Argumentative vs explanatory essays: key differences explained

Have you ever been stuck trying to figure out what your writing assignment is really asking for? Are they expecting my opinion? Do I need to take a stance? Or just explain the topic clearly? Well, you’re not alone.

Two of the most common academic writing styles, argumentative and explanatory, can easily get confused. But knowing the difference can change how effectively you write in school, your career, and in everyday communication. Understanding the key elements of argumentative and explanatory writing is essential to scoring well on reading and writing sections of various tests, from the SAT to the Praxis Core.

Let’s break them down into simple, easy-to-understand terms.

What is argumentative writing?

Think of an argumentative essay as your opportunity to take a firm position and persuade readers that your perspective is the most reasonable. Unlike simply stating your opinion, effective argumentative essays rely on structured reasoning, compelling evidence, and logical analysis to support a claim. Learning how to write an argumentative essay means going beyond sharing thoughts and involves building a convincing case to win over your audience.

Main features of argumentative writing:

• Takes a clear stance: You pick a side on a topic (even if it’s a subtle opinion).
• Presents strong evidence: Facts, statistics, examples, and quotes are used to support your point.
• Acknowledges counterarguments: You show you understand the other side, but also explain why your view is stronger.
• Concludes with persuasion: The ending reinforces your viewpoint and calls for action, agreement, or reflection.

Example prompts:

• “Should school uniforms be mandatory?”
• “Argue for or against using standardized tests in college admissions.”
• “Do social media platforms do more harm than good?

If the prompt uses words like “argue,” “persuade,” “defend,” or “justify,” chances are you’re expected to write an argumentative piece. Argumentative essays are a staple in academic periodicals, scholarly magazines, popular writing and opinion sections, and standardized exams. On the GRE Analytical Writing section, the GRE “Analyze an Issue” essay requires test takers to develop an argument in response to a specific prompt.

Understanding how to write an explanatory essay is also important for parsing through passages and writing your own responses on the SAT Reading and Writing, ACT Writing, and Praxis Writing test sections. While argumentative essays require you to take a clear position, explanatory and expository prompts focus on a clear, logical explanation of ideas.

What is explanatory writing?

Explanatory writing, sometimes called expository writing, focuses on presenting a concept, idea, or process in a clear and logical manner. Rather than persuading readers to accept a particular viewpoint, an explanatory essay provides definitions, explanations, or step-by-step information to help the audience better understand the subject.

The primary goal of explanatory essays is to educate readers by breaking down complex topics into straightforward explanations. You’re not supporting one side of an argument; instead, you’re using well-organized information to make the material easier to grasp and more accessible for everyone.

Main features of explanatory writing:

• Neutral tone: There’s no opinion involved, just clear, factual information.
• Focus on clarity: You break down complex topics into understandable parts.
• Well-structured: Your ideas are organized in a logical flow.
• Uses examples for clarity: Think illustrations, analogies, or real-life references.

Example prompts:

• “Explain how photosynthesis works from a scientific perspective.”
• “Describe the steps of writing a good essay.”
• “Summarize the causes and effects of climate change.”

Watch for prompt words like “explain,” “describe,” “outline,” or “summarize” as these often signal that your response should be an explanatory essay, rather than a traditional argumentative essay. This style of writing can be found in academic and scientific journals, nonfiction texts, and online publications and blogs.

What’s the difference?

Here’s a breakdown of how they compare, explained clearly, point by point:

Purpose

• Argumentative: To persuade or convince the reader of a specific viewpoint.
• Explanatory: To inform or educate without taking a side.

Tone

• Argumentative: Confident, assertive, sometimes passionate.
• Explanatory: Neutral, objective, focused on clarity.

Use of evidence

• Argumentative: Includes evidence to support a claim and refute the opposing view.
• Explanatory: Includes evidence or examples to explain and simplify, not to argue.

Structure

• Argumentative: Introduction > Claim > Supporting Arguments > Counterarguments > Conclusion.
• Explanatory: Introduction > Explanation (step-by-step or logical order) > Summary or wrap-up.

Presence of opinion

• Argumentative: Strong presence of the writer’s opinion, backed with facts.
• Explanatory: No personal opinion, just a balanced presentation of facts.

Reader takeaway

• Argumentative: The reader should feel persuaded or compelled to agree.
• Explanatory: The reader should feel informed and understand the topic better.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Mixing the two styles: For example, adding opinions in explanatory writing or failing to state a clear stance in argumentative writing.
2. Being vague: In argumentative writing, your claim should be sharp and focused. In explanatory writing, your explanations should be detailed and easy to follow.
3. Skipping structure: Both styles need an organized flow; don’t let your ideas bounce around.
   
   

When to use each type

Knowing when to write argumentatively and when to write explanatorily often depends on:

• The prompt wording
• The subject area
• The goal of the assignment

Use argumentative writing when:

• You’re asked to persuade or take a position.
• You’re discussing topics that involve controversy, debate, or opinion.

Use explanatory writing when:

• You’re asked to break down a topic.
• The goal is to teach, clarify, or inform.

Why this matters

Whether you’re preparing for standardized tests like the Praxis Writing exam, composing a GRE essay, practicing for ACT Writing, or aiming for top scores in SAT Reading and Writing, mastering both argumentative and explanatory writing styles is essential for success.

• You’ll craft stronger essays that directly address prompts on the ACT Writing and GRE Analytical Writing sections, as well as the Praxis Writing and SAT Reading and Writing tests.
• You’ll communicate your ideas clearly and effectively, both in academic essays and professional writing scenarios.
• You’ll also gain confidence in your ability to express your thoughts clearly and purposefully to any audience.

Final thoughts

Great writing begins with understanding your purpose: are you aiming to inform through clear explanations, or persuade with compelling arguments? This clarity is essential, especially when tackling tasks like GRE Analytical Writing, Praxis Writing, or SAT Reading and Writing sections. Knowing your goal helps you decide whether to use argumentative techniques or focus on how to write an explanatory essay. With this foundation, your writing becomes more focused, impactful, and effective across various standardized tests and academic assignments.

Ready to practice these essential skills? Choose a topic relevant to the Praxis Writing or GRE Analytical Writing tasks and draft both an explanatory essay and an argumentative piece. By comparing the two styles side by side, you’ll deepen your understanding of what makes explanatory writing distinct from argumentative writing, a valuable insight for any academic setting. Your readers will notice the difference, and so will your test scores.