Structuring Argument

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Structuring Argument

• The Toulmin Argument

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The Toulmin Model

• Because_______________________,
• (support or evidence)
• therefore______________________,
• (claim)
• since____________________________.
• (warrant)

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Claim

• Claims worth arguing tend to be controversial,
  theres no point worrying about points on which
  people agree. For example there are assertions
  in the statement Twelve inches make a foot and
  Earth is the third planet from the sun, but they
  are not really worth arguing most of the time.

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Support

• A claim is lonely and unpersuasive statement
  until it is accompanied by some data and good
  reasons. You can begin developing a claim simply
  by drawing up a list of reasons to support it or
  finding evidence that backs up the point.

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Arguments in brief or enthymemes

• In shaping your own arguments, try putting claims
  and reasons together early in the writing
  process.
• The Electoral College has outlived its usefulness
  because it gives undue power to small and
  mid-sized states in presidential elections.
• Its time to lower the drinking age because Ive
  been drinking since I was fourteen and it hasnt
  hurt me.
• Vegetarianism is the best choice of diet, the
  only one that doesnt require the suffering of
  animals.

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Arguments in brief

• Can expose a weak warrant
• Enthymeme (argument in brief)
• Grades in high school should be
  abolished because I dont like
  them!
• Warrant
• What I dont like should be abolished.
• Building an argument on a weak warrant is like
  building a house on a questionable foundation.

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Warrants

• There must be a logical and persuasive connection
  between a claim and the evidence or support.
  This is called a warrant. A sound warrant gives
  you the authority to proceed.
• Reason(s) ----------------------------? Claim
• Since
• Warrant

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If readers accept your warrant you can develop
your claim

• Reason
• Electoral College--? gives small states undue
  influence.
• Since---?

• Claim
• So it should be abolished.
• Warrant
• No states should have undue influence on
  presidential elections

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If readers dispute your warrant youll have to
defend it before you can move on.

• Reason----------?
• Ive been drinking since age fourteen without
  problems
• Since-----?
• When you state awarrant accuratelygt

• Claim
• So the legal age for drinking should be lowered
• Warrant
• What works for me should work for everyone else
• gtsometimes you expose a fallacy in your reasoning

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Potential Objections

• You must always imagine a crowd of prospective
  readers, hovering over your shoulders, asking
  questions.
• Understanding and reacting to these conditions
  are essential not only to buttress your own
  claims where they are weak,
• but also to understand the reasonable objections
  of people who see the world differently.
• Using qualifiers will help make your arguments
  reasonable

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Using qualifiers

• Words and phrases that place limits on claims
  such as
• Usually it is possible
  some etc.
• Sometimes it seems most
• In many cases it may be often
• Few if it were so
  perhaps
• Rarely in many cases
  routinely
• Play an essential role in argument
• Experienced writers qualify arguments because
  they make writing more precise and honest

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The Toulmin Model

• Because_______________________,
• (support or evidence)
• therefore______________________,
• (claim)
• since____________________________.
• (warrant)