English Toulman assignments

HW: Toulmin concepts and practice

This is HW and as such cannot be turned in late (no exceptions).

Instructions

Step One (30%)

Read the following introduction to Toulmin argumentation

       https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/historical_perspectives_on_argumentation/toulmin_argument.html Links to an external site.

Take notes / definitions on each of major components (listed below) of a Toulmin argument and give an example, all of this in your own terms 

Step Two (70%)

Use each claim below and respond. You do not need to write much but should be clear and provide evidence as needed. I will grade equally for your understanding of Tolumin pieces and for your argumentation as directed. 

1) Provide a rebuttal for the following claim: "Nationalism is destroying American politics."

2) Provide grounds for the claim in number one.

3) Provide a warrant for the claim in number one.

4) Provide qualification for the following claim: "Racism is systematic and therefore "baked in" throughout our social institutions."

5) Provide grounds for the claim in number four.

6) Provide a warrant for the claim in number four.

HW: prewriting for the Toulmin essay

This is a planning assignment and as such can be turned in up to 10 days late (with penalty) if needed. See syllabus for more info on late policies.

Remember that prewriting is the critical planning and thinking that you do before writing anything formal. Good writers do much more prewriting than writing / drafting because thinking is harder than typing! 

We will start this in class, but if you miss that class make sure that you've looked at the unit two introductory material.  

Answer each of the following prompts in bulleted form (at least 5 bullets for each) or in short answer (at least three sentences) as appropriate. I'll grade each equally for clarity. Don't go off into formal writing. Just answer my questions with sufficient detail and then move on. Emphasize thinking over formality (grammar, wording, etc don't matter!).

* What are five of your favorite movies, books, games, or TV shows?

* Choosing one of these, tell us briefly why it is your favorite.

* Who are five of the most influential people in / on your life (this can include writers, actors, and other people that you don't know!)?

* Choosing one of these, briefly explain the influence on you.

* What are 5 important actions that any US citizen should undertake to strengthen this society?

* Choosing one of these, briefly explain how that action can strengthen society.

* From all of your notes above, choose one claim to strengthen by putting together claim and rationale (x is true because y). Write the claim and rationale in a single sentence here. For instance, "Burritos are the best type of food because they can house so many ingredients in a single, easy to eat package." In addition to the claim and rationale, be prepared to give evidence and further explain yourself in class!