Some examples of different styles that could be used in an introduction are:

 provocative
 balanced
 quotation
 illustrative
 anecdotal
An example of a provocative introduction is - It is difficult to see how anyone can approve
of fox hunting.

An example of a balanced introduction is - Fox hunting is a subject about which people hold
strongly contrasting views.

An example of a quotation introduction is - Oscar Wilde once described fox hunting as 'The
unspeakable in pursuit of the uneatable.

An example of an illustrative introduction is - On a glorious autumn morning a terrified,

exhausted animal is savaged to death by a pack of baying dogs while a group of expensively
dressed humans encourage the dogs in their bloody work.

An example of an anecdotal introduction is - I have always detested fox hunting since I was
almost physically sick while watching a television film of the kill at the end of a hunt.
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.

Linking words

Type of link Example

furthermore, likewise, in addition, similarly, also, moreover - numbering your

Same line of
points (‘firstly’, ‘secondly’, etc) is a rather mechanical method of linking and
thought
is best avoided

Conclusion or thus, therefore, consequently, accordingly, in retrospect, hence, in conclusion,

summary in brief, as a result

Definite
without question, without doubt, unquestionably, absolutely
statement

yet, on the other hand, nevertheless, however, although, conversely,

Contrasting idea
otherwise, on the contrary

Further because, for instance, since, for example, so that, despite the fact that,
examples 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's and Don'ts

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… etc)

 PRACTICE TASK
Read this essay over and think about how the writer has constructed it. Then
try the quiz questions which will help you identify some features of style,
structure and approach that you can make use of in your own writing.
[1] There is no doubt that boxing is a very violent activity which polarises opinions, with
prominent members of the medical profession strongly condemning the sport while boxing
fans are equally passionate in supporting it. I find myself in the ironic situation of sympathising
with those who say it should be banned, yet wishing the sport to continue because I believe it
has genuine benefits. Furthermore, I find myself enjoying watching it whenever I have the
opportunity.
[2] I am certainly aware of all the powerful arguments against boxing. It is the brutality and
infliction of physical damage that is the principal reason which has led to calls for the sport to
be banned. By definition, boxing is a gruesome athletic contest between two persons, each of
whom uses fists to try to knock the other unconscious or to inflict enough punishment to cause
the opponent either to quit or to be judged beaten. Boxing matches are conducted under
established rules and procedures and have a referee, judges and timekeeper. The primary aim
of each participant is to strike a blow to the front of the head and body of the opponent that
will knock down and render the boxer incapable of rising to a standing position and defending
himself within ten seconds.
[3] As a result, the sport has witnessed many unsavoury incidents throughout its history. Gerald
McClellan, former American middleweight champion, suffered extensive brain damage and
lost the ability to walk, in addition to losing his sight and most of his hearing. Muhammad Ali
‘s boxing-related Parkinson’s disease is well-known and there are even extreme cases where a
boxer has nearly died in the ring as happened in September 1991 when Michael Watson fought
Chris Eubank. Is it any wonder that the British Medical Association has campaigned against
the sport? One medical figure, Dr Jeff Cundy, has described the devastating effects in graphic
terms that everyone can understand: “Blows to the head cause the brain to move in the skull
like jelly in a bowl”.
[4] However, boxing is not only a health issue but a sociological one, as many argue that it
promotes violence. In the Seoul Olympics some years ago an element of hooliganism caused
chaos during and after the fights, leading to the President of the Olympic Games forecasting
the boxing would eventually be forced out of the Games. To many, it seems inconsistent to
condemn violence in society and at the same time allow a sport which glorifies it. If a man
were to go out into the street and punch someone in the face he would be arrested and most
likely be charged with assault. Why, then, are sportsmen able to beat each other up in the
boxing ring and get away with it?
[5] Valid though these points are, I nevertheless feel that there is another side to the issue. It is
simply not true to portray boxing as nothing more than a form of uncivilised behaviour.
Famous boxers follow highly disciplined regimes and lifestyles and in many cases have strong
religious beliefs. Mike Tyson is a Muslim; Frank Bruno a Christian. Some boxers even claim
some kind of divine inspiration. These men are certainly not controlled by their basic instincts
but are civilised individuals who are perfectly capable of controlling their potentially violent
natures.
[6] The point could be put even more strongly: many boxers consider that boxing is not just a
sport but an art. The famous American boxer Sugar Ray Leonard once said that “Boxing is the
ultimate challenge. There's nothing that can compare to testing yourself the way you do every
time you step in the ring.”
[7] Furthermore, whether we like it or not, aggression is part of human nature and boxing
provides a means of channelling that aggression in a controlled and supervised way. There are
many examples of boys from underprivileged backgrounds who, instead of becoming involved
in street fights and gang warfare, have found a more worthwhile outlet for their instincts
through boxing.
[8] This point has been convincingly argued by journalist Charlotte Leslie in The Guardian.
“Boxing”, she claims, “engages with young people on their own terms and recognises that
frustration and aggression that is so often the hallmark of teenage years. It reaches into the
underground, anarchical world which engulfs so many school drop-outs, which many other
forms of social engagement cannot penetrate.”
[9] Above all, boxing provides hope for many young people who lack self-esteem. They may
have failed in other areas and have come to see themselves as drop-outs from society. As Leslie
puts it, “They no longer feel that they have to pick fights, but can walk away. Boxing gives
them the confidence to give school a go and to make job applications. I have seen young boxers
turn from outcasts to role models.”
[10] It seems to me that humans have a natural instinct to fight; we have used it to evolve to
where we are today, and no doubt it contributed to the “survival of the fittest”. If boxing
channels that instinct into something positive rather than something destructive, and provides
hope for youngsters whose lives lack direction, then I believe we should fully support it.
 1
Which of the following approaches does the writer take in the introductory paragraph?

