1. The Toulmin Format for Persuasive Essays

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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, 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.)

11. 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.

12. 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!

13. 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.