ENGL 112 Toulmin Argument Paper ----- at least 1200 words

toulmin_argument-sp2015.ppt

Toulmin Argument

A process of discovering how argumentation works

Stephen Toulmin

An English philosopher who developed a six-part model of argument.

The Toulmin model is a “way of doing. . .detailed analysis” (“Writing Guide”).

Our analysis helps evaluate the effectiveness of the argument parts

Toulmin Model

Data	Evidence
Claim	Claim
Warrant	Reasons
Support	Evidence
Backing	Additional evidence
Qualifiers	Exceptions; some, most, many, in general, usually, typically, etc.
Rebuttal	Objections

S) Therefore, (Q) + (C)

Support Qualifier Claim

Since

(W) Warrant

Because Unless

(B) (R)

Backing Rebuttal

Data

Warrant

Claim

The three primary parts of the Toulmin.

The Claim

Claim or Thesis statement. Shows the topic plus your opinion—the point you wish to prove.
Use QUALIFIERS to limit depth and breath of claim
A qualified claim is easier to defend
Unqualified claims leaves the argument open for logical rebuttal (opposing view) or challenges to the claim
Ex. Some Americans believe the death penalty is barbaric.

Qualifiers and Exceptions

Qualifiers

Exceptions

Limits on how far the claim will be discussed
Exceptions are specific examples that appear after the claim
Having labored over David Copperfield in high school, I would not rank that book among them.

The Reasons =Warrant

Is the reason relevant to the claim?	Includes a value we believe in. Re-state the value to help judge its effectiveness.
Is the reason effective?	Give specific reason to support the claim

The Evidence=Support

Evidence must be: sufficient, credible, and accurate	One example from one area would not be sufficient in most cases.
Credibility	Choose evidence from sources the reader is likely to accept as knowledgeable
Accurate	“Tells the truth.” Are the facts presented found in other sources? Does the evidence support or provide where the material was found?

Objections and Rebuttal

What objections does the writer expect the audience to make?	Can provide opportunity for writer to include his or her reasons as rebuttals.
Identify counter-argument	Include evidence for the rebuttal that is sufficient, and accurate, and credible.
Anticipate objections	Anticipate objections to the writer’s claim by providing the objection and responding to the statement.
Justify why opposing views are not valid	Strengthen and support your reasons to invalidate opposing views.

Toulmin Worksheet

Writing a Toulmin Argument

Think carefully about audience; what does the audience believe in?
Consider assumptions of the audience
Consider your assumptions
You can 1) consider telling your audience you might be willing to change positions; 2) or, qualify your argument to state when and where the argument appears

The Process

Toulmin Outline

Claim: I want the audience to believe___________________.
Support/subclaims: They should believe this because (list reasons).
Warrant: What values do I hold which make me believe this claim? Are these values the same as my audience?
Backing: Who is my audience? Do they have the same warrants that I have?
Rebuttal: What are the other positions on the issue? Which ones do need to discuss in may paper?
Qualifier: Should I state my argument in absolute terms or add some probable terms (sometimes, probably, if)?

Find Common Ground

Achieve common ground with the audience
Understand your audience.
Understand the needs and values of your audience: basis needs, health, financial well being, affection and friendship.

Basic needs	Food, clothing and shelter	Policy: How can we assure all people have access to clean water?
Health	Access to doctors and health care	Cause: What causes most people to take all their prescription medicine?

Assignment

Using your issue from the Classical Argument, write a Toulmin Analysis of the subject.
Use APA or MLA formatting per your instructor
Essay must be a minimum of 1,200-1,500 words, plus Works Cited
Essay must use a minimum of 5 (three sources)