Explicit vs. Implicit Arguments

An explicit argument states a claim and supports it by reasoning and evidence. An implicit argument doesn’t always look like an argument. These arguments are often conveyed in the forms of a photo, story, poem or cartoon. However, both types of arguments persuade the audience to a specific point of view.

The photo and the poem on page five exemplify an implicit argument because there is no ordered structure such as a thesis, reasoning or evidence. Although, the photo and poem don’t have this, they do capture vivid details and evoke powerful emotions. The words that Wilfred Own used like; vile, dim, smothering and bitter, depict an emotion of how corrupt war is and that soldiers give their life for their country.

In photography class, we would always talk about point of view, and how one photograph can capture an emotion of the viewer, and that it might change depending on the person looking at it. The photo on page five, captures emotions of the audience by urging the viewer to find the deeper meaning and make connections about the photo.

Both implicit and explicit arguments use strong persuasive power and because of this implicit arguments can be incorporated into an explicit argument.