Which term describes an essay whose purpose is to persuade others of a viewpoint on a specific topic?

• A. Argumentative
• B. Chronological
• C. Editorial
• D. Expository

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is recognizing writing that aims to persuade. An argumentative essay explicitly makes a claim about a topic and then supports that claim with reasons and evidence, guiding the reader to accept the viewpoint or take action. It typically presents a clear thesis, builds logical arguments, and often addresses counterarguments to show why the chosen position holds up.

That focus on persuading through a structured argument is what makes this the best label. Chronological writing arranges ideas by time order. Expository writing explains or informs without aiming to persuade. An editorial is a persuasive opinion piece found in a publication, but the description given fits the general form of an argumentative essay—the standard type whose primary purpose is argument and persuasion.