Argument Essays VS Persuasive Essays

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 and then using facts, statistics, or other evidence to discredit them so that the reader ultimately concludes that the writer’s position is correct. The persuasive essay, on the other hand, more often uses passion and emotion in an attempt to sway the reader’s loyalties. Opposing views are often acknowledged here, but aren’t 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.

What is the difference between argument and persuasion?

 

An Argumentative Essay	A Persuasive Essay
Makes claims based on factual evidence Makes counter-claims The author takes opposing views into account Neutralizes or "defeats" serious opposing ideas. Convinces audience through the merit and reasonableness of the claims and proofs offered Often compares texts or ideas to establish a position Logic based.	May make claims based on opinion May not take opposing ideas into account Persuades by appealing to the audience’s emotion or by relying on the character or credentials of the writer – less on the merits of his or her reasons and evidence. May be emotion-based.

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 reader’s 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.

For each of the following essay prompts, consider the following:

• What type of evidence would you provide to your reader if you were assigned the following essay prompts? 
• Where would you look to find this information? 
• What type of introduction would you choose to start each essay?

1. Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
2. Is the cost of college too high?
3. Does religion cause war?
4. Does age matter in relationships?
5. Is global climate change man-made?
6. Is our election process fair?

Refining Your Narrative Essay

Figurative Language PPT

Descriptive Writing

Click here to view the Narrative Essay Power Point presentation I discussed in class today.

Click here to view the Prezi presentation on the 5 paragraph essay we discussed in class last week.

Creating Thesis Statements

Power Point Presentation: Moving from Topic to Thesis

Post three questions about a topic and then turn them into thesis statements. Please post by Friday.