If you are a school or college student, then as part of your curriculum, you might be asked to create a discussion paper or an essay. Usually, to write a great discussion paper, you must possess strong knowledge of the topic of discussion, writing skills, logical thinking, and analytical abilities. Remember, you can create a discussion paper on any topic relevant to your field of interest, such as politics, technology, history, etc. A discussion paper is similar to an argumentative essay, but you will have to politely present your arguments with proper evidence or examples and convince your readers. If you are worried about how to write a discussion paper, then continue reading this blog. Here, you will get to know the discussion paper writing steps.
What is a Discussion Paper?
A discussion paper or an essay is an academic document in which you will have to deeply explore a particular topic or issue. Typically, discussion papers are concise research articles through which you can share well-examined ideas, credible information, and preliminary research findings on various topics that are related to your target audiences.
Mainly, to help the readers understand the subject better, the discussion paper will provide different perspectives and arguments by analyzing various viewpoints, theories, and data. Furthermore, writing a discussion paper will let you think critically and encourage you to form your own informed opinion.
How to Structure a Discussion Paper
Writing a discussion paper is one of the great ways to share your thoughts about a particular issue or topic with others. Usually, in this type of paper, you can explore a topic in depth and work together with others to find solutions. When it comes to writing a well-organized discussion paper, you need to extensively research the topic, look at the issue from different perspectives, and explain your ideas with valid supporting evidence and real-life examples.
Do you have no idea how to write a well-structured discussion paper? If yes, then initially, prepare a rough draft by including all the key points you want to present in your discussion essay. Here is how you should structure your discussion paper
- Introduction: First, you should open your discussion paper with an introductory paragraph. It is the first paragraph in which you will have to introduce the topic or issue and include a clear thesis statement that outlines the paper’s focus and argument.
- Body: Next, you should compose the body paragraphs based on your topic. Specifically, in the body paragraphs, you should explain and prove the thesis statement with proper evidence, facts, and examples. Your discussion essay can have any number of body paragraphs as per your topic. However, each paragraph should center on a specific topic sentence that supports the thesis statement.
- Conclusion: Finally, you should wrap up the discussion paper with an engaging conclusion. Mainly, in the conclusion, you should summarize your discussion and restate the thesis statement.
Steps for Writing a Comprehensive Discussion Paper
Are you struggling to prepare your discussion paper? Don’t worry! Just follow these steps for writing a discussion paper
Choose an Ideal Topic
Topic selection is the first step you need to perform if you want to develop a discussion paper. Ignore this step if your instructor has already assigned a topic. In case you are not provided a discussion essay topic, make sure to choose one. Remember, your discussion paper topic should meet these requirements
- The topic should be relevant and impactful.
- It should allow you to present different viewpoints, each with valid arguments.
- The topic should be supported by facts and evidence that validate various perspectives.
- The topic should spark discussions and make people think.
Sketch a Discussion Paper Outline
After choosing a perfect topic, don’t begin writing the discussion paper. Before you start writing a discussion paper or essay, first, plan and create an outline. The outline will act as a blueprint or guide for your academic document and will give you an idea about how to effectively organize or structure your discussion ideas. In a discussion essay outline, you need not elaborate your ideas; just hints are enough, which you can develop later.
A discussion essay’s structure can vary depending on the topic. But, typically, the discussion essay outline includes elements such as introduction, arguments with evidence, counterarguments, and conclusion.
Compose the Introduction
After you draft an outline, elaborate on it and write your discussion paper with separate sections such as the introduction, body, and conclusion.
When writing a discussion paper introduction, your goal should be to grab your reader’s attention and explain what your paper is all about. To do this, you should craft the introduction paragraph of your discussion essay by including the following key parts
- Hook: First, open the introduction paragraph of your discussion paper with a hook relevant to your topic. The hook can be a thought-provoking question, an interesting fact, a quote, or a surprising statement. With a catchy hook, you can spark the curiosity in the minds of your target audience and make them read your paper.
- Background Details: Next, provide more information about the topic so the readers understand the topic that is being discussed. This background information will help you set the stage for your main argument.
- Thesis Statement: Finally, end your introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement. A thesis statement is a statement that summarizes your essay’s main argument or point.
Write the Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs are where you should discuss your main points, present your arguments, and address opposing views. Mainly, you will have to use evidence in the body paragraphs to back up your claims and make your essay more persuasive. To write the strong body section of your discussion paper, following these simple tips might help you
- Focus on one idea per paragraph. For a short essay, try to effectively convey the main idea in a single paragraph. But, for a longer discussion essay, make sure to include separate paragraphs for each argument.
- Solid evidence is essential for building a strong argument. So, start by researching thoroughly and asking the right questions, then look at what others have studied on the topic. Double-check your findings to ensure they are accurate and consider both the good and bad points of your argument. Also, you must acknowledge any limitations or flaws in your argument and address opposing views and counterarguments to make your point stronger.
- When researching, use trustworthy sources like books, academic articles, and scientific writings. For additional information, you can also consider reputable media outlets and websites that are relevant to your topic.
- Take inspiration from others’ ideas, but express them in your own words. Use direct quotes sparingly, and only when the original wording is especially effective.
Draft the Conclusion
The conclusion is a summary of the main points you have discussed in the body section. Your conclusion paragraph should aim to convince readers of your argument. It should be brief, logical, and consistent, and leave a strong final impression. Here are some tips that will be useful for you while writing the conclusion of a discussion paper
- Restate your main points or arguments in different words.
- To reinforce your position, summarize the main points you have already made, without adding anything new. You can also briefly highlight any surprising findings.
- Always end your essay with a solution or a call to action. Also, offer a recommendation or suggestion that wraps up your argument, and consider tying it back to your opening idea.
Proofread
The discussion paper or essay you create should be flawless. Specifically, the paper should not contain grammar, spelling, punctuation, or logical errors. So, after you finish writing the essay, proofread it multiple times to make it error-free. Also, before submission, check whether the essay is plagiarism-free and meets your professor’s instructions.
The Bottom Line
By following the steps and tips suggested in this blog, you can develop a comprehensive discussion paper. In case you are still clueless about how to write a great discussion essay on a specific topic, hire a well-qualified and skilled assignment helper from our team for a fair price. According to your guidelines, our professionals will offer you the best essay help and research paper writing help online so you can complete your work on time and score top grades.
