: Single-sex School or Co-ed School?
  • Will Google bring about the end of privacy?
  • Is good grammar necessary?
  • Which is worse: White-collar crime or Blue-collar crime?

Captivating Discursive Essay Topics

  • Is radio important as a form of media in the 21st century?
  • Discuss the prospect of having a woman president.
  • Discuss the mortgage crisis in the economy.
  • Should newspapers be heavily regulated?
  • Is earning money through the lottery is a good idea?
  • Does technology isolate the individual?
  • Why an assassination can never be justified?
  • Discuss the challenges that are faced in outsourcing to foreign countries.
  • Should rape victims be hanged to death?
  • Explain how the celebrity culture is spoiling the moral values of young teenagers.

Outstanding Discursive Essay Topics

  • Do social media platforms affect the academic performance of students?
  • Should the government censor rap music culture?
  • Are tattoos and paganism related to each other?
  • Should airlines provide a two-seat policy for heavier people?
  • Are dating websites a good place to meet romantic partners?
  • Are drug abuse commercials effective?
  • Is the military’s use of drones an invasion of privacy?
  • Should GMOs be allowed in food?
  • Discuss the negative and positive effects of Block-chain on energy.
  • Why should we prohibit the destruction of rainforests?
  • Do energy drinks cause health risks to teenagers?
  • Should text message acronym be added in dictionaries?
  • Does the gaming world promote problematic gender and racial stereotypes?
  • Do all adults need eight hours of sleep?
  • Is cheerleading a way to objectify young women?

Read more: Sample GRE Essay Topics To Practice

Compelling Discursive Essay Topics

  • Which is better: nuclear families or joint families?
  • Is social media more relevant these days than traditional media?
  • Should etiquette be emphasized in all curriculums?
  • Are apps more of a help or a waste of time?
  • Do contact sports encourage aggression?
  • Do video games have educational value?
  • Is it possible to create a society based on matriarchy?
  • Should schoolchildren learn religion as a part of their curriculum?
  • Should beauty contests be banned?
  • Do politicians rely on the media in order to remain in power?

Wrapping Up

From the above-recommended list of unique discursive essay topics, without any hesitation, select a topic matching your interest and prepare an extraordinary discursive essay. Haven’t you identified the right discursive essay topic for your assignment? Do you need instant discursive essay writing help? Contact us now!

The skilled essay writers from our team would assist you in preparing a plagiarism-free academic essay as per your requirements on time at a reasonable price. Also, as a part of our online assignment writing service , we will give you 24/7 customer support and unlimited essay revision until you get complete satisfaction.

Why are you still waiting? Quickly place the order and buy a customized essay that will help you score an A+ grade.

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How to Choose Impressive Higher English Discursive Essay Topics?

Best Ways to Pick the Higher English Discursive Essay Topics

Table Of Contents

What is higher english what do you understand, how to choose higher english discursive essay topics, amazing higher english discursive essay topics suggestions, experts assistance for choosing best essay discursive topic.

When it comes to choosing the  higher English discursive essay topics ? Then it becomes one of the hectic tasks for the students. During the time of writing the discursive essay topic, it helps to provide the rare opportunity that students can walk the fine line that helps them to separate a discursive essay from the other sections like the argumentative or the persuasive essay. On the other hand, when we talk about certain key points for the same, the discursive essay might help to resemble the other essay types we discussed previously. They are still very distinct from it. While writing an argumentative essay convinces the students of an argument, but when it comes to the discursive essay seeks to examine the arguments on the opposing sides of the issue.

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If you are one of those students who have studied in a country other than the UK, you may wonder what higher English is. Is it a course or here talking about the level? First, let us clarify that it is one of the sections that help students dive into the definition of some of the courses. In the UK, higher English is one of the courses for the students, particularly in England and Scotland. It helps to determine the English language and the literature very deeply. Below are some tips students can learn by studying higher English. They are:

  • Higher English as an independent subject
  • Additionally, other higher science programs

Most of the time, discursive essay examples higher English  is one of the sections that help to focus on the students' advanced reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. By the end of the course, students should be able to do the following mentioned things:

  • They can able to use the complex languages
  • Students can able to apply the literature knowledge in life
  • Understand the base of the language operation

Every student is required to write an impressive and catchy discursive higher English essay, but specific issues arise in their academic life. One of them is choosing a unique and catchy for the  higher English discursive essay topics . Suppose you are also one of those students facing a problem selecting the topic, then go through the below-mentioned tips. Here we discuss how students can choose the best topic for their write-up. 

Also Read:  How to Write Discursive Essay | Everything You Need to Know

Once you are done knowing what is higher English discursive essay. Then it is time to move to the challenging part of selecting the topic. Below mentioned are the useful tips that students can use for choosing the topic for their topic. Also, you can ask for  discursive essay examples higher English . 

Motive of Writing

With the help of the discursive essay, students can present all the arguments that can convince their readers that the writer is talking about the right scenario and the relevant things. This is why you choose the topic you can elaborate on and persuade. Also, they can choose law essay writing service .

Pick the Theme Wisely

When choosing the topic, make sure that the topic is appropriate and relevant for the professor, who will go through the same and grade the paper as the requirements. Focus on covering all the pointers to meet the expectation of the professor.

Utilise the Resources

First, evaluate that you have enough information on your chosen topic. Also, choose the things that are compelling essays. Finally, check for the possible relevant and trustworthy sources for the statement you will use in the essay writeup.

