Explaining Parts of Toulmin's Argument

I can explain the parts of an argument after studying Toulmin’s argument and the classical arrangement.

1. Speeches!
Take out your speeches and select a portion of it to share out loud with the class. Let’s hear ‘em!

2. Partner Debates
a) Partner up!
b) Partner 1 chooses a number (1-5) out of the hat--that is your issue to debate.
c) Partner 2 flips the coin.  Heads = you argue YES on the referendum; Tails = you argue NO on the referendum
d) Partner 1 gets 2 minutes to convince the audience; then partner 2 gets 2 minutes.

VOTE AGAIN! Did anyone change their minds? Why? What was effective in the debates that you heard today?

3. Toulmin: Big Ideas

• Claim--thesis
• Reasons--support claim--the why or because statement
• Data/Grounds--the factual evidence that supports reasons or claims
• Warrant--the reasoning/connection/assumption that links claim and support--this is often implied or assumed and not explicitly stated *Tip: figuring out the warrant and evaluating its merit can often help bolster or breakdown an argument
• Backing--support for the warrant--explains why it is true
• Rebuttal--counterargument--other side and refutation
• Qualifier--can come at end or attached to claim; qualifies the argument to make it more reasonable or realistic

a) Discuss HW

b) Partner Activity: Identifying parts of Toulmin's argument

H.W.: Using the packet on Toulmin’s argument, find an article of your own and label the parts.