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

Argumentative vs. Persuasive Essays

Posted date: 2025-07-11

At first, a persuasive essay and a good argumentative essay are the same. But they are not like your usual types of essay writing; they have certain changes you must know about before you write. 

Whereas persuasive essays may appear to be another type of argumentative essay. These formats might vary; these are as follows.

  1. Purpose 
  2. Technique 
  3. Perspective
  4. Tone
  5. Structure

Argumentative Vs persuasive essay- Key variances 

1. Purpose 

In the argumentative essay, author need to present their views by adding examples and supporting their claims.

Whereas, the aim of a persuasive essay is to motivate the readers by delivering an emotional point of view.

2. Technique 

Argumentative essays talk about facts, and the authors draft essays based on real life. After that, add all of the relevant facts and numbers.

But in persuasive essays, the facts and helpful info are blended with emotions, and the author tries to capture the attention with it.

3. Perspective 

While the audience is unfamiliar with argumentative essays and the authors add all of the possible facts and supporting evidence.

But, in persuasive essays, authors know their audience and they directly try to motivate them.

4. Tone 

In argumentative essays, the tone is usually formal. So the Linguistic as well used in this essay are complex.  Further, the writers never state their personal views in this essay.

But in persuasive writing, writers use informal language, and they have more freedom to use their personal thoughts.

5. Structure

The format used in an argumentative essay usually begins with evidence or proof. Then, in the ending, recap with key points. 

Whereas in a persuasive essay, authors debate all of the key points while talking about their point of view. In the end, the authors offer a brief overview and ask a question. 

Argumentative essay- structure 

The structure of the argumentative essay offers a clear statement or point of view. While writing an argumentative essay, you need to support and back up your evidence and reasoning.

1. Intro

  • While writing an intro, you need to catch the attention of readers by offering relevant stories, quotes, and surprising facts.
  • After that, provide the background info about the topic, the main argument, and the point of view.

2. Body section

  • In the body section, you need to begin with a topic sentence that clearly states the key point.
  • Then you should use numbers, facts, and stats, and back up your statements with credible sources.
  • Ensure every paragraph of your body flows logically to another.

3. Conclusion

  • Finally, you need to acknowledge and tackle the opposing point of view and then offer solid evidence to refute it.
  • And you will need to conclude your essay with a strong impression. Use techniques like a call to action, a question, and a relevant quote.

Structure of the Persuasive Essay

In a persuasive essay where you will need to convince the readers to take action to adopt a certain point of view.

Below are the key structures that are followed by the persuasive essay.

1. Introduction

  • Hook- Begin with an intriguing scene
  • Background- Offer a brief background of your story, and then familiarize the reader with the arguments
  • Thesis statement- Now write a solid thesis statement and ensure that your thesis statement is no more than 2 lines.

2. Body Section

  • Topic sentences-In the body section, you need to connect and link your idea to the thesis. For that, present a paragraph. But you need to offer a unique idea in every paragraph.
  • Evidence-  Now you must back your claims and thesis statement with proof and evidence
  • Analysis- Lastly, you need to create the analysis and then clarify in what way your thesis analysis supports the thesis.

3. Conclusion

  • Summary-Lastly, in the final section, you need to briefly define the main points in your essay.
  • Importance of study- You need to connect and engage your theory to the broader idea.
  • Future suggestions- Talk about how your topic will be helpful for future study. Also, what will your topic bring to the table?

Argumentative Vs Persuasive  Essays- How to begin

For either of these essays, the basis is typically the same. But before you begin your writing and choose a topic that excites you, it will differ an argumentative and a persuasive essay.

Below are some tips that will help you grasp what’s the difference between an argumentative vs persuasive essay.

If you are writing an argumentative essay, you will need to obtain all of the information. After that, you will need to write a solid argument with examples.

So, you must spend a lot of time researching and gathering data from credible sources. It is vital to recall do not use your opinions and thoughts in this kind of essay if you do not have supporting data.

While writing a persuasive essay, your job is to ensure that you choose a good topic. Then you should classify which side to support. Further, starting this kind of essay is a little bit tough.

Persuasive Essay V: Argumentative point of view

Ignore writing I and you in the first and second person Use the third person
It addresses and tackles readers directly to read the message There is a lot of formality in argumentative writing
A personal link among the authors and readers makes the essay more engaging A third-person point of view is more formal, and helps maintain the tone, fair and realistic.

Olivia Leo

Olivia Leo is a PhD-qualified academic research consultant and expert with 8+ years of experience of helping students with their academic tasks. She is a 32-year-old, sensationally creative writer who’s contributed to 15+ agencies and guided hundreds of students across Canada with their academics. She graduated from the University of Montreal in literature. She is a book lover with excellent research skills. She is a mother of two and spends her free time with her friends and family. Right now, she has been working as a Senior Researcher and writer at “CanadaAssignmentHelp” and sharing her expertise and helping students in all domains and everywhere.

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