The above are some tips students can use to choose the best higher English discursive essay . These helpful tips make it easy for students to pick the best topic. However, if you still have doubts and cannot choose a reliable topic, we are providing some suggestions for higher English discursive essay topics that students can use for their writeup.

Below mentioned are the higher E nglish discursive essay examples . Let’s have a look

  • The importance of literacy
  • Football has a direct influence on English culture.
  • Every school should teach foreign languages.
  • High schools should teach both abstinence and safe.
  • To ensure discipline, school uniforms should be required.
  • People should give off smoking.
  • Eating disorders in adolescent females are a serious problem that should not be overlooked.
  • In education, motivation theories are quite successful.
  • Their self-esteem greatly influences students' health.
  • Because alcohol harms teenage health, parents should keep an eye on their children's alcohol usage.
  • Children and teens should not remain silent in the face of domestic violence.
  • Sports betting should be prohibited by the government.
  • We should drink plenty of water.
  • The reduction of the generation gap is critical for good family interaction.
  • High school athletes should be subjected to drug tests.
  • Cheating on college examinations should be penalised severely since it is discouraging.
  • The advantages of active listening are critical in exhibiting excellent performance at work.
  • Every student should evaluate the time management practices of their peers.
  • Sleep is vital since sleep loss impacts college students' academic performance.
  • Should fast food be considered "food"?
  • A healthy way of life and eating should become the standard for everyone.
  • Alternative energy sources are critical to the planet's survival.

Above are some suggestions for choosing the d iscursive e ssay i deas f or h igher English . If you are still not able to grasp the concept and not able to choose the best one for your write-up, then get the consultation of our expert writer . They will help you in completing the essay within a short period. So let’s get a consultation with professionals.

Several students stuck with choosing the right higher English discursive essay topics . At that time Assignment Desk is the saviour for students. They provide assignment writing help to students. You can consult professional writers if you are also going through the same scenario or not getting a solution for educational issues. They have vast knowledge and rich experience in providing the best essay writing services. Also, many students in the UK take assistance from experts to complete their work within the given period. Experts will offer a wide range of topics to students.

With the help of those suggestions, students can choose the best one for their essay help online  and secure higher academic grades.

Additionally, at some point, students face issues in drafting the whole write-up. So, in this case, also they can take consultation from an academic writing service provider. So what are you waiting for? Want help with essay writing tasks? Get reliable consultation.

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60 Impactful Discursive Essay Topics for a Stellar Paper

Exploring Thought-Provoking Discursive Essay Topics

You’ve done at least a couple of writing courses in a day and finished writing your share of essays. When you think you have written every possible kind of paper, BAM!!! You're hit with a new kind of essay – the discursive essay.

With the word 'curse' in the middle of the name, cursing might be exactly what you feel like doing now when thinking about mastering how to craft a whole new essay.

We understand. There are countless kinds of essays, and you still feel like you like you have already written every one of them. Learning another writing style may not be how you want to spend your time right now. However, trust us, gaining an in-depth understanding of how to craft a discursive essay isn't that bad.

Learning to write a discursive essay is significant for your educational career. The process of crafting a discursive essay structure educates you about constructing the basic outline of all academic papers. If you can comprehend how to start or end a discursive essay effectively, you will know how to write and interpret other academic papers.

Seems important now, isn’t it? No need to worry. Now that you have landed on the perfect guide to writing a perfect discursive essay let's make this process 10X easier. We have significant guidelines and unique discursive essay topics to help you nail your next paper like a champion.

Ready? Fasten your seatbelts. Let’s take off!

What is a Discursive Essay? A Quick Overview

Before learning how to craft the perfect discursive essay format, it is essential to get the hang of what is a discursive essay.

A discursive essay is mainly written to present a topic in a balanced way. It offers all sides of an argument and gives the reader objective evidence about a specific topic. It is usually crafted in an impersonal style, allowing to keep things unbiased.

This implies that, as the writer of a discursive essay, you must be incredibly careful to avoid arguing for one perspective. Rather, you should try to keep your opinion out of the discussion. If you start to argue a point, your essay will become argumentative .

The key objective of writing discursive essays is –

  • To offer an unbiased assessment of a subject
  • To offer a balanced discussion on the subject
  • To present true facts and research reports
  • To offer one’s opinion on the topic
  • To formally present both sides of a subject

These are some reasons behind the significance of writing a discursive essay. Now, let's take a look at different types of discursive essays.

Also Read: Profile Essay

Discursive Essay: What are the Types?

The discursive essay can be categorized into three kinds, as enlisted below –

For and Against Essay

This kind of discursive essay will argumentatively discuss either for or against the theme or the topic. When writing an essay of this kind, you should ensure to focus on both advantages and disadvantages of the subject. It is also crucial to present your views neutrally.

Especially before concluding these essays, you should demonstrate your opinion on the subject by specifying your preference.

Opinion Essay

In this kind of essay, you must describe your opinions or arguments on a specific topic with valid supporting evidence. However, before you conclude the essay, you should offer your arguments against the subject and describe why they are not persuasive.

Solutions Suggesting Essay

This kind of discursive essay will always highlight an issue and suggest countless potential ways to solve the problem. When concluding the paper, you should also make sure to convey your opinion on the best solution to the issue and must describe the reason why it is effective.

