the difference between argumentative and persuasive essay

Argumentative vs. Persuasive Essays: What’s the Difference?

The difference between an argumentative and persuasive essay isn’t always clear. If you’re struggling with either style for your next assignment, don’t worry. The following will clarify everything you need to know so you can write with confidence.

First, we define the primary objectives of argumentative vs. persuasive writing. We then compare the best strategies for starting the writing process. In both cases, the key is knowing your audience, which we will discuss later in this article by Custom-Writing.org experts.

• 🎯 Primary Objectives
• 🎬 Starting Your Essay
• ✍️ Writing Technique
• 👁️ Point of View
• ❓ So, what’s the difference?

🔗 References

🎯 persuasive vs. argumentative writing: primary objectives.

Both argumentative and persuasive essays require you to present your point of view on a specific topic. However, your approach will differ between the two. The words “argumentative” and “persuasive” should help you recognize what you are expected to achieve. Let’s see how.

For the argumentative essay, it is sufficient to present your point of view and nothing more. That said, the information you present should come across as being reliable enough for the readers. They don’t need to agree with your take on the issue at hand. The reader need only acknowledge that your point of view is worth considering.

In a persuasive essay, however, your goal is to get the reader on your side. And so, in addition to presenting sensible information, you want the reader to share your opinion.

Here are some examples to show you the difference. For more examples try and use a thesis statement generator for persuasive essay and for argumentative one, and you’ll clearly see what sets them apart.

Additionally, you can take a look at any example of term paper for college , which will clearly show you the differences between the types. Remember, though, that the more controversial your topic is, the more likely it is that the reader will disagree with you!

🎬 Argumentative vs. Persuasive Essay: How to Start

For either type of essay, the foundation is generally the same. Before even thinking about your introduction, settle on a topic that genuinely interests you. What follows will differ for argumentative and persuasive essays.

In the case of argumentative writing, it’s crucial to have all the information you need to build up a strong set of arguments and examples. Therefore, don’t forget to spend some time researching your topic in earnest. Once you have all the data, you can easily choose which side to take. Never force a paper to align with your personal opinion if you don’t have enough supporting evidence.

In the case of a persuasive essay, your job is to make sure you have a decent topic and identify which side to support. The starting point is a bit less complicated.

✍️ Persuasive vs. Argumentative Essays: Writing Technique

This is where things get interesting in the clash between persuasive and argumentative writing. For college-level writing, it’s never enough to follow a general essay outline . Getting that coveted higher mark requires that you know the unique yet subtle features of both writing styles.

Topical and relevant reasons are the backbone of any argumentative text. This is where preliminary research comes in. Having requisite evidence and facts from credible sources ensures the worthiness of your essay. That way, the reader can validate your point of view.

As with argumentative writing, persuasive essays should include some measure of supporting facts. What distinguishes persuasive writing is that you must also engage the reader on an emotional level. Moreover, there’s no need to present opposing opinions. Your goal is to make the reader take your side. All’s fair in love and war!

👁️ Persuasive vs. Argumentative Essays: Point of View

Let’s talk more about presenting different opinions. You were probably taught that an academic essay includes at least three arguments and an additional counterargument . Keep in mind, however, that this rule applies only to argumentative essays, in which you introduce three or more arguments with evidence to support your point of view. You then offset that point of view by including an opposing opinion. By doing so, you allow the reader to choose a side, even though the facts, as you’ve presented them, are in favor of your opinion. This is a logic-based approach.

In a persuasive essay, you’re not likely to entertain the opposition. Your conviction is the very essence of the essay. Your take on the issue in question must come across as the only sensible approach. If you’re feeling confident, you’re welcome to include a counterargument, but only if you decimate it right away!

👏 The Audience of Argumentative vs. Persuasive Essays

We’ve seen the differences and similarities between argumentative and persuasive writing and walked you through the technical aspects of both. But there’s one final piece of the puzzle to be considered: the question of your audience. This is the biggest difference of them all.

When writing an argumentative essay, remember that you don’t need to convince anyone. There is no audience. You’re simply presenting the information you gathered without expecting anything in return (except maybe a pat on the back from your teacher).

Without an audience, there’s no one to persuade. This touches on another crucial element of the writing process : understanding what and how your readers think. This allows you to pick the best strategy to convince them to join your side.

❓ What’s the Difference between a Persuasive Essay and an Argumentative Essay?

The main difference between a persuasive essay and an argumentative essay comes down to your audience. For persuasive writing, it’s necessary to feel out your audience and wield that knowledge to prove the efficacy of your perspective. For argumentative writing, opt for a logical approach and just present the facts with no intent to persuade anyone.

Persuasive Essay Topics

• Cigarettes manufacturers must be banned. 
• Unrestricted access to women’s health care is crucial for the welfare of future generations.
• College sports need to benefit student-athletes .
• Lowering TOEFL scores across university will benefit international students. 
• American football promotes violence and jeopardize sportsmen’s health.
• Tattoos are fine art. 
• Animal transplantation can reduce the problem of organs shortage.
• Smoking in public places should be banned to protect and improve public health.
• Job drug test has to be made obligatory.  
• It is necessary to prohibit using cellphones while driving .
• Gun control legislation must be revised.
• Surveillance cameras have to be installed in all public places.  
• Mandatory overtime for nurses must be made illegal.  
• Marijuana should be legalized for medical use.
• Business should switch to remote work for an increased talent pool.  
• Experimentation on animals has to be banned.  
• It is crucial to limit clear cutting in rainforest. 
• It is necessary to forbid guns in college campuses .
• Companies should prioritize the development of biometric security.  
• Abortions should be legalized worldwide.
• Children should not have grades in school .
• Wearing face mask in public places should be mandatory.
• English language learners have to be immersed in English. 
• Net neutrality should be supported.  
• Body organs sale should not be allowed.

Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should celebrities be a positive role model ?
• Does the use of social media in nursing violate patients’ rights regarding privacy?
• Is it right to abolish capital punishment ?
• Is it ethical to use animals for research?  
• Should bullies be expelled from school?
• Is it fair to try juveniles as adults ?
• Do you think it wise to lower drinking age to 18?  
• Will implementation of free higher education diminish economic disparities? 
• Should the voluntary euthanasia be permitted?
• Is stem cells use ethical?
• Should schoolchildren study the evolution theory?  
• Is container deposit legislation an urgent issue?
• Is marriage based on love more successful than arranged?
• Should the use of cell phones in public places be banned?
• Is it right for celebrities to be involved in political activism? 
• Do you agree that health insurance has to cover art and music therapy ?
• Does the government have right to monitor its citizens using technology? 
• Is it ethical to perform gene editing on human embryos?
• Do you think online dating as serious as dating in person?  
• Should vaccination of children be compulsory?
• Are the social media platforms a threat to human relationships?
• Are there limits to what should be questioned? 
• Should modern society become vegan?
• Do you think the cigarette smoking should be made illegal?
• Should illegal immigrants have full access to all social services?
• Argumentative Essays // Purdue Writing Lab
• Argumentative Essay Structure (University of Washington)
• Suggestions for Developing Argumentative Essays (UC Berkeley)
• Argumentative essay | Quick guide (article) | Khan Academy
• Writing a Persuasive Essay: Hamilton College
• Persuasion (UMN Libraries)
• Persuasive Writing – Georgetown Law
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Home » Language » Linguistic » Difference Between Argumentative and Persuasive Essay

Difference Between Argumentative and Persuasive Essay

Main difference – argumentative vs persuasive essay.

Persuasive essay and Argumentative essay are similar in nature and thus, often confused to be the same though there exists a difference between the two. In fact, Persuasive essay and Argumentative essay are two different types of essays, and  the main difference between them is that the persuasive essay depends on opinions and emotions while an argumentative essay uses logic and reason. Let us first look at these two types of essays in detail and then move on to identify the differences between a persuasive essay and an argumentative essay.

