Difference Between Argumentative And Discursive Essays

Is A Discursive Essay Different From An Argumentative Essay?

A discursive essay differs from an argumentative essay in that it researches and evaluates an argument by offering varied opposing perspectives while an argumentative essay researches and evaluates a topic by offering one perspective. Writers of both essays should critically gather enough information on the topic come up with concrete evidence to support these perspectives. Below is a detailed illustration prepared by iwriteessays.com on discursive essay vs. argumentative essay.

1. Discursive Purpose

The goal of a discursive essay is to present a balanced and objective examination of a subject. The topic of discussion may be controversial, but the discursive essay attempts to present a much more balanced discussion of the issue. It does not have to be expressly neutral. The essay should present both sides of the discussion, supported by facts and research. The author may draw tentative conclusions about the subject and suggest them to the reader.

Discursive Style

The discursive style is written in a more formal and impersonal style than other essays. When writing a discursive essay, it is important to establish your opinion on the topic as the writer. The purpose of a discursive essay is to persuade your readers by exploring and presenting why each view is either valid or invalid. When writing a discursive essay, it is also important to maintain a neutral stance throughout to establish an informative and unbiased argument. A discursive essay often has transitional wording leading into the next paragraph. The writer may choose to either express a low-key opinion in the final paragraph or leave readers to draw their own conclusions.

2. Argumentative Purpose

The writer of an argumentative essay attempts create a firm stand on a particular topic. Argumentative essays are more like a conversation or debate of a topic where the writer establishes his viewpoint and tries to persuade or educate readers to see or accept this viewpoint. Unlike discursive essays, argumentative essays may point to a particular audience that is resistant to the message in the essay.

Argumentative Style

Argumentative essays assume a universal format. The writer creates the main thesis, which will contain the point of view for which the author develops an argument. The body serves the purpose of explaining the proposing and opposing arguments. Presentation of each point takes place in its own paragraph. The order of presentation depends on the writer. The refutation paragraph comes just before the concluding point. After refuting, the writer is free to conclude.