implicit v.s. explicit arguments

The goal of an argument is to persuade an audience toward your point of view. There are, broadly speaking, two ways of doing this - an implicit argument, and an explicit argument. An explicit argument is a clearly stated argument that is arguing a point, with a thesis, reasons, and evidence. An implicit argument has the same intentions as an explicit argument, but is formed in ways such as poems, or pictures, and on the surface, doesn’t look like an argument. They both have the same outcome (persuading the reader toward your point of view), but the process of getting there is different.
An example of an explicit argument would be an essay. I state my point of view through a thesis statement that includes approximately three different reasons to support my argument. My next few paragraphs will have explanations, and typically facts, to support my reasons from the thesis statement. I then, end my essay, pulling everything together to make an organized ending that incorporates my thesis, my reasons, and my explanations into a paragraph. A definite way to tell an explicit argument from an implicit argument is that an explicit argument has a defined thesis, reasons, and explanations that are clearly stated early on in the piece.
An implicit argument does not have a defined thesis. You gather the thesis from the writing, which supports the unstated thesis. Implicit arguments are more ornamental and decorative with figurative language. For example, the poem on pages five and six of Writing Arguments there is a scene describing how horrifying wars are. After reading this poem, you are convinced that wars have no other purpose other than unleashing rage toward another country through spastic and untamed violence. The poem has an underlying thesis that is not mentioned, but after you read the poem, you come to toward a certain conclusion (that war is a horrible thing), which is undoubtedly the author’s thesis. Another example of an implicit argument is on page five. Although contrary to the past implicit argument, after looking at this photograph, you believe that war is noble and honorable. The poem, picture, etc… give reasons why you should believe something, without outwardly and directly telling you that you should believe it, thereby not giving away the author’s thesis - a very sly way of making an argument. Implicit arguments appeal more to your feelings through sentimental and emotion-provoking ways, such as viewing photographs, or describing ghastly vile situations.
Explicit arguments and implicit arguments are two very different ways of making an argument, but have the same intentions. Arguments have two specific pieces - the process and the outcome. The process for an explicit argument is direct and candid through a thesis statement. The process for an implicit argument isn’t bluntly stated, but instead, gives reasons through creating a mental image that direct you to believing a certain thing, without actually stating their purpose or thesis. The outcome, however, is the same. After reading the article, you come to believe a certain point of view, whether you knew that was the author’s intentions or not.