Rhetoric: Argumentative Writing Vs. Persuasive Writing

 

The Purpose of Argument/Persuasion 

   Rhetoric: Argumentative Writing vs. Persuasive Writing_ Audio File

Who has never argued? We all do. I argue all the time and chances are, so do you. If you disagree with my statement here, that is grounds for an argument.

An argument does not necessarily mean you are angry. All it means is that you have a point-of-view on an issue that is different from another person’s, and you are trying to give reasons as to why your point-of-view is more sensible. In other words, you are right and a person with an opposing view is wrong.

While argumentative writing, like persuasive writing, aims to convince an audience of the superiority of a particular stance on an issue, they have subtle differences that make them suitable for different contexts.

Similarities in Argument and Persuasion

Let's first look at how they are similar.

As previously noted, both forms of writing have a similar purpose - to convince or persuade an audience. To do that, they both make use of persuasive techniques. Also, they may both include facts to support their argument. 

Before we look at what makes them different, let's explore come of the terms highlighted above.

*Audience- these are the persons you expect to convince. Knowing your audience is important since it helps to determine the level of vocabulary you use, the appropriate language register and even what persuasive techniques may be most effective.

* Persuasive Techniques - These are established ways of proving to your reader that your argument is sound. Some persuasive techniques include:

               - appeal to emotion

               - use of authority

               - use of statistics

               - use of analogy

without the use of persuasive techniques your writing cannot be classified as a persuasive/argumentative piece at all.

* Facts - facts are considered information which can be proven to be true. Using facts help to strengthen how well your argument is received by your audience. People must believe what you say if you can prove it to be true. Right?

 

Differences between Argument and Persuasion

The differences between the two forms of writing can be summed as is below.

(1) Persuasive writing is largely opinionated and makes use of techniques which appeal to emotions to sway their audience and does not necessarily need facts. It portrays only the opinion of the writer and does not address any opposing views.

(2) Argumentative writing explores the facts of both sides of an issue and may or may not lean towards a favoured stance on the argument. It uses neither opinion not emotion-based techniques as this would weaken the argument. 

Like other essays, you may use the five-paragraph model.

Structure of a Persuasive Piece

Paragraph 1	Introduction	This includes a hook, background info on the topic and a thesis statement which shows your stance on the issue and the three reasons for your stance
Paragraph 2-4	Body Paragraphs	This explains the reasons for your stance as listed by your thesis statement. Each paragraph should include a minimum of 1 persuasive technique.
Paragraph 5	Conclusion	This paragraph restates your thesis points, each in their own sentence, using different words. It may also be used to make recommendations

 

 

The argumentative essay may have six paragraphs.

 

Structure of an Argumentative Piece (1)

Paragraph 1	Introduction	This includes a hook, background info on the topic and a thesis statement which shows your stance on the issue and the three reasons for your stance
Paragraph 2-4	Body Paragraphs	This explains the reasons for your stance as listed by your thesis statement. Each paragraph should include a minimum of 1 persuasive technique.
Paragraph 5	Rebuttal or Counterargument	This paragraph states 1 or 2 opposing argument to your argument and gives reason why these arguments are flawed.
Paragraph 6	Conclusion	This paragraph restates your thesis points, each in their own sentence, using different words. It may also be used to make recommendations

 

Below is an alternate to this argument structure which may see you using fewer words. Be sure to discuss its use with your instructor before using the structure below.

Structure of an Argumentative Piece (2)

Paragraph 1	Counterargument/Thesis Statement	This starts off your essay by stating 2 or three arguments against your stance, followed by your thesis statement which has 3 reasons why the counterarguments stated are wrong. An appropriate transitional word/phrase must precede the thesis statement
Paragraph 2-4	Body Paragraphs	This explains the reasons for your stance as listed by your thesis statement. Each paragraph should include a minimum of 1 persuasive technique.
Paragraph 5	Conclusion	This paragraph restates your thesis points, each in their own sentence, using different words. It may also be used to make recommendations

 

 

Aside from the purpose and structure of the argumentative piece, you must also take care that your argument is sound. This means, it should make complete sense.

Fallacies in Argument

Fallacies are errors in reasoning which will weaken your argument so here are a few to avoid:

(1) Straw man argument- This type of argument attacks the opposition’s person rather than the opposition’s argument.

(2) Appeal to ignorance – This type of argument proposes that a phenomenon must be true because it cannot be proven false

(3) False dilemma – This argument simplifies an argument to only 2 possibilities, promoting one side while demonizing the other. This ignores all other reason.

(4) Slippery slope- This argument assumes that a particular action will result in a specific chain of events, leading to a set end.

(5) Hasty Generalization- This is a claim made based on a few examples rather than comprehensive proof.

There are several other fallacies in argument, as there are for persuasive technique. Be sure to do some research on both before you start planning your argument.