Argumentative and persuasive essays have similar goals: to reach a point of view. In methods, the argumentative and persuasive essay formats differ, with the persuasive essay acknowledging there is an opposing view while not debating or expounding on it, and the argumentative essay not only acknowledging the counterclaims of opposing views or positions, but also fully revealing its understanding of the relative merits and weaknesses of those views or positions. In mode of communication, the argumentative and persuasive essay structures are clearly unlike in that the persuasive essay is extremely one-sided, presenting itself with sound reason and personal conviction in the certitude that its viewpoint is the only right and correct — and perhaps the only existing — viewpoint, whereas the argumentative tears down other points of view.

An argumentative essay is one that objectively states an argument and proceeds to back up the argument with facts, statistics, and expert evidence. This essay type acknowledges there are counterclaims to the argument. The essay gives a synopsis of counterclaims’ tenets and evidences as well. The argumentative essay then proceeds with statements in counterpoint to those counterclaims. The facts of the counterclaims’ tenets are stated, their holes exposed, generally in direct contrast with areas the essayist considers strong in the argumentative essay’s central thesis.

Sometimes, the exposition’s point is to demonstrate that the counterclaim tenets are based on outdated information or incomplete research into the matter. The argumentative essay further presents a whole-cloth argument with more solid facts and newly investigated or just discovered evidence, illustrating what these new facts mean. Its writer knows readers may not agree at the end of the argument; an argumentative essay merely informs the reader of why it holds the position it does. Upon reading the reasons for the position, the reader may at the very least respectfully acknowledge that there is a basis for agreeing to disagree.

The persuasive essay has the primary goal of convincing the reader of the superiority of the writer’s position. This essay attempts to depict the reader’s position as a perilous one — unfair or unconsidered. In an appeal to reason, a sense of right and wrong, and reasonable passion it attempts to draw the reader alongside the writer for a shared walk.

A persuasive essay acknowledge that the reader’s original point of view had merit. The essay proceeds to express the writer’s viewpoint using ever-more convincing arguments that the viewpoint may be shared with the reader to the reader’s benefit. These appeals to serve the personal interests, social convictions and passions of the reader better in the future are enjoined and fully illustrated. Using consistent reasons with an empathetic and persuasive delivery, the writer might present anecdotal storytelling with which the reader can identify. This form of essay presents the desired change of mind as a win-win rhetorical situation for both the writer and the reader.