Wednesday, July 2, 2008

DISCURSIVE WRITING

Useful Phrases

  • One of the most obvious advantages of __________ is ____________
  • .......This means/can mean that .........
  • .......This (fact) is largely due to ...........
  • It is clear that .........
  • On the whole, it seems that .......
  • We must take into account the fact that .........
  • It goes without saying that .......
  • It is important to balance ( a positive point) against (a negative point)
  • .....For example/ For instance....
  • ..... In other words, .........

Sequencing Ideas

Introductory Phrases

  • To begin with ......./ First of all ....../ First and foremost......
  • In the second place ....../ Secondly.....
  • A second area to consider is.....
  • Next,.... / Then...../ Another point to consider is....
  • Finally........ /Last but not least....

Concluding Phrases

  • To summarise ....... / To sum up..../
  • In conclusion ...... / On the whole ....
  • Overall, I would say that ......

Adding Information

  • also
  • besides
  • furthermore
  • in addition
  • moreover
  • what is more

TIPS

When you write a discursive essay:

  • Do not just give a list of unsubstantiated points. Expand your statements and develop your ideas.
  • Do not generalise. Always back up your points with examples.
  • Do not give a lot of vague, historical detail. Keep to the question!
  • Do not overuse connectors. If you put connectors in where they are not needed or use too many too close together, your text will be unconvincing and difficult to follow.

No comments: