The Toulmin Format for Persuasive Essays

The Toulmin Format: Persuasive Essays Stephen Toulmin-philosopher who studies ancient Greek/Roman rhetoric (the art of speaking) and the courtroom model -Argument and Defense CLAIM-your opinion statement Supported by evidence=informed opinion

CLAIMS-Informed Opinions Example: Prosecution: Guilty of Grand Theft-Auto Evidence: fingerprints on steering wheel Weak Alibi Car in “thief’’” possession Defense: Not Guilty Evidence: many other fingerprints Solid alibi Borrowed the car with permission

DATA DATA-the evidence/information that supports the claim; the proof that backs up your opinion you must research the data before you can form an opinion (informed opinion) Data includes: Expert opinion-a professional ex. PhD, M.D. Esq. (esquire-lawyer) Books-statistics-proven facts

DATA Common Knowledge-dictionary definitions; widely known facts (Hollywood) Quotations- from novels (literary analysis) Internet-RELIABLE and VERIFIABLE sources; anyone can publish a website; appropriate to your purpose and age

Third Element in the Toulmin Format is the WARRANT. WARRANT statements reaffirm claims, restate the point as correct, and lead the reader into the next claim Often begin with transition words Claim-opinion Make the point Data-evidence Back up the point Warrant-affirmation Restate as correct

Example Topic: Changes in School Dress Code (C) The administration must consider amending the policy on wearing hats in school. (D) In a recent study of 3,000 14-18 year old public high school students, researches found that over 90% cite hats as a way to stay warm and comfortable. Furthermore,… (distraction) (W) Clearly, this is one area where administrators could make a change with positive results.

Body Paragraph Structure One Toulmin body paragraph will contain 11 sentences. Position Statement (P.S.)- topic sentence that introduces the issue (major claim) Claim is a “smaller” version of the position Statement

Example Body Paragraph (P.S.) Hats are inappropriate in the classroom setting. (C) A student’s attention wavers when he/she wears a hat. (D) A student may more readily fall asleep when hats are permitted. (W) One can reasonably see why hats should not be worn in school.

11 Sentence Body Paragraph P.S. Claim (C1) Data (D1) Warrant (W1) Claim (C2) Data (D2) Warrant (W2) Claim (C3) Data (D3) Warrant (W3) Concluding Statement (C.S.)

Key Organizational Points Strongest claim should be last in the paragraph. Why? Strongest body paragraph should be the last Writer MUST not use 1st and 2nd person point of view. Writer MUST use 3rd person. Writer will sound universal and will avoid making it personal.

Key Organizational Points Using You or Your sounds like your parents are yelling at you. It sounds preachy, blaming, and snobbish. It will turn your reader away from “your side.” Writer needs to sound knowledgeable, factual, and approachable. Do not give unfair biases (lopsided view point) Ex. The referee graduated from Revere and wants Revere to win!

Key Organizational Points Vary sentence structure. Eleven simple sentences sound choppy and elementary. Do not start position statements (P.S.) or claims (c) with but, and, or so. Consider using a concession in the first body paragraph Ex. A good number of Republicans and Democrats agree that the country needs an overhaul in the current system of public health care; however, an overwhelming number of senators from both parties disagree with what has been proposed thus far.