(Text dense: meant to be read like a book chapter, for online courses) Break down and logic of the Toulmin model in relation to deductive reasoning/syllogisms.
(Text dense: meant to be read like a book chapter, for online courses) Break down and logic of the Toulmin model in relation to deductive reasoning/syllogisms.
What cognitive neuroscience can do for English professorsAmanda Preston
Conference presentation addressing points of interest and intersection between brain science and language learning, as well as the pedagogical and adrogogical benefits of staying informed about learning and memory studies. Classroom activities offered that turn experiments into learning strategies.
Directions This may be done table format. APA format is requ.docxcuddietheresa
Directions: This may be done table format. APA format is required whichever format you choose. A title page, running head, page numbers and three references are required.
A. Identify the normal values for each of the following labs. Consider normal values across gender, race, and age, and pregnancy status, when applicable.
B. Identify clinical indications for obtaining the following labs.
1. List when indicated for routine screens if applicable (for example,the USPSTF recommends screening for chlamydia in sexually active women age 24 years and younger and in older women who are at increased risk for infection, or TSH screening is indicated for newborns. Indications for screening can also include risk factors. For example, ordering cholesterol levels on a patient with HTN or DM.
2. Besides screening,list 1-3 clinical indications for ordering the lab. For example, clinical indications of WBC include
Fever with associated symptoms, weight loss, bone pain with fever, etc.
C. Identify conditions associated with abnormal LOW levels of each of the following labs (if applicable)
D. Identify conditions associated with abnormal HIGH levels of each of the following labs (if applicable)
One good resources for screening recommendations is:
https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/BrowseRec/Index/browse-recommendations
1. Components on a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel such as (but not limited to) sodium, chloride, potassium, glucose, CO2, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Calcium
2. Renal Function Tests: Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine, BUN/Cr Ratio, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
3. Thyroid Function Tests
TSH, Free T4
4. Toxicology
Salicylate toxicity, Acetaminophen, Urine Drug Screen, Blood Alcohol, Carbon Monoxide (CO)
5. For your last category of test. Report screening indications for the chosen test, and some clinical indications for ordering them, normal values/results, and S/Sx associated with high/low or abnormal values when applicable
a. Mammography
On Writing an Ethical Argument Evaluation Paper (PHIL 302)
Topic is Racism between social Classes
Before you begin writing, it is crucial to pick a subject, topic, or a specific argument that interests you. Your paper will be a critical evaluation of the soundness of an argument. If you already have an argument, then you can go on to the next step. If not, you may choose to discuss one from an author you have read, or you may formulate your own. In some courses, you may consider a case study for your paper. In that case you will formulate an argument that purports to defend a resolution to the case. You should note that it is not crucial that you pick an argument with which you agree. It is about equally difficult (or easy) to write a paper opposing an argument as it is to write one supporting it, so you should probably choose an argument that is interesting first.
Your paper will have seven parts:
I. Introduction
II. Position
III. Argument
IV. Justification
A. V ...
Week 14 April 28 & 30 - Love and Death Castillo, Chap. 9 .docxmelbruce90096
Week 14: April 28 & 30 - Love and Death
Castillo, Chap. 9 “Sofia, Who Would Never Again Let Her Husband Have the Last Word…”
Chap. 10 “Wherein Sofia Discovers La Loca’s Playmate…”
Chap. 11 “The Marriage of Sofia’s Faithful Daughter to her Cousin”
Chap. 12 “Of the Hideous Crime of Francisco el Penitente…”
1. For all chapters, identify the four levels of analysis: 1) metaphoric/symbolic; 2) literary; 3) sociological; and spiritual.
Chapter 9 “Sofia, Who Would Never Again Let Her Husband Have the Last Word…”
2. In this chapter, Sofia begins a transformation of her own. What is this transformation and what role does Esperanza play?Chapter 10
3. In this chapter, we return to La Loca, reading from her point of view. What do we learn from this, the youngest of Sofi’s daughters?
4. As Fe leaves Sofia’s home we realize she has not come to terms with what she went through when Tom broke off the engagement. What is Fe like now? Has she also changed?
5. What about Esperanza, what news about her? And what about “La Llorona, Chicana international astral-traveler”?
Chapter 11
6. Much happens to Fe in this chapter. Be able to recount all of Fe’s experiences and the relationship to big business, the U.S. government, and the medical profession.Chapter 12
7. What to make of this last chapter in Caridad and Francisco’s lives? What are the recurring themes and metaphors/symbolizes, etc.?
