1. Toulmin Model for Argument

2. There are different ways of seeing major issues. Toulmin takes into account complications; allows us to qualify our thoughts

3. Claims Arguments begin with a claim – a statement you hope to prove. This will be a position that others find controversial and debatable. *Can’t state a fact (12” = one foot) *Must be debatable (proved with logic or evidence)

4. Claims are Statements A question: Is it a good idea to give River Dell’s incoming 9 th graders laptops? A claim/statement: River Dell should issue all freshmen laptop computers.

5. Data & Reasons Draw up a list of reasons to support your claim, or find evidence to back up that point. Technology will be in the hands of every student More books will be on the computer Work will be done using technology

6. Three Types of Data Substantive: facts that can be verified Motivational: Ideals and feelings Authoritative: endorsed by a respected authority

7. Data leads to the Claim

8. Warrant There must be a logical and persuasive connection between a claim and the reasons or data that support it. Once you state the warrant you sometimes expose a fatal flaw.

9. Warrant

10. What is the Warrant? Because your SAT scores are in the 98 th percentile you will get into the college of your choice SINCE

11. What is the Warrant? Because Abigail eats well, exercises and doesn’t smoke, she is in excellent health SINCE

12. What is the Warrant? Because my brother, an incoming RD freshman is very responsible, RD should issue his class laptops SINCE:

13. The need for QUALIFIERS Fewit is possible Rarelyit seems Someit may be Sometimesmore or less In some casesmany Mostone might argue For the most partunder these conditions possibly

14. Add a qualifier: Because your SAT scores are in the 98 th percentile you will get into the college of your choice since high SAT scores are an important part of the admissions process…… except in rare cases where a student has a criminal record

15. Add a qualifier: Because Abigail eats well, exercises and doesn’t smoke, she is in excellent health since these habits are indicative of a healthy lifestyle … Since these habits are (in most cases) indicative of a healthy lifestyle…

16. The Toulmin Model

17. Carney Method Too often the data leaps right to the claim Thinking is minimal in many arguments. Pull elevated examples from many sources. You must choose a side (no fence sitters allowed) but resist the urge to prove yes/no or agree/disagree. Go beyond the T-chart.

18. How to add thinking When you read the prompt think carefully about what you are being asked to prove. Define terms Ask questions about the theory or idea proposed Think: What I find most interesting about this discussion is…..