These subtle differences between different kinds of discursive essays shape the way you approach your writing. Hence, before you start writing the paper, carefully note the instructions to figure out the best ways to craft the perfect discursive essay outline.

How to Write a Discursive Essay?

A close look at a discursive essay example will help you understand that it is a formal essay that should be structured remarkably to make your readers understand your perspectives. Like most essays, it starts with an introduction and conclusion.

Have a look at certain effective guidelines to craft a perfect and impeccable discursive essay –

Introduction

After crafting a detailed discursive essay outline, the first question you may ask is how to start a discursive essay. Here’s how you can write a remarkable discursive essay introduction –

  • Provide your readers with a hook – something that would seem interesting to them.
  • Offer a brief explanation of the issue. You can use quotations along with rhetorical questions.
  • Demonstrate to your readers both sides of the argument and sum up.

While crafting the discursive essay structure, the next step is to start working on the main body paragraphs of the paper.

  • Develop your argumentation and present it while writing discursive essay body paragraphs. If you have several arguments for your perspective, provide them in separate paragraphs. This will enable you to keep your essay distinct and comprehensible. Further, do not forget to submit supporting evidence.
  • Write the essay body in an alternate manner. If your first paragraph supports the argument of the paper, then write something the opposite of it in the second paragraph. This unique combination of supporting and opposite paragraphs will make your essay look organized and well-research. It will also allow you to stay neutral.
  • Also, remember to incorporate topic sentences and evidence. Present a summary of the argument at the beginning of the paragraph. It will help your readers understand what the paragraph is about easily. You can also offer evidence to show that you are not making up facts.

Well, now that you have almost finished your writing, it’s time to know how to end a discursive essay in the best way possible. Here's how you can wrap up your essay effectively –

  • While writing the conclusion of the essay, try to summarize your paper, including the key points specified in the body paragraphs.
  • You can also logically express your opinions. Make sure it resonates with the evidence stated in the body paragraphs.
  • Do not repeat your findings; simply summarize them.

10 Golden Tips to Craft a Unique Discursive Essay

Remember, writing a discursive essay is no rocket science.

To help our readers craft the best discursive essays possible, we have provided unique tips and techniques to successfully answer your question, 'How to write a discursive essay on difficult topics?’ Not only that, but it would allow you to take your discursive essay to the next level.

Have a look –

  • Craft the discursive essay in a formal, third-person speech.
  • Use the right words and formal language conventions to craft this paper.
  • Avoid using any emotional writing style and cliches to exaggerate your viewpoints.
  • Adhere to the standard discursive essay formatthat includes separate sections for the introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Describe the arguments using a calm and balanced tone.
  • Utilize famous real-life examples as proof to describe the key arguments.
  • Never change the original structure of a discursive essay.
  • Ensure to use transition words in between the paragraphs to maintain a seamless and smooth narration flow.
  • Incorporate remarkable persuasive writing techniques like hyperbole, imagery, oxymorons, metaphors, repetitions, and similes at the appropriate places if required.
  • Include references for all the critical ideas taken from external resources.

Clear till now? We are sure you have developed a profound understanding of how to write a discursive essay. Let’s proceed to understand how to choose interesting topics for a discursive essay. 

Foolproof Strategies to Choose Intriguing Discursive Essay Topics

The scope of a discursive essay hugely depends on the topic. Half the battle of delivering an incredible discursive essay will be won when you choose interesting discursive essay topics. Undeniably, the creative process is in no way easy.

Have a look at these below-mentioned sure-fire strategies that will help you choose a theme that’s perfect for you –

  • Choose a controversial topic that can be easily argued with various opinions or perspectives.
  • Select a unique topic where you have strong knowledge and opinion.
  • Choose a complex topic with at least two sides to generate more arguments for and against the subject.
  • Give preference to a topic that is comfortable for you to write about.
  • Determine a topic that has the power to captivate the attention of the readers.
  • Select a topic that has countless relevant facts or evidence to support your opinions or arguments.

With all these foolproof strategies up your sleeves, you will surely be prepared as a soldier for the battle. For those looking for inspiration, look at this extensive list of discursive essay topics we have compiled for you. You can be assured of securing high grades with any of these.

Here you go!

An Extensive List of Inspiring and Unique Discursive Essay Topics

Simple discursive essay topics.

  • Is it essential to pose a restriction on the freedom of speech of people?
  • Will robots in the future increase our efficiency?
  • Explore the challenges in the workplace faced by women
  • Explore the way negative public relations can allow an individual to become famous and successful in the entertainment industry
  • Explore how the excessive usage of social networking sites and gaming platforms impacts the academic outcomes of adolescents and children.
  • Is it wise to watch an action movie on the big screen or in your home?
  • Do you believe online matrimonial platforms are an excellent place to find and meet potential partners to marry?
  • Do you think capital punishment must be restricted in every country?
  • Discuss the pros and cons of video games among teenagers
  • Explore the pros and cons of globalization
  • Explore how excellent peacekeeping missions can bring peace to a nation
  • Present your views on the healing capacity of listening to a favorite song

Interesting Topics for a Discursive Essay

  • Do you think a college education is compulsory to be successful in life?
  • Listening to your heart or mind – which one is better?
  • Do you think parents should always be honest with their children?
  • Present your views about the marriage of convenience
  • Do you believe Graffiti is art?
  • Do you think social media sites must be restricted from collecting the data of their users?
  • Do you think athletes are the best role models for children?
  • Explain the key factors or components of a brilliant office culture
  • Is reading Shakespeare obsolete in the modern era?
  • Do you think the average driving age in your country can be minimized or increased?
  • Do you think it is essential for people to develop religious tolerance in Muslim countries?
  • Is social media essential for a small business to gain success?