What is an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a piece of writing that attempts to convince the readers that the author’s idea is true . This is a genre of writing that is used to defend or prove a point. A writer should do a thorough research; gather accurate facts and figures before writing an argumentative essay. This is more like a debate written on paper. While writing an argumentative essay, a writer should be aware of both pros and cons of the argument, and should try to discredit the opposing view by using evidence .

What is a Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay is a piece of writing that attempts to convince the readers to agree with author’s ideas. In this type of essay, the writer can use his own ideas, opinions and evoke the emotions in the reader in order to convince them to agree to his opinion . A writer of a persuasive essay needs to do research, gather evidence, but a clever writer can create a successful essay without knowing much. This is because; a persuasive writing appeals more to reader’s emotions rather than minds. In persuasive writing, the writer should have certain awareness about the audience . For example, opinions and ideas that could appeal to teenagers may not have the same effect on adults. First person narration and Second person narration (Ex: In my opinion, I believe, etc.,) are commonly used as the writer is addressing the audience directly.

As discussed before, argumentative essays are a genre of writing that attempts to convince the readers to accept the writer’s idea as true, by using statistics, facts and figures, etc. while persuasive essays are a genre of writing that attempts to convince the readers to agree with the writer, by using emotions, personal ideas, etc. In other words, an argumentative essay is based on logic and reasons while a persuasive essay is based on emotions and personal opinions. When it comes preparations, before writing an argumentative essay, the writer needs to do a thorough research on the subject but does not need to have the knowledge about the audience. On the other hand, the writer can write a persuasive essay even without doing much research, but he should have certain  knowledge about the audience.

When we look at both types of essays in the perspective of the audience; an argumentative essay appeals to the minds of the readers whereas, a persuasive essay appeals to the hearts of the readers. Also,  an argumentative essay acknowledges opposing views, but a persuasive essay may not acknowledge opposing views.

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Argumentative vs Persuasive Essay: How Do They Compare?

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by  Antony W

August 10, 2023

It’s easy to assume that an argumentative essay is synonymous to persuasive essay writing because they both convince your audience to agree with your point of view.

But the two are different not only in terms of purpose but also in terms of the tone used in writing and the expected results.

In this comparison post, we’ll tell you the difference between persuasive and argumentative essay , our goal being to help you approach both assignments the right way.

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay writing is an assignment that requires students to pick a topic, investigate it, collect and evaluate evidence, choose a position, and then defend their stand.

For an essay to be considered argumentative, it must be clear and concise and feature a logical transition between the introduction , body paragraphs , and the conclusion .

Argumentative essays require evidential support, which can be either factual, statistical, historical, or logical.

What is a Persuasive Essay?

A persuasive essay is an assignment written to persuade.

An author uses first and second person point of view to express their conviction in a way that shows their thinking is the best.

Persuasive writing tends to be somewhat aggressive in approach, but in most cases, it tends to be emotional, passionate, and personal.

Argumentative vs Persuasive Essay

Let’s take a closer look on argumentative vs persuasive essay below.  

Keep in mind that this guide focuses mostly on the differences between the two  types of essays . 

Differences in Starting Point

You’re going to put very little work to persuasive essay writing and therefore you’ll find it easier to write. That’s because it has quite a simpler starting point.

When it comes to writing this essay, all you have to do is to identify the topic you’d like to cover and choose your side.

An argumentative essay is completely different in terms of its starting point. You have to choose a topic, research it in-depth, and then decide which side you’d like to support using reasonable and sufficient evidence.

Differences in Writing Technique

Difference in tone.

Argumentative essay writing requires an authoritative tone in order to make your ideas clear.

To demonstrate your authoritativeness on the topic, and to prove to the reader that you can argue your points, you need to use a formal tone as well as the right language to complete the essay. 

More often than not, your arguments have to reflect a consistent use of a somewhat complex language, as it’s necessary to fill the assignment with the technical terms related to the subject.

It’s a completely different case in persuasive writing.

Here’s where you write as if you’re talking a friend, and therefore you can use a more relaxed tone that identifies with your readers’ emotions, sense of humor, intelligence, and sometimes ego.

