Toulmin Argument Work Purpose Throughout English
Work 3 Toulmin Argument Work Purpose Of Work Throughout English Com
Throughout English Composition II, you have utilized research skills, problem solving skills, and analytic skills. The Toulmin Work provides the student the opportunity to revisit some elements of Classical Argument and analyze another form of argumentative structure.
The work should include the following:
- MLA format.
- 3-4 pages (double-spaced) not including Works Cited page
- In-Text citations in the body of the Work
- Minimum of 4 sources from legitimate sources
- Works Cited page with properly formatted entries for each source cited.
This assignment helps you practice the following skills that are essential to your success in school and your professional life beyond school.
In this assignment you will:
- Access and collect needed information from appropriate primary and secondary sources
- Synthesize information to develop informed views to produce and refute argumentation
- Compose a well-organized, Toulmin argument to expand your knowledge of a topic
Prompt
An argument written in this manner unfolds to reveal both the strengths and limits of the argument. This is as it should be. No argument should pretend to be stronger than it is or apply further than it is meant to. The point here isn't to "win" or "beat" all the counterarguments; the point is to come as close to the truth or as close to a realistic and feasible solution as we possibly can. Toulmin's model reminds us that arguments are generally expressed with qualifiers and rebuttals rather than asserted as absolutes.
This lets the reader know how to take the reasoning, how far it is meant to be applied, and how general it is meant to be. For this work, you will craft a Toulmin argument utilizing your working annotated bibliography/research proposal and topic, considering how it applies to a global audience.
Criteria for Success
A summary of the grading criteria for this assignment are as follows. For detailed criteria, see the assignment rubric.
- Mechanics: Students will communicate using academic language and conventions of Standard American English. 30 points
- Formatting: Students will format their work utilizing MLA style formatting. 20 points
- Works Cited: Students will create a Works Cited page utilizing MLA style and formatting. 20 points
- In-Text Citations: Students will utilize MLA style citations and format. 20 points
- Critical Thinking: Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically, analyze, critique, and draw reasoned conclusions. 40 points
- Integrate Evidence: Students will gather and integrate credible evidence from a variety of sources. 35 points
- Organization: Students will present information in a unified and coherent manner. 40 points
- Content: Students will write a work that responds to all parts of the prompt.
Final Instructions
Use the information above to write a 3-page (excluding Works Cited) MLA-formatted essay, effectively incorporating research, reasoning, and critical analysis. Submit your final draft within 24 hours, ensuring your work is better researched, more persuasive, and appropriately sourced than prior submissions. Reuse of previous sections is only permitted with instructor approval. Your goal is to produce a compelling, well-supported Toulmin argument that demonstrates mastery of research, MLA formatting, critical thinking, and persuasive writing.
Paper For Above instruction
The Toulmin model of argumentation offers a nuanced approach to discourse that emphasizes the importance of qualifiers, warrants, and rebuttals, promoting a more realistic and balanced presentation of ideas. Unlike traditional classical argumentation, which often seeks absolute certainty and victory over opposing viewpoints, the Toulmin framework acknowledges the complexity of most issues and encourages the speaker or writer to qualify their claims, thereby acknowledging limitations and the potential for alternative perspectives. This method not only enhances the credibility of the argument but also fosters a more honest and engaging dialogue, especially pertinent in addressing global issues that demand careful consideration and balanced solutions.
Implementing the Toulmin model involves identifying the claim, grounds (evidence), warrant (justification), backing (support for warrant), qualifier (degrees of strength), and rebuttal (counterarguments). For example, in discussing climate change policies, one might claim that implementing renewable energy subsidies will reduce carbon emissions. The grounds would include scientific data on emission reductions; the warrant justifies the causal link between energy subsidies and emission reductions; backing might consist of case studies or scientific consensus; qualifiers could specify the extent or likelihood of success; and rebuttals could address potential economic drawbacks or opposition from fossil fuel industries.
A major advantage of the Toulmin model is its capacity to portray arguments as multifaceted rather than absolute. This aligns with the contemporary understanding that issues such as public health, environmental policy, or technological innovation require nuanced reasoning that recognizes uncertainties and diverse stakeholder interests. For instance, in debates over vaccine mandates, a Toulmin argument might acknowledge the effectiveness of vaccines (claim) supported by clinical trial data (grounds), while also recognizing concerns regarding individual rights (rebuttal). The warrant might specify that public health benefits can justify certain infringements on personal freedoms, but qualifiers and rebuttals allow for a balanced presentation that respects different viewpoints.
Moreover, the Toulmin model encourages critical thinking by requiring the arguer to explicitly state the rationale behind their claims and to consider potential objections. This practice fosters intellectual humility and enhances the persuasiveness of the argument. From a global perspective, issues like economic inequality or cultural differences can be more effectively addressed when arguments include qualifiers and rebuttals that reflect the complexity of these issues. For example, proposing educational reforms that aim to reduce disparities must consider economic constraints, cultural values, and political resistance, incorporating these considerations through careful warranting and rebuttal strategies.
Research plays a vital role in constructing effective Toulmin arguments. Credible sources—such as peer-reviewed journals, official reports, and expert analyses—provide the evidence and backing necessary to support the claim and warrant. Proper MLA citation ensures academic integrity and allows readers to verify sources. The synthesis of evidence from various credible sources also demonstrates critical engagement and depth of understanding, which are crucial for convincing global audiences. For example, integrating scientific studies, economic analyses, and cultural observations enhances the argument’s complexity and relevance across different contexts.
In conclusion, employing the Toulmin model fosters balanced, well-reasoned, and adaptable arguments capable of addressing complex global issues. Its emphasis on qualifiers, warrants, and rebuttals not only aligns with rigorous academic standards but also promotes honest discourse, critical engagement, and practical problem-solving. As global challenges continue to evolve, so too must our approaches to argumentation—making the Toulmin model an invaluable tool for scholars, policymakers, and students alike. Through careful research, nuanced reasoning, and strategic integration of evidence, arguments based on the Toulmin model can contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of truth and effective solutions in an interconnected world.
References
- Bachman, J. (2021). The Power and Limitations of Toulmin’s Model of Argument. Journal of Argumentation & Advocacy, 57(2), 168–180.
Critical Thinking and Evidence-Based Reasoning. Oxford University Press. The Processes of Argumentation: An Introduction. Routledge. Insight: A Rhetoric for Writers. Bedford/St. Martin’s. Thinking in a Global Context: Reasoning and the Role of Evidence. Harvard University Press. Constructing Effective Arguments: The Toulmin Method. Argumentation Studies, 35(4), 433–453. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. University of Notre Dame Press. Critical Thinking and Its Application to Global Issues. Springer. Research Methods for Business Students. Pearson Education. Persuasive Strategies and the Toulmin Argument Model. International Journal of Communication, 15, 1402–1418.