Argumentative and persuasive essays both aim to present a specific point of view, but

they are different both in how they get their point across and why. The author of an
argumentative essay will usually try to make his or her point through reason. This means
identifying the opposing viewpoints andthen using facts, statistics, or other evidence to
discredit them so that the reader ultimately concludes that the writers position is correct.
The persuasive essay, on the other hand, more often uses passion and emotion in an
attempt to sway the readers loyalties. Opposing views are often acknowledged here, but
arent usually analyzed. As a result this sort of essay is often perceived to be essentially
one-sided and is written based primarily on personal convictions. Argumentative papers
are usually structured more like high-level analysis, with sections devoted to looking at
key issues from multiple angles.
Argumentative Techniques
In most cases, the argumentative essay is one that objectively states an argument that it
then backs up with facts, statistics, and expert evidence. Writers generally acknowledge
counterclaims and opposing arguments from the very beginning, but make it their goal to
discredit them by appealing to the readers reason. As such these sorts of papers often
give an overview of all the main arguments or scholarship on a given topic, then build an
argument about which is the best or the most correct.
There are a few different techniques writers of these sorts of papers can use, depending
on their precise goal. Sometimes the point of the exposition is to demonstrate that the
counterclaims are based on outdated information or incomplete research, or they might be
discredited as factually inaccurate. The argumentative essays goal is to present a wholecloth argument that will convince a reader because of its grounding in fact and logic.
The writer of this sort of paper knows that readers may not agree at the end of the
argument, and in many cases convincing them isnt really all that important. More
essential is that the argument is logical and justifiable. Upon reading the reasons for the
position, a reader should at the very least respect the writers position, even if he or she
does not ultimately think the position is correct.
Passion and Persuasion
Persuasive essays, on the other hand, are usually designed to convince the reader, often
by appealing to his or her emotions. Writers will often start out assuming that their
readers are incorrect in their views and will then use the essay as a means of correcting or
perfecting perceptions. In most cases it is an appeal that makes use of a traditional
conceptions of right and wrong, and uses passion to draw the reader alongside the writer
for what is more or less a shared walk.
This type of essay acknowledges opposing viewpoints, but doesnt normally spend much
time analyzing them. Instead, writers usually attempt to frame their own perspectives
with more convincing language. Persuasive essays are often tailored to appeal to the
personal interests, social convictions, and any known passions of the reader, and as such
theyre often designed for a specific audience. This is in direct contrast to most
argumentative essays, which tend to be written for almost anyone.
Writers of persuasive essays also rely more on human emotions than statistics when
making their case. This type of writing focuses on empathetic and persuasive delivery

and the writer might present anecdotal storytelling or share personal experience with
which the reader can identify. The essay often presents the desired change of mind as a
win-win rhetorical situation for both the writer and the reader.
Structural Differences
In most cases these essays are structured really differently, too. Writers with
argumentative goals typically handle each issue or element in turn, analyzing it from all
sides and then drawing a conclusion consistent with the papers thesis. Persuasive pieces,
by contrast, more often raise and dismiss opposition at the outset, then spend the bulk of
the body paragraphs emphasizing the writers position with different examples.
The ways in which the conclusions are presented often differ, too. An argumentative
essay will usually end with a recap of all relevant facts and an assertion that the writers
interpretation is the correct one. The persuasive writer will more often conclude by
asking the reader to change his or her mind or join the cause presented in the paper.
Possible Places of Overlap
Argumentative and persuasive essays have a similar goal, which is to convince readers
that the core assertion is correct or at least well-reasoned. The difference between proving
a point and changing someones mind can be profound, but in certain aspects
identifying criticism, relating to the reader, and setting an authoritative tone, for instance
there can be similarities, too. A lot depends on the writer, the topic, and the intended
audience.