Overview

In persuasive writing, facts, reasons, and examples are cited to support a claim. An opinion in a persuasive argument must be supported with relevant facts. The ability to differentiate between facts and opinions helps the writer build a stronger argument. Logical fallacies that can harm a persuasive argument are “red herrings,” circular reasoning, and bandwagon reasoning. A persuasive argument can also be unraveled by oversimplification. Inductive and deductive reasoning are more effective means of evaluating the evidence and coming to a conclusion.