Discursive Essay Structure
The number of paragraphs are required in a complete discursive essay for AICE GP?
What is six?
What’s the purpose of rephrasing the prompt into a YES/NO question?
To clarify the position and help form a debatable thesis
What does the thumb represent in the Hand Approach planning strategy?
Science and technology
These words can be used to signal addition of ideas. (Give at least 3)
What is and, also, besides, further, moreover, another?
Name one global issue often discussed in Paper 1 essays.
What are climate change or poverty or inequality?
What two parts of the essay must contain a thesis statement?
Introduction and Conclusion
Give one example of a thesis transition phrase from the handout.
“While X can be said, one can also argue Y.”
What does the middle finger represent in the Hand Approach planning strategy?
Environment
These words can be used to signal time (Give at least 3)
What are next, afterward, finally, later, last , subsequently, in the meantime?
False or misleading information presented as news.
What is fake news?
What must every body paragraph include using the HAND approach?
A concrete example supported by a link back to the point
What’s the ideal word count range for a GP discursive essay?
600–700 words
What does the little finger represent in the Hand Approach planning strategy?
Sports, Media, and Entertainment
These words are used to signal an example (Give at least 3)
What is for example, to illustrate, for instance, such as,
Name a recent international conflict and briefly explain its cause.
What is the Russia-Ukraine war — due to territorial and political tensions?
What should your conclusion ALWAYS do according to the handout?
Pick a side and restate the thesis clearly
What is the HAND strategy used for?
Planning 4 concrete examples to use in body paragraphs
What does the pointer or index finger represent in the Hand Approach planning strategy?
Government and Politics
These words are used to summarize or repeat (Give at least 3)
What are in summary, to sum up, to repeat, finally, as you can see, in conclusion
Give one current example of how AI is changing society.
What is ChatGPT, automation in jobs, AI in healthcare?
In what order can you present the pros and cons?
Any order, but at least 2 YES and 2 NO paragraphs are required
Rewrite this vague thesis using a transition phrase: “There are many sides to this topic.”
“Although X, Y is worth consideration as well.”
What does the ring finger represent in the Hand Approach planning strategy?
Social and cultural relationships
These words are used to signal alternatives (Give at least 3)
What are although, though, while, despite, to be sure, admittedly?
Name a social justice movement that was popularized using social media.
What is Black Lives Matter – the movement gained global attention through hashtags, viral videos, and online activism following incidents of police brutality.