Difference in Purpose

The purpose of persuasive writing is to express your thoughts and beliefs in hope to convince your audience to share your point of view.

You may have a claim in persuasive writing, but there are often no solid and undeniable facts to present so as to defend your position.

For what it’s worth, especially since the primary goal is to sway the reader in hope that they either agree with you or take an action, often a persuasive essay tends to use a non-formal kind of debate and emotional appeal.

The purpose of an argument is completely different. Authors need to invest in research and come up with compelling arguments to defend their positions. 

Instead of swaying your audience, you present the evidence for or against an argument and let your audience decides whether to take your stand or to write off your argument completely.

Difference in Conclusion

In argumentative essay writing, your conclusion should demonstrate two things.

First, demonstrate the position you take in the argument, and second, let the reader know that they can recognize other point of view.

By doing so, you not only demonstrate that you put effort in researching your topic but also establish that your stand is the best among all in relation to the topic in question.

The conclusion of a persuasive essay isn’t as robust and may not even be as convincing.

First, the end of the essay tries to put a reader in the position to accept that an author’s thoughts are the only source of information on the subject in question.

In a way, the assumption is that the author expects the reader will recognize and agree with their stand.

Argumentative vs Persuasive Essay: Get Writing Help

Let’s face it:

Writing an argumentative or persuasive essay isn’t always as easy, especially if you have so many other assignments to complete.

If we’re being honest, sometimes the best way to beat your deadline is to seek academic writing help.

At Help for Assessment, we invest a lot of time and resources to help students understand, complete, and submit their essays on time.

So if you don’t have the time to complete the papers yourself, and you need help from an academic writing service that has written thousands of essays already, you can count on us to help you complete the work.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Difference Between An Argumentative vs Persuasive Essay: Key Distinctions

Jul 26, 2024 | 0 comments

Jul 26, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

Essays come in various forms, but two commonly confused types are argumentative and persuasive essays . As a writing instructor, I’ve noticed that many students struggle to differentiate argumentative vs persuasive essay.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the  key differences between argumentative and persuasive writing , helping you understand when and how to use each approach effectively.

By the end, you’ll have a clear grasp of the  differences and similarities between persuasive and argumentative  essays , enabling you to start writing with confidence.

Table of Contents

Defining the Two Essay Types

Before delving into the difference between persuasive and argumentative essays, it’s crucial to establish clear definitions for both.

Let’s break it down in simple terms:

An argumentative essay is a type of writing where you present a viewpoint or stance on an issue and support it with evidence and logical reasoning . Your goal is to convince the reader that your position is valid, even if they don’t necessarily agree with you.

On the other hand, a persuasive essay aims to convince the reader to adopt your perspective or take a specific action. While it also uses evidence, it often relies more heavily on emotional appeal and personal anecdotes to sway the reader.

The biggest difference between an argumentative essay and a persuasive essay lies in its ultimate goal. An argumentative essay seeks to prove the validity of an argument, while a persuasive essay aims to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or course of action.

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What Is The Difference Between Argumentative And Persuasive Writing?

1. purpose and goal.

The primary distinction between these essay types lies in their fundamental purpose and intended outcome. When writing an  argumentative essay , your main aim is to present a well-reasoned argument supported by evidence. You’re not necessarily trying to change the reader’s mind but rather to demonstrate the strength and validity of your position.

In contrast, when crafting a  persuasive essay , you aim to persuade the reader to agree with your viewpoint or take a specific action. You’re actively trying to sway their opinion and influence their behavior behavior.

For example, if I were writing an argumentative essay about climate change, I might focus on presenting scientific evidence and logical arguments to support the reality of global warming. However, if I were writing a persuasive essay on the same topic, I’d try to convince the reader to take specific actions to reduce their carbon footprint.

2. Approach to Evidence

Argumentative and persuasive essays differ significantly in utilizing evidence to support their claims. In an argumentative essay , you’ll gather and present solid evidence from credible sources to support your position. You’ll rely heavily on facts, statistics, and expert opinions to build a logical case.

