discursive essay phrases is not a collection of impressive words; it is a toolkit for making reasoning, register and audience visible. Balanced writing does not require a neutral ending; it requires fair representation, comparison and a reasoned final judgement. This secondary English owner page starts with the searchable answer students need, then moves through language function, examples, paragraph architecture, diagnosis, retrieval and transfer.

Searches for discursive essay phrases often overlap with O-Level English essay phrases, situational writing formats, oral vocabulary, discursive essay phrases, argumentative vocabulary and Secondary English composition help. Across all of these tasks, the same principle applies: choose language because it performs a job—claiming, qualifying, rebutting, requesting, persuading, evaluating or reflecting—not because it sounds formal.

A discursive essay can examine competing views and still reach a clear conclusion. Present each side accurately, weigh evidence and conditions, identify trade-offs, then state what follows. Balance means intellectual fairness, not refusing to decide. Use this page with the Singapore Vocabulary Guide and the Top 100 O-Level Vocabulary List for neighbouring secondary vocabulary routes.

Quick Read

• Introduce both sides fairly.
• Weigh conditions and trade-offs.
• Do not create false balance.
• Use qualification where evidence is mixed.
• End with a reasoned position or practical synthesis.

The short answer

A discursive essay can examine competing views and still reach a clear conclusion. Present each side accurately, weigh evidence and conditions, identify trade-offs, then state what follows. Balance means intellectual fairness, not refusing to decide.

Discursive phrase bank

Introduce one side

1. One argument in favour is…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce one side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

2. Supporters contend that…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce one side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

3. A clear advantage is…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce one side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

4. From one perspective,…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce one side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

5. Those who support this view point to…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce one side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

6. There is a reasonable case for…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce one side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

7. The strongest argument for…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce one side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

8. This position is attractive because…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce one side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

9. A potential benefit is…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce one side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

10. The case rests on…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce one side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

Introduce the other side

11. However, critics argue…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce the other side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

12. By contrast,…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce the other side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

13. The opposing view emphasises…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce the other side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

14. A significant drawback is…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce the other side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

15. From another perspective,…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce the other side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

16. This argument can be challenged because…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce the other side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

17. The main concern is…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce the other side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

18. Yet there is also the risk that…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce the other side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

19. An alternative view is…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce the other side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

20. The strongest objection is…

Function: this expression belongs to introduce the other side. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

Weigh

21. The first argument is stronger when…

Function: this expression belongs to weigh. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

22. The second concern becomes more important if…

Function: this expression belongs to weigh. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

23. The relative importance depends on…

Function: this expression belongs to weigh. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

24. In the short term… whereas in the long term…

Function: this expression belongs to weigh. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

25. The benefit must be weighed against…

Function: this expression belongs to weigh. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

26. The trade-off is between…

Function: this expression belongs to weigh. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

27. The evidence is mixed because…

Function: this expression belongs to weigh. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

28. This approach works best when…

Function: this expression belongs to weigh. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

29. A blanket judgement would ignore…

Function: this expression belongs to weigh. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

30. The balance shifts when…

Function: this expression belongs to weigh. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

Take a position

31. On balance,…

Function: this expression belongs to take a position. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

32. Overall, the more convincing view is…

Function: this expression belongs to take a position. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

33. A qualified conclusion is…

Function: this expression belongs to take a position. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

34. The better approach is not to reject either side, but to…

Function: this expression belongs to take a position. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

35. The issue is less about whether and more about how…

Function: this expression belongs to take a position. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

36. The most defensible position is…

Function: this expression belongs to take a position. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

37. The evidence supports a cautious preference for…

Function: this expression belongs to take a position. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

38. The stronger principle is…

Function: this expression belongs to take a position. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

39. Ultimately, policy should…

Function: this expression belongs to take a position. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

40. A practical conclusion would be…

Function: this expression belongs to take a position. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

Balance is a method, not a verdict

“On the one hand / on the other hand” is only the surface. Real balance asks whether the sides have equal evidence, apply under the same conditions and carry similar consequences. A good discursive essay can conclude that one position is stronger while still representing the other honestly.

Function before formality

Name the move before choosing the phrase. Is the writer making a claim, giving evidence, conceding, rebutting, recommending, evaluating or addressing an audience? This protects students from decorating a paragraph with connectors that do not match the logic.

