Are critical essays the same as argumentative essays? if not what are they

Can someone explain to me how to write a critical essay on a poem?

A critical essay analyzes and examines a literary work. An argumentative essay tries to persuade the reader to adopt a specific point of view. Check these sites.

http://essayinfo.com/essays/critical_essay.php

http://www.essay-paper.net/critical_essay.html

http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/owl&writingcenter/OWL/Argument.html

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/GRAMMAR/composition/argument.htm

Here are a couple more good websites. Sometimes writing a critical essay about a poem is called 'explicating.'

http://www.uncp.edu/home/canada/work/markport/best/study/poetry.htm

http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/ReadingPoetry.html

Critical essays and argumentative essays are not exactly the same, although they share certain similarities.

Critical essays and argumentative essays both involve a form of analysis and evaluation of a specific topic or subject. However, the key distinction between the two lies in their purpose and approach.

An argumentative essay aims to persuade the reader to adopt or consider a particular point of view on a controversial or debatable topic. The writer presents logical arguments, evidence, and supporting claims to convince the audience of their position. The essay often includes a clear thesis statement that outlines the writer's stance.

On the other hand, a critical essay focuses on evaluating, analyzing, and interpreting a specific work, such as a book, film, artwork, or piece of literature. The main objective is to critically assess the strengths, weaknesses, and significance of the work in question. A critical essay often involves a balanced examination of the subject, including both positive and negative aspects, and may require the writer to provide their own interpretation or analysis of the work.

To determine whether an essay is more aligned with being critical or argumentative, consider its primary objective. If the primary goal is to persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint, the essay is likely argumentative. Alternatively, if the primary goal is to assess and analyze a specific work, the essay is likely critical.

When attempting to classify an essay, it is helpful to examine its thesis statement or central argument. If the thesis primarily focuses on proving a point and persuading the audience, it is an argumentative essay. Conversely, if the thesis emphasizes evaluation, analysis, or interpretation of a specific work, it is a critical essay.