Cohesion means linking phrases together so that the whole text is clear and readable. Read the following paragraph and complete the table.

c Electronic commerce is characterised by an absence of physical proximity between the buyer and seller in conducting the search, assessment and transaction stages of a transaction. d Bowlby 1982 suggested that attachment is an organised system whose goal is to make individuals feel safe and secure. e … the non-linear effect called ‘self-brightening’ in which large-amplitude waves decay more slowly than small-amplitude ones. The examples above illustrate the variety of methods employed in definitions: a gives various examples that fall into the grouping the author wishes to examine. b, d and e use category words: process, system, effect. c defines the term in a negative way an absence. d quotes a definition from another writer. 5. When writing introductions, it is often helpful to define a term in the title, even when it may be in common use, to demonstrate that you have thought about it and that you have a clear idea what it means in your essay. Title: Higher education should be free and open to all – Discuss. Higher education in Britain means university-level study for first or higher degrees, normally at the age of 18 or above. Study the following titles, decide which term needs defining in each, and write a definition for two of them. a Compare the murder rate for countries with capital punishment with that for those without it. b The department store is a nineteenth-century creation which has no future in the twenty-first century – Discuss. c The incidence of post-natal depression appears to be rising. What are the most effective methods of treating the condition?

6. Select several terms from your own subject area and write extensive definitions for them.

1. Many essay titles require the writer to examine both sides of a case and to conclude by coming down in favour of one side. These may be called discussion, for and against or argument essays. For example: a School uniforms – a step forward or a step back? – Discuss. b Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of state control of industry. Discussion vocabulary + – benefit drawback advantage disadvantage a positive aspect a negative feature pro informal con informal plus informal minus informal one minor benefit of school uniforms is .. a serious drawback to state control is …

2. There are two basic outlines for a discussion essay:

i School uniforms? a advantages: reduce social inequalityencourage group identityavoid choice b disadvantages: loss of individualityexpenseunfashionable c discussion: overall, benefits more valuable in most cases ii School uniforms? a social: emphasises group values – diminishes individual choice b practical: expensive for poor families but easier to get dressed c discussion: overall, benefits more valuable in most cases 3. Choose one of the titles below and write down as many pros and cons in the box as possible. Then prepare a plan using one of the outlines above. a Instead of going out to work, mothers should stay at home and look after their children until they are at least five – Discuss. b Fast food, which is spreading round the world and destroying national cultures, should be resisted. To what extent do you agree? + –

5. Discussion

4.5 Discursive Essay cross reference 1.12 Organising the Main Body cross reference