Discursive Writing: Analyse and Draft

Name:

Date:

Page 1: Analyse a Model Paragraph

Learning intention: I can identify how a discursive paragraph presents perspectives, examples and careful language.

Success criteria: I can identify the paragraph’s structure, explain the effect of modality and cohesive devices, and recognise an alternative view.

Accessibility: You may type your responses, use speech-to-text, or dictate your ideas to a scribe. Ask for an enlarged or high-contrast digital copy if needed.

Model paragraph

Should mobile phones be banned during the school day? Some people believe that phones should be banned because they can distract students from learning and encourage constant social media use. For example, a notification during a lesson may interrupt concentration, even when a student intends to ignore it. However, phones can also support learning, communication and safety when they are used responsibly. Therefore, a complete ban may be unnecessary; schools could instead limit phone use and teach students when digital devices are appropriate.

1. Identify the topic sentence. What issue does it introduce?

2. What perspective is presented first? Summarise it in your own words.

3. What example supports the first perspective?

4. Explain how this example supports the perspective.

5. Find one example of modality. Does it make the writer sound certain, cautious or possible?

6. Find two cohesive devices (linking words or phrases). What relationship does each show?

7. Where does the writer acknowledge an alternative view? Why is this effective in discursive writing?

Page 2: Plan and Draft

Writing prompt: Should schools teach students how to use artificial intelligence responsibly?

Audience and purpose: Write for a school community. Explore more than one perspective before reaching a considered position. Use a formal register.

8. Plan your introduction. Include the issue, a brief context and a nuanced thesis that indicates your position.

Sentence starters: “As artificial intelligence becomes more common…” “One possible view is…” “Although…, schools should…”

9. Draft one body paragraph. Include a topic sentence, one perspective, an example, an explanation, and an acknowledgement of a limitation or alternative view.

Sentence starters: “One perspective is that…” “For instance…” “This suggests that…” “However, this view may be challenged because…” “Consequently…”

Modality bank: may, might, could, should, would, is likely to, arguably, perhaps

Linking-words bank: however, furthermore, for example, in contrast, therefore, consequently, although, nevertheless

Revision checklist: Tick each statement when you have checked it.

My introduction establishes the issue and gives a precise thesis.

My paragraph includes more than one perspective fairly.

I used an example and explained its significance.

I used at least one modality word and one cohesive device.

My language is formal, clear and controlled.

10. Exit prompt: One feature that makes discursive writing effective is… because…

Extension: Strengthen your draft by adding a qualified judgement, integrating the alternative view smoothly, and varying your sentence structures.