Argumentative vs. Persuasive Essays: What’s the Difference?

The difference between an argumentative and persuasive essay isn’t always clear. If you’re struggling with either style for your next assignment, don’t worry. The following will clarify everything you need to know so you can write with confidence.

First, we define the primary objectives of argumentative vs. persuasive writing. We then compare the best strategies for starting the writing process. In both cases, the key is knowing your audience, which we will discuss later in this article by Custom-Writing.org experts.

🎯 Persuasive vs. Argumentative Writing: Primary Objectives

Both argumentative and persuasive essays require you to present your point of view on a specific topic. However, your approach will differ between the two. The words “argumentative” and “persuasive” should help you recognize what you are expected to achieve. Let’s see how.

For the argumentative essay, it is sufficient to present your point of view and nothing more. That said, the information you present should come across as being reliable enough for the readers. They don’t need to agree with your take on the issue at hand. The reader need only acknowledge that your point of view is worth considering.

In a persuasive essay, however, your goal is to get the reader on your side. And so, in addition to presenting sensible information, you want the reader to share your opinion.

Here are some examples to show you the difference. For more examples try and use a thesis statement generator for persuasive essay and for argumentative one, and you’ll clearly see what sets them apart.

Argumentative Essay Topics 💡	Persuasive Essay Topics 💡
Why is the current grading system flawed?	Why should education be free?
How do energy drinks affect our bodies long-term?	Marijuana should be legalized worldwide for medical use.
How do social media affect self-esteem?	What are the benefits of paternity leave for both employees and employers?

Additionally, you can take a look at any example of term paper for college, which will clearly show you the differences between the types. Remember, though, that the more controversial your topic is, the more likely it is that the reader will disagree with you!

🎬 Argumentative vs. Persuasive Essay: How to Start

For either type of essay, the foundation is generally the same. Before even thinking about your introduction, settle on a topic that genuinely interests you. What follows will differ for argumentative and persuasive essays.

In the case of argumentative writing, it’s crucial to have all the information you need to build up a strong set of arguments and examples. Therefore, don’t forget to spend some time researching your topic in earnest. Once you have all the data, you can easily choose which side to take. Never force a paper to align with your personal opinion if you don’t have enough supporting evidence.

In the case of a persuasive essay, your job is to make sure you have a decent topic and identify which side to support. The starting point is a bit less complicated.

✍️ Persuasive vs. Argumentative Essays: Writing Technique

This is where things get interesting in the clash between persuasive and argumentative writing. For college-level writing, it’s never enough to follow a general essay outline. Getting that coveted higher mark requires that you know the unique yet subtle features of both writing styles.

Topical and relevant reasons are the backbone of any argumentative text. This is where preliminary research comes in. Having requisite evidence and facts from credible sources ensures the worthiness of your essay. That way, the reader can validate your point of view.

As with argumentative writing, persuasive essays should include some measure of supporting facts. What distinguishes persuasive writing is that you must also engage the reader on an emotional level. Moreover, there’s no need to present opposing opinions. Your goal is to make the reader take your side. All’s fair in love and war!

👁️ Persuasive vs. Argumentative Essays: Point of View

Let’s talk more about presenting different opinions. You were probably taught that an academic essay includes at least three arguments and an additional counterargument. Keep in mind, however, that this rule applies only to argumentative essays, in which you introduce three or more arguments with evidence to support your point of view. You then offset that point of view by including an opposing opinion. By doing so, you allow the reader to choose a side, even though the facts, as you’ve presented them, are in favor of your opinion. This is a logic-based approach.

In a persuasive essay, you’re not likely to entertain the opposition. Your conviction is the very essence of the essay. Your take on the issue in question must come across as the only sensible approach. If you’re feeling confident, you’re welcome to include a counterargument, but only if you decimate it right away!

👏 The Audience of Argumentative vs. Persuasive Essays

We’ve seen the differences and similarities between argumentative and persuasive writing and walked you through the technical aspects of both. But there’s one final piece of the puzzle to be considered: the question of your audience. This is the biggest difference of them all.

When writing an argumentative essay, remember that you don’t need to convince anyone. There is no audience. You’re simply presenting the information you gathered without expecting anything in return (except maybe a pat on the back from your teacher).

Without an audience, there’s no one to persuade. This touches on another crucial element of the writing process: understanding what and how your readers think. This allows you to pick the best strategy to convince them to join your side.

❓ What’s the Difference between a Persuasive Essay and an Argumentative Essay?

The main difference between a persuasive essay and an argumentative essay comes down to your audience. For persuasive writing, it’s necessary to feel out your audience and wield that knowledge to prove the efficacy of your perspective. For argumentative writing, opt for a logical approach and just present the facts with no intent to persuade anyone.

Persuasive Essay Topics

1. Cigarettes manufacturers must be banned. 
2. Unrestricted access to women’s health care is crucial for the welfare of future generations.
3. College sports need to benefit student-athletes.
4. Lowering TOEFL scores across university will benefit international students. 
5. American football promotes violence and jeopardize sportsmen’s health.
6. Tattoos are fine art. 
7. Animal transplantation can reduce the problem of organs shortage.
8. Smoking in public places should be banned to protect and improve public health.
9. Job drug test has to be made obligatory.  
10. It is necessary to prohibit using cellphones while driving.
11. Gun control legislation must be revised.
12. Surveillance cameras have to be installed in all public places.  
13. Mandatory overtime for nurses must be made illegal.  
14. Marijuana should be legalized for medical use.
15. Business should switch to remote work for an increased talent pool.  
16. Experimentation on animals has to be banned.  
17. It is crucial to limit clear cutting in rainforest. 
18. It is necessary to forbid guns in college campuses.
19. Companies should prioritize the development of biometric security.  
20. Abortions should be legalized worldwide.
21. Children should not have grades in school.
22. Wearing face mask in public places should be mandatory.
23. English language learners have to be immersed in English. 
24. Net neutrality should be supported.  
25. Body organs sale should not be allowed.

Argumentative Essay Topics

1. Should celebrities be a positive role model?
2. Does the use of social media in nursing violate patients’ rights regarding privacy?
3. Is it right to abolish capital punishment?
4. Is it ethical to use animals for research?  
5. Should bullies be expelled from school?
6. Is it fair to try juveniles as adults?
7. Do you think it wise to lower drinking age to 18?  
8. Will implementation of free higher education diminish economic disparities? 
9. Should the voluntary euthanasia be permitted?
10. Is stem cells use ethical?
11. Should schoolchildren study the evolution theory?  
12. Is container deposit legislation an urgent issue?
13. Is marriage based on love more successful than arranged?
14. Should the use of cell phones in public places be banned?
15. Is it right for celebrities to be involved in political activism? 
16. Do you agree that health insurance has to cover art and music therapy?
17. Does the government have right to monitor its citizens using technology? 
18. Is it ethical to perform gene editing on human embryos?
19. Do you think online dating as serious as dating in person?  
20. Should vaccination of children be compulsory?
21. Are the social media platforms a threat to human relationships?
22. Are there limits to what should be questioned? 
23. Should modern society become vegan?
24. Do you think the cigarette smoking should be made illegal?
25. Should illegal immigrants have full access to all social services?

🔗 References

1. Argumentative Essays // Purdue Writing Lab
2. Argumentative Essay Structure (University of Washington)
3. Suggestions for Developing Argumentative Essays (UC Berkeley)
4. Argumentative essay | Quick guide (article) | Khan Academy
5. Writing a Persuasive Essay: Hamilton College
6. Persuasion (UMN Libraries)
7. Persuasive Writing – Georgetown Law