The Argumentative Essay is Meant to Convince

Have you noticed a common element in the kind of discourse you hear on the radio, TV, the Internet, or read in newspapers, books, and magazines? It seems everyone has a strong opinion on something. Have you also noticed that some people present their argument in a strong way, basing their argument on a solid foundation of accurate information? On the other hand, have you noticed that many do not base their arguments on facts and are merely ranting?