1. Researching, Writing and Presenting Information - A How To Guide: Writing a Discussion

A discussion explores several sides of an issue. The purpose is to present differing opinions, viewpoints or perspectives to enable the reader to explore different ideas before making an informed decision. The writer normally explores different opinions and ends with a personal opinion or comment.

Title

• Should be a general statement, or even a question, that draws attention to a specific issue.

Introductory Paragraph

• State what the issue is.
• Provide some background on the issue to be discussed.
• State if there are differing viewpoints on this issue.
• Do not state your personal viewpoint on the issue.

Body of Discussion/Arguments

• Include a balanced presentation of the differing viewpoints on the issue.
• Include one argument per paragraph.
• Each paragraph must have a topic sentence followed by elaboration with evidence and examples.

The TEEL guide below may be useful to help structure your paragraphs:

Concluding Paragraph

• Summarise the main points without adding new information.
• Include your own view – for/ against / on the fence. It should be a strong statement (e.g. "It can be concluded that…”).

Consider the following language features in your discussion:

• Use present tense.
• Avoid emotional language.
• Use occasional dramatic questions for effect (rhetorical questions).
• Write about the topic in general terms.
• Include “agree” and “ disagree” (It is believed that… ; Experts agree that…). 
• Use phrases to introduce similar or other points of view, for example:
  • on the contrary
  • similarly
  • likewise
  • in comparison
  • in contrast to
  • equally
  • conversely
  • on the other hand
  • alternatively
  • however