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What is the main point of an argumentative essay?

  1. To identify and analyze the issue

  2. To persuade the reader to believe a certain point of view

  3. To explain how to solve a particular problem

  4. To provide a comprehensive overview of a topic

The correct answer is: To persuade the reader to believe a certain point of view

An argumentative essay's main point is to persuade the reader to believe a certain point of view. This makes the other options incorrect because although an argumentative essay may touch on some of these aspects, its primary purpose is to convince the reader to agree with the writer's stance on a particular topic. Option A, to identify and analyze the issue, may be included in an argumentative essay as it is important to establish the topic and its different perspectives, but it is not the main point. Option C, to explain how to solve a particular problem, may also be mentioned within the essay, but the ultimate goal is still to persuade the reader, not just provide a solution. Option D, to provide a comprehensive overview of a topic, is not the main point as an argumentative essay should focus on advocating for a specific viewpoint rather than just presenting information about a topic.