What is the goal of an argumentative essay?

The goal of an argumentative essay is primarily to persuade the reader to accept a particular point of view or take a specific action. In crafting an argumentative essay, the writer presents a clear thesis statement and supports it with evidence, reasoning, and counterarguments to effectively advocate for their stance on an issue. This approach engages the reader's critical thinking skills and aims to influence their opinions or behaviors regarding a topic.

In contrast, other choices do not align with the primary intent of an argumentative essay. For example, entertaining the reader is more aligned with creative writing or narrative forms, while informing about a historical event or summarizing research findings typically focuses on presenting facts and information without the intent to persuade. Thus, the defining characteristic of an argumentative essay is its persuasive nature, making persuasion the correct focus.