Discursive essays

[djluvpump]

Can someone explain what the format, grammar and tense is to be used in the 2nd essay? Can we use 'me', 'I', personal experiences, etc for the discursive essay? If someone could PM me an extract or copy from an essay I would be grateful.

[Norm]

Good question. I suspect that unless you've attended one of the courses then this is an unknown quantity. The Des O'Neill sample might give some indication but, like we've discussed before, I think most of us are pretty uncomfortable with his suggested way of writing.

I haven't tried any discursive essays yet but was thinking of using personal experiences (assuming I have some). Not so clear on the first person point but think that I would go down this route. Tense would probably be present but probably depends on what sort thing you're saying. Grammar, I'd stick with as correct and formal as possible but that's just me.

There's my tuppence worth. Others who have been on the courses may have more useful comments but I suspect will be justifiably loath to share them.

[north]

As I understand it, the reflective essay is personal and in the present tense.It has a rough flexible structure and some kind of personal experience or story but not more than about 6 lines. Should be quite relaxed and bedside manner like ! Not a style most scientists are used to, I am def not !!

[djluvpump]

Yes, it's all a bit ad hoc and improvised the discursive essay isn't it? At least with the argue one you know where you are, for, against, argue, conclusion. I'm sure all the des O Neillers will be laughing at our despair!

[ram]

hello can anyone offer me some advice on the essay writing bits?

[weegie neurosurgeon]

What do u want to know ram?

[studleyb]

Ok...feeling exceptionally stupid now...and displaying the kind of ignorance that suggests to me this is all a waste of time anyway...but I didnt realise there were two different types of essays...and they expected them written in different styles, and different tenses and all that malarky!

Anyone (even if you're at this very moment laughing at me for even attempting to get in) fancy sharing their ideas on which is which, and how they should be presented, ie style and tense??

I cant believe it...been reading through all the literature for the last 6 months while i've been preparing to take this...and haven't noticed these facts!!!

Lets play spot the gimp......

Cheers people!
Nick 'stupid' Burtenshaw!!!

[medicwannabe]

Hey Nick, no need to feel stupid. The only reason I realised there were two different styles is coz I went on the Gradmed writing course. I didnt even bother looking at the literature at all......

I dont want to give to much away considering I did pay quite a bit of dosh (as did many other people) but the gist of it is that the A type essay is more formal and gets to the point whereas type B is personal and so u can write about feelings, experiences and really cheesy stuff. About tenses, well that just depends what u write about.

During the course the guy showed us a 'model' type B essay that was an example for the 'O'Neil' course. It was soooooooooooooooooooo cheesy, most people were throwing up. Apparantly the ozzies like that kind of stuff...think home & away, think neighbours..... The way to win it is writing about feelings etc and being quite elaborate in ur writing skills (think simlies, personifications, metaphors, long sentences...)

Anyway, hope this has helped, my spelling is getting worse by the min.

Good luck

x

[studleyb]

Cheers medicwannabe...all input is hugely appreciated!