The Causes of an Ageing Population in China

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III. CONCLUSION

Purpose

To summarise the ideas mentioned in the main body (e.g. issues and suggestions) and to call for action

Structure

- Be brief

- Should not contain any new information

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on Writing a Discursive Essay

A discursive essay describes an issue, situation or development, which

- should analyse the topic in depth which includes both positive and negative effects

- should show the writer’s point of view

- may offer suggestions and recommendations

I. INTRODUCTION

Purpose

To introduce (and briefly discusses) the issue, situation or development of the essay

Structure

- Explain:

- What the issue is about – what is to be discussed (usually 1-2 sentences and present the issue objectively)

- Why the issue is important – explains the question and identifies the main issues that are raised by the question (also includes background information on the topic)

- How you are going to discuss the issue – an overview or outline of the essay

- May need to give the definition of a term (sometimes)

Example 1

Below is the introduction of an essay about the use of computers in education.

In the past decade, the government has been encouraging the use of computers in teaching and learning and has spent millions of dollars in the information technology enhancement programme. The educational merits of information technology have been thoroughly debated. While some educators welcome new facilities that provide an alternative learning platform, others doubt the pedagogical value of using computers in lessons. This essay will examine both the supporting and the opposing arguments and conclude with some recommendations.

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II. BODY

Purpose

Choose one of the following stances:

- A balanced view (positive and negative)

- Adopt one view & argue against the other views (e.g. argue that yellow is the best colour for logistics logo and why red, green or blue are not preferred)

Structure

For a balanced essay:

- Have a balanced number of positive and negative ideas

- Elaborate each positive idea with evidence

- Elaborate each negative idea with evidence

- Show your view near the end of the essay

For a one-sided essay:

- Support your view (e.g. positive side) with ideas

- Elaborate each of these ideas with evidence or examples

- Argue against other views with evidence

Structure of each paragraph

- One paragraph, one major point of argument

- Begin with a topic sentence to achieve one or more of the following:

- substantiate or support the what part of the introduction

- unify the content of the paragraph and direct the order of the sentences

- advise the reader of the subject to be discussed and how the paragraph will discuss it

- Support your idea with evidence

- Finish with one sentence, summarising the idea discussed

Example 2

Below is an excerpt of a paragraph showing how to elaborate an idea with supporting evidence.

A number of educators strongly advocate the use of computer technology in learning. A recent survey conducted by Odell (2010) shows that programmed learning tools such as GeoPuzz can encourage a deeper learning experience by providing students with interactive maps that teach physical geography. In an evaluation of e-language learning resources, Riley (2009) presents evidence to show how the use of a concordancer enriches students’ vocabulary, especially at upper secondary and tertiary levels, and that motivating games such as Grammar Giraffe help young children to identify parts of speech with success. These studies indicate that the use of educational software really helped students to become better learners.

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III. CONCLUSION

Purpose

For a balanced essay:

- Briefly summarising the main body (advantages and disadvantages)

- Stating the author’s position or opinions

- Making suggestions and recommendations to compromise with the opposing arguments

For a one-sided essay:

- A brief summary of the main body (supporting points and rebuttal arguments)

- A re-stating of the author’s stance or opinions

Structure

- Be brief

- Should not contain any new information

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