Spaeth claritypp002W

Kevin Spaeth

English 201-002W

10/31/2012

Academic Writing with Beauty and Clarity

The Toulmin Method of logic for presenting an argument

Stephen Toulmin (1922 – 2009) was credited as one of the founding father’s of argumentation theory. (O’Grady). His model for logically presenting an argument is one of the most common forms used in organizing and presenting one’s data. His steps are simple; Claim, Data, Warrant, Backing, Counterclaim, and Rebuttal. (Weida)

It’s all about Logic…

This step is pretty basic for any kind of document. This is where the thesis and the basis of the paper is formed. (Weida)

Claim

- “Space, the final frontier…”- “Really?! Prove it.”

This is where all the evidence and material for the argument is presented. (Weida)

Data

- No, not this Data…

Also known as a bridge, this is the explanation as to why or how the data supports the claim, and the underlying assumption that connects your data to the claim. (Weida)

Warrant

- Its all beginning to come together.

Also referred to as the foundation, this is where one provides additional logic or reasoning to support the warrant as necessary. (Weida)

Backing

- Now this is what I call back-up…

As with any good argument, the counterclaim, the claim that negates or disagrees with the thesis/claim initially stated is included. (Weida)

Counterclaim

- He tasks me! He tasks me…- Yes, yes your turn to make

your argument.

And finally, evidence that in turns negates or disagrees with the counterclaim stated previously. (Weida)

Rebuttal

- Space, the final frontier… but with a suave accent.

• Weida, Stacey. Stolley, Carl. “Organizing your Argument”. Purdue OWL. The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. Web. 10/31/2012. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/03/

• O’Grady, Jane. “Stephen Toulmin obituary”. The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. January 10, 2010. Web. 10/31/2012. http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2010/jan/10/stephen-toulmin-obituary

• All Star Trek references are attributed to the Star Trek franchise, and used simply for the fun of the theme.

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