Year 5 Non-fiction - Mobile Phones Essay

The two most common types of essays are the persuasive and the discursive.

An persuasive essay opens with a boldly expressed point of view and then the rest of the essay presents arguments to support that point of view. Normally, it refers to opposing arguments but demonstrates that these are weak or even false.

A discursive essay presents both sides of the issue in a more balanced way. In the end, however, it normally reaches a conclusion; in other words, the writer states they think. Discursive essay questions are carefully constructed to address sets of issues that rarely have single or simple answers.The following is an example of how a discursive essay on 'The Pros and Cons of People Owning Guns' might be structured:

Introduction: The issue of owning guns

1. Introduction: Some people believe individuals should not own guns

2. Pros:
+ People can protect themselves from intruders
+ People can use guns for recreational purposes (e.g. hunting)

3. Cons:
- Both adults and children can have accidents
- People can use guns for crimes

4. Conclusion (a summary & evaluation of arguments above)
= Problems of accidents and crime make gun ownership difficult to accept
= Gun ownership should not be allowed in the interest of a better society

Your task in this assignment is to write a discursive essay about the advantages and disadvantages of children owning mobile phones. Write 4 paragraphs (1 side of A4)

Your introduction will state that there are both advantages and disadvantages to children owning mobile phones. However, it will sound rather weak if you simply write: "There are both advantages and disadvantages to children owning mobile phones". It will make a stronger impact if you start with a bold or surprising statement, or perhaps a striking fact.

Finally, you'll need a conclusion. Avoid a weak "sitting on the fence" conclusion such as this: "There are some strong points both for and against mobile and it all depends on what your opinion is." This is lame! Instead, you should sum up the arguments you have already covered and state whether, on balance, you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice-versa. It may be effective to present the arguments in reverse order this time. Here is an example conclusion for an essay on 'the pros and cons of owning a car', telling you the writer's opinion:

In conclusion, car ownership has several negative effects, including stress, road accidents and destruction of the natural environment. Nevertheless, we have become very dependent on cars because of the comfort and freedom they offer. A total ban seems out of the question, but for the sake of our own health and the health of the planet, we must aim to reduce car use – for example, by improving public transport systems and introducing car pooling schemes.

Writing essays is one of the best ways to develop the mental skills necessary for learning and thinking.