Guide to spelling, punctuation and grammar

6
SAMPLE ESSAY 1: 
A DISCURSIVE ESSAY
Discursive essays, sometimes referred to as ‘argumentative’ essays,
involve you in putting forward arguments for and against a particular
point of view. The skills you are being assessed on include clarity and
conciseness of expression, organisation of the facts/relevant points, the
ability to balance arguments for and against, and overall structure.
Essays of this type can often be rambling and unfocused. To avoid those
faults, it is necessary to keep a tight hold on the development of the
argument you are making and to back up the points you are making with
detailed examples. Allow for the counter-arguments to the thesis you are
supporting and deal with them. 
The essay below has been written in response to this topic:
‘Watching professional sport has become far too important for
many people, especially men, and this obsession usually is a sign
that something is missing from their lives.’ Discuss this statement,
making your own point of view clear.