In most cases, students believe that writing a discussion paper is easier than writing college paper of any other kind. They are right to some extent. A discussion paper gives you a unique opportunity to discuss an opinion, doesn’t matter how common it is.

However, there is a danger in the belief that a discussion paper should be easy-to-understand. Many students don’t take it in a serious manner, and as a result, they fail. Other students take it in a too serious way, and this is not the right approach, as well.

What Is a Discussion Paper — Definition and Purpose

So, what is a discussion paper? A discussion paper is actually a discussion about some topic. Are you surprised? Yes, this is the definition, however, if you don’t have good writing skills, it is not so easy to write it. But don’t worry, that’s why we collected here some tips that will definitely help you.

First of all, never select a topic that doesn’t touch you. Even if you like the topic, you might find it complicated to write about it. If you want to write a nice discussion paper, you should express different ideas and opinions on the given topic and provide a discussion based on those ideas and opinions. So, it is always better to select something that you really like. Now, let us move to more detailed instructions and tips.

How to Write a Discussion Paper Step-by-Step

Don`t hurry to start writing. First, check properly all the sources and select materials that you might need to use. Are there new opinions on the topic? Which of them do you support? Which of them do you consider to be not okay? How can you arrange them in a way to build a nice meaningful discussion paper?

Select those materials that are reliable enough. Rainbow press, for example, could be good just for a very limited number of topics. But in most cases, you should rely on expert opinions. Select those that you might want to use to substantiate your ideas that you want to discuss. Arrange them in a logical order. Usually, you might want to arrange them in order, appropriate for the discussion logics. Make a plan.

Many students don’t write a plan at all, and this is a huge mistake. When you are working on your essay plan, you are not only arranging your thoughts, but you create the structure for your paper. It is easier to remake a frame rather than the entire construction. So, if there is something that needs to be changed, you better change it at the planning stage rather than when the paper is written.

An Intriguing Introduction Is a Key to Success

Now, you have a plan and can move to your introduction. But how to start a discussion paper? Consider what you want to write. Why is the topic interesting? May your reader find it useful? Can you add some funny or intriguing story to introduce the topic or at least some opinions? If yes, add it. Personal stories always make a better effect than generalizations.

Move to the Main Part

After having hooked your reader, move to the main part. Your task here is to introduce the topic, the main ideas, and expert opinions, as well as your views, and to provide a discussion of those ideas and opinions that you have mentioned. You have several ways to discuss:

  • You can discuss everything idea by idea, providing its advantages and disadvantages;
  • You might want to give your personal idea and base the discussion on it, and you may use other ideas to prove your opinion.
  • You can group all ideas based on some features and discuss the ideas groups.
  • Or you can invent your own unique method of organizing your discussion paper.

However, doesn’t matter what way you select, there are some rules that apply to any kind of paper. Whatever you are writing, you should follow these rules, because those are the basics of good writing:

  • Be consistent, because jumping from one idea to another is confusing and doesn’t make your paper logical.
  • Discuss all those ideas mentioned by you, don’t leave any idea or opinion unattended.
  • Write in an easy-to-read manner — you are writing an essay, not a scientific work.
  • Structure your work logically — the reader should not look for information too long.
  • Make an excellent introduction and a nice conclusion for your discussion paper.

By the way, now, we came to the point when we need to speak more about a conclusion. So, how to end a discussion paper in a nice way? How not to spoil all impression from your essay with a poorly written conclusion?

Well, if you have managed to move so far, then, a proper conclusion should not cause any difficulties. Just sum up everything. What was the topic? Why was it relevant? What are the ideas about the issue and how do they support your idea or contradict it? Which conclusion have you made? And that’s it, you have written a high-quality, unique paper.

Discussion Paper Format and Its Details

So, you have already noticed, that the discussion paper format isn’t much different from a usual paper format. The only thing, which differs here, is the discussion presence. You give different, sometimes contrasting ideas, as well, you discuss them from different points of view in a search for a solution.

Is the Paper Ready for Submitting?

However, don’t hurry to submit your paper. You have just read how to write a good discussion paper, but you haven’t made one crucial step yet. You forgot about proofreading! Read everything once more, pay attention to each word and phrase. After you complete proofreading, you can submit your paper with peace in mind.

If you get a discussion paper as an assignment, don’t panic. Follow the simple tips from our experts who work at custom essay writing services, and just make sure you do your best. Don’t forget as well to include any citations if they are required. Now, when your paper is ready, check it once more for the compliance with the requirements, and submit it.