How Do You Write a Discussion Paper?

By Staff Writer | Last Updated August 4, 2015

A discussion paper presents and discusses in depth the issues that surround a specific topic. When writing a discussion paper, you must include thorough discussion of both sides of the topic being debated, reliable research and evidence regarding the topic. There should also be a solid understanding of the issues discussed before presenting a personal opinion or conclusion.

Begin a discussion paper by selecting a topic that you are personally interested in and for which you have access to enough good research that supports the topic. Once you have chosen your topic, create an outline that maps out the main discussion points to cover in the paper. Next, write an introduction.

The introduction introduces the issues that relate to the topic at hand and provides the reader with background information. The body of the essay presents each discussion point individually. When writing this section, each side of the argument should be discussed impartially. Organize your paper so that the weakest argument is first and the strongest argument wraps up the body of the essay. Finally, write the conclusion. A good conclusion summarizes all of the information presented in the body of the essay and should encourage the reader to revisit both the pros and cons of the topic. If you have a viewpoint of your own that favors one side, the conclusion is often a great place to state that opinion.