The document discusses the key components of an argument, including claim, reason, warrant, backing, grounds, rebuttal, and qualifier. It uses examples to explain each component. The terms were originally developed by Stephen Toulmin to analyze arguments. Readers are then prompted to construct their own argument using the defined structure and terms.

1. What we talk
about when
we talk
about
Argument

2. Let’s start with a claim

3. Women
should be
allowed to
fight in US
combat units

4. 1) They are
physically capable.
2) Their presence
would weaken
gender stereotypes.
3) This would
expand the
opportunities for
women in the
military.
Because...

5. 1) They are
physically capable.
What is the implied
assumption?
Because...

6. 2) Their presence
would weaken
gender stereotypes.
What is the implied
assumption?
Because...

7. 3)This would
expand the
opportunities for
women in the
military.
What is the implied
assumption?
Because...

8. Stephen Toulmin

9. Terms:
Claim
Reason
Warrant
Used to be called “implied assumption”

10. Example:
Claim
Reason
Warrant
I shouldn’t have to take Algebra
because I want to be a lawyer
career utility should be the main
justification for class
requirements

11. Your Turn:
Claim
Reason
Warrant
You should have to take algebra...
??????
??????

12. An Argument:
Parents should not
allow their kids to
own cellphones
...because they
prevent kids from
developing empathy.
Reason
Claim

13. An Argument:
Parents should not
allow their kids to
own cellphones
...because they
prevent kids from
developing empathy.
Reason
Claim
Grounds •testimony from kids
•research connecting technology
use with negative behavior on-and
offline

14. So Far:
Claim
Reason
Warrant
Parents should not allow their
kids to own cellphones
...because they prevent kids from
developing empathy.
Developing empathy is an crucial
element of growing up that
parents should nurture.

15. So Far:
Claim
Reason
Backing
Parents should not allow their
kids to own cellphones
...because they prevent kids from
developing empathy.
Arguments that
show how
important empathy
is a child/adult’s life.

16. Almost Done

17. Two More terms:
Rebuttal
Qualifier

18. Two More terms:
Rebuttal
The opposing
argument against your
claim

19. Two More terms:
Rebuttal
Cellphones should be
allowed because they
help kids connect with
their peers.

20. Two More terms:
The degree to which you
are confident in your
claim.
Qualifier

21. Two More terms:
Cellphones should DEFINITELY be
banned
Qualifier

22. Two More terms:
Cellphones should POSSIBLY be
banned
Qualifier

23. Two More terms:
We should consider whether
cellphones should be banned.
Qualifier

24. OK, your turn:
Warrant
Backing
Grounds
Reason
Claim
Rebuttal
Qualifier

25. OK, your turn:
Warrant
Backing
Grounds
Reason
Claim
Rebuttal
Qualifier
All
students
should be
required
to take AP
Language
in order to
graduate.