In preparation for the Opposing Viewpoints short paper due in Module Five, you will outline a position (thesis) on a topic of your choosing.
Using the Prewriting Template provided, outline two to three of your reasons for supporting your thesis and then also outline the objection’s position. Please note that the main purpose of this assignment is to formulate the strongest possible objection to your own position before responding to it.
You will be required to use at least four outside (i.e., other than the textbook) sources for this paper, two for each side of the issue. You do not need to do extensive reearch before completing the outline.
Possible topics: Affirmative Action, Abortion, State-Financed Health Care, Flat Tax...or anything you want. It is best to choose a position for which you can find reasonable arguments on both sides.
Click on the title above to turn in your outline.
First Paper (Opposing Viewpoints):
Critical Elements
Distinguished
Proficient
Emerging
Not Evident
Value
Main Elements
Includes almost all of the main elements and requirements and cites ample appropriate support to illustrate each element
(23-25)
Includes most of the main elements and requirements and cites appropriate support to illustrate each element
(20-22)
Includes some of the main elements and requirements
(18-19)
Does not include any of the main elements and requirements
(0-17)
25
Inquiry and Analysis
Explores multiple reasons and offers in-depth analysis of evidence to make informed conclusions about the issue
(18-20)
Explores so.
ABOUT PARAGRAPHSParagraphs contain THREE BASIC COMPONENTS.docxbartholomeocoombs
ABOUT PARAGRAPHS:
Paragraphs contain THREE BASIC COMPONENTS
1. TOPIC SENTENCE or CLAIM
2. CONCRETE DETAIL or DATA
3. COMMENTARY or WARRANT
TOPIC SENTENCE [TPS aka the "CLAIM"]
Usually, the first sentence in a BODY PARAGRAPH. It should introduce the topic of the paragraph and relate directly back to the THESIS. (or, in a longer essay, relate it directly back to the TPS of the preceding paragraph.) Imagine someone asking you, "How do you want me to think about your topic now?"
CONCRETE DETAIL [CD aka the "DATA"]:
This is the specific information you offer as the EVIDENCE for your topic; it will be the core of your paragraph. Imagine someone asking you, "Can you show me what you mean?" Other names for CONCRETE DETAIL: illustrations, examples, descriptions, quotations, paraphrasing, plot evidence.
During DRAFTING you may rely upon PHRASES like "FOR EXAMPLE" to introduce CONCRETE DETAIL--this is the kind of thing to eliminate during REVISION
In the literature essay, CD is often a DIRECT QUOTATION.
COMMENTARY [CM aka the "WARRANT"]:
This is your explanation for offering the concrete detail you select--that is, your comment on, discussion about, or evaluation of the evidence (CD) offered. Imagine someone asking you, "What exactly does your concrete detail prove?" You want to suggest how your CD is both relevant and unique. Other names for COMMENTARY include: insight, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, response, explication, reflection.
A hint for getting started on COMMENTARY: begin with the phrase : THIS SHOWS THAT . . . This is the kind of thing to eliminate during REVISION
Once you understand the different components of a paragraph, you can choose to MOVE BEYOND THE TEMPLATE. Some students depart from the FORMAT, some never do.
This whole discussion is based on Toulmin's Model . Here's a little bit more about it.
The model is a six-step system of argument:
(1) a CLAIM is made;
(2) DATA (also called "GROUNDS"), i.e., facts to support it, are offered;
(3) a WARRANT for connecting the data/grounds to the claim is conveyed
In addition, Toulmin adds
(4) BACKING, the theoretical or experimental foundations for the warrant, is shown (at least implicitly);
(5) appropriate MODAL QUALIFIERS (some, many, most, etc.) temper the claim; and
(6) possible REBUTTALS are considered.
But, for now, let us focus on the first three (and add a concluding sentence.
Claim
A claim is a statement that you are asking the other person to accept. This includes information you are asking them to accept as true (exposition) or actions you want them to accept and enact (persuasion).
Many people start with a claim, but then find that it is challenged. If you just ask me to do something, I will not simply agree with what you want. I will ask why I should agree with you. I will ask you to prove you claim. This is where grounds of data become important.
Data
Data is the basis of real persuasion and is made up of information and hard fact.
Argument structure The Aristotelian argument The Artroutmanboris
Argument structure: The Aristotelian argument
The Aristotelian argument is the framework upon which most academic, thesis-driven
writing is based. You can use this template any time you need to take a position on a
topic.* Before getting started, make sure that your thesis is argumentative and non-
obvious. When determining how to support your thesis, try to group all of your
supporting evidence into distinct piles which have thematic similarities. Finally, develop
each claim in its own section of text, making sure that each point is proportionate to the
others. The back of this handout contains a template you can use to get started.