Best Discursive Essay Topics

  • Explore the advantages and disadvantages associated with using mobile phones.
  • Do you think Blockchain improved trade finance in 2018?
  • Is the present education system productive?
  • Do you believe English is one of the most challenging languages to learn?
  • Explain the best kind of parenting you have observed in the country
  • Present your views on how rock music is associated with Satanism
  • What do you think is better – reading an e-book or paperback?
  • Do you think reading non-fiction tends to develop the creativity of a writer?
  • Explore the pros and cons of peer pressure
  • Explain the situation of medicine and healthcare in the 1900s
  • Do you believe contemporary people across the world are relying excessively on technology?
  • Present your views on how virtual reality can turn out to be incredibly dangerous for youngsters.

Top-Rated and Trending Discursive Essay Topics

  • Is exercising compulsory for losing weight effectively?
  • Explain the correlation between happiness and wealth
  • Is plastic surgery beneficial?
  • Do you think texting and texting apps like WhatsApp and Telegram are ruining the English language?
  • Will Google bring the end of privacy?
  • Do you think having an extensive knowledge of grammar is essential?
  • Present your views on which one is worse – white-collar or blue-collar crimes.
  • Do you believe plastic surgery is essential?
  • Do you think it is necessary for parents to be on the same social network as their kids?
  • Do you believe having MBA is essential to be successful in business?
  • Present your views about the childfree movement
  • Present your views on the penalty for cyberbullying or internet trolling

Captivating Discursive Essay Topics

  • Do you think there exists a connection between tattoos and paganism?
  • Do you believe dating websites are an excellent place to meet romantic partners?
  • Present your views on why rape victims must be hanged to death
  • Explore the difficulties faced in outsourcing to foreign countries
  • Explore why an assassination can never be justified
  • Do you believe earning money through the lottery is a remarkable idea?
  • Explore the prospects of having a women president.
  • Do you consider radio a significant form of media in the 21 st century?
  • Present your views on how slavery should have a positive influence on world economics.
  • Explore how the gaming world encourages problematic gender and racial stereotypes.
  • Do you think social media platforms impact the academic performance of students?
  • Do you think technological advancements are making us lazy?

Outstanding Discursive Essay Topics

  • What do you think is better – watching a movie in your home or big screen?
  • Do you think a college education is essential to be successful in life?
  • Present your views on the marriage of convenience
  • Is it necessary to restrict animal sports?
  • Do you think the military’s use of drones is an invasion of privacy?
  • Do you think public schools need to teach social-emotional skills to students?
  • Explore the positive and negative impacts of Blockchain on energy
  • Do you believe cutting hands is the only effective way to eliminate corruption?
  • Do you think it is essential for parents to be honest with their kids?
  • Is it necessary for all adults to have eight hours of sleep?
  • Do you believe the government censor should rap music culture?
  • Present your views on how the best music is often founded on social oppression.

Compelling Discursive Essay Topics

  • Present your views on which one is the best – joint families or nuclear families?
  • Discuss how social media is more relevant these days than traditional media.
  • Present your views on how beauty contests must be restricted
  • Explore how politicians must depend on the media to remain in power
  • Discuss how video games must have educational value
  • Do you believe apps are more of assistance or a waste of time?
  • Present your views on how female dress codes must be enforced in the workplace.
  • Present a comparative analysis between dress codes and students' liberty to select their looks.
  • Discuss why fast food must be restricted within 400 m of schools
  • Is it essential to reward children for behaving remarkably?
  • Do you think it is essential to have Facebook to stay in touch with each other?
  • Do you think renowned people in society should get involved in politics?

Unique Discursive Essay Ideas 

  • Present your views on how space explorations guarantee long-term survival
  • Explain the concept of the mortgage crisis in the economy
  • Discuss how the celebrity culture is ruining the moral values of young teenagers
  • Present your views on the positive and negative impacts of using blockchain technology on the performance of the international financial market
  • Discuss why social media platforms are becoming more significant in comparison to conventional print and broadcast media
  • Explain why internet slang like LOL should be included in the dictionary
  • Do you think it is ethical for the government to ban same-sex marriages?
  • Discuss the adverse impacts of detox diets
  • Do you believe print media is almost dead?
  • Explore the reasons behind policymakers pushing STEM education nowadays
  • Discuss how students can contribute to the safety of nature
  • Present the association between fitness, food, and weight

