What is the difference between opinion and argument

Many people are unaware of the differences between the two. The main difference between argument and opinion is 'Opinions are personal beliefs' and 'Arguments are reasons which can include facts given to support a point of view'. Stella Cottrell , p By this definition, opinions, in general are unsubstantiated claims. However, when substance, in the form of 'evidence' is applied to these claims, they can become arguments.

Inch and Warnick , p18 states that " Evidence consists of facts or conditions that are objectively observable, beliefs or statements accepted as true by the recipients, or conclusions previously established".

As such, opinions in general do not try to change other people's point of view. However it is for this reason the premise of argument exists, to change other people's perspective or view on an issue through consensual belief.

What I mean by consensual belief is the audience or recipient's opinion is changed to support that of the arguer through providing evidence to support a particular claim which the recipient or audience believes to be true, thus consenting.

This is not however, to discount opinion, as difference of opinion is the basis for argument. An example of a historical academic argument can be shown through the difference of opinion on the causes of crime between the two early criminological schools of thought, classicism and positivism. Classicism believed that crime was caused by rational motivation based on costs or benefits. Positivism on the other hand believed that crime was a product of under socialisation of the individual as a result of physiological factors, family background or a lack of consensual values within the criminal's social background.

Moving onto looking at practice perspective, we can see that in the context of the probation service, we have moved from being an 'opinion driven' agency, relying on professional judgement and autonomy, to a service which delivers through the use of evidence-based practice. The role of the probation officer has moved from the definition discussed by Worrall , p66 derived from ' The Probation of Offenders Act ', 'whose job it was to advise, assist and befriend offenders placed under their supervision', as opposed to the current 'law enforcement' culture within the service.

Through this standardisation, it also meant that performance could be measured effectively. We can see the result of this standardisation in current practice. Guidelines and policies are attached to each process of interaction, with offenders, within the role of the probation officer.

When writing 'Pre-Sentence Reports' for the courts, to be used to inform sentencing options, it is clear to see the use of argument. Sentencing options can be suggested by the probation officer, based on evidence from pre-convictions, crown prosecution papers and various other reliable sources, alongside information gathered from interviews with the offender. Furthermore it is particularly evident in the current use of the Offender Assessment System OASys devised to provide standardisation in assessing risk of harm, to both the public and the offender.

In conclusion, it is clear to see the differences between opinion and argument in both academic and practice perspectives. We can see how both are utilised in each context and how they shape the process of progress academically and in professional practice. Argument is necessary to change opinion and therefore must be reasoned and evidenced. Disagreement on an issue is necessary to create an argument.

Without this, argument cannot exist. It is what your stance on the argument is. It tells the reader what they should think or do in response to a controversy. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel. Skip to content Home Essay What is the difference between opinion writing and persuasive writing?

Ben Davis May 1, What is the difference between opinion writing and persuasive writing? What is a persuasive opinion? What is the difference between opinion and argument writing? Arguments can be both explicit and implicit. Explicit arguments contain prominent and definable thesis statements and multiple specific proofs to support them.

This is common in academic writing from scholars of all fields. Implicit arguments , on the other hand, work by weaving together facts and narratives, logic and emotion, personal experiences and statistics. Unlike explicit arguments, implicit ones do not have a one-sentence thesis statement. Implicit arguments involve evidence of many different kinds to build and convey their point of view to their audience.

Both types use rhetoric, logic, and support to create effective arguments. An argument in written form involves making choices, and knowing the principles of rhetoric allows a writer to make informed choices about various aspects of the writing process. Every act of writing takes place in a specific rhetorical situation. The most basic and important components of a rhetorical situation are.

These components give readers a way to analyze a text on first encounter. These factors also help writers select their topics, arrange their material, and make other important decisions about the argument they will make and the support they will need. With this brief introduction, you can see what rhetorical or academic argument is not :. Argument vs. Controversy or Fight Consumers of written texts are often tempted to divide writing into two categories: argumentative and non-argumentative.

Opinion Argument is often confused with opinion. Fact Arguments are also commonly mistaken for statements of fact. Explicit vs. Implicit Arguments Arguments can be both explicit and implicit. After you are finished reading, look over your notes or annotations. What do all the details add up to? Write it in your own words. Discuss your results with a partner or a group. Did you come up with the same argument? Have everyone explain the reasoning for his or her results.

Argument and Rhetoric An argument in written form involves making choices, and knowing the principles of rhetoric allows a writer to make informed choices about various aspects of the writing process. The most basic and important components of a rhetorical situation are These components give readers a way to analyze a text on first encounter. With this brief introduction, you can see what rhetorical or academic argument is not : Furthermore, you can see what rhetorical argument is : Arguments have rules; opinions do not.

In other words, to form an argument, you must consider whether the argument is reasonable. Is it worth making? Is it valid? Is it sound? Do all of its parts fit together logically? Opinions, on the other hand, have no rules, and anyone asserting an opinion need not think it through for it to count as one; however, it will not count as an argument.

Arguments have support; opinions do not. If you make a claim and then stop, as if the claim itself were enough to demonstrate its truthfulness, you have asserted an opinion only. An argument must be supported, and the support of an argument has its own rules. The support must also be reasonable, relevant, and sufficient.

Author of the text. Purpose of the text.