How to Write a Discussion Essay or Seminar Position Paper

"Discuss" is one of the most common instruction words in university assignments, and one of the most misunderstood. It does not mean "describe", and it does not mean "list the pros and cons". It means explore an issue from different angles, assess them, and come to a judgement.

This guide covers two related formats: the discussion essay and the shorter seminar position paper used in many postgraduate and some undergraduate modules.

What a discussion paper is

A discussion essay examines a debatable question in depth. You set out the main perspectives, evaluate the evidence and reasoning behind each, and conclude with your own considered view.

A seminar position paper (sometimes called a response paper or discussion paper) is usually short, often one or two pages. It responds to a set reading or question, states your position, and raises points or questions to bring to the seminar. It is designed to start a conversation, not to settle it.

What markers look for

• Balance. Perspectives are presented fairly and accurately, including ones you disagree with.
• Evaluation. You assess strengths, weaknesses and evidence, not just report what others say.
• A judgement. You reach a clear conclusion, even if it is qualified.
• Organisation. The reader can follow how each perspective relates to the question.
• Engagement with sources. For seminar papers, close and specific engagement with the set readings.

Discussion vs argumentative writing

An argumentative essay commits to a position from the first paragraph and uses the whole essay to defend it. A discussion essay spends more time genuinely exploring before settling on a view. You still need a position, but the reader should see that you reached it by weighing alternatives. For the more committed format, see our guide to argumentative essays.

How to write a discussion essay

1. Map the debate

Identify the main positions on the question. There are often more than two. For each one, note who holds it, the reasoning behind it, and the evidence offered.

2. Decide on criteria for judging

What makes one view stronger? Possible criteria include quality of evidence, explanatory power, practical consequences, ethical considerations or fit with a particular context. Making your criteria explicit helps your judgement look reasoned rather than personal.

3. Choose a structure

Two common patterns work well:

• Block structure. Discuss perspective A fully, then perspective B, then compare and judge. Simple, but comparison can come too late.
• Point-by-point structure. Organise by theme or criterion, and compare perspectives within each section. Usually more analytical, and often preferred in longer essays.

4. Signal your direction early

Your introduction can indicate where the essay is heading without giving the full answer. For example: "This essay argues that while X explains much of the evidence, Y offers a more convincing account in the context of Z."

5. Conclude with a judgement

Bring the evaluation together and state your view. A qualified judgement is fine, but avoid ending with "it depends" unless you explain exactly what it depends on.

How to write a seminar position paper

1. Read the set texts closely and note the central claim of each.
2. Choose one focus. A specific claim, tension or assumption is better than a general summary.
3. State your position in the first few sentences.
4. Support it briefly with close reference to the readings, using page numbers where your referencing style requires them.
5. Raise one or two questions that could open up the seminar discussion.

Keep it concise. A position paper is judged on the sharpness of your thinking more than on breadth.

Common mistakes

• Treating "discuss" as "describe". Summarising each view without evaluating it.
• A false balance. Giving equal weight to positions that have very unequal evidence.
• No judgement. Ending with a list of views and no conclusion.
• Summarising the reading in a position paper instead of responding to it.
• Too many perspectives, each covered so briefly that none is examined properly.

Discussion paper checklist

• I have identified the main perspectives on the question.
• Each perspective is presented fairly and accurately.
• I have evaluated each using clear criteria.
• My structure helps the reader compare perspectives.
• I reach a clear, reasoned judgement.
• For a seminar paper: I focus on one point and raise questions for discussion.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use "I" in a discussion essay?

Some disciplines and tutors accept the first person, particularly in seminar position papers, which are often more personal in voice. Others prefer impersonal phrasing such as "this essay argues". Follow your module guidance or ask your tutor.

How many perspectives should I include?

Enough to represent the real debate fairly, which is often two to four. Depth matters more than number. If your word count is tight, focus on the most significant positions and explain why you chose them.

Do seminar position papers need references?

Usually yes, at least to the set readings. Even in a short paper, referencing shows exactly which claims you are responding to. Check your module's requirements.

Is it acceptable to change my mind during the essay?

You can show that your view developed as you weighed the evidence, but the final essay should be coherent. Revise your introduction so it signals the conclusion you actually reach.

Getting further help

If you want feedback on whether your discussion is balanced and your judgement is clear, our academic writing and critical thinking guidance reviews your plan or draft while you remain the author. You can also organise perspectives and criteria with the essay outline planner.