Amazing Discursive Essay Topics of 2024

  • Present your views on the negative impacts of detox diets
  • Explore the relationship between food, fitness, and weight
  • Write about the restriction on steroid takers from sports
  • Do you believe homeschooling is a disadvantage for students?
  • Do you think capital punishment should be restricted in every country?
  • Explore why space explorations guarantee long-term survival
  • Do you think the recent education system has been productive?
  • Present your views on how offshore drilling must be widened
  • Do you believe afternoon naps must be allowed at work?
  • Do you think religious organizations need to pay taxes as companies do?
  • Present your views on how religious people must be allowed to marry and have children.
  • Can electric vehicles reduce overall emissions?
  • Do you think all businesses should offer paternity leave?
  • Present your views on why women must be allowed to play professional sports on teams of men.
  • Discuss why cloning is unethical
  • Explore how beauty pageants dangerous for the participants
  • Present your views on how athletes and professional coaches must make the same amount of money
  • Present your views on how designated hitters are good or bad for the baseball
  • Discuss why most companies move to a four-day workweek
  • Present your views on why the current American tax system must be fair
  • Present your views on how children must not be too cuddled
  • Explore how companies need to offer paid parental leaves
  • Present your views on how Graffiti is an act of vandalism or the creation of art
  • Do you believe affirmative action is effective?
  • Do you think it is necessary for drunk drivers to have their driver's licenses revoked permanently?
  • Do you believe marketing designed for kids must be illegal?
  • Present your views on how people must be fined for not recycling
  • Discuss how steroid users must be restricted from their sports forever
  • Is it necessary for most companies to make the four-day workweek a new norm?
  • Present your views on how students must be allowed to use computers for research when giving exams.
  • Discuss how music and other kinds of art should be made free online
  • Explore how schools need students to say the 'Pledge of Allegiance.'
  • Discuss how alcohol sales must be made illegal between midnight and noon
  • Is it necessary for the government to control what we will eat?
  • Is it essential for America to automate voter registration?
  • Do you believe America will function remarkably without the electoral college?
  • Discuss how car seats are effective at keeping children safe in car crashes.
  • Present how medical professionals can be allowed to market pharmaceuticals to their patients.
  • Write about the detrimental impact of excessive school noise on academic performance.
  • Do you think there should be concerts with holograms of no longer living superstars?
  • Write about the effect of hyper-realistic beauty filters on modern society.
  • Explore the no-backpack trend in schools. Discuss the other ways to foster the creativity of students.
  • Do you think it is unethical for parents to exploit their children to gain followers and likes on social media?
  • Do you think fast fashion will drown us in cloth piles?
  • Who can be held responsible for pollution – end-users or corporations?
  • Discuss the dark side of overexercising
  • Explore the ways we can combat verbal and physical abuse from coaches
  • Explore the description of violence against African people in literature
  • Investigate the views on the multiple intelligence theory of Gardner
  • Can traveling be considered sustainable?
  • Do you think the trend for secondhand can ruin the destructive results of overconsumption?
  • Do you think mental straws or tote bags are a drop in the sea or beneficial for the planet?
  • Discuss the significance of racial representation through skins in the metaverse.
  • Discuss how the fetish of Japanese people can be detrimental to their culture.
  • Present your views on the fine line between cultural appropriation and appreciation.
  • Discuss the issue of doing Asian-inspired makeup
  • Do you think it is time to shift from the hustle culture?
  • Discuss the reasons behind university graduates overestimating their future salaries.
  • Explore the necessities of mental health days in schools and universities
  • Explore why countless people are skeptical about NFT
  • Write about the potential threats and possibilities of deep fake technology
  • Do you think drones can take our privacy away?
  • Do you think excessive skincare treatment steps are essential?
  • Write about the boom of SPF products and its impacts
  • Explore the impact of weighted blankets on our physical and mental state
  • Do you think baby sensory videos can be a short-term pleasure or a long-term nightmare?
  • Do you think listening to healing frequencies is simply a trend?
  • Explore how the theory of the American dream is presented in the film ‘The Great Gatsby.’
  • Evaluate the influence of family issues on children and recommend ways to enhance the situation.
  • Discuss different complications of working with groups
  • Present different views on the definition of love
  • Discuss the effectiveness of motivational interviewing
  • Write about the significance of metaphors used by Virgil in 'Aeneid.'
  • Evaluate various opinions on withdrawing treatments of the patients
  • Do you think superhero movies don’t have any cultural value?
  • Discuss how driverless cars can be more dangerous than we can imagine
  • Do you think an arts degree translates into a lucrative paying career?
  • Present your views on how monarchy must be abolished everywhere in the world.
  • Do you think the age of legal smoking and drinking must be increased
  • Do you think all prisoners should be allowed to vote in elections?
  • Discuss your views on how being an Instagram blogger is not a real profession.
  • Do you think professional sports at a young age are not healthy?
  • Do you think award ceremonies are becoming more diverse?
  • Explore various opinions on mysticism and explain your attitude towards it
  • Explore the diverse perspectives on spirituality
  • Evaluate the issue of police misconduct
  • Explore the issue of the shortage in nursing and recommend a solution
  • Present your views on the significance of parents being included in children’s education
  • Present arguments for and against random drug testing

FAQs Related to Discursive Essay

Q.1. what is a discursive essay.

A discursive essay is a kind of essay that discusses a certain problem, a controversy, or a recent issue. This is written to present a topic in a balanced way. It offers all sides of an argument and provides the readers with objective evidence on a specific topic. Additionally, it is crafted in an impersonal style which aids in keeping things unbiased.

Q.2. How to write a discursive essay?

There is no definite answer to this question. Like any other essay, a discursive essay must have a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The most crucial thing is that the essay needs to be persuasive, cohesive, and intriguing to read.

Q.3. How to start a discursive essay?

To start a discursive essay effectively, it is crucial to –

  • Take a close look at the topic and think about the relevant points to cover
  • Select the most relevant points and craft the body of the paper
  • Add an appropriate introduction and conclusion

Q.4. What are the steps involved in writing a discursive essay?

