What is it and how does it work? Toulmin Logic What is it and how does it work? Stephen Toulmin – Philosopher The Uses of Argument (1956)

Basics of Toulmin Logic Claim – Debatable statement Grounds – Concrete evidence supports the claim Warrant – Connects grounds to claim, inference, agreeable to readers

Toulmin’s Full Model Claim Reason Warrant Backing (if necessary) Grounds Qualifier(s) Rebuttal(s)

Claim Main point of your essay – debatable statement Idea you believe the evidence supports Distance learning should be a part of all students’ education. We should drink bottled water. Texas school districts should reduce their workforce based on limited experience (fewer years in the job).

Reason Statement that supports the claim Often occurs in same sentence as the claim connected by the word because Distance learning should be a part of all students’ education because it enables them to have a more successful and enjoyable college experience. We should drink bottled water because it is cleaner and safer than tap water. Texas school districts should reduce their teacher workforce based on limited experience (fewer years in the job) because teachers with more years of experience are more effective in the classroom.

Warrant Inference that connects the claim and the grounds. Often an unstated assumption. Ideally an idea your readers would automatically agree with. Distance learning is a valuable education option. It is good to have safe, clean water to drink. Experienced teachers have proven ability to handle the demands of the job.

Backing Evidence that supports the warrant. Necessary if your readers DO NOT agree with your warrant. My own experience with distance learning was positive. Not only did it enable me to schedule classes around my job, but it also enabled me to work at my own pace in my courses. Evidence about the effects of polluted water and the safety of bottled water Principals’ statements that they encounter less discipline problems from classrooms with (more) experienced teachers.

Grounds Concrete evidence that supports the claim. Facts, observations, opinions of experts, etc. (mostly logos based). Studies show that students who take advantage of distance learning often get better grades than students who do not (Smith 2002, Jones 2007). Examples of how ground water can be easily contaminated, personal experience that bottled water tastes better than tap Test results of students in classes with experienced teachers compared to test results of students in classes with less experience.

Qualifiers Statements that limit the claim. Real-world conditions under which the claim is true. Words such as most, few, some, sometimes, occasionally, often, usually Distance learning should be a required part of most students’ education. Some bottled water is only purified tap water. Some experienced teachers become routine and inflexible when planning and presenting lessons.

Rebuttals Refutations of opposing arguments Answer to the “yeah but” statements Anticipating the counterargument(s) Some people argue that distance learning deprives students of an interactive classroom experience, but a class chat room can give students a similar opportunity to interact with their classmates. Refute arguments about waste of bottles, use of plastic, relative cleanliness and safety of tap water. While new (less experienced) teachers’ salaries often cost the districts less, these teachers’ lack of experience can require much more guidance, correction, and motivation in order to be as effective as teachers’ with more experience who have demonstrated their dedication to the job.