Linking ideas
There will be a number of arguments in a piece of discursive writing. Using linking words effectively can help you achieve this.
These words are usually used at the beginning of a new paragraph, but they can also be used to link ideas within a paragraph.
| Type of link | Example |
| Same line of thought | furthermore, likewise, in addition, similarly, also, moreover - numbering your points (‘firstly’, ‘secondly’, etc) is a rather mechanical method of linking and is best avoided |
| Conclusion or summary | thus, therefore, consequently, accordingly, in retrospect, hence, in conclusion, in brief, as a result |
| Definite statement | without question, without doubt, unquestionably, absolutely |
| Contrasting idea | yet, on the other hand, nevertheless, however, although, conversely, otherwise, on the contrary |
| Further examples | because, for instance, since, for example, so that, despite the fact that, accordingly, although, if, though, unless |
| Type of link | Same line of thought |
|---|---|
| Example | furthermore, likewise, in addition, similarly, also, moreover - numbering your points (‘firstly’, ‘secondly’, etc) is a rather mechanical method of linking and is best avoided |
| Type of link | Conclusion or summary |
|---|---|
| Example | thus, therefore, consequently, accordingly, in retrospect, hence, in conclusion, in brief, as a result |
| Type of link | Definite statement |
|---|---|
| Example | without question, without doubt, unquestionably, absolutely |
| Type of link | Contrasting idea |
|---|---|
| Example | yet, on the other hand, nevertheless, however, although, conversely, otherwise, on the contrary |
| Type of link | Further examples |
|---|---|
| Example | because, for instance, since, for example, so that, despite the fact that, accordingly, although, if, though, unless |
Tone
It is important to write formally in a discursive essay. This means you should write in complete sentences, using full words and expressions and standard English. Contractions should be avoided. For example, 'is not' should be used instead of 'isn't'.
It is advisable to try and avoid expressions like 'a lot' or 'lots of'. More formal expressions such as 'many', 'much', 'a number of', or 'numerous' are more suitable for discursive writing.
| Do | Do not use |
| Write in proper, complete sentences | Abbreviations (ie/eg/etc/UK) |
| Use complete words and expressions | Contractions (isn't/don't/won't) |
| Use proper, standard English | Slang (bloke/geezer etc) |
| Colloquial language (mate/bolshy etc) |
| Do | Write in proper, complete sentences |
|---|---|
| Do not use | Abbreviations (ie/eg/etc/UK) |
| Do | Use complete words and expressions |
|---|---|
| Do not use | Contractions (isn't/don't/won't) |
| Do | Use proper, standard English |
|---|---|
| Do not use | Slang (bloke/geezer etc) |
| Do | |
|---|---|
| Do not use | Colloquial language (mate/bolshy etc) |
