An informative essay is intended to inform or instruct, whereas an argumentative essay is intended to convince or dispute. In other words, an informative essay will include facts and information that help the reader understand something; while an argumentative essay will also include a position and reasoning behind that position. Fact-based essays provide information through examples, statistics, studies, and other forms of evidence. They are useful for learning about different topics in school or outside of school. Fact-based essays do not necessarily argue their points, but they do make assertions and offer opinions based on evidence. For example, an informative essay about crime in America might mention that it is estimated that there are more than 2 million criminals in the country. It could also say that most crime is property related and that the rate of arrest has decreased since 1991. Argumentative essays provide information by showing how and why one thing is better than another. They are useful for arguing for or against certain ideas. For example, an argumentative essay could be written to show why your school's sports team should win all its games next season. It could also be written to show why you think that studying abroad is important for graduating from college.