Chapters
What is Discursive Writing?
In a discursive writing, you are required to discuss a given topic and come up with the relevant arguments.
Discursive writing is a type of writing where you discuss a topic in a balanced way, considering different viewpoints before reaching a conclusion.
In a discursive essay, you are expected to:
- Explore both sides of an argument
- Present ideas clearly and logically
- Use examples to support your points
- Finish with a thoughtful conclusion
Unlike persuasive writing, a discursive essay does not aggressively argue one side. Instead, it shows that you can think carefully, fairly, and maturely about an issue.
How to Organise a Discursive Essay?
You can use the following basic structure to write a discursive essay:
- Start with an interesting introduction
- Go on with a clear indication of your position related to the topic
- Present your first argument with the supporting evidence
- After that, come up with the second argument with supporting evidence. Remember that the number of paragraphs will depend on the number of arguments.
- Finally, write a conclusion of the entire essay.
List of Discursive Essay Topics for 11 Plus Preparation
Here is a list of topics that could be used to practice the discursive writing section.
| Theme | Discursive Essay Topic |
|---|---|
| School & Education | Should students be required to wear uniforms at school? |
| Society & Generations | How does the life of your generation differ from that of your grandparents? |
| Animals & Pets | Are pets a good thing? |
| Family & Home Life | Should you be required to do chores around the house? Which jobs? |
| Literature & Stories | Are fairy tales good? |
| Society & Moral Issues | Does society have a right to put someone to death? |
| School & Education | Should school hours be changed to 12:00 to 6:00 pm? |
| Personal Freedom | Should you be permitted to choose whatever clothes you want to wear outside of school? |
| Friends & Social Life | Girls have it better than boys. Discuss. |
| Animals & Pets | Cats make better pets than dogs. Discuss. |
| Friends & Social Life | What makes a good friend? |
| Descriptive Writing | Describe the scene and the activities at a bus station. |
| Books | Media & Technology |
| School & Education | Computers should replace teachers. Discuss. |
| School & Discipline | What are your reactions to discipline? How far is it necessary both at home and at school? |
| Animals & Nature | Animals should not be kept in cages. Discuss. |
| Money & Responsibility | Should you be permitted to purchase or buy whatever you want to with your own money or allowance? |
| Animals & Science | Should animals be used for scientific experimentation? |
| School & Education | School should be two hours longer. Discuss. |
| School & Education | Homework does more harm than good. Discuss. |
| School & Education | Schools should teach life skills such as cooking and managing money. Discuss. |
| School & Education | Exams are the best way to measure intelligence. Discuss. |
| School & Education | Should students be allowed to use mobile phones in school? |
| Family & Home Life | Should children receive pocket money for helping at home? |
| Family & Home Life | Should parents decide how children spend their free time? |
| Family & Home Life | Should children be allowed to choose what time they go to bed? |
| Friends & Social Life | Is it better to have a few close friends or many friends? |
| Friends & Social Life | Is competition good for children? |
| Friends & Social Life | Is it important to be popular at school? |
| Books, Media & Technology | Children spend too much time using screens. Discuss. |
| Books, Media & Technology | Video games are a waste of time. Discuss. |
| Books, Media & Technology | The internet has improved children’s education. Discuss. |
| Animals & Nature | Zoos do more harm than good. Discuss. |
| Animals & Nature | Wild animals should never be kept as pets. Discuss. |
| Environment | Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility. Discuss. |
| Society & Moral Issues | Should children always tell the truth? |
| Society & Moral Issues | Is it ever right to break the rules? |
| Society & Moral Issues | Is it important to help people you do not know? |
| Health & Lifestyle | Children should spend more time playing outdoors. Discuss. |
| School & Education | Teachers give too much homework. Discuss. |
| Friends & Social Life | Peer pressure does more harm than good. Discuss. |
| Sports & Activities | Team sports are better than individual sports. Discuss. |
| Family & Home Life | Children should help look after younger siblings. Discuss. |
| Society & Values | Is it better to be kind or to be clever? |
What Is a Discursive Essay in the 11+ Exam?
Discursive writing often appears in 11+ entrance exams, especially for independent and grammar schools. It tests a child’s ability to:
- Organise ideas logically
- Write in clear paragraphs
- Use appropriate vocabulary and tone
- Show balanced thinking
In an exam, pupils are usually given:
- One topic
- Around 30–45 minutes
- A suggested length of 250–400 words (depending on the school)
Examiners are not looking for “perfect” opinions — they want to see clear thinking, structure, and reasoning.
Discursive vs Persuasive Writing
Many 11+ pupils confuse discursive writing with persuasive writing. While they are similar, there are key differences.
Discursive writing
- Looks at both sides of an issue
- Uses a calm, balanced tone
- Acknowledges different viewpoints
Persuasive writing
- Strongly argues one side only
- Uses emotional language
- Tries to convince the reader
For the 11+ exam, it is important that pupils do not sound too opinionated unless the question clearly asks them to persuade.
Examiners usually reward essays that include:
A clear introduction that explains the topic
Logical paragraph structure
Balanced arguments (for and against)
Relevant examples
Accurate spelling and punctuation
A sensible conclusion
Strong essays are easy to follow and stay focused on the question throughout.
How to Organise a Discursive Essay
A discursive essay usually follows this structure:
Introduction
Introduce the topic and explain why it is worth discussing.
First argument
Present one viewpoint and support it with reasons or examples.
Second argument
Present the opposite viewpoint with supporting ideas.
Additional arguments (optional)
Include more points if time allows.
Conclusion
Summarise both sides and give a balanced final thought.
Summarise with AI:
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May I receive more resourcse for IGCSE O Level Edexcel for this topics to practice for exam.
Thank you for your comment! For additional practice with Edexcel IGCSE/O Level discursive writing, you could try the following:
Past Papers and Mark Schemes: Practicing past exam papers is one of the best ways to prepare. It helps you get used to the style of questions and how marks are awarded.
Writing Prompts: Try creating essays on a variety of topics—current events, school issues, technology, or social debates. This builds flexibility in your writing.
Planning and Structure Guides: Focus on planning your essays before writing, using clear introductions, arguments with examples, and balanced conclusions.
Peer Review or Teacher Feedback: Sharing your essays for feedback helps identify areas to improve vocabulary, coherence, and argument strength.
Practicing regularly with a mix of topics and reviewing your work will give you confidence for the exam.