Toulmin Model AP Lang. & Comp. Ch. 3 Often used in the confirmatio portion of the classical argument structure.

AT a Glance… It may seem complicated at first, but it helps with analysis, structuring, qualifying a thesis, and understanding abstract arguments. Once mastered, it’s very powerful. 6 Elements: Claim Support (aka grounds or evidence) Qualifier Warrant (the assumption) Backing Reservation (limitations of the argument which specifically invalidate the warrant)

Example claim in a Toulmin model: Element #1: Claims Stephen Toulmin defined a claim as “a conclusion whose merits we are seeking to establish” In other words, arguable assertions It’s the point, or idea the arguer is trying to get across to the audience. Policy (should/should not) Fact (is/isn’t) Value/judgements (moral/immoral) May have more than one in an argument Example claim in a Toulmin model: Congress should ban animal research…

Element #2: Support/evidence/grounds/Data/reasons Regardless of the type of evidence used (first-hand or second- hand), it should always be relevant, accurate, and sufficient. Relevant = evidence specifically applies to the argument Arguers should explicitly spell out what the relationship is between an example and the argument. Accurate = taking care to quote sources correctly without misrepresenting what the source is saying or taking the information out of context. Sufficient = enough evidence to prove your point

Element #2: Support/evidence/grounds/Data/reasons (cont.) First-hand Evidence = personal experience, anecdotes, observations from current events (pathos) Stuff YOU know Second-hand Evidence = historical info, expert opinion, quantitative data (logos and ethos) Stuff someone ELSE knows Example support in a Toulmin model continued from the claim: …because animals are tortured in experiments that have no necessary benefit for humans such as the testing of cosmetics.

Element #3: qualifier These are statements that limit the strength of the argument or statements that propose the conditions under which the argument is true. You could say it shares how sure or probable the arguer thinks his or her claim is (e.g. degree of force) or that it tempers the claim a bit, making it less absolute by using words or phrases like the following: Usually Probably Maybe In most cases Most likely Should not Example support in a Toulmin model continued from the support: Of course, this ban should not apply to medical research.

Element #4: Warrant Similar to the minor premise of a syllogism, this connects the claim to the support. It expresses the assumption necessarily shared by the speaker and the audience. Based on Aristotle’s three modes of persuasion (ethos, logos, pathos) and shared values. NOTE: You will have more success with your audience understanding your point of view if you create a common ground (i.e. assumption) with your audience based on shared values (ex: freedom of speech, bare arms, equal rights, etc.). If not, nothing you say will sway them! Example support in a Toulmin model continued from the qualifier: The well-being of animals is more important than the profits of the cosmetics industry. Only congress has the authority to make such a law…

Example support in a Toulmin model continued from the warrant: Element #5: Backing Additional justification for the warrant without which the assumption lacks authority. In other words, offer backing to show that logic used in the warrant(s) is sound. Example support in a Toulmin model continued from the warrant: …because the corporations can simply move from state to state to avoid legal penalties.

Additional element often used: rebuttal Although this is not part of the six elements of the Toulmin model, this is important to include in any argument and is found in the refutatio section of the classical oration model. VERY IMPORTANT part of the argument because it shows the arguer is aware of what logic the opposition might use to counter. It considers the limitations or exceptions to the arguer’s claim. Example support in a Toulmin model continued from the reservation: A law to ban all research would go too far.

Toulmin Model examples Congress should ban animal research (claim) because animals are tortured in experiments that have no necessary benefit for humans such as the testing of cosmetics (support/reason/grounds). Of course, this ban should not apply to medical research (qualifier). The well-being of animals is more important than the profits of the cosmetics industry. Only congress has the authority to make such a law (warrant), because the corporations can simply move from state to state to avoid legal penalties (backing). I should take my umbrella (claim) because it is raining (support/reason/grounds). It will probably (qualifier) keep me dry (warrant/assumption) on account of its waterproof material (backing).