## Step 6 - Task

Task
You are going to write a discursive essay.
Discursive essays are like a debate, where you give different arguments about the same topic. It presents a balanced and objective examination of a subject.
The topic may be controversial, but the discursive essay attempts to present a much more balanced discussion of the issue.
The topic of this discursive essay is: Graffiti – vandalism or pure art?

1. Note down reasons that people think graffiti is an act of vandalism.
2. Note down reasons that people think graffiti is pure art.
3. What do you think?

Your plan:

- Para 1: Introduce the topic and outline what you are going to say.
  Your first paragraph should identify the issues that you are going to discuss and be interesting!
- Para 2: why people might think it is vandalism.
  Word your reasons carefully. Make sure that your points are logical.
- Para 3: why people might think it is art.
  Open with 'Contrary to this...' 'On the other hand...'
  List the opposing side’s reasons but do not change your opinion.
  Use phrases like: 'some people claim ...There are those who say...'
- Para 4 conclusion and your own opinion.
  Make sure that your opinion is clear. Begin with phrases like: 'To sum up / In my opinion / To conclude’.

To write a quality essay, it's good to know on which points it will be assessed by your teacher. See the rubric on the next pages.
Finally hand in your essay to your teacher.

Discursive Essay rubric
Guidelines for scoring a discursive essay. These should be at B1 level as per CEFR.

| Fair (2 pts) | Good (3 pts) | Excellent (4 pts)
Planning Plan | Some points but not all are clearly relevant. | Clearly relevant supporting points. | Good planning supporting points and a logical method of organization: considers pros/cons
Introduction Gets the readers attention and clearly sets out what is going to say. | Introduction is adequate. | Introduction prepares reader for the essay. | Introduction is creative, gets interest and prepares reader for the essay.
Logical order Does the order of the supporting details make sense? | The writer attempts to develop the essay in a logical order, but some of the essay may be presented in an order readers may find confusing. | Most of the essay is presented in a logical order, and readers should have little trouble following the supporting details. | The essay is developed in a logical order appropriate to the writer's purpose and reader's needs.
Conclusion Does the conclusion restate the topic in a new way to tie the details together? | There is an attempt at a conclusion, but it doesn't restate the topic clearly or tie the details together in a fresh way. (simple repetition of the main points) | The conclusion sums up the topic by restating it in a fresh way; it ties the details together in a non-repetitive fashion. | The conclusion sums up the topic by restating the ideas in a fresh way; it ties the details together well.
Grammar and Vocabulary Does the essay indicate that the writer has control of the spelling, grammar and vocabulary? | The essay contains errors of grammar, vocabulary or spelling to such an extent to impede understanding. | The writer is able to express him/herself well although a few errors are present. | There are very few errors and the writer has good control of the features of grammar and vocabulary at this level.