While writing a persuasive essay, you’ll still use evidence, but you might place more emphasis on emotional appeals, personal anecdotes, and relatable examples. The goal here is to inform and personally resonate with the reader resonate with the reader personally.

For instance, if I’m writing an argumentative essay about the benefits of exercise, I might cite scientific studies showing the positive effects of regular physical activity on health. In a persuasive essay on the same topic, I might share a personal story about how exercise changed my life, appealing to the reader’s emotions and desire for self-improvement.

3. Tone and Language

The writer’s voice and choice of words play a pivotal role in distinguishing between these two essay styles. You’ll typically adopt a more formal, objective tone in an argumentative essay. You’ll use third-person language and avoid personal pronouns to maintain a sense of impartiality.

In persuasive writing , you can use a conversational tone and employ rhetorical devices like questions, analogies, and emotional language. The writer tailors their language to create a strong connection with the reader.

For example, in an argumentative essay about social media’s impact on society, I might write:

“Research indicates that excessive social media use can lead to increased feelings of loneliness and depression.”

In a persuasive essay on the same topic, I might say:

“Have you ever felt a pang of envy scrolling through your social media feed? You’re not alone – let’s explore how we can break free from the digital trap and reclaim our happiness.”

4. Audience Consideration

Argumentative and persuasive writing handles understanding and addressing the target audience differently. When crafting an  argumentative essay , you’re writing for an audience with differing opinions . Your job is to present a logical argument that can stand up to scrutiny from various points of view .

In a persuasive essay , you often write for an audience that is neutral or slightly opposed to your viewpoint. Your goal is to  sway them to your side, so you need to consider their existing beliefs, values, and potential objections.

For instance, if I’m writing an argumentative essay about the pros and cons of genetic engineering, I’ll present balanced information that acknowledges multiple perspectives . However, suppose I’m writing a persuasive essay arguing for adopting genetically modified crops to combat world hunger. In that case, I’ll address the concerns and values of readers who might be skeptical about GMOs.

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5. Structure and Organization

While both essay types follow a basic structure, there are subtle differences in how they organize their content. An argumentative essay typically follows a more rigid structure:

• Introduction with a clear thesis statement
• Body paragraphs presenting evidence and addressing counterarguments
• Conclusion restating the thesis and summarizing key points

A persuasive essay , while still organized, might have a more flexible structure:

• Attention-grabbing introduction
• Body paragraphs that mix logical arguments with emotional appeals
• A strong call to action in the conclusion

The transition between sections in both types of essays should be smooth, using linking phrases and words to guide the reader through your argument or persuasion.

For example, in an  argumentative essay , you might use phrases like “Furthermore,” “In contrast,” or “On the other hand” to introduce new points or counterarguments .

In a  persuasive essay , you might use more emotionally charged transitions like “Imagine if…” or “You might be wondering…”

6. Handling Counterarguments

The treatment of opposing viewpoints is a key factor that sets argumentative and persuasive essays apart. In an argumentative essay , you must acknowledge and address counterarguments directly. This shows that you’ve considered multiple sides of an issue and strengthens your overall argument.

In a persuasive essay , while you might mention opposing views, your primary focus is on reinforcing your position. You might briefly  acknowledge other perspectives but quickly  emphasize why your viewpoint is superior.

For example, suppose I’m writing an argumentative essay about the pros and cons of online learning. In that case, I’ll dedicate substantial space to discussing the advantages and disadvantages, showing a balanced view. I might mention some concerns, but I’ll focus primarily on highlighting the benefits and addressing how potential drawbacks can be mitigated.

7. Examples in Real-World Writing

To better grasp the distinctions, exploring how these essay types manifest in various contexts is helpful. You’ll often find  argumentative writing in academic papers, scientific articles, and policy documents. These pieces aim to present well-reasoned arguments based on evidence and logic.

Persuasive writing is more common in advertising, opinion pieces, and political speeches. These forms of communication are designed to sway the audience’s opinions or actions through logical and emotional appeals.

