Introduction Parenting is one of the most important responsibilities an individual can take on, yet it is often a role people are expected to learn without formal education. Many people believe that schools should...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-23
This guide provides a detailed analysis of a model essay asking whether children should be taught how to become good parents at school, showing you how to structure a compelling argument, handle counter-arguments, and achieve a top grade.
Why this matters on the exam
Discursive essay prompts, which require you to discuss different sides of an issue, are a staple of the English exam at VG1, VG2, and VG3 levels. You will frequently encounter tasks like "Discuss the pros and cons of..." or "To what extent do you agree...". This topic, concerning the role of schools in teaching life skills, is a classic example. Mastering the structure of presenting an argument, acknowledging an opposing view, and then refuting it (a technique called rebuttal) is crucial for a high score. The ability to move beyond simple "for" and "against" lists to a nuanced discussion demonstrates higher-order thinking, which is exactly what examiners are trained to reward.
Core concepts of argumentative writing
To write a strong discursive essay, you must understand its key components. These building blocks help you construct a logical, persuasive, and well-structured text. The model essay below uses all of these elements effectively. …