Transcript Increasing the number of drug addicts would be

TOULMIN SYSTEM
Developing an Argument for Essays or Speeches
Argumentation Method
Stephan Toulmin develop a method of
argumentation that requires the writer to use
logical structure, not in an attempt to prove any
point, but in hopes of convincing one’s readers
of the validity of the points used in the
argument.
Using
 Claim
 Because
clause
 Grounds
 Warrant
 Backing
 Rebuttal
 Qualifiers
Claim
The writer
must choose a
topic and then
form an
opinion about
the topic. This
info in one
sentence is the
claim.


Drugs should not be legalized.
Drugs should be legalized.
Stated Reason/ “Because Clause”
This clause is added to a
claim as a reason that
supports the claim. Many
papers will include more
than one.
Drugs should not be legalized because the
legalization of drugs would increase the
number of drug addicts.
Grounds
How do you know?
If police officers no longer arrest drug
dealers, confiscate the drugs, and punish
drug dealers and buyers, then there will be
more drugs available to the people.
 The
evidence in the form of
facts, data, or any information
that supports the claim.
Warrant
The
underlying
belief for the
statement
above is:
Increasing the
number of
drug addicts
would be bad.


The unstated assumption underlying a
claim.
Should be a value, belief or principle
on which the audience agrees.
Backing
The support for the
warrant.
Why do you believe that?
Increasing the numbr of drug addicts would
be bad because a person who is doing
drugs can hurt other when he/she is driving.
Rebuttal

Perhaps legalizing drugs
would not increase the number
of drug addicts because the
government would regulate
the sale and use of drugs.


Acknowledgement of the limitations
of the claim.
Under some circumstances, the claim
may not be true. Also, one who is
opposed to the writer’s claim may
find ways to attack the reasons,
grounds, warrant, or the backing.
You must rebut the rebuttal!
Qualifiers
Perhaps
In many cases
Often
Probably

Words or phrases that limit the force of
the writer’s claim.
All together now.
Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug
addicts.
All together now.
Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug
addicts.
• Claim: Drugs should not be legalized.
All together now.
Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug
addicts.
• Claim: Drugs should not be legalized.
• Stated Reason: Because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts.
All together now.
Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug
addicts.
• Claim: Drugs should not be legalized.
• Stated Reason: Because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts.
• Grounds: Effects of drugs on people, effects of drugs on health.
All together now.
Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug
addicts.
•
•
•
•
Claim: Drugs should not be legalized.
Stated Reason: Because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts.
Grounds: Effects of drugs on people, effects of drugs on health.
Warrant: Drugs are addicting.
All together now.
Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug
addicts.
•
•
•
•
•
Claim: Drugs should not be legalized.
Stated Reason: Because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts.
Grounds: Effects of drugs on people, effects of drugs on health.
Warrant: Drugs are addicting.
Backing: Arguments showing examples of drug addiction and chemical effects on addiction.
All together now.
Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug
addicts.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Claim: Drugs should not be legalized.
Stated Reason: Because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts.
Grounds: Effects of drugs on people, effects of drugs on health.
Warrant: Drugs are addicting.
Backing: Arguments showing examples of drug addiction and chemical effects on addiction.
Conditions of Rebuttal: Drugs may help relieve stress and help medically.
All together now.
Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug
addicts.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Claim: Drugs should not be legalized.
Stated Reason: Because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts.
Grounds: Effects of drugs on people, effects of drugs on health.
Warrant: Drugs are addicting.
Backing: Arguments showing examples of drug addiction and chemical effects on addiction.
Conditions of Rebuttal: Drugs may help relieve stress and help medically.
Qualifier: In most situations, drugs create drug addicts.
Another Example
Airport screeners should use racial profiling
because doing so will increase the odds of
stopping terrorists.
Claim
Airport screeners should use racial profiling
Stated Reason
Airport screeners should use racial profiling.
Because doing so will increase the odds of stopping terrorists.
Grounds
Airport screeners should use racial profiling.
Because doing so will increase the odds of stopping terrorists.
Examples of terror suspects caught using racial profiling.
Warrant
Airport screeners should use racial profiling.
Because doing so will increase the odds of stopping terrorists.
Examples of terror suspects caught using racial profiling.
Racial profiling helps stop terrorists.
Rebuttal
Airport screeners should use racial profiling.
Because doing so will increase the odds of stopping terrorists.
Examples of terror suspects caught using racial profiling.
Racial profiling helps stop terrorists.
Racial profiling may offend others and also many be ethically wrong.
Qualifier
Airport screeners should use racial profiling.
Because doing so will increase the odds of stopping terrorists.
Examples of terror suspects caught using racial profiling.
Racial profiling helps stop terrorists.
Racial profiling may offend others and also many be ethically wrong.
When dealing with security, using racial profiling may be the most effective
way in protecting citizens.
Your Turn
Use the sevenpart Toulim
system to
begin to
develop an
argument for
one of the
following
questions.


Should the Pledge of Allegiance include
the phrase “Under God,” or should that
phrase be omitted?
Should schools be responsible for
children’s moral education, or should a
child’s moral development be solely the
concern of the parents?