Argumentative vs. Instructive

Attribute	Argumentative	Instructive
Purpose	To persuade or convince	To inform or educate
Tone	Assertive, confrontational	Neutral, informative
Structure	Thesis statement, supporting evidence, counterarguments	Introduction, body, conclusion
Language	Emotional, persuasive	Clear, concise
Audience	Opposing viewpoints, skeptics	Novices, learners

Introduction

Argumentative and instructive writing are two common styles of writing that serve different purposes. While argumentative writing aims to persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint, instructive writing focuses on providing information or guidance on a specific topic. Both styles have their own unique attributes that make them effective in different contexts.

Attributes of Argumentative Writing

Argumentative writing is characterized by the use of evidence, logic, and reasoning to support a particular claim or viewpoint. Writers of argumentative pieces often present a thesis statement at the beginning of their work, which outlines the main argument they will be making. Throughout the piece, they use facts, statistics, and examples to convince the reader of the validity of their argument. Additionally, argumentative writing often involves addressing counterarguments and refuting opposing viewpoints to strengthen the writer's position.

One key attribute of argumentative writing is its persuasive nature. Writers use rhetorical strategies such as ethos, pathos, and logos to appeal to the reader's emotions, credibility, and logic, respectively. By employing these strategies effectively, writers can make a compelling case for their argument and sway the reader to their point of view. Furthermore, argumentative writing often involves a clear structure, with an introduction, body paragraphs presenting evidence, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and restates the thesis.

Another important attribute of argumentative writing is its emphasis on critical thinking and analysis. Writers must carefully evaluate evidence, consider different perspectives, and construct a coherent argument that is supported by logic and reason. This process of critical thinking not only strengthens the writer's argument but also helps readers engage with the material and develop their own opinions on the topic.

Attributes of Instructive Writing

Instructive writing, on the other hand, is focused on providing information, guidance, or instructions on a particular topic. This style of writing is often used in manuals, how-to guides, tutorials, and educational materials. Instructive writing aims to educate the reader on a specific subject, process, or skill, and help them understand how to perform a task or achieve a goal.

One key attribute of instructive writing is its clarity and conciseness. Writers of instructive pieces must communicate complex information in a clear and straightforward manner, using simple language and step-by-step instructions. This ensures that readers can easily follow the instructions and successfully complete the task at hand. Additionally, instructive writing often includes visual aids such as diagrams, charts, and illustrations to enhance understanding and provide additional guidance.

Another important attribute of instructive writing is its focus on practicality and utility. Writers must consider the needs and abilities of their target audience and tailor their instructions accordingly. Whether it's assembling a piece of furniture, cooking a recipe, or learning a new skill, instructive writing aims to empower readers with the knowledge and tools they need to accomplish a task successfully. By providing clear, actionable guidance, instructive writing helps readers achieve their goals and improve their skills.

Comparison of Attributes

While argumentative and instructive writing have distinct attributes, they also share some commonalities. Both styles of writing require careful planning, organization, and attention to detail to be effective. Writers must consider their audience, purpose, and tone when crafting their message, whether they are persuading readers to adopt a viewpoint or guiding them through a process.

Additionally, both argumentative and instructive writing benefit from strong research skills and the ability to present information in a coherent and engaging manner. Writers must gather relevant evidence, analyze data, and present their findings in a logical and compelling way to capture the reader's attention and convey their message effectively. By incorporating these elements into their writing, writers can create persuasive arguments or informative guides that resonate with their audience.

In conclusion, argumentative and instructive writing are two valuable styles of writing that serve different purposes and have unique attributes. While argumentative writing aims to persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint through evidence and reasoning, instructive writing focuses on providing information and guidance on a specific topic. Both styles require careful planning, organization, and attention to detail to be effective, and benefit from strong research skills and the ability to present information in a clear and engaging manner. By understanding the attributes of each style and how they differ, writers can choose the appropriate approach to effectively communicate their message and achieve their writing goals.