The argumentative essay, although bearing many similarities to the persuasive (argument) essay, has several very distinct differences.
Basic Essay FormatI. IntroductionII. Body
A. First point and supporting info
B. Second point and supporting info
C. Third point and supporting infoIII. ConclusionThe objective of a persuasive essay is to "win" the reader over to your side of an argument, while the primary objective of an argumentative essay is just to show that you have a valid argument, allowing the reader either to adopt your position or to "agree to disagree".
Another difference between the two types of essay is that in the persuasive essay, although you acknowledge the opposing view, only one side of the issue is debated. An important part of the argumentative essay is to use evidence both to substantiate one's own position and to refute the opposing argument.
The final difference between the argumentative essay and the argument (persuasive) essay is the organization of the composition. The persuasive essay follows the basic essay format as displayed in the example.
