What Is the Difference Between
Persuasive and Argumentative Writing?
Persuasive Writing Argumentative Writing
Starting Point: Identify your Starting Point: Identify your
topic and choose your side. topic, research your topic, and
decide which side to support.
Purpose: Get the reader to agree Purpose: Get the reader to
with your opinion. recognize your side of the
argument is valid.
Techniques: Techniques:
1. Combines facts with 1. Offers facts, reasons, and
emotions to convince the evidence to show the author
reader that the author is has valid points
“right” 2. Logic-based
2. Emotion-based 3. Acknowledges the opposing
3. Ignores counter claims claims
4. Presents only ideas that 4. May compare ideas to
help establish a position establish a position
5. Only presents only one 5. Presents multiple sides but it
side: the author’s side is clear which is the author’s
side
6. Makes claims without 6. Always provides evidence
evidence with claims
Tone: The tone is emotionally Tone: There is a calmer tone of
charged and more aggressive. just trying to get the reader to
acknowledge the author’s side is
worthy of consideration.
Persuasive and Argumentative Writing?
Persuasive Writing Argumentative Writing
Starting Point: Identify your Starting Point: Identify your
topic and choose your side. topic, research your topic, and
decide which side to support.
Purpose: Get the reader to agree Purpose: Get the reader to
with your opinion. recognize your side of the
argument is valid.
Techniques: Techniques:
1. Combines facts with 1. Offers facts, reasons, and
emotions to convince the evidence to show the author
reader that the author is has valid points
“right” 2. Logic-based
2. Emotion-based 3. Acknowledges the opposing
3. Ignores counter claims claims
4. Presents only ideas that 4. May compare ideas to
help establish a position establish a position
5. Only presents only one 5. Presents multiple sides but it
side: the author’s side is clear which is the author’s
side
6. Makes claims without 6. Always provides evidence
evidence with claims
Tone: The tone is emotionally Tone: There is a calmer tone of
charged and more aggressive. just trying to get the reader to
acknowledge the author’s side is
worthy of consideration.
