Write a discursive or argumentative essay that takes a clear stand, supports it with ordered reasons and examples, and acknowledges another view

What this dot point is asking

SEAB wants you to write a discursive or argumentative essay: one that responds to a statement or question ("Do you agree?") by taking a clear stand, supporting it with ordered reasons and examples, and acknowledging another view before returning to your position. These topics are common in Continuous Writing and are worth 30 marks. The skill is to argue clearly and fairly: state where you stand, give reasons in a sensible order, back each with an example, and show you have considered the other side.

The answer

Take a clear stand

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.

Order your reasons

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.

Support each reason with an example

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.

Acknowledge the other side

A balanced essay shows you have thought fairly about the issue. Include one paragraph (often the third) that acknowledges a reasonable point against you, then answers it and returns to your stand ("It is true that... However..."). Admitting and answering the other side is more convincing than ignoring it.

Examples in context

Example 1. School uniforms. For "Students should wear uniforms. Do you agree?", a balanced essay states a stand (agree), gives ordered reasons (uniforms create equality, save time, build school identity), supports each with an example, then acknowledges the other side (they limit self-expression) and answers it before concluding. The fair handling of both sides makes the stand convincing.

Example 2. Mobile phones in school. For "Phones should be banned in school", the essay takes a position, perhaps mostly disagree, and argues with reasons (phones help research, keep students safe) each with an example, before admitting a real downside (distraction) and answering it with the idea of clear rules. The conclusion returns to the stand with a practical close.

Try this

• Cue. Write a stand sentence for "Zoos should be closed. Do you agree?" For example: "While some zoos keep animals in poor conditions, I disagree that all zoos should be closed, because good zoos protect endangered species, educate the public, and support research."

• Cue. Add an example to this bare reason: "Reading is good for you." For example: "Reading is good for you because it builds vocabulary; students who read regularly often write more fluently and score better in language exams."

• Cue. Explain how to acknowledge the other side in one sentence. Use a structure like "It is true that... However...", admitting a fair opposing point and then answering it so your stand still holds.