Drawing Conclusions in a Discursive Essay

​AICE GP DISCURSIVE ESSAYS

​Drawing Interim and Final Conclusions

​Room 191: Where the learning happens!

Multiple Choice

What is the difference between a discursive essay and an argumentative essay?

• Discursive essays objectively consider both sides before offering a conclusion.

• Argumentative essays do not need to rebut the counterclaim.

• There is no difference.

• Discursive essays, like argumentative essays, always take a side in the conclusion.

Multiple Choice

What is NOT true about FINAL and INTERIM conclusions?

• Final conclusions are made once all the evidence is presented; at the end of the essay.

• Final conclusions are included in the introduction; This sets up the essay for the reader.

• An interim conclusion is made before all evidence has been presented.

• An interim conclusion is not permanent.

​Interim Conclusions

​It might be useful to think of interim conclusions as the many battles which take place in the context of a larger war. In your discursive essay, several battles between opposing viewpoints will take place before you determine whether either side has won the war, or if it is a stalemate.

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​Interim Conclusion = Inference

​It is an inference you draw as you finish a sustained point. You may not know the final outcome at this point, but you are in a position to pass preliminary judgment.

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Multiple Choice

Which transition is not appropriate for an interim conclusion?

• So far, it appears that . . . 

• It appears that . . . 

• Without a doubt . . . 

• It may be that . . . 

​Review the text. Be ready to answer these questions, if you are called upon.

​1. Where does the author include interim conclusions?

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​2. How do these conclusions break up the text?

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​3. Why are these appropriate places to offer these insights?

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​4. In what ways does this strategy help the organization of the discursive essay?

​As the essay demonstrates, you may offer several different conclusions during the course of your discursive essay. As the main points of your essay develop, interim conclusions can help you keep track of ideas as you head toward your final judgment. In this way, you are more likely to draw an evidence-based conclusion.

Multiple Choice

Drawing interim conclusions does NOT help you:

• connect evidence to claims

• make sense of the evidence you have presented so far

• think of new directions and new ideas

• fail the AICE GP exam

Poll

Lecture or Quizizz?

• Lecture, please.

• Oh, I want Quizizz!