  • Select a topic which you are interested in and that you have in-depth knowledge about
  • Conduct in-depth research to collect information on all sides of the argument.
  • Brainstorm ideas and organize them into a clear structure
  • Write a strong introduction that captures the reader’s attention and formulate your thesis statement
  • Craft the body paragraphs, presenting all sides of the argument in a balanced and objective manner
  • Craft the conclusion that summarizes your key points
  • Proofread diligently for errors in grammar and mechanics

Q.5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a discursive essay?

  • Not conducting in-depth research.
  • Offering only one side of the argument
  • Writing in a conversational or informal style
  • Using personal biases or opinions
  • Not having a clear structure or organization
  • Making grammar or mechanics errors

Q.6. What are some good discursive essay topics?

Good discursive essay topics are those that are controversial or have various perspectives. Here are some good discursive essay topics –

  • Do you think energy drinks pose serious threats to people under 18?
  • Should GMOs be allowed in food?
  • Do you believe a technology addiction is a real addiction?
  • Do you think the drones used by the military invade privacy?
  • Do you think public places, like libraries and restaurants, should be allowed to use internet filters?
  • Is it essential to expand offshore drilling?

Q.7. How do I choose a discursive essay topic?

When selecting a discursive essay topic, it is significant to consider the below-enlisted crucial factors –

  • The topic must be controversial or have multiple perspectives. This will enable you to explore various perspectives and present a balanced argument.
  • There should be adequate information available on the topic to support the argument.
  • The topic must be long enough to support a 500–700-word essay.

Q.8. How do you end a discursive essay?

  • Return to something you mentioned in the first paragraph
  • Assess the things that you presented before
  • Hint at something you may have followed up on if the scope of the question allowed it.
  • Offer an opinion

Q.9. What are the different types of discursive essays?

There are mainly two kinds of discursive essay topics –

  • Consensus Topics – These are the topics when there is a general agreement on the issue.
  • Controversial Topics – These are the topics without general agreement on an issue.

Q.10. What are examples of discursive?

Discursive texts can be found anywhere. Opinion pieces in newspapers are a remarkable example of a discursive essay. Other examples incorporate essays we read or speeches and lectures. Most TEDx talks are discursive as well.

  • Published On 24 May, 2019 | Updated on 08 Jan, 2024

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A Legal Showdown on the Border Between the U.S. and Texas: What to Know

A court in Austin heard oral arguments in the federal government’s bid to block Texas from imposing a wide-ranging new immigration law.

Officers in Border Patrol uniforms talk to several people standing near a large border wall.

By J. David Goodman

Reporting from Austin

The Biden administration is suing the State of Texas over a new state law that would empower state and local police officers to arrest migrants who cross from Mexico without authorization.

On Thursday, a federal court in Austin heard three hours of arguments over whether to halt the implementation of the law, which is set to go into effect on March 5.

The case has far-reaching implications for the future of immigration law and border enforcement and has been closely watched across the country. It comes amid fierce political fighting between the parties — and within them — over how to handle illegal immigration and follows the impeachment by House Republicans of the secretary of homeland security , and the failure of a bipartisan Senate deal to bolster security at the border.

Texas has argued that its law is necessary to deter migrants from crossing illegally, as has happened in record numbers over the past year. The Biden administration argues that the law conflicts with federal law and violates the U.S. Constitution, which gives the federal government authority over immigration matters.

The judge hearing the case, David A. Ezra of the Western District of Texas, was appointed to the bench by President Ronald Reagan. He had frequent questions, particularly when the lawyer representing the Texas attorney general was speaking, and appeared skeptical of the law.

“Let’s say for the purpose of argument that I agree with you,” Judge Ezra told the state’s lawyer, Ryan Walters. California might then want to pass its own immigration and deportation law, he said. Maybe then Maine would follow, he added, and then other states.

“That turns us from the United States of America into a confederation of states,” Judge Ezra said. “What a nightmare.”

What does the Texas law say?

The law passed by the Texas Legislature, known as Senate Bill 4 , makes it a crime to cross into Texas from a foreign country anywhere other than a legal port of entry, usually the international bridges from Mexico.

Under the law, known as S.B. 4, any migrant seen by the police wading across the Rio Grande could be arrested and charged in state court with a misdemeanor on the first offense. A second offense would be a felony. After being arrested, migrants could be ordered during the court process to return to Mexico or face prosecution if they don’t agree to go.

Texas lawmakers said they had designed S.B. 4 to closely follow federal law, which already bars illegal entry. The new law effectively allows state law enforcement officers all over Texas to conduct what until now has been the U.S. Border Patrol’s work.

It allows for migrants to be prosecuted for the new offense up to two years after they cross into Texas.

How does it challenge federal immigration authority?

Lawyers for the Biden administration argue that the Texas law conflicts with numerous federal laws passed by Congress that provide for a process for handling immigration proceedings and deportations.

The administration says the law interferes with the federal government’s foreign diplomacy role, pointing to complaints already lodged against Texas’ border actions by the government of Mexico. The Mexican authorities said they “rejected” any legislation that would allow the state or local authorities to send migrants, most of whom are not Mexican, back over the border to Mexico.

