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.

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