Persuasive, or argumentative, essays attempt to convince audiences to accept an author’s claim, or position on an issue, or to motivate audiences to take a particular course of action.

ARGUMENT

A logical way of presenting a belief, conclusion, or stance.

ARGUMENT

A good argument is supported with reasoning and evidence.

Types of argument

1. Historical context–Example: based on educational failures

in the 20th century, vouchers were an obvious development as a means of improving education.

Types of argument

2. Advocacy (advocating for a course of action)

–Example: vouchers are a means of providing education for all students, and should continue to be authorized, etc.

Types of argument

3. Evaluative (making a

value judgment)–Example: Vouchers are wrong because

they pull funding from the public sector and deprive one population of students in order to benefit another.

Sources:

AVID College Readiness: Working With Sources Teacher Guide

Pearson, Common Core Literature