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Continuous Writing (Essays)
Quick questions on Writing a discursive essay: N(A)-Level Continuous Writing
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is take a clear stand?Show answer
A discursive essay needs a stand: your position on the question. You can agree, disagree, or mostly agree with one limit. State it in the introduction so the reader knows your view from the first paragraph, and make sure every body paragraph supports it. An essay that never decides leaves the reader unsure what you think.
What are order your reasons?Show answer
Give three reasons, each in its own paragraph, and put them in a sensible order. A common, reliable order is to build up: start with a solid reason, then a stronger one, saving the most convincing point for last. Open each paragraph with a topic sentence that states the reason clearly.
What is support each reason with an example?Show answer
A reason is more convincing with an example: a fact, a situation, or a short illustration. "Exercise improves focus, for example students who play sport often concentrate better in class" is stronger than the bare claim. Examples make your reasons real rather than vague assertions.
What are reasons with no examples?Show answer
Bare claims are unconvincing. Back each reason with a fact, situation or short example.
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