42. Discursive essays | How to write a discursive essay

Writing Tricks (for Cambridge, Trinity and Aptis exams)

What are the key ingredients of a discursive essay? How can you approach this task? From planning to finished product, find everything you need in this episode.

SAMPLE ESSAY TASK

In your English class, you have been talking about the benefits of regular exercise. Now, your teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

"Should people who are studying or working hard take regular exercise."

Notes

Write about:

1. lifestyle

2. health benefits

3. ... (your own idea)

SAMPLE ESSAY

"FITNESS WHEN WORKING HARD"

Physical exercise is generally believed to be good for the mind as well as the body, and I strongly believe that everybody should exercise regularly. This essay considers its place in a busy lifestyle, looking at the advantages to health but also considering possible drawbacks.

People in stressful jobs with a heavy workload can profit enormously from taking regular exercise. Similarly, students who work late at night to meet deadlines will function better if they leave their desks for a run or play tennis for an hour.

Aside from the obvious improvements to health and fitness, such as being in better shape and keeping weight under control, people who take exercise sleep more soundly. This is because they are physically exhausted.

At the same time, there are some drawbacks in commiting to regular exercise, not least the expense. Joining a gym usually requires a monthly fee. As well as the costs, taking time out of a busy schedule is not always easy. Nevertheless, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

In conclusion, setting aside time each day for exercise brings rewards. For those who spend most of their waking hours at a computer, whether working or studying, physical activity seems especially important.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THIS EPISODE

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If you know someone who is struggling with writing in English, you could also think about sharing this episode (or the whole podcast) with them. It might help them in their journey of becoming a better writer. Likewise, if you – or any of your friends – are taking official external exams, you will find valuable info and tricks for the writing part of your exams. You will find this especially relevant if you are taking the Cambridge Exams.