1. Start broad and contextualizes the argument (e.g. Why
is your topic relevant to the course content?).
2. End with a specific argumentative claim--your thesis
(e.g. “In Augustine’s Confessions, we find many personal
dilemmas still relevant to modern life.”). You may also
opt to preview the progression of your argument (e.g. “In
Augustine’s Confessions, we find many personal
dilemmas still relevant to modern culture, evidenced by
his greed, his theological experimentation, and his sense
of despair when faced with personal loss.”)
3. Start each body paragraph with a distinct topic
sentence; this tells the reader how the paragraph
functions in the context of the argument (e.g. “One way
in which Augustine’s confessions are still relevant to
modern society is his greed, shown in his willingness to
steal the pears despite being well-fed and otherwise
content”).
4. Each paragraph should have distinct content based on
some organizational principle (e.g. ethics, history,
financial, legal, biblical, thematic (as in this example),
etc.)
5. If your thesis is controversial, you may also opt to
include a concession. This acknowledges a typical
argument your opposition would present to you (e.g.
“However, some theologians have claimed that the
realities of the modern world have made Augustine less
relevant to modern theological dilemmas. One example
is Dr. NoName, who states…”).
6. Immediately following, and in about as much space,
refute the opposition using evidence which undermines
their criticism.
7. Conclude and broaden the scope of your argument,
and this time, contextualize it in terms of relevance to
your audience and society.
*The example above is for illustration only.
Placement of the thesis my vary; the number of
points (and paragraphs composing them) can change.
The Center for Writing
3 Bockman Hall
651.641.3465
www.luthersem.edu/writing
Context & Relevance:
Concession:
Refutation:
Topic Sentence 3:
Supporting claims:
Topic Sentence 2:
Supporting claims:
Topic Sentence 1:
Supporting claims:
Relevance & Context:
Thesis:
marci
Note
Note: This template lacks a Background Section. This section answers the questions: (1) Why is this a problem?; (2) What are the origins/causes of the problem?Aristoteli ...
7The Argument Component of your Mental MapKeywordsarguromeliadoan
7
The Argument Component of your Mental Map
Keywords
arguments; certainty; generalization; mental map; variation amongst knowledge claims
Having presented the key to the mental map (a set of tools for thinking), we now briefly introduce the mental map components, before focusing in detail on the first component: the match between claims and warranting in arguments. How do the components relate to the tools? The authors whose work you study will have employed the tools for thinking in order to develop a convincing argument. The four components of the mental map will help you evaluate a range of factors that contribute to the content and robustness of that argument (
Table 7.1
).
In short, your mental map will enable you to home in on what authors were trying to do, why and with what success. In this chapter, we discuss the component that focuses on the match between authors’ claims and the quality of the evidence supporting them.
Two dimensions of variation among knowledge claims
In
Part One
, we saw that an argument is constructed from one or more
claims to knowledge
– assertions that something is, or normatively should be, true.
Table 7.1 Components of the mental map
Mental map component
Aspect of authors’ argument that it helps you examine Two
dimensions of variation amongst
Two
dimensions of variation amongst knowledge claims
about the social world, affecting their vulnerability to criticism
Authors’ tentativeness or certainty about their claims and their willingness to generalize, relative to the amount of appropriate evidence available
Three
kinds of knowledge
that are generated by reflecting on, investigating and taking action in the social world
The basis of their claims, as relevant to theory, new research evidence or experience
Four
types of literature
that inform understanding and practice
Whether the account aims to inform theory, research knowledge, practice or policy, and some common weaknesses that can render each type less than convincing
Five sorts of
intellectual project
that generate literature about the social world
Authors’ reasons for undertaking their work: aiming to understand, evaluate, change others’ action directly or through training, or improve their own action
These claims form the conclusion, which is one half of the argument. The claims are supported by some form of warranting: the half of the argument that justifies why the conclusion should be accepted. Claims vary along two important dimensions, according to the amount of appropriate evidence contained in the warranting. If there is a mismatch, we see the warranting as inadequate.
In
Chapter 3
, we saw how warranting can be provided, and be appropriate, but still be inadequate – not sufficiently convincing for the critical reader. An inadequately warranted claim often fails to convince because:
It is based on an insufficient amount of robust evidence to support the degree of
certainty
with which this claim is made.
The e ...
FIX-IT (REVISE THIS DRAFT) