DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

A Toulmin Model for Analyzing Arguments
(adapted from “The Toulmin Method,” Colorado State University, <http://writing.colostate.edu>)

 

First, some key definitions:

 

-Claim:

  • A claim is the main argument of the essay. Think of it as the most general statement about the argument being made in an essay, or an umbrella statement that all other supporting points and arguments have to fall under. It suggests that something can or should change.

 

-Qualifier:

  • Qualifiers are words or phrases that keep the argument in check. Simple words that act as qualifiers are (but are not limited to) some, most, many, in general, usually, typically, unless and so on--little words that make a huge difference in the scope of a writer’s argument.

 

Simple example of a qualified claim:

Many books by Charles Dickens are fun to read.

 

Simple example of an unqualified claim:

Books by Charles Dickens are fun to read.

 

-Exception:

  • An exception is an example of a qualifier. Exceptions restrict a claim, so that a claim applies in some situations but not all.

 

Here’s an example, with the bolded sentence containing the exception:

Most books by Charles Dickens are fun to read. Having labored over David Copperfield in high school, I would not rank that book among them.

 

-Reason:

  • Reasons are overarching concepts that support the claim.

 

-Example:

  • Examples are specific cases or scenarios that support a reason. They don’t always have to be real scenarios; theoretical examples can work as well. This being said, a real scenario such as a case study will be more convincing than a theoretical example.   

 

-Objection:

  • An objection is an argument against the claim.

 

-Rebuttal:

  • A rebuttal is an argument that against the objection. The goal of a rebuttal is to show how the objection is flawed.

 

 

Now, take a look at the overall argument of the essay:

 

ü  What is the claim?

 

A regular exercise program provides many health benefits.

ü  What is the qualifier?

 

Acquiring the benefits of exercise is not easy

At least 30 minutes a day otherwise no benefit

If it is just a fad and you can’t get benefits if you don’t stick with it

Combine with a healthy diet

 

ü  What are exceptions?

People who are already fit

 

 

Next, start to examine the supporting points to the main argument.

 

Reason 1: Relieving tension
-What makes this reason relevant?

Tension is present in people’s bodies from fear, anxiety and stress.

-What makes this reason effective?

There are effects of what happens if someone exercises, better nights sleep, petty things are less troubling, avoid excessive behaviors.

 

-What evidence supports this reason?

It is mentioned that doctors agree that performing an activity for 30 minutes releases this tension.

-Is this evidence sufficient?
Yes


-Is this evidence credible?

Yes, it says doctors agree with this.

-Is this evidence accurate?
Yes, because it says it will control, not eliminate.

 

Reason 2:
-What makes this reason relevant?
People want to be more attractive.


-What makes this reason effective?
It says people can get a trimmer, firmer figure


-What evidence supports this reason?
Someone who is overweight…

improves skin tone, posture, muscle tone and can fit into clothes better


-Is this evidence sufficient?
Yes and no, no evidence on how it can improve skin tone


-Is this evidence credible?
yes


-Is this evidence accurate?

Yes, except I don’t know about skin tone.

Reason 3:
-What makes this reason relevant?

People work and need to have energy to do so


-What makes this reason effective?
Exercising can make life easier with more energy, improve endurance


-What evidence supports this reason?
betters immune system, retain enough energy to work and do extra things around the house


-Is this evidence sufficient?
yes


-Is this evidence credible?
yes


-Is this evidence accurate?
yes

 

DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.