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Online Guide to Writing and Research

Other Frequently Assigned Papers

Writing Arguments

Purposes of Argument

Why do we write argument essays? This form of writing may be challenging but it will strengthen your writing skills. An argument has two purposes:

  • change people’s points of view or persuade them to accept new points of view

  • persuade people to a particular action or new behavior

Because people don’t always agree on a single point of view, an effectively worded argument helps us arrive at what is fair or true. It is used to settle disputes and discover truth. Instructors assign argumentative writing so students can learn to examine their own and others’ ideas in a careful, methodical way. 

Argument teaches us how to evaluate conflicting claims and judge evidence and methods of investigation. Argument helps us learn to clarify our thoughts and articulate them accurately. Arguments also consider the ideas of others in a respectful and critical manner.


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