Introduction to Discursive and Argumentative Writing

Welcome to one of the most powerful sections of your English Language course! In Paper 2, Section B, you get to dive deep into big ideas. Whether you are exploring a complex issue from all sides or trying to win an audience over to your point of view, these skills are essential. Think of this chapter as your toolkit for building strong, logical, and convincing pieces of writing. By the end of these notes, you will know exactly how to handle the 600–900 word "Extended Writing" task for Discursive and Argumentative prompts.

Discursive vs. Argumentative: What's the Difference?

Many students think these two are the same, but they have different goals and structures. Knowing the difference is the first step to success!

1. Discursive Writing (The Explorer)

Discursive writing is like a fair and balanced investigation. Your job isn't necessarily to pick a side right away, but to explore the topic from multiple perspectives.
Key Feature: It uses a dialectical structure. This means you look at an argument (the "thesis"), then look at the opposite view (the "antithesis"), and eventually bring them together in a conclusion (the "synthesis").
Tone: Objective, calm, and analytical.

2. Argumentative Writing (The Persuader)

Argumentative writing is about conviction. You have a clear opinion, and you want your reader to agree with you by the time they finish reading.
Key Feature: It uses rhetorical devices to persuade. You still acknowledge the other side, but you usually do so to show why it is wrong.
Tone: Confident, persuasive, and passionate (but still logical!). Key Takeaway: If the prompt asks you to "Discuss the pros and cons," go discursive. If it asks "To what extent do you agree?" or "Argue for a specific cause," go argumentative.

Mastering the Structure

Since you need to write between 600 and 900 words, organization is your best friend. A rambling essay is hard to follow, so use a clear plan.

The Introduction

Start with a "hook" to grab interest, introduce the topic clearly, and provide a roadmap of what you will discuss. In an argumentative piece, your thesis statement (your main opinion) should be clear from the start.

Body Paragraphs: The "Building Blocks"

Each paragraph should focus on one main idea. The syllabus highlights two specific techniques for this section:

1. Topic Sentences: Start every paragraph with a clear sentence that tells the reader exactly what that paragraph is about.

2. Juxtaposing Counterarguments: This is especially important for discursive writing. "Juxtaposing" just means placing two things side-by-side to compare them. You might write one paragraph about the benefits of technology in schools, followed immediately by a paragraph about the distractions it causes.

The Conclusion

Don't just repeat yourself! Summarize your main points and provide a final, "big picture" thought. If you wrote a discursive piece, this is where you might finally weigh in with your own balanced opinion.

Using Language Effectively

To get top marks in Assessment Objective 2 (AO2), you need to use a range of language features.

Rhetorical Devices

These are "tools of the trade" for argumentative writing. Common devices include:
  • Rhetorical Questions: To make the reader think (e.g., "Can we really afford to ignore this crisis any longer?").
  • The Rule of Three: Grouping ideas in threes for impact (e.g., "It is dangerous, expensive, and unnecessary.").
  • Hyperbole: Deliberate exaggeration to make a point.
  • Anaphora: Repeating a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences.

Connectives and Discourse Markers

These act as "signposts" for your reader, helping them follow your logic.
  • To add information: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition.
  • To show contrast: Conversely, However, On the other hand.
  • To show cause and effect: Consequently, Therefore, As a result.

Quick Tips for Success

Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! Many students find the word count intimidating. The secret is to plan 5 or 6 solid points before you start writing. If each point (plus its counter-argument or evidence) is about 120 words, you will hit that 600–900 word target easily.

Did you know? In the exam, you cannot use a dictionary. This means it is a good idea to practice using "evaluative lexis" (fancy words for judging things) now. Instead of saying something is "bad," try detrimental, flawed, or unacceptable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Being too "chatty": Even if the topic is modern, keep your tone formal and academic unless the prompt specifically asks for a "blog" or "letter" style.
  • Forgetting the audience: Always check who you are writing for. An article for a school magazine will sound different from a formal letter to a government official.
  • One-sided discursive essays: If the task is discursive, you must show both sides fairly. If you only look at one side, it becomes an argument, and you might lose marks for the "form."

Checklist for Your Extended Writing

Before you hand in your work, ask yourself:

1. Is my writing between 600 and 900 words?

2. Have I used topic sentences to start my paragraphs?

3. (For discursive) Have I juxtaposed different viewpoints?

4. (For argumentative) Have I used rhetorical devices to persuade the reader?

5. Is my spelling and grammar accurate enough to express complex ideas clearly?


Note: If you are looking for information on how to write stories or descriptions, please refer to the chapter on Imaginative and descriptive writing. If you are analyzing a book or movie, see Review and critical writing.