1. Discursive Writing
Folio - W1

2. Learning Intentions By the end of this unit, you will be able to
Identify key elements of discursive writing
Use key elements of discursive writing
Redraft your discursive writing using all of the key elements

3. Elements of Discursive Writing
titles
formal language
introductions and conclusions
key statements
persuasive language
repetition
rhetorical questions
development
anecdote
statistics

4. Titles
Indicate which direction the argument will take (not just the topic)
Use of pun
Can be alliterative
E.g. newspaper headlines

5. Task Read the article about mobile texting twice
In groups, discuss the title and make any relevant comments
On your own, write a paragraph outlining your thoughts on:
“How effective is the title?”

6. formal language No contractions (except direct speech) Not colloquial
Usually 3rd person

7. Task In groups, identify elements of the article which make it formal
Homework - write a paragraph outlining your thoughts

8. Introductions capture the reader's attention
avoid being bland or dull. E.g. “I am going to write about fast food”

9. Types of Opening Provocative- Junk food is the scourge of our society!
Balanced – Whether we should eat is a subject many people disagree about!
Quotation – Fast food has been described, in the press, as being “out of control”.
Illustration - "On a glorious Saturday evening, a young girl staggers to the side of the road, fighting for breath.
Anecdote - "I have always felt that the promotion of fast food is unacceptable, since I was shocked to see a girl fighting for breath due to obesity.

10. Task Look at your first draft.
Does your first sentence fit into any of the styles?
How would you describe it?
Write different openings, for your essay, in each of the styles
Now, rewrite your introduction bearing in mind what you have learned

11. Paired Task
In pairs, read the two versions of your partner’s introduction
Make notes on how they compare
Now relook at your own
Is there anything you would change?

12. key statements This is your point in its most basic form No examples
No development
Can be quite emotive
Strong statement
E.g.
“Animals are not always like humans.”

13. Task
Pick out 2 of your main points.
Write them as statement sentences

14. Development Builds on your main point Uses examples Uses statistics
Includes the opposing argument
See the next slide for an example

15. Development Example
They do not suffer from all human diseases, so scientists have to give them the illnesses artificially. The joints in rabbit legs are inflamed with chemicals to help research in rheumatism. These tests do not always work because animals do not react to drugs in the same way as humans. Aspirin, for example, damages pregnant mice and dogs, but not pregnant women. Arsenic, which is a deadly poison for humans, has no effect on sheep, while penicillin, which is so valuable to humans, kills guinea pigs

16. Task 
Write developments for each of your previous 2 statements

17. persuasive language
try to avoid weak vocabulary such as 'get', 'got' and 'getting'.
without question, without doubt, unquestionably, absolutely.
Conclusion/summary e.g. - thus, therefore, consequently, accordingly, in retrospect, hence, in conclusion, in brief, as a result.

18. Linking
Same line of thought e.g. - and, firstly, secondly etc., next, furthermore, likewise, in addition, similarly, also, moreover.
Contrasting idea e.g. - yet, on the other hand, nevertheless, however, although, conversely, otherwise, on the contrary.

19. Repetition emphatic Can be words/ phrases
“One form of abuse is… Yet another form of abuse is… A further example of abuse is…”
Use of several examples
“Aspirin, for example, damages pregnant mice and dogs, but not pregnant women. Arsenic, another example, which is a deadly poison for humans, has no effect on sheep, while penicillin, which is so valuable to humans, kills guinea pigs.”

20. rhetorical questions Asking a question you will answer yourself Or
Asking a question to engage the reader and consider your point of view

21. anecdote Personal story to illustrate a point
Only use if you are confident
E.g. “I used to watch the older children standing around and drinking. I would envy their ‘maturity’ so much until the day I saw one carried away in an ambulance! She was unconscious!”

22. statistics Used to reinforce a point Don’t make them up
E.g. “More fast food outlets has seen obesity rise by 500% since the 1950s. Such an increase means the sceptics cannot argue that we have a problem!

23. Summary Be formal Structure your writing Link your writing
Use the devices you have learned
Check… have you been persuaded?

24. How Much Do You Remember?