Bailey.Academic_Writing

2.6 Discussion
cross-reference
4.6 Discussion Essay
1. Many essay titles require the writer to examine both sides
of a case, and to conclude by coming down in favour of one
side. These may be called ‘discussion’, ‘for and against’ or
‘argument’ essays. For example:
a) School uniforms – a step forward or a step back?
– discuss.
b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of state
control of industry.
In addition, longer essays often require students to
assess the information and ideas they have collected in a
discussion section before the conclusion.
Discussion vocabulary
+ –
benefit
drawback
advantage
a positive aspect
pro (informal)
plus (informal)
one minor benefit of school uniforms
is . . .
disadvantage
a negative feature
con (informal)
minus (informal)
a serious drawback to state control
is . . .
cross-reference
1.13 Organising the Main
Body
2. There are two basic outlines for a discussion essay:
i) School uniforms?
a) advantages: reduce social inequality/encourage
group identity/avoid choice
b) disadvantages: loss of individuality/expense/
unfashionable
c) discussion: overall, benefits more valuable in
most cases
ii)
School uniforms?
a) social: emphasises group values – diminishes
individual choice
b) practical: expensive for poor families but easier to
get dressed
c) discussion: overall, benefits more valuable in
most cases
3. Choose one of the titles below and write down as many pros and
cons in the box as possible. Then prepare a plan using one of the
outlines above.