If you get confused about what the standards are asking, maybe this information will help.
Argument
- tries to convince the reader to accept a claim as truth
- focuses on evidence
- grounded in logic, facts, and data
- needs critical reading of the text and may include other information from other sources
- addresses counterclaims fairly to allow for a complete argument
Persuasion
- tries to convince the reader to accept a thesis or truth
- appeals to the credibility, character, or authority of the writer
- often grounded more in feelings than facts
- often associated with speeches and frequently requires readers and listeners to take some sort of action
An argument is a claim supported by evidence. Students are often asked to read a selection(s) and then to defend their judgments with evidence from the texts. There is a progression of opinion to argument for students from K-12th grade.