Argumentative vs. Analytical Writing

An Introduction to Terms and Concepts

What is an argument?

➢What is your definition of an argument?

For purposes of English class,

➢An argument is a reasoned, logical way of demonstrating that the writer’s position, belief, or conclusion is valid.

➢ In English, students make claims about the worth or meaning of literary works, defending their interpretation with evidence from the text.

In short…➢Arguments seek to make people

believe that something is true or to persuade people to change their beliefs or their behavior.

What is analysis?

What is your definition of analysis?

For English class,

An analytical essay A successful essay shows your understanding of how the

author builds an argument by:

● Examining the author’s use of evidence, reasoning, and

other stylistic and persuasive techniques

● Supporting and developing claims with well-chosen

evidence from the passage

Difference Between Argument and Analysis

Argumentative Essay Analytical Essay

Makes claims based on factual evidence

Analyzes claims based on factual evidence in reading

Makes counterclaims and takes opposing view into account

Analyzes counterclaims and their effectiveness

Neutralizes or “defeats” serious opposing ideas

Explains the author's ability to refute opposing ideas.

Convinces audience through merit of the claims and proof offered

Shows your understanding of how the author builds an argument.

Difference Between Argument and Analysis cont.

Argumentative Essay Analysis Essay

Often compares texts or ideas to establish a position

Asks you to analyze one article/essay/text while always having the same prompt to answer the question.

Logic-based Textual evidence-based

Important Terms➢Claim— basic belief about a particular

topic, issue, event, or idea based on evidence (either yours or the author of the passage)

➢Counterclaim—A solid and reasonable argument that opposes or disagrees with the claim

➢Support/Textual Evidence—specific facts or evidence from the text used to support why the claim is true

Important Terms

➢Warrant-- Explains how the evidence supports the claim (links claim and evidence) **very important piece, often forgotten

Important Terms cont.

➢Rebuttal—A written or verbal response to a counterclaim. The object is to take into account the ideas presented in the counterclaim and explain why they aren’t persuasive enough, valid enough, or important enough to outweigh your claim.

➢Refute—Argue against a position or prove it to be wrong.

SAT Analytical Essay Prompt

As you read the passage below, consider how the author

uses

● evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims.

● reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence.

● stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed.