Page 476 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

Argument and Persuasion

4 Write effective argument essays.

Argument and persuasion are related techniques of writing in which
you take a side on an issue and defend your position. Much of the

writing you do on the college level will require you to provide evidence

to defend a position, and will thus require argument or persuasion.

Argument involves taking and defending a position on an issue,

whereas persuasion imposes the added burden of trying to win

others over to your side.

Argument and persuasion answer questions such as the ones that

follow.

Is television a harmful influence on children?

Should courses in consumer finance be required in high school?
Is capital punishment an appropriate sentence for serious crimes?

Aristotle’s Influence on Argument