Toulmin Argument Format

1
Toulmin Argument Format
2
Basics

• is very confrontational however, unlike
  Aristotelian Argument, you do not concentrate as
  heavily on possible reactions from your opponent
• Toulmin utilizes more of a strict logos approach
  to analysis, appealing less to emotions or even
  to an Aristotelian sense of ethos
• it is often labeled as a method of reasoning, to
  draw conclusions based on provided evidence,
  either by deduction or induction

3
Elements

• In the end, to explain Toulmin, new terminology
  must be used
• claim establishes purpose of argument goal of
  paper thesisgrounds statistical evidence,
  reasons defending p.o.v. established
  truthswarrants answers how the grounds support
  the claimbacking further support showing how
  well the reasons workqualifiers provide
  possible limitations of the claim through words
  phrases, such as probably, in most instances,
  typically, some, a few, most, many they show
  when, how, and why the claim is
  reliablerebuttals acknowledge any objections to
  main claim
• see chart CI on p. 344 which breaks down an
  example argument, element by element

4
Introduction

• 1. The writer should first gain the audiences
  attention in the essay and provide interest to
  the situation. Remember all paragraphs need five
  sentences for defense. In this case, you are
  embellishing the standard purpose of an
  introduction by establishing the importance of
  your claim.
• 2. The writer then declares a claim in a strong,
  defined fashion, establishing a firm position on
  an argument. This is the traditional thesis or
  goal of the paper.

5
Body

• 1. Provide the data and statistics which back up
  your original argument. What facts support your
  position? In other words, provide the grounds for
  your argument.
• 2. Establish a warrant which explain through
  strong analysis of the data you have provided.
• 3. Through further backing of research defend
  your analysis.
• 4. Establish a second and then a third series of
  Grounds/Warrants/Backing up of evidence.
• 5. Provide possible rebuttals to the opposition
  of the original claim as in the Aristotelian
  method. concede your opponent has valid
  points, however, then the writer refutes these
  views by showing how the original claim is
  stronger, more valid

6
Conclusion

• Conclusion
• Seek closure to the full argument by slightly
• reviewing main points, but resolving the
• issue at hand through summing up with
• deductive reasoning from the main grounds,
• warrants, and backing.

7
Syllogisms Toulmin / Introduction Statements

• Major Premise (Since this/ If this) / Warrant
  (general) (Explanation of organization of
  evidence)
• Minor Premise (then this) / Grounds
  (specific) (Evidence/analogy that illustrates
  evidence)
• Conclusion (therefore / thus) / Claim
  (thesis) (Deduction made from major/minor
  premises)
• If premises are true, logically the conclusion is
  also true you have a sound thesis.

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Each Paragraph is a Mini-Argument

• Topic Sentence establishes a secondary
  topic/claim
• SES establishes example or evidence Grounds
  (Minor Premise)
• Explanation (through analysis) Warrant (Major
  Premise)
• Resulting Deduction Conclusion
• Evaluation Connect back to thesis why
  information relevant
• Each claim made within a paragraph is added
  together in the resulting conclusion as a firm
  resolution of the thesis validity. The main
  claim is thus proven a truth. Readers should see
  the logic by the time they reach the confirming
  statements within the conclusion.
• Topic Sentence 1 TS 2 TS 3 TS 4 TS 5 TS
  6 Confirmation of Thesis

9
Qualifiers

• Qualifiers provide a strengthening element to the
  formula by attributing additional meaning
• Most students dislike Toulmin Argument methods
  at first.
• Some history instructors expect high academic
  papers with solid
• argument skills.
• but avoid over generalizations
• Everybody in composition classes these days
  consult Wikipedia despite its reputation.
• Qualifications ensure writers make claims based
  off the evidences
• limitations.

10
Rebuttals

• Counter arguments may be necessary within these
  discussions. As with Aristotelian method, a
  single statement or a full paragraph may suffice
  as a rebuttal.
• While renowned literary critic Harold Bloom
  believes Edgar Allan Poe is an over-rated author,
  Dr. Carol Johnson (2009) claims otherwise,
  establishing Poe as the primary American Gothic
  short story writer (p. 36).

11
The Most Popular Sesame Street Character

• Claim Elmo is the most important character on
  Sesame Street.
• Grounds/Data In a preschool poll, 70 of
  children reported liking Elmo more than other
  characters. Children laugh on average, 33 more
  when Elmo is on the screen. In addition, Elmo is
  shown exercising twice as often as any other
  character on the show.
• Warrant Elmo has childrens attention more than
  other characters, and therefore has more
  potential to make positive changes in
  preschoolers lives.
• Backing Children create many of their habits
  through mimicry.
• Qualifier Elmo is definitely the most important
  character on Sesame Street.
• Rebuttal Other characters on Sesame Street may
  fulfill important roles and model positive
  behaviors as well however, Elmos importance can
  be further stressed due to his recent influence
  financially for the program.