How to write the best Discussion Essay?

A discussion essay throws light and discusses the matter surrounding a particular topic, mostly found to be open and debatable. A discussion essay should include a piece of thorough information from both sides on the topic. Such pieces of content usually have a neutral approach to the mentioned topic, and the main motive is just to provide information from all angles on the topic so that it can be thoroughly evaluated. A good discussion essay is considered to offer significant and considerable research on the topic.

When an issue is discussed in an essay, a concrete structure should be created to enhance the attractiveness and make it more informative. Both negatives and positives should be given equal importance, written in such an unbiased way that an elegant conclusion can be summed up quickly by the readers without researching the topic anymore.

This article comprises invaluable information on how a discussion essay should be written. Below mentioned are some points which a writer should keep in mind while writing a discussion essay to make it easily interpretable as well as informative.

1). Understanding the topic

Firstly, it is very important to understand what the topic is all about, as a wrong interpretation of the topic can ruin the whole essay. One can search the web if some word or phrase in the topic is not understandable. Gaining a full insight upon the issue/topic will help the writer further to only include information revolving around the topic, adding unnecessary and irrelevant information can be avoided.
Understanding the topic correctly and completely is the most important aspect and the first step. Ask for any clarifications or clear your doubts at the start itself to avoid confusion later.

2). Research

Once the topic is understood, then comes the most crucial groundwork of an essay- which is researching the topic. Thorough Research is necessary to accumulate meaningful content to make an essay much more informative. It also enables the writer to have a broader view of the topic. Discussion essays especially require the writer to spend a large time researching the topic as he needs to write a view from both sides in favor as well as against the topic. So, to support the points, he needs to have solid research. Moreover, a more thorough and informative essay will lead to having a clear conclusion on the issue. Information can be gathered from various sources like books, the internet, newspapers, etc. It is often suggested to spend a sufficient amount of time on research work. Do not copy the information available on different search domains. Instead, refer to them and then produce/frame information in your own words. Try to see both sides of this topic and do well-grounded research on both sides of the topic. Then decide which position you want to side on. And think of reasons for this. This will make your discussion stronger and more believable.

3) List of Points

While doing research work, the writer can write down the information on the issue somewhere which he feels is important. This is done so that later on, they can refer to that information while writing the essay. It is completely up to the writer what points or information he wants to write down. Once his research work is over and he has gathered significant information upon the topic to write from the viewpoint of both sides, he can roughly organize the points/information. Since they would have already made points, it would be very convenient for them while writing their essay to figure out the order in which the information needs to be added. Following such an organized way makes an essay much more attractive as well as the possibility of errors is also reduced by a great extent. The writer can also focus more on writing as they have done most of their work of organizing the data beforehand. This is a very smart and proficient way of writing a discussion essay. In short, create a blueprint of the essay.

Always remember to separate the facts from the opinions. This will prevent any unnecessary confusion during the discussion. Prepare a list of the points which you are going to discuss, in your mind. Because an essay is written first in the mind and then on paper or laptop. So organize your thoughts, points systemically, and jot down a few important pointers, if required.

4). A Good Introduction

An introduction is perhaps one of the most important elements of the essay. It is more or less a stepping stone for the success of your essay. It is very important to have an impressive introduction that arises the zeal and interest in the minds of the readers to read the essay with great enthusiasm. An attractive introduction, if delivered with the right set of words, can do wonders to attract a large number of readers or audiences. A good introduction must have a charismatic overview/explanation of the issue. If it’s an assignment, at times, you can even include a little introduction of yourself in the beginning as well. Beginning an essay with a hook such as a quotation or an anecdote is a very good way to engage readers. Mapping your essay’s structure will add blossom to the introduction by signposting what will be emphasized in each part (it is particularly done in long essays).

The Introduction has to be special, eye-catching and should leave the reader hooked to it. For the same, the use of quotes or sayings is advised. Or some may even want to introduce the topic of discussion smoothly and slowly with the help of a short story, which is usually a story with a moral or a lesson or a motivation thought.

5). Background Information

After an appealing introduction, the writer should next give his/her readers the context that they need to understand the topic or issue of the essay. This might include historical, geographical, or social context, an outline of the topic that is been addressed, a summary of relevant theories, and explanations of key terms regarding the topic. Don’t give too much detail as it will be confusing and boring. So, just try to keep the information short and focused upon the topic.