Apply this to discursive essay phrases: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

Precision and register

Formal writing does not require stiffness. Prefer precise verbs, clear nouns and controlled sentence structures. A simple “This suggests…” may be stronger than an inflated phrase if the evidence only supports a cautious inference.

Apply this to discursive essay phrases: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

Concession is not surrender

A concession recognises a reasonable opposing point; it does not automatically abandon the thesis. The next sentence should explain the limit, trade-off, condition or stronger counter-consideration.

Apply this to discursive essay phrases: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

Evidence and examples

Examples must do analytical work. After naming an example, explain what it shows, why it matters and how it connects to the paragraph claim. Vocabulary such as demonstrates, illustrates, indicates and suggests helps only when the reasoning is actually present.

Apply this to discursive essay phrases: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

The Fencing Method

Fence near-moves: assert versus suggest, criticise versus evaluate, concession versus rebuttal, formal request versus demand. Tone, evidence strength and audience relationship create the boundary.

Apply this to discursive essay phrases: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

Paragraph architecture

Build a paragraph as claim → development → evidence/example → analysis → qualification → link. Not every paragraph needs all six in the same order, but the structure helps students see where vocabulary earns its place.

Apply this to discursive essay phrases: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

Retrieval

Close the phrase bank and use functional cues: “introduce a concession”, “soften a claim”, “recommend formally”, “give an example”. Retrieve two alternatives and choose the better fit. This is closer to examination production than rereading.

Apply this to discursive essay phrases: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

Transfer

Use the same language move in a different topic and format. A concession should work in technology, education, environment or media. A formal request should work in different situational-writing contexts. Transfer proves ownership.

Apply this to discursive essay phrases: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

30 examination transfer drills

Drill 1: education

Use one item from this page in a response about education. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 2: technology

Use one item from this page in a response about technology. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 3: environment

Use one item from this page in a response about environment. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 4: social media

Use one item from this page in a response about social media. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 5: sports

Use one item from this page in a response about sports. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 6: public spaces

Use one item from this page in a response about public spaces. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 7: youth

Use one item from this page in a response about youth. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 8: family

Use one item from this page in a response about family. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 9: arts

Use one item from this page in a response about arts. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 10: community

Use one item from this page in a response about community. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 11: education

Use one item from this page in a response about education. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 12: technology

Use one item from this page in a response about technology. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 13: environment

Use one item from this page in a response about environment. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 14: social media

Use one item from this page in a response about social media. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 15: sports

Use one item from this page in a response about sports. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 16: public spaces

Use one item from this page in a response about public spaces. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 17: youth

Use one item from this page in a response about youth. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 18: family

Use one item from this page in a response about family. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 19: arts

Use one item from this page in a response about arts. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 20: community

Use one item from this page in a response about community. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 21: education

Use one item from this page in a response about education. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 22: technology

Use one item from this page in a response about technology. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 23: environment

Use one item from this page in a response about environment. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 24: social media

Use one item from this page in a response about social media. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 25: sports

Use one item from this page in a response about sports. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 26: public spaces

Use one item from this page in a response about public spaces. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 27: youth

Use one item from this page in a response about youth. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 28: family

Use one item from this page in a response about family. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 29: arts

Use one item from this page in a response about arts. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 30: community

Use one item from this page in a response about community. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Frequently asked questions

Should students memorise model paragraphs?

Use models for structure and language observation, but practise rebuilding the move on fresh topics.

Are sophisticated connectors necessary?

No. Logical accuracy matters more than connector difficulty.

How many phrases should appear in one paragraph?

Only those needed to make relationships explicit. Over-signposting can become mechanical.

Can ‘I think’ be used?

It depends on task and register. Formal argument often benefits from more analytical phrasing, while oral responses can sound natural with first person.

How should parents help?

Ask what each sentence is doing and whether the next sentence develops it.

How should teachers correct vague claims?

Ask what level of certainty the evidence supports and choose the verb accordingly.

How should students revise?

Retrieve phrases by function, then use them on unfamiliar topics.

What shows mastery?

The student can select and adapt language by purpose, audience and evidence strength.

Return to the Singapore Vocabulary Guide for the complete estate.