Final answer:
In argumentative writing, the purpose is to present and defend a claim with reasoning and evidence, aiming to persuade the reader. A claim is a clear, defendable thesis statement that forms the cornerstone of the argument.
Step-by-step explanation:
- Purpose of Argumentative Writing
The purpose of argumentative writing is to present a perspective on a given topic, make a claim, and provide evidence and reasoning to support that claim. The goal is to convince the reader of the validity of the writer’s viewpoint. This differs from mere informational writing, as argumentative writing requires the writer to take a clear stance on a subject and use logical, fact-based arguments to persuade the reader.
A claim in argumentative writing is essentially a thesis statement that conveys the writer’s main argument or viewpoint. It should be clear, defendable, and specific enough to be supported with evidence throughout the essay. Claims serve as the anchor for the entire argumentative essay, guiding the direction of the reasoning and the selection of supporting details and analyses.