What’s the Difference Between an Argumentative Essay and a Persuasive Essay

One common mistakes students make when choosing an essay type for an assignment is failing to recognize that there is a fundamental difference between an argumentative essay and a persuasive essay.

Argumentative and persuasive essays often get lumped together, but they serve completely different purposes. This article aims to clear the fog surrounding these two types of essays by pinpointing what sets them apart and the type of features that are unique to each essay type.

Blog image: argumentative versus descriptive essays

An argumentative essay is built on evidence and reasoning. Its aim is to present a balanced view of a topic, where the writer supports their argument with facts and logical reasoning. Check out our argumentative essay template for a specific guide.

A persuasive essay, in contrast, is designed to convince the reader of the writer’s viewpoint, often by appealing to emotions as well as logic.

Why It Matters

Understanding the differences between and argumentative essay and a persuasive essay is crucial. It’s not just about academic assignments; it’s about knowing how to use these forms effectively in real-world scenarios. Whether you’re making a case for a change in school policy or persuading your peers to join a cause, the skills you develop from writing these essays are invaluable.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of both essay types, helping you choose the right approach for your writing goals.

The Main Differences Between an Argumentative Essay and a Persuasive Essay

Argumentative Essay

This type of essay is your opportunity to lay out an argument about a particular topic. Think of it as building a case in a court of law. You need solid evidence and logical reasoning to convince your audience. The key here is to present all sides of the argument, including opposing viewpoints, and then use facts and logic to support your position. It’s not just about what you believe; it’s about proving why your stance is credible.

For some ideas for argumentative essay topics, see argumentative topic ideas.

Persuasive Essay

In a persuasive essay, your goal is to sway the reader to your side of an argument. It’s similar to an argumentative essay, but here, you’re not just presenting facts; you’re also connecting with the reader on an emotional level to get them to agree with your viewpoint. This might mean using passionate language, strong examples, or calls to action that appeal directly to the reader’s feelings and desires.

For ideas of persuasive essay topics, see examples of persuasive essay topics.

Argumentative Essays Versus Persuasive Essays

Aspect Argumentative Essay Persuasive Essay
Purpose To present a balanced view of the topic and argue a point with evidence To persuade the reader to accept a viewpoint or take an action
Audience General or academic; readers looking for evidence-based arguments Specific audience likely to be swayed by emotional appeal
Structure Clear, logical structure with evidence supporting each point Uses emotional and ethical appeals along with logical arguments
Evidence Statistical, factual, logical evidence Emotional appeals, ethical reasoning, alongside facts
Tone and Language More formal and academic Can be more personal, emotional, or impassioned
Counterarguments Addresses and refutes counterarguments May acknowledge counterarguments but focuses on persuasion
Emotional Appeal Minimal; focuses more on logical appeal Significant; key strategy to persuade the reader.

 

Differences in the Purpose of Argumentative Essays and Persuasive Essays

Argumentative essays are crafted to present a persuasive stance on a particular topic, akin to a lawyer presenting a case in court. They aim to sway the reader’s opinion through logical reasoning, evidence, and counterarguments. For instance, in an essay advocating for stricter environmental policies, one might cite scientific studies and statistics to support the argument.

On the other hand, descriptive essays focus on painting a vivid picture or evoking sensory experiences without aiming to persuade. Rather than arguing a point, they aim to immerse the reader in a scene or evoke a particular emotion. For example, describing a bustling city street would involve detailed imagery and sensory language to transport the reader into that urban environment. Thus, while argumentative essays persuade, descriptive essays create an immersive experience through vivid description.

Argumentative Essays Vs Persuasive Essays: Differences in Structure

The audience for argumentative essays typically consists of individuals who are interested in the topic being discussed and are open to being persuaded or informed. They may hold various viewpoints, ranging from opposing to neutral, but are generally receptive to engaging with the presented arguments and evidence. In contrast, the audience for descriptive essays is often more varied and inclusive. These essays appeal to a broader range of readers, including those seeking to be transported to new settings or experiences, as well as individuals interested in the artistry of language and storytelling. Descriptive essays have a universal appeal that can captivate both those familiar with the subject matter and those encountering it for the first time, making their audience more diverse and expansive.

The Difference Between the Presentation of Evidence in Argumentative and Descriptive Essays

The evidence in argumentative essays serves the purpose of supporting the author’s claims and persuading the reader to accept a particular viewpoint. This evidence is often factual, statistical, or anecdotal, and it is carefully selected to strengthen the argument and refute opposing perspectives. Examples might include scientific studies, expert opinions, or historical data that lend credibility to the author’s position. In contrast, the evidence in descriptive essays is used to create sensory experiences and immerse the reader in a particular setting or atmosphere. Instead of supporting an argument, this evidence paints a vivid picture through detailed descriptions, sensory imagery, and figurative language. Examples in descriptive essays might include vivid descriptions of landscapes, detailed characterizations, or poignant anecdotes that evoke emotion and enhance the reader’s understanding of the subject.

How the Tone of Language Differs Between Argumentative and Descriptive Essays

The tone of language in argumentative essays is often formal, assertive, and persuasive. Authors use precise language and logical reasoning to present their arguments convincingly, aiming to sway the reader’s opinion on a particular topic. This tone conveys confidence and authority, as the author seeks to establish credibility and command attention. In contrast, the tone of language in descriptive essays tends to be more expressive, immersive, and evocative. Authors use vivid imagery, sensory details, and figurative language to paint a rich and vivid picture, appealing to the reader’s emotions and imagination. This tone creates a sense of intimacy and engagement, inviting the reader to experience the subject firsthand through the power of language.

The Differences in the Way Counterarguments are Presented in Argumentative and Descriptive Essays

In argumentative essays, counterarguments serve as essential components to acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints. Authors anticipate potential objections to their claims and present counterarguments to refute them, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the complexity of the issue. These counterarguments are carefully considered and strategically integrated into the essay to strengthen the overall argument and enhance its persuasiveness. For example, in an essay advocating for renewable energy sources, counterarguments might address concerns about cost-effectiveness or reliability. On the other hand, descriptive essays typically do not include counterarguments since their focus is on creating vivid imagery and evoking sensory experiences rather than persuading the reader. Instead, descriptive essays prioritize capturing the essence of a scene or subject through detailed descriptions and immersive language, inviting the reader to explore and appreciate the richness of the depicted environment.

Differences in the Emotional Appeal of Argumentative Essays and Persuasive Essays

In argumentative essays, the emotional appeal of counterarguments often lies in their ability to empathize with opposing viewpoints while strategically dismantling them. Authors may employ empathy and understanding to acknowledge the validity of opposing emotions or concerns, thus fostering a sense of respect and credibility with readers who hold differing opinions. By addressing counterarguments with empathy and logical reasoning, authors aim to evoke a sense of intellectual engagement and emotional resonance, encouraging readers to reconsider their perspectives. In contrast, emotional appeal in descriptive essays typically arises from the immersive language and vivid imagery used to evoke sensory experiences and elicit emotional responses directly. Rather than engaging in persuasive dialogue, descriptive essays appeal to readers’ emotions by transporting them into the depicted scenes or experiences, allowing for a more intimate and personal connection with the subject matter.