A discussion essay is a neutral, unemotional essay exploring both sides of an argument.
Purpose: To share both sides of an argument and let the reader decide their opinion.
Audience: Depends on the discussion!
Structure: Use an essay structure: Introduction Body (with paragraphs) For argument . (Some say it is good because...) Against argument (Some say it is bad because...) Conclusion & recommendation
You can also use a paragraph structure: Topic sentence Explain your point Examples & evidence Linking or finishing sentence
Use one paragraph for each main idea. Normally you do not have new ideas (not in the body) in the conclusion.
Language features ● Correct spelling and grammar ● Formal writing ● Full sentences ● Correct discussion essay and paragraph structures ● . A distant, unemotional tone ● Often professional and academic language use ● . Unbiased and accurate information
Try to use: ● Facts and statistics Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon makes $149,353every minute, which is more than what many people make in a year.
● Non-Emotive Language Some people argue that he should have limits on how much he can be paid, as they say it isn’t possible for someone to be worth $149,353 every minute.
● Expanded noun groups On the other hand, many argue that taxing the extremely rich billionaires will cause them to take their business elsewhere.
● Modality They warn that we might see that there are hidden side effects to taxing the rich, and shouldn’t take this action lightly.
● Opinions Some people argue that he should have limits on how much he can be paid, as they say it isn’t possible for someone to be worth $149,353 every minute.
● Quotations “In one second, Bezos also makes more than twice what the median US worker makes in one week,” according to Business Insider.
● Text connectives Bezos is very wealthy, however his workers on the minimum wage would have to work 24 hours a day for 68 years to earn what he makes in one hour.
● Phrases to introduce the other point of view On the other hand, many argue that taxing the extremely rich billionaires will cause them to take their business elsewhere.
● Passive voice Bezos is considered by many to be a polarising figure.
Don’t use: Persuasive features like:
● Emotive language It is awful that people can be poor while jerks like Bezos earn thousands per minute.
● Anecdotes (stories) When I was ten, my mother told me a story about a rich man...
● Rhetorical questions (thinking questions) Do you think it's possible to work hard enough to earn $149,353 every minute?
● Exaggeration (being dramatic) He is the worst person in the world.
Why don't we use persuasive features? Because we are not trying to convince someone. We want to just tell them what others think, and then let them decide!
Rich people should pay more tax. X Some argue that rich people should pay more tax. ✓