The fight over the law is likely to end up before the U.S. Supreme Court, legal experts have said . If so, it will give the 6-to-3 conservative majority a chance to revisit a 2012 case stemming from Arizona’s attempt to take on immigration enforcement responsibilities. That case, Arizona v United States, was narrowly decided in favor of the power of the federal government to set immigration policy.

Immigrant organizations, civil rights advocates and some Texas Democrats have criticized the law because it could make it more difficult for migrants being persecuted in their home countries to seek asylum, and it does not protect legitimate asylum seekers from prosecution in state courts.

Critics have also said that the law could lead to racial profiling because it allows law enforcement officers even far from the border to arrest anyone they suspect of having entered illegally in the previous two years. The result, they warn, could lead to improper traffic stops and arrests of anyone who looks Hispanic.

Wait, didn’t the Supreme Court already rule against Texas?

Not in this case.

Texas and the Biden administration have been battling for months over immigration enforcement on several legal fronts.

One case involves the placement by Texas of a 1,000-foot barrier of buoys in the middle of the Rio Grande, which Gov. Greg Abbott said would deter crossings. The federal government sued, arguing that the barrier violated a federal law over navigable rivers. In December, a federal appeals court sided with the Biden administration, ordering Texas to remove the barrier from the middle of the river while the case moved forward.

A second case involves Border Patrol agents’ cutting or removing of concertina wire — installed by the Texas authorities on the banks of the Rio Grande — in cases where agents need to assist migrants in the river or detain people who have crossed the border. The Texas attorney general, Ken Paxton, filed a lawsuit claiming that Border Patrol agents who removed the wire were destroying state property.

It was a fight over an injunction in that case that reached the Supreme Court on an emergency application. The justices, without giving their reasons, sided with the Biden administration , allowing border agents to cut or remove the wire when they need to while further arguments are heard in the case at the lower court level.

Why the stakes are higher now

Unlike the other cases, the battle over S.B. 4 involves a direct challenge by Texas to what courts and legal experts have said has been the federal government’s unique role: arresting, detaining and possibly deporting migrants at the nation’s borders.

“This will be a momentous decision,” said Fatma E. Marouf, a law professor and director of the Immigrant Rights Clinic at the Texas A&M University School of Law. “If they uphold this law, it will be a whole new world. It’s hard to imagine what Texas couldn’t do, if this were allowed.”

The federal government is seeking an injunction to prevent the law from going into effect next month.

“S.B. 4 is clearly invalid under settled precedent,” said Brian Boynton, who presented the Justice Department’s case.

“There is nothing in S.B. 4 that affords people the rights they have under federal law,” he said, later adding that the law would interfere with foreign affairs and the actions of the Department of Homeland Security.

Lawyers for Texas argued that the new law would not conflict with existing federal law. “This is complementary legislation,” said Mr. Walters, a lawyer for the state.

But Judge Ezra expressed concern that the law did not allow a judge to pause a prosecution for illegally entering Texas in the case of someone applying for asylum, calling that provision of the Texas law “troublesome” and “very problematic.”

“It just slaps the federal immigration law in the face,” he said.

Texas argued that the record number of migrant arrivals at the Texas border constituted an “invasion” that Texas had the power to defend itself against under Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits states from engaging in war on their own “unless actually invaded.”

The state has cited the same constitutional provision in the other pending cases between Texas and the federal government. But legal experts said the argument was a novel one.

And Judge Ezra appeared unconvinced on Thursday, as he had been when the same argument was presented last year in the buoy barrier case, which he decided in favor of the federal government .

“I do not see any evidence that Texas is at war,” he said on Thursday.

Before adjourning, the judge turned to Mr. Walters, the Texas lawyer, and said that he would work quickly to issue his decision so that if the state wanted to appeal before March 5, “you can.” He then turned to the federal government’s lawyers and added: “Either of you.”

J. David Goodman is the Houston bureau chief for The Times, reporting on Texas and Oklahoma. More about J. David Goodman

What is Presidents Day and how is it celebrated? What to know about the federal holiday

Many will have a day off on monday in honor of presidents day. consumers may take advantage of retail sales that proliferate on the federal holiday, but here's what to know about the history of it..

topic discursive essay

Presidents Day is fast approaching, which may signal to many a relaxing three-day weekend and plenty of holiday sales and bargains .

But next to Independence Day, there may not exist another American holiday that is quite so patriotic.

While Presidents Day has come to be a commemoration of all the nation's 46 chief executives, both past and present, it wasn't always so broad . When it first came into existence – long before it was even federally recognized – the holiday was meant to celebrate just one man: George Washington.

How has the day grown from a simple celebration of the birthday of the first president of the United States? And why are we seeing all these ads for car and furniture sales on TV?

Here's what to know about Presidents Day and how it came to be:

When is Presidents Day 2024?

This year, Presidents Day is on Monday, Feb. 19.

The holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of every February because of a bill signed into law in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Taking effect three years later, the Uniform Holiday Bill mandated that three holidays – Memorial Day, Presidents Day and Veterans Day – occur on Mondays to prevent midweek shutdowns and add long weekends to the federal calendar, according to Britannica .

Other holidays, including Labor Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day , were also established to be celebrated on Mondays when they were first observed.

However, Veterans Day was returned to Nov. 11 in 1978 and continues to be commemorated on that day.

What does Presidents Day commemorate?

Presidents Day was initially established in 1879 to celebrate the birthday of the nation's first president, George Washington. In fact, the holiday was simply called Washington's Birthday, which is still how the federal government refers to it, the Department of State explains .

