1. Argument in the AP English Language Classroom
Don Stoll
Rowan University

2. Argument vs. Persuasion
Definition of Argument
Reasoned inquiry-logos
Rational discourse
Seeking common ground-ethos
Rhetoric
Definition of Persuasion
A question of belief and preference-pathos
Manipulate-able

3. Types of Argument Argument of Fact Arguments of Value
Something is or is not the case
Causal argument
Arguments of Value
Something is or is not desirable
Evaluations of quality or worth according to accepted criteria
Argument of Policy
Something should or should not be done

4. Toulmin Model - terminology
Claim - an assertion
Support - data used as evidence, reasons, or grounds
Warrant - assumption shared by the writer & the reader
Backing - data/assurances to support the warrant
Qualifier - restrictor
Reservation - explains the qualifier
Rebuttal - objections to claim and/or warrant

5. The Toulmin Sentence
Because (data as support), therefore, or so (qualifier?) (claim), since (warrant), because, or on account of (backing), unless (reservation).
Because of the new cell phone law, in most cases no one should call while driving since it is good to obey the law because if the law is broken it means a heavy fine unless, of course, there is an emergency.

6. Writing the Toulmin Sentence
Claim - People should wear seatbelts
Support - High rate of serious injury in accidents when seatbelts are not worn
Warrant -Serious injury should be avoided
Backing - serious injury is costly, painful, and dangerous
Qualifier - Typically
Reservation - cases where seatbelts may be dangerous like small children
Rebuttal -High rate of serious injury when seatbelts are worn

7. Toulmin Sentence….
Because of the high rate of serious injury in accidents when seatbelts are not worn, in most instances we should all wear seatbelts. This is true because avoiding serious injury is good. Serious injury can be costly, painful, and dangerous. Of course there are situations when seatbelts may be dangerous such as in the case of small children who might have their necks broken by the seatbelt. While some may say there is a high rate of serious injury when seat belts are worn, such as when the car goes underwater or bursts into flames, having a device to cut the seatbelt near at hand in such cases is better than not wearing a seatbelt at all.

8. Writing the Toulmin Sentence - Again
Claim - Sweetened soft drinks should be removed from the school’s vending machines
Support - high obesity of teens in our school
Warrant - sweetened soft drinks lead to fat teens
Backing - obesity leads to heart disease and diabetes
Qualifier - After it is cleared by the administration
Reservation - People who need sweetened food in an emergency like diabetics
Rebuttal - Tens should be encouraged to take responsibility for their own health and make their own decisions.

9. Writing the Toulmin Sentence - Claim of Fact
Claim - Students who work hard in high school do better in college
Support - There is greater demand for AP courses
Warrant -
Backing -
Qualifier -
Reservation -
Rebuttal -

10. Writing the Toulmin Sentence - Claim of Value
Claim - Faux news programs are a great addition to television
Support People who are aware of current events are better off than being ignorant
Warrant -
Backing -
Qualifier -
Reservation -
Rebuttal -

11. Writing the Toulmin Sentence - Claim of Policy
Claim - Department chairs should receive extensive training in management skills
Support - The new principal is decentralizing power
Warrant -
Backing -
Qualifier -
Reservation -
Rebuttal -

12. Further Reading