1. Structuring and Analyzing Arguments:
The Classical, Toulmin, and Rogerian Models

2. Classical Argument: Six Elements
1) Introduction: captures attention of audience; urges audience to consider your case
2) Statement of Background: narrates the key facts and/or events leading up to your case
3) Proposition: states the position you are taking, based on the information you’ve already presented, and sets up the structure of the rest of your argument
4) Proof: discusses your reasons for your position and provides evidence to support each reason
5) Refutation: anticipates opposing viewpoints; then demonstrates why your approach is the only acceptable one (i.e. better than your opponents’)
6) Conclusion: summarizes your most important points and can include appeals to feelings or values (pathos)

3. THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Major premise: Tyrannical rulers deserve no loyalty;
Minor premise: King George III is a tyrannical ruler
Conclusion: Therefore, King George III deserves no loyalty.
Purdue University Writing Lab 3

4. TOULMIN LOGIC
This is an effort to describe argument as it actually occurs in everyday life.
The CLAIM is the main point of the essay; it is usually stated as the thesis.
The DATA is the material a writer uses to support the claim (evidence)
The WARRANT is the inference that connects the grounds to the claim; it can be a belief that is taken for granted, or an assumptions that underlies the argument.
Purdue University Writing Lab 4

5. TOULMIN LOGIC: Declaration of Independence
Claim: King George III deserves no loyalty.
Grounds: King George III is a tyrannical ruler (supported by facts and examples)
Warrant: Tyrannical rulers deserve no loyalty.
The clearer your warrant, the more likely readers will be to agree with it.
Purdue University Writing Lab 5

6. Rogerian Arguments: Structure
Introduction: statement of problem to be solved or question to be answered
Summary of Opposing Views: described using a seemingly objective persona
Statement of Understanding: concedes circumstances under which opposing views might be valid
Statement of Your Position
Statement of Contexts: describes contexts in which your position applies/works well
Statement of Benefits: appeals to self-interest of readers who may not yet agree with you; demonstrates how your position benefits them

7. ROGERIAN LOGIC: Declaration of Independence (would look like this)
Introduction – We need to do something about King George.
Summary of Opposition – Declaring independence would mean a long, violent, costly war.
Statement of Understanding – If injustices weren’t so great, this would be acceptable.
Statement of Opinion – However, too many injustices have happened. We should do something.
Statement of Contexts – Declaring independence will be more costly for them in this context.
Conclusion – Let’s declare independence, but pursue peaceful resolution.