Persuasive vs argumentative writing: what is the difference?

Persuasive writing and argumentative writing both try to win the reader over, but they do it in different ways. Persuasive writing relies mostly on opinion and emotion, while argumentative writing builds its case on logic, reason, and evidence, and it answers the opposing view.

Because the two are so similar, argumentative and persuasive essays are often confused. Many school standards, such as the Common Core State Standards in the United States, ask students to write arguments, so the difference matters. For students, writers, and anyone else who wants to choose the right type of writing, here is what sets them apart.

The main difference

Argumentative and persuasive writing are related, but they are not quite the same thing. Argumentative writing uses logic and reason to make its case. Persuasive writing, on the other hand, is mostly based on opinions and emotions. This means that the biggest difference between them is evidence.

In an argument, evidence is more than a hunch or an opinion, and more than just a reason. Simply stating that you like cats because they are playful is not evidence. Evidence is solid, factual information that others can check: facts, figures, research findings, or what an expert told you. It is anything you can cite as your source.

Persuasive writing

Persuasive writing builds on the principles of rhetoric developed in ancient Greece. The best-known teacher of rhetoric is Aristotle, who described three ways to persuade: by reason, by emotion, and by the speaker's character. You can read more about them in types of persuasive writing. Back then, persuasion mostly happened in speeches rather than in writing.

Any writing that tries to convince readers to agree with the author's ideas or opinions can be called persuasive writing. The writer may use their own opinions, ideas, and emotions to make their point, and the main goal is to get the reader to agree.

An argumentative writer needs to gather evidence, research, and facts. A persuasive writer, by contrast, can make a convincing case with much less research, because they appeal to the reader's emotions rather than to their intellect. Many people believe that this is why writers who are truly passionate about a subject can be so convincing.

How formal your tone should be depends on your readers. See how to choose between formal and informal writing styles.

Argumentative writing

Unlike persuasive writing, which appeals to the reader's emotions, argumentative writing requires the author to investigate a topic. The author has to collect and evaluate the evidence first. Only then do they take a position on the topic and state it clearly and accurately.

To prove or defend a point, a good argumentative writer gathers the facts and figures they need and researches the topic thoroughly. That is why argumentative essays are often called debates on paper. With the evidence, the writer tries to show that the opposing position is weaker.

A strong argumentative essay contains:

• Claims: the points you want to prove, each backed by enough relevant evidence.
• Reasoning: an explanation of how the evidence supports each claim, sometimes called the warrant.
• Counterclaims and rebuttals: the main arguments of the other side, and your answers to them.

The differences at a glance