Argumentation and Core Paragraph Toulmin model for Argument

Concluding Sentence/Transition Core Paragraph Review Topic Sentence Support (DEAF) Commentary/Analysis Concluding Sentence/Transition This is what you have been taught…yes you have! Perhaps you don’t recall. That’s on you. Learn this stuff…write it down, practice it, identify it.

Core Paragraph Review Topic Sentence – controlling idea with a specific impression It needs to be arguable and defendable Cell phones should be allowed in class because I use mine for educational purposes. Sex education should be taught in schools because it prevents unwanted pregnancies and STDs. In Everything’s an Argument, they call topic sentences enthymemes

Core Paragraph Review Support– The information that helps to prove your claim is valid/true. Details – specifics from a narrative Evidence – Quotes, research Anecdotes – Personal story Facts – Statistics, irrefutable truths (or widely accepted truths) Not made up! Not cherry-picked! Be strategic, but not shady!

Commentary Commentary – the analysis the writer includes to connect the support to the topic sentence and show how it is helping to prove the claim. Ask – So what? “This means…” “This evidence shows…” “This demonstrates…” These sentence starters will only get you so far…you cannot simply restate what the evidence says. You must analyze what the implications are in knowing this information AND anticipate reader questions/rebuttal.

conclusion Concluding Sentence/Transition In argumentative writing, the final sentence and the conclusion of any paragraph should NOT NEVER be simply a restatement of your topic sentence (this is repetitive and low level). Effective conclusion is, instead, an explanation of why the claim proven in the paragraph matters on its own (when the argument comprises a single paragraph) or why the proven claims matter in the context of the essay’s larger argument (when the argument is multi-paragraph, and the paragraph is for one point of it). Different people will have different preferences. I am of the opinion that seamless cadence is best no matter how its executed. That said, a concluding sentence is best when you need to tie your paragraph back to your main thesis. If the paragraph is on its own, then you should explain why that topic matters.

Toulmin Argumentation QuickWrite What is the Toulmin model for argumentation? How does it, perhaps, differ/enhance what you have been taught up to this point about argumentation? Turn and Talk Okay…sooo…what is it? It is a system of reasoning that offers advice for building cases (yeah…like a lawyer). It is useful in that it is pragmatic. One can qualify the argument so as not to completely alienate the audience. It gives solid habits of analysis so you can be on your toes and think critically!

Toulmin Vocab Claim – debatable or controversial statements or assertions that you hope to prove. Logic/evidence – the raw material for building arguments Reasons – major terms of the argument Warrants – logical and persuasive connection between a claim and the reasons/data supporting it (assumptions) Backing – evidence to support your warrant Qualifiers – words/phrases that place limits on claims (usually, sometimes, in many cases) Conditions of Rebuttal – objections of your opposition Ethos, Pathos, Logos – ethical, emotional, and logical appeals (respectively) Can you label the parts of the core paragraph using these terms?

Reason So Claim Since Warrant Structuring Argument Reason So Claim Since Warrant This is the basic Toulmin model for an argument. You will use this model to structure your argumentative paragraph focusing on a critique of McCarthy’s writing and/or novel All the Pretty Horses.

Structuring Argument JGC must learn about himself So the borderlands are essential Since Staying in Texas would not help him realize truth Topic Sentence: John Grady Cole must journey through the borderlands in order to reach high truths about himself and the world. Here is an example from the article I read titled “Mexico and the borderlands in Cormac McCarthy’s All the Pretty Horses” by John Blair.

Structuring Argument JGC must learn about himself So the borderlands are essential Since Staying in Texas would not help him realize truth Topic Sentence: Even though his efforts are futile, John Grady Cole must journey through the borderlands in order to reach high truths about himself and the world. Here is the same example but now with a qualifier…

AP versus General Prove your warrant…your assumption needs to be addressed. Use LOGICAL backing – quotes from both texts (no cherry-picking) Anticipate questions – your reader is smart! Anticipate rebuttals – create air-tight points, so there are no large gaps in your argument (and concede a point when you can’t refute).

“How to Read Literature Like a Professor” Take out your packet from last Friday. Using chapter 1, you will work in groups to identify the argument that Foster is making. Try to find all the pieces of Toulmin’s model. (Remember assumptions aren’t explicitly stated)