How to Write a Discussion in English

This page provides a comprehensive overview of how to write a discussion in English, focusing on structure, key elements, and useful phrases. The guide is particularly helpful for students learning to craft well-organized and persuasive discussion texts.

Structure of a Discussion

The document outlines a clear three-part structure for writing discussions:

1. Introduction (Einleitung)
2. Main Body (Hauptteil)
3. Conclusion (Fazit)

Introduction

The introduction serves to:

• Introduce the topic
• Capture the reader's interest

Example: Useful phrases for the introduction include:

• "In our school we discussed..."
• "My text is about..."
• "In the following text I will write about..."

Main Body

The main body consists of several arguments, including:

• Arguments for and against the writer's opinion
• Each argument should include an example and explanation

Highlight: The main body is where you present your key arguments, supported by examples and explanations.

Vocabulary: "Hauptteil" is the German term for the main body of the text.

Conclusion

The conclusion should:

• Summarize the writer's own opinion
• Provide a final statement on the topic

Useful Phrases

The guide provides Diskussion schreiben Formulierungshilfen (formulation aids) for each section of the discussion:

Main Body Phrases

• "Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly..."
• "Let me give an example..."
• "It is true/a fact that..."
• "Another argument is that..."
• "Moreover..."
• "Furthermore..."

Conclusion Phrases

• "To sum up, you can say that..."
• "All in all, I would say that..."
• "I think that..."
• "My opinion about this is that..."

Quote: "In my opinion..." is suggested as a useful phrase for expressing personal views in the conclusion.

Writing Tip

Highlight: The document includes an important tip about writing argumentations:

When writing an argumentation, you are taking a written stance on a topic. This means expressing your opinion and supporting it with arguments that you have collected beforehand.

Vocabulary: "Argumentation" in this context refers to a type of discussion where you present and support your viewpoint on a subject.

This guide serves as an excellent resource for students learning how to write a discussion in English, providing a clear structure and helpful phrases to create a well-organized and persuasive text.