THE TOULMIN MODEL
OF
ARGUMENTATION
Dr. Alisa Cooper
South Mountain Community College
http://freshmancomp.com

STEPHEN TOULMIN
a modern rhetorician
believed that few arguments actually follow
classical models of logic
developed a model that focuses on
identifying the basic parts of an argument.

TOULMIN USES
As a researcher and writer, you can use
Toulmin's model two ways:
to identify and analyze your sources by
identifying the basic elements of the
arguments being made, and
to test and critique your own argument.

TOULMIN’S MODEL
Toulmin's theory of
argument is based on Data Claim
his model, or layout, of
argument.
Warrant Reservation
This model identifies
six aspects of
argument that are Backing Qualifier
common in any field.