6). Format

A good presentation of anything is always important. Don’t write an essay in a typical boring one paragraph. Simplify it into small paragraphs and try to restrict talking about only a single idea in a single paragraph. In a discussion essay, it is very important in which order the information is delivered. Try to take one thing at a time, like firstly giving a neutral view on the issue explaining in detail what the topic at hand is. This can be in supplement to the background information that was mentioned earlier.

This background can be followed by the points in favor of the issue supported with relevant and logical information. Then, you can state points against the issue – that too with supporting information. After writing on both sides, the writer should add their personal opinions on the issue and conclude it. Not having a proper order – that is stating favor and against points together will make the essay messy and leave the readers confused and uninterested.

7). Main Body

The main body is where you add all the information mentioned above. Here is where you make the main argument of the essay- both in favor and against the topics. Make sure that you also add supporting information as well to make the lives of the readers easier. Try to keep each point short and precise which will help in increasing the number of points (this can be adjusted according to the word limit prescribed). Including information upon the issue which is easily understandable by a layman is suggested.

The writer should present the right information on the issue. If the points in favor are more, he should include the information respectively. Do not try to win the discussion on your point of view by purposefully producing a weak argument from the other point of view.

The ethical way of writing a discussion essay is to provide the readers with legitimate information without any manipulations according to personal interests or viewpoints. After providing the information from both ends, the writer can then express their viewpoints, although ensuring that the impact is limited.

8). Personal viewpoints

Once the information from both sides of the issue is presented in an unbiased manner, then comes the part where the writer can offer a tiny glimpse into their stand on the topic. Try to include points about what you think is right and support it with an appropriate set of statements and what drawbacks you find on the other way round of your made choice. Feel free to provide any solutions from your side or any changes/reforms that can be brought regarding the issue.

9). Conclusion

So much is at stake while drafting a conclusion. This is after all your last chance to leave an impression of yourself as a writer and a creative thinker. Moreover, the impression that is created on the minds of the reader in your conclusion stays with them once they have finished reading your essay. Therefore, the end of your discussion essay should convey a sense of completeness and closure.

The idea is not to just simply summarize your essay nor try to add new information in favor or against the topic. Instead, try and rephrase the thesis statement that has been used earlier in the essay. Support your conclusion upon the issue with some solid points which leave readers with something to think about – as a result, leaving a strong and lasting impression on their minds. The conclusion often looks much more attractive if it is in synchronization with the introductory paragraph. Moreover, using some anecdotes in the conclusion can work as icing on the cake.

10). EndNote

A pleasing and requesting endnote to an essay can also be added after the conclusion paragraph or in its continuity persuading or requesting the readers to write back or share their viewpoints upon the issue/topic. These types of endnotes are often written at the end of the essays that have been published in public domains like internet websites, newspapers, magazines, etc. The reason behind this is that these platforms have access to a large number of people all around the globe.

11). Writing Style

Try to use a simple and pleasing vocabulary of words in the essay so that it can be understood by the maximum number of readers/audiences. Making small sentences, giving examples, use of quotations, and small paragraphs with the use of bullet points wherever necessary can enhance the presentation of an essay. Ensure there aren’t any grammatical mistakes in the essay as it will lead to a bad impression.

Try not to repeat the same words again and again anywhere in the essay. Instead, try to use synonyms of the word if you need to repeat it multiple times. Use the sentences by rephrasing them if you need to use the same information again in the essay at multiple junctures. These small points give an impressive look to a discussion essay. Try to strictly abide by the word limit prescribed to write the essay. Informative points are often missed in a too-short essay whereas when the essay is stretched too long, it becomes a bit monotonous for the readers.

12) Things to be kept in mind

It should be kept in mind not to write something in a hateful manner upon the issue as it could lead to serious problems. It should be given a priority that the sentiments of the people are not hurt and the words should be chosen accordingly while framing an essay. This thing is very important because if you’re writing an essay that is to be published in some public domain, it becomes very important that the language used in your writing does not arise any serious public rage. Issues related to such things have been seen several times in the past especially when the topic of the writing is very sensitive to people’s emotions for example involving politics, religion, etc.

These above-stated points are some precious words of wisdom that could be followed by the writer to produce a meaningful as well as an appealing discussion essay. These points seem to be a very ordinary set of rules but play a very important role in giving a solid structure to a discussion essay. So, what you are waiting for? Read these points thoroughly and enhance your essay writing skills!