SQA English Discursive Essay

Anyone studying SQA English at either National 5 or Higher level will know that part of your assessment is your folio containing two essays. One of these essays will be a discursive essay in which you will be discussing a particular topic and offering arguments either for, against or both. 

A discursive essay usually takes the form of a persuasive essay or an argumentative essay. 

Here is everything you need to know about writing your SQA English discursive essay

Persuasive essays

If you decide to write a persuasive essay you will be arguing for or against a particular topic. This means you will be trying to convince the reader why they should agree with your particular stance.  

You can build your argument by offering supporting evidence and using persuasive language. 

What is meant by persuasive language? 

You need to persuade the reader about your stance on the topic and help convince them about the points you are making. Here are some things you can include in your essay to help with this: 

• Anecdotes from personal experience 
• Statistics 
• Quotation from a famous person or an expert 
• Ask the reader a rhetorical question 
• Criticise opposing arguments/viewpoints 
• Involve the reader by using words such as ‘we’ or ‘us’
• Use emotive language 

You should also identify one or two possible counter-arguments (what someone arguing against you would say) and diminish them. However, be careful not to include too many counter-arguments. After all your arguments should outweigh the counter-arguments. 

Argumentative essays 

An argumentative essay will discuss the topic in a balanced way and take into account the arguments for and against. Your tone should remain neutral and consider all of the evidence equally. 

Your most important or strongest argument should come first. Make the reader aware of all of the facts and information about the topic. 

Choosing your topic

It can be hard to choose a topic. Try to pick something you will find interesting. Remember you will spend several months working on your essay and the last thing you want is to become bored with it. 

Where can you find some ideas? 

• News Programmes 
• Documentaries
• Newspapers (not tabloid) 
• TED Talks 
• Current Affairs Programmes i.e Question Time or Newsnight 

Avoid talking about subjects that are sensitive, controversial or extremely popular (examiners will be fed up reading the same topics over and over again). Remember, there is no way of knowing who will be marking your essay. 

Topics to avoid 

• Euthanasia 
• Abortion 
• Should school uniform be abolished?
• Capital punishment 
• Animal testing or cruelty 
• Cosmetic surgery 

Where should you search for information? 

• Quality newspapers 
• Government websites 
• Reports from private or public organisations 
• Reports 
• Books (non-fiction or reference) 

Try to select sources that are reliable and as up to date as possible. Remember to keep a record of any source you use as you will need to list them all in your bibliography. Most computers allow you to save articles to a reading list. 

How to structure your essay

Example – Studying a foreign language should be compulsory in schools

What is good supporting evidence? 

When building your argument you should offer some supporting evidence to back up the points you are making such as:

• Statistics or graphs
• Real life examples
• Case studies or anecdotes
• Quotes from experts 

Tips for writing your SQA English essay

• Try to carry out some research before you start writing your essay. This means you will have all of your facts at the ready.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to start writing your essay. You will have plenty of time so use it wisely.
• Double check your spelling and grammar.
• Write an interersting introduction that will capture the reader’s attention.
• Your conclusion should not just be a repetition of what you said in your essay. Instead use this to reinforce your stance and remind the reader of the key points of your essay.
• Don’t copy phrases or paragraphs directly from sources (unless you are quoting). This is called plagiarism and you could be penalised for this.

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