Warrant: The part of the arguments that sets up a logical connection between the grounds and the claim. (Reason) (Scientific Method = Hypothesis)

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1 Toulmin Method of Argumentation Critical thinking and the ability to write well are of primary importance in our Magnet Program. The heart of good writing is good thinking. Writing is not only an end in itself but a means to an end as students learn effective argumentation and the type of analytical reasoning necessary for college success. Nine years ago, we realized that the writing strategies that we had been using were not adequately preparing our students for work at the university level. Furthermore, most students enter our program with gaps in their writing and critical thinking skills. To achieve our goals, we have adopted the Toulmin Method of Argumentation to help students develop writing and critical thinking skills. The Toulmin Method, based on the work of philosopher Stephen Toulmin, is one way of analyzing a text. Magnet students are taught to use this method to make a well reasoned argument and analyze the limitations of an argument using logical reasoning. Furthermore, it helps students understand how to better evaluate the claims made by others, whether they are in the political arena or advertizing. In addition to providing a comprehensive writing strategy, the Toulmin Method helps our students to develop their critical thinking, analysis and decision making skills. Our approach to teaching the Toulmin Method of Argument is systemic. The structure is introduced in the ninth grade and continues to be more finely tuned in subsequent grade levels so that students develop the skills necessary for success at the university level. The Toulmin Method is used as the structure for writing assignments, analysis of sources and debates in all courses. It has parallels between the Scientific Method and the logic that is used in mathematical proofs. This method is similar to many other writing strategies. We felt that by using a common strategy and vocabulary, we would be able to more effectively help our students become better writers and thinkers. The basic vocabulary is listed below. If you are interested in our templates and graphic organizers, please see the following pages. If you would like to learn more about the Toulmin Method, we recommend Colorado State University s web site We also recommend An Introduction to Reasoning, by Stephan Toulmin. Claim: A position on an issue. (Thesis) (Scientific Method = Conclusion) Grounds: Evidence, facts, data, and information that are the reason for the claim in the first place. (Scientific Method = Observations, Experimentation, Data) Warrant: The part of the arguments that sets up a logical connection between the grounds and the claim. (Reason) (Scientific Method = Hypothesis) Backing: Support material that supports the warrant and can help your audience or readers understand the reasoning used in the warrant. Reservation or counter-claim: An exception to the claim. Rebuttal: An argument against the counter-claim. Qualifier: The relative strength of an argument: some, 75%, most of the time, etc. (Scientific Method = Margin of Error, Variables and Control, Conditions of Experiment, Sample Size)

2 Toulmin Argument Layout Sylmar High Math Science Magnet Name Period Date Claim A position on an issue. (Thesis or Stance) (Scientific Method = Conclusion) Backing Body of knowledge that supports the warrant and helps your audience understand the reasoning used in the warrant. Analysis, connections and discussions. Warrant The part of the arguments that sets up a logical connection between the grounds and the claim. (Reason) (Scientific Method = Hypothesis) Supporting claims may be topic sentences for body paragraphs. Grounds Evidence, facts, data, and information that are the reason for the claim in the first place. (Scientific Method = Observations, Experimentation, Data) Qualifier The relative strength of an argument: some, 75%, most of the time, etc. (Scientific Method = Margin of Error, Variables and Control, Conditions of Experiment, Sample Size) Counter Claim An exception to the claim, a counter argument. Rebuttal An argument against the counter-claim, to refute the claim.

3 Toulmin Argument Template Sylmar High Math Science Magnet Name Period Date Claim Backing Warrant Grounds Qualifier Counter Claim Rebuttal

4 Claim: A position on an issue. Qualifier: The relative strength of an argument: 75%, most of the time, etc. Sylmar High Math Science Magnet A Toulmin Model for Analyzing Arguments (Thesis or Stance, Scientific Method = Conclusion) (Scientific Method = margin of error, variables, conditions of experiment, sample size, etc.) Exceptions: are there cases where your claim does not hold true? Answer the questions below for each reason. Reason 1 Reason 2 Reason 3 What are your Grounds -Evidence, facts, data, and information that are the reason for the claim. What is your Warrant - The part of the arguments that sets up a logical connection between the grounds and the claim. What is your Backing - The body of knowledge that supports the warrant and helps your audience understand the reasoning.

5 Answer the questions below for each reason. Reason 1 Reason 2 Reason 3 What makes this reason relevant? What makes this reason effective? What evidence supports this reason? Is this evidence sufficient? Why? Is this evidence credible? Why? (Site your sources!) Is this evidence accurate? (Is your data current?) What are the possible objections? What is your rebuttal to each objection? Notes:

6 Sylmar High School Math Science Technology Magnet Toulmin Writing Benchmarks Product Goal Students will use claim, evidence, warrant counterclaim and rebuttal to structure arguments Students will continue to improve their use of claim, evidence and warrant to structure arguments Students will use all parts of Toulmin to structure more complex arguments. Students will produce a well reasoned argument using the toulmin model. Process & Structural Focus Students will write compositions of up to 4 paragraphs to include an introduction of at least 3 sentences. Students will also explicitly label all parts of the arguments on rough drafts. Students will write more complex compositions of 5-7 paragraphs and explicitly label all parts of the argument on rough drafts. Students will work on sub-claims Links: Social Science/English Written papers will be free of mechanical errors. Links: Social Science/English Logic Focus Ethical Debate Types of Logic (Cause and effect) Generalization from example and classification, If/Then...Therefore Essays/research project De bunking Limits to Arguments Mathematical Proofs Students will include multiple warrants Inductive and deductive reasoning Analysis Focus Informational and expository texts. Identify parts of an argument. Why can t you reach these conclusions? Synthesizing more complex ideas from multiple works. Expand clarifications to define the scope of an argument. Strategies for counter-claim and rebuttal. Students will use historical issues to outline an argument Use current events to outline an argument or use Toulmin to evaluate the claim made in the current event. Toulmin Instructional Focus Analysis used in language of warrants. Organize increasingly sophisticated arguments by adding sub-claims, expanded clarifications, and rebuttals when appropriate