The Toulmin Model of Argument Terms Claim An
- Slides: 5
The Toulmin Model of Argument
Terms: �Claim: An assertion that the writer is trying to convince the readers of. (It can be a thesis, but it may also be a reason). �The Grounds: The facts, statistics, or evidence the writer uses to support his or her claims. �Warrants: Unstated assumptions that connect your Grounds to your Claim. �Backing: An explanation that shows your warrant(s) are well founded. �Qualifiers: Statements that indicate under what circumstances a claim is reliable. �Rebuttals: Refutations of opponents’ claims and/or objections.
Warrants: The difficult part �The most difficult part of an argument to find, at least in Toulmin’s terms, would be the warrant. These are, however, the most important to find. Unfounded warrants weaken an argument.
Example of Warrants �Claim: All students in American public schools should be taught in English-only classrooms. �Grounds: Research shows a high correlation between English fluency and socioeconomic success in America. �Warrant 1: Schools prepare students for success in our society. �Warrant 2: Success in America can be determined by English proficiency. �Warrant 3: Teaching classes only in English will ensure that students will be fluent in English. (somewhat questionable if not supported)
Practice: �Form groups with 3 -4 members each. �Read Steven Pinker’s “Why They Kill Their Newborns” on Page 196 -199 of your Dialogues text. �Briefly note the main and supporting points of Pinker’s argument. �Note some of the warrants (assumptions) Pinker makes. �Share with the class what your group has found.
