Discourse Elements: What are they? Discourse elements in the English classroom can be defined as different ways that we speak and write that are specific to the English language content area. It can be broken down into organization and grammar and sentence structure. Organization would be words like first, next, and last. They also include things like figurative language, different types of sentences, and different genre's of writing that are taught and discussed in the English classroom.
Figurative language can be found in literature and poetry where the writing appeals to the senses. This works by using a word with a specific meaning, by comparing two things in such a way that you find the comparison interesting or by using words that have unusual constructions or sounds.
A Persuasive essay is used to convince the reader to do something or think a certain way. It can be based on anything on which you have an opinion or that is controversial in some way.
The language used in a persuasive essay will be written so that the reader is drawn to the writer’s opinion. Many times advertisements use persuasive language in order to make people want to buy their products.
**Our headache medication will get rid of your headache for five hours with just one pill and has fewer side effects than other similar medications. Try it today.
Many times persuasive writing also offers the counter argument. This is the argument that people with differing opinions will use to try and convince you that the author is wrong. By including the counter argument the author can disprove it or show that their opinion is better.
**Our competitors might tell you that their medicine has less side effects than ours but what they won’t tell you is that their side effects occur more frequently.
Expository Essay
An expository essay is an essay that requires the author to investigate an idea and create an argument using clear and concise information. Generally, expository essays require some sort of research or evidence. They have a thesis statement, clear transitions from one paragraph to another, and evidential support throughout the essay.
Examples of different types of expository writing could include newspaper articles, college essays, and business letters. They explain and summarize an issue.
Narrative Essay
In narrative writing the author is given the chance to think about themselves. They are told from a particular point of view and usually tell a story. Generally this includes first person, where the narrator of the story is part of the story, or third person, where the narrator of the story is someone outside of the events that are unfolding. Many times they include dialog and plenty of precise, sensory details. Most novels are written from a narrative perspective. Narrative writing tells a story.