Following the death of the venerated American Revolution leader in 1799, Feb. 22, widely believed to be Washington's date of birth , became a perennial day of remembrance, according to History.com .

The day remained an unofficial observance for much of the 1800s until Sen. Stephen Wallace Dorsey of Arkansas proposed that it become a federal holiday. In 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes signed it into law, according to History.com.

While initially being recognized only in Washington D.C., Washington's Birthday became a nationwide holiday in 1885. The first to celebrate the life of an individual American, Washington's Birthday was at the time one of only five federally-recognized holidays – the others being Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July.

However, most Americans today likely don't view the federal holiday as a commemoration of just one specific president. Presidents Day has since come to represent a day to recognize and celebrate all of the United States' commanders-in-chief, according to the U.S. Department of State .

When the Uniform Holiday Bill took effect in 1971, a provision was included to combine the celebration of Washington’s birthday with Abraham Lincoln's on Feb. 12, according to History.com. Because the new annual date always fell between Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays, Americans believed the day was intended to honor both presidents.

Interestingly, advertisers may have played a part in the shift to "Presidents Day."

Many businesses jumped at the opportunity to use the three-day weekend as a means to draw customers with Presidents Day sales and bargain at stores across the country, according to History.com.

How is the holiday celebrated?

Because Presidents Day is a federal holiday , most federal workers will have the day off .

Part of the reason Johnson made the day a uniform holiday was so Americans had a long weekend "to travel farther and see more of this beautiful land of ours," he wrote. As such, places like the Washington Monument in D.C. and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota – which bears the likenesses of Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt – are bound to attract plenty of tourists.

Similar to Independence Day, the holiday is also viewed as a patriotic celebration . As opposed to July, February might not be the best time for backyard barbecues and fireworks, but reenactments, parades and other ceremonies are sure to take place in cities across the U.S.

Presidential places abound across the U.S.

Opinions on current and recent presidents may leave Americans divided, but we apparently love our leaders of old enough to name a lot of places after them.

In 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau pulled information from its databases showcasing presidential geographic facts about the nation's cities and states.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the census data shows that as of 2020 , the U.S. is home to plenty of cities, counties and towns bearing presidential names. Specifically:

  • 94 places are named "Washington."
  • 72 places are named "Lincoln."
  • 67 places are named for Andrew Jackson, a controversial figure who owned slaves and forced thousands of Native Americans to march along the infamous Trail of Tears.

Contributing: Clare Mulroy

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

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    Brainstorm: To generate some effective topic ideas for your essay, try brainstorming with your friends. This process is used in various professions (including creative writing) worldwide to find innovative ideas. People try many ways to brainstorm for ideas. See what suits you the best and jot down the potential ideas for further consideration.

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    Discursive essay topic #1: Do energy drinks pose health risks to people under 18? Many swear by energy drinks and the boost of energy from caffeine they provide, but others claim that such high levels of caffeine are too dangerous for young people. Discursive essay topic #2: Should GMOs be permitted in food?

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    A basic guide to choosing an assignment topic is available in Chapter 23, however choosing a topic for a discursive essay means considering more than one perspective. Not only do you need to find information about the topic via academic sources, you need to be able to construct a worthwhile discussion, moving from idea to idea.

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    A discursive essay definition is a type of formal writing that presents a balanced analysis of a particular topic. Unlike an argumentative essay, which takes a firm stance on a single perspective and seeks to persuade the reader to adopt that viewpoint, a discursive essay explores multiple sides of an issue.

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    Discursive Essay Topics What is Discursive Writing? For all those who wanted to know the discursive essay meaning, here it is: a discursive essay is a writing piece, in which the focal element is devoted to an argument. That is, discursive writing presupposes developing a statement that ignites active discussions.

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  12. How to Write a Discursive Essay

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    3. For and against essay. Write it as a debate with opposing opinions. Describe each viewpoint objectively, presenting facts. Set the stage for the problem in your discursive essay intro. Explore reasons, examples, and facts in the main body. Conclude with your opinion on the matter.

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    Discursive Essay Topics: Tips and Tricks. Finally, the argumentative essays topics should be relevant and engaging. Your thesis statement should motivate your audience to read further. You need to present evidence in support of your argument. It is essential to explain not only why something is right or wrong but also why it matters that way ...

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  21. 140 Great Discursive Essay Topics for Students to Deal With

    Discursive Essay Topic Ideas List. Here are some unique discursive essay topic ideas on various disciplines. If you don't know what topic to choose for your discursive essay, feel free to access the entire list below and spot any topic that suits you perfectly. Best Discursive Essay Topics. Do space explorations assure long-term survival?

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    A Quick Overview Before learning how to craft the perfect discursive essay format, it is essential to get the hang of what is a discursive essay. A discursive essay is mainly written to present a topic in a balanced way. It offers all sides of an argument and gives the reader objective evidence about a specific topic.

  24. A Legal Showdown on the Border Between the U.S. and Texas: What to Know

    Texas lawmakers said they had designed S.B. 4 to closely follow federal law, which already bars illegal entry. The new law effectively allows state law enforcement officers all over Texas to ...

  25. What is Presidents Day? Is it a federal holiday? Everything to know

    How is the holiday celebrated? Because Presidents Day is a federal holiday, most federal workers will have the day off.. Part of the reason Johnson made the day a uniform holiday was so Americans ...