Discursive writing is a genre of writing that involves investigating a topic, gathering, reading, and evaluating evidence, and presenting a position on the topic based on the evidence gathered. The structure of a discursive essay is held together with a thesis statement that outlines the argument or position on the topic. The key aim of a discursive essay is to convince the reader that the argument presented is a valid one. Discursive writing is important for exploring a variety of ideas and topics within an essay structure. The following are some conventions to follow while writing a discursive essay:

• Use formal, impersonal style
• Introduce each point in a separate paragraph
• Use topic sentences for each paragraph
• Write well-developed paragraphs
• Give reasons and examples for each point
• Use sequencing
• Use linking words and phrases
• Make references to sources

There are three types of discursive essays: opinion essay, for and against essay, and essay suggesting solutions to problems. While writing a discursive essay, it is important to consider more than one perspective and construct a worthwhile discussion, moving from idea to idea.