For instance, a scientific paper discussing the effects of climate change would be an example of argumentative writing . It presents data, analyses findings, and draws conclusions based on evidence. On the other hand, an environmental activist’s speech urging people to reduce their carbon footprint would be a form of persuasive writing , combining facts with emotional appeals and calls to action.

Argumentative Writing Example

• The Fight for Women’s Freedom: John Stuart Mill’s Views on Women’s Subordination | Argumentative Essay Example

Persuasive Writing Example

• Exploring the Ethical Dilemma of Euthanasia: Perspectives and Controversies | Persuasive Essay Example

Argumentative Vs Persuasive Essay, Final Thoughts!

While argumentative and persuasive essays share similarities, their differences make them unique tools for effective communication. The key differences lie in their goals, approach to evidence, tone, and handling of opposing viewpoints. An argumentative essay seeks to prove the validity of a position through logical reasoning and evidence. In contrast, a persuasive essay aims to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective writing. When you’re asked to write an essay, consider your purpose: Are you trying to present a well-reasoned argument, or are you trying to persuade someone to agree with you or take action? Your answer will guide you in choosing the appropriate type of essay and the strategies to employ.

Remember, both types of essays have their place in academic and professional writing. By mastering the art of argumentative and persuasive writing, you’ll be well-equipped to express your ideas effectively in various contexts. So, the next time you start writing, take a moment to consider your goal and choose the essay type that best suits your purpose. Happy writing!

Through my engaging and informative blog posts, I aim to provide helpful tips on topics such as essay writing, research skills, and academic planning, empowering students to thrive in their academic pursuits.

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Argumentative Essay vs. Persuasive Essay: What's the Difference?

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Argumentative Essay Vs Persuasive Essay: What Is The Difference?

• Views 14149
• Author Sandra W.

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a paper that seeks to state a position on an issue and give several reasons, supported by evidence, for agreeing with that position. The main objective of writing an argumentative essay is to learn how to convince people to change their perception of things that they strongly believe in.

A student establishes a position on a chosen or given topic and then uses evidence to convince the reader to see things from his/her perspective. One has to investigate the various sides of the argument in order to write a great argumentative essay that allows them to make an educated position.

Afterwards, collect evidence, statistics, facts, and claims from experts in the field.

Is An Argumentative Essay The Same As A Persuasive Essay?

Most students often ask whether there is a difference between argumentative essay vs persuasive essay. The answer is yes. Here are three differences between persuasive and argumentative writing:

• The goal with argumentative writing is not to take a stand and persuade, but rather to summarize a text, and discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree, providing solid evidence.
• Students can qualify with argumentative writing by providing reasons and examples from the text provided and from their previous readings, own experiences, and observations to support their opinions, and discuss the extent to which they agree or disagree.
• Argumentative writing recognizes the balance of incorporating different perspectives on the argument, but with solid support, argues distinctly for one.

The chart below further discusses the main differences:

How to Write an Argumentative Essay

There are various patterns that writers can use when writing an argumentative essay even though there is no specific model of organization. Just like other essays, argumentative essays consist of three parts: introduction, body and the conclusion.

• Introduction:  present your thesis and be precise without giving your evidence yet. Make sure you have a clear thesis that answers the question. Your thesis should state your position and be the last sentence of your introduction.
• Body:  the body consists of a number of paragraphs. Each paragraph has a topic sentence, which is the main argument of the paragraph. That is followed by further illustrating and providing specific examples to support the topic sentence.
• Conclusion:  this is a quick summary of thesis. Why should your reader adopt your point of view? Try to use the anticipating objections in the conclusion

Interesting Topics to Write an Argumentative Essay On

An argumentative essay uses reasoning and evidence - not emotion - to take a definitive stand on a controversial or debatable issue. This is one of the most common type of writing in a students' career. The first step to writing an argumentative paper is to choose a controversial topic to defend or argue against.

Here, we have gathered a list of 200 topic for argumentative writing that you can use to write your paper arranged by categories .

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