Persuasive Writing vs Argumentative Writing

Persuasive Writing

• Starting Point: Identify your topic and choose your side.

• Purpose: Get the reader to agree with your opinion.

• Techniques:

  1. Combines facts with emotions to convince the reader that the author is “right”
  2. Emotion-based
  3. Ignores counter claims
  4. Presents only ideas that help establish a position
  5. Only presents only one side: the author’s side
  6. Makes claims without evidence

• Tone: The tone is emotionally charged and more aggressive.

Argumentative Writing

• Starting Point: Identify your topic, research your topic, and decide which side to support.

• Purpose: Get the reader to recognize your side of the argument is valid.

• Techniques:

  1. Offers facts, reasons, and evidence to show the author has valid points
  2. Logic-based
  3. Acknowledges the opposing claims
  4. May compare ideas to establish a position
  5. Presents multiple sides but it is clear which is the author’s side
  6. Always provides evidence with claims

• Tone: There is a calmer tone of just trying to get the reader to acknowledge the author’s side is worthy of consideration.