He strongly supports boxing

He is strongly opposed to boxing

He supports boxing but recognises its dangers

2
What is the function of the opening sentence of paragraph two (“I am certainly aware of all
the powerful arguments against boxing”)?

A topic sentence to introduce arguments in favour of the writer’s view

A topic sentence to introduce arguments opposed to the writer’s view

A statement of the writer’s own opinion of the sport of boxing

3
What is the purpose of the references to the names of famous boxers in paragraph three?

To show that the writer is an expert on the subject

To provide examples of how dangerous boxing can be

To show that boxing used to be more dangerous in the past

 4
In paragraph three the writer says: “Is it any wonder that the British Medical Association has
campaigned against the sport?” What is the function of this sentence?

The writer is asking himself why the British Medical Association has campaigned against the
sport

The writer is surprised that the British Medical Association has campaigned against the sport

This is a rhetorical question

5
In paragraph four the writer states that “in the Seoul Olympics an element of hooliganism
caused chaos ringside during and after the fights.” Why does the writer include this?

It backs up his argument that violence in the ring can lead to violence outside it

It shows how violent a sport boxing is

It is a criticism of the way the Olympics were organised

6
What is the function of the opening sentence of paragraph five (“Valid though these points
are, I nevertheless feel that there is another side to the issue”)?

It summarises the argument of the previous paragraph

It introduces the next point to be discussed

It provides a link from one side of the argument to the other

 7
The author states: “whether we like it or not, aggression is part of human nature”. What is the
significance of this statement for his argument?

It backs up his view that boxing is a worthwhile activity

It proves that boxing is dangerous and should be banned

It is an example of how the writer justifies violence

8
Which of the following three justifications for boxing does the writer consider the most
important?

It provides hope for many young people who lack self-esteem

It is a way of channelling aggression

It is a way of challenging yourself

9
Which of the following persuasive methods does the writer of this essay not use?

Statistical evidence

Reference to relevant historical events

Quotations from experts

 10
Which of the following statements best summarises the writer’s view?

Boxing channels [the fighting] instinct into something positive rather than something destructive,
and provides hope for youngsters whose lives lack direction

To many, it seems inconsistent to condemn violence in society and at the same time allow a
sport which glorifies it

I find myself enjoying watching [boxing] whenever I have the opportunity