As I prepare for a workshop on teaching argument writing I’ll be doing next month for the Emerald Empire Reading Council in Eugene, I’m developing a bibliography composed of model texts that can be used by teachers. As I peruse my own collection as well as the local library’s, I am surprised by how few books there are that use the elements of argument writing.*** Many that seem to be are actually examples of persuasive writing. So, what’s the difference?
Glad you asked. There are several differences, which may seem subtle, but are important. Let’s take the goal for each type of writing. In persuasive writing, the goal is to convince the reader to agree with the writer or do something the writer wants. The goal of argument writing, on the other hand, focuses on getting the reader to accept a viewpoint as valid and worthy of consideration.
I will be adding more differences as well as sharing the bibliography I develop in future posts.
***Writers: I hope you realize the opportunity this is for you.
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