Writing the discursive portfolio piece: choosing between a balanced discursive essay and a persuasive essay, structuring an argument, using evidence and rhetorical technique, and acknowledging audience and purpose.

What this dot point is asking

Your second SQA Higher English portfolio piece is broadly discursive, worth 15 marks. It can be a balanced discursive essay (weighing different views and reaching a conclusion) or a persuasive essay (arguing one side to convince the reader). Markers reward a clear line of argument, well-organised structure, relevant evidence, and a controlled, accurate style suited to purpose and audience. Like the creative piece, it is drafted and redrafted at home.

This dot point is about argumentative writing: choosing between the two genres and building an argument that is structured, evidenced and shaped for its reader.

The answer

The discursive portfolio piece shows your control of argument. Decide on the genre first: a discursive essay weighs more than one viewpoint and reaches a reasoned conclusion, while a persuasive essay argues a single side throughout to convince the reader. Both need a clear structure (introduction, developed argument, conclusion), relevant evidence behind every point, and an awareness of purpose and audience. A persuasive piece additionally uses rhetorical techniques (rhetorical questions, emotive language, direct address, repetition, a strong final appeal) used with control. SQA marks the piece out of 15 for content (a clear, relevant line of argument), structure (logical organisation), and expression (controlled style and technical accuracy). The decisive habit is structure and evidence: organise the argument logically and support every claim.

Decide discursive or persuasive first

The two genres are marked the same way but read differently. A discursive essay is balanced and exploratory, genuinely presenting and weighing opposing views before concluding; a persuasive essay is committed and one-sided. Choose before you plan, because the decision shapes your structure, your handling of the counter-view, and your tone.

Structure the argument logically

Open by introducing the issue and signalling your approach. Develop the argument in clearly ordered paragraphs, each making one point supported by evidence or example, with signposting (connectives such as "however", "in contrast", "consequently") so the reader can follow the line of thought. In a discursive essay, weigh the counter-view fairly; in a persuasive essay, anticipate and rebut the main objections. Close with a conclusion that resolves the argument rather than simply restating the introduction.

Use evidence and (for persuasion) rhetoric

Support points with relevant facts, examples or reasoning, not assertion. A persuasive piece adds rhetorical techniques used with control and for effect, not decoration: a rhetorical question to provoke thought, emotive word choice to move the reader, direct address to involve them, repetition to drive a point home, and a strong appeal at the close. Keep audience and purpose in mind so the tone fits throughout.

Examples in context

In a discursive essay on whether social media harms young people, a balanced paragraph might run: "Critics point to rising anxiety, citing studies that link heavy use to poorer sleep and constant social comparison. Yet the same platforms give isolated young people access to support networks and information they could not reach offline. The evidence cuts both ways, which suggests the harm lies less in the technology than in how it is used." That weighs both sides with evidence and moves the argument forward toward a reasoned conclusion.

A persuasive paragraph on free public transport reads differently, committing to one side: "Why should the cost of a bus fare decide whether a teenager can reach a job interview? Free public transport would not only cut emissions and ease congestion; it would open opportunity to everyone, regardless of income. The question is not whether we can afford it, but whether we can afford to keep shutting people out." The rhetorical questions, the appeal and the direct framing all drive persuasion, while the points remain evidenced.

Try this

Q1. What is the key difference between a discursive and a persuasive essay? [2 marks]

• What the marker wants. A discursive essay weighs more than one viewpoint and reaches a reasoned conclusion; a persuasive essay argues one side throughout to convince the reader.

Q2. Name two rhetorical techniques suited to a persuasive piece and what each does. [2 marks]

• What the marker wants. Two of: rhetorical questions (provoke thought), emotive language (move the reader), direct address (involve them), repetition (emphasise), a strong appeal (convince).

Q3. Why does a piece that mixes balanced discussion and one-sided persuasion lose marks? [2 marks]

• What the marker wants. Because it confuses its purpose, weakening both structure and content; SQA rewards a consistent genre, so commit to one before planning.

A note on sources

This guide is AI-written and not individually human-reviewed. The portfolio format and marking criteria follow SQA's specification; verify current detail against the SQA Higher English course documents at sqa.org.uk.