Discursive texts are those whose primary focus is to explore an idea or variety of topics. These texts involve the discussion of an idea(s) or opinion(s) without the direct intention of persuading the reader, listener or viewer to adopt any single point of view. Discursive texts can be humorous or serious in tone and can have a formal or informal register. These texts include texts such as feature articles, creative nonfiction, blogs, personal essays, documentaries and speeches.
Explores an issue or an idea and may suggest a position or perspective
Approaches a topic from different angles (tangents) and explores themes and issues in a style that balances personal observations with different perspectives
Uses personal anecdotes and may have a conversational tone
Primarily uses first person although third person can also be used
Uses figurative language or may be more factual
Draws upon real life experiences and or draws from wide reading
Uses engaging imagery and language features
Begins with an event, an anecdote or relevant quote that is then used to explore an idea
Uses low modality language to avoid persuasive punch
Resolution may be reflective or open-ended
Discursive writing is exploratory. It takes an idea, a quote, an event a person or a memory and explores this
It may end with a reflection and draws widely from many sources including the individual's personal knowledge, understanding and experience
It can come in many forms such as a creative non-fiction piece, a travel blog, a discussion essay, a speech or personal essay
(Source: Module C, Karen Yager)
Find a compelling topic or idea to explore
Start with a strong hook, such as Devid Sedaris' essay 'Untamed': "When I was young, my family didn't go on outings to the circus or trips to Disneyland. We couldn't afford them. Instead, we stayed in our small rural West Texas town, and my parents took us to cemeteries."
Craft a though-provoking, reflective conclusion that could leave the issue open for further thought
You could begin by asking the following questions
What was the event, idea or situation or who was the person?
Why does the event, idea, situation or person still linger in your memories?
What questions are provoked?
How did you feel?
How did you respond?
What did the event/idea mean to you in the past and what does it mean to you now? Has it changed? How can you account for the change?
If you prefer to write about a topical issue, what are some of the differing perspectives on this issue?
Why do you think people take different views on the matter? What is driving their divergence?
Focus on One Topic only. Students often fall into the trap of covering several different topics in the same piece and this makes it disjointed, lacking in cohesiveness
Be specific and concrete. Don't speak generally about society without giving specific examples or details.
Don't closely copy the content of the prescribed text.
It's OK to have a hybrid piece which has elements of discursive and elements of persuasive.