Difference Between Argumentative and Persuasive

Argumentative vs Persuasive

There are many different styles of writing chosen for writing essays. One style of writing that tries to carry one’s point of view across is known as argumentative or persuasive style of writing. Many believe these styles of writing to be the same and use these words interchangeably. However, despite the similarity that both try to convince readers to agree to a point of view, argumentative style of writing is not synonymous with persuasive style of writing and there are clear differences between the two that will be highlighted in this article.

Persuasive Writing

The word of advertisements is nothing but persuasion. When a piece of writing tries to convince the reader about the efficacy or efficiency about a product or service, it is known as persuasive writing. However, it is an umbrella term that includes all writing that is done to convert the opinion of the reader so that he finally accepts the point of view of the author. Persuasive writing makes heavy use of logic to drive home the point. This style of writing appears to have a personal touch where the writer seeks to speak in a direct manner with the reader. At the end of the piece, there is always a call for action from the writer.

Argumentative Writing

Argumentative writing, as the name suggests presents an argument and then gives facts and evidence to provide support and back up to the reader. This type of writing is known to acknowledge that there are other points of view, as well. The writer not only gives counter views but also presents evidence in support of these counter views. However, the writer takes care to expose the holes in the counter views with the help of facts and suggestions.

The main purpose of argumentative writing is not to sway the opinion of the reader to a particular point of view or to win him over. The main purpose is to give the reader a solid point of view to let him think over and compare the merits of this point of view with counter views.

What is the difference between Argumentative and Persuasive?

• While both persuasive as well as argumentative styles of writing have a lot of similarities, the methods used by the two styles are different.

• While argumentative writing tries to prove a point of view, persuasive writing tries to convince the reader about the idea of the author.

• Persuasive style of writing has a more personal tone than argumentative style, which appears to be cold and based upon facts.

• Persuasive style tries to convince the reader about the efficacy or efficiency of the point of view of the author whereas argumentative style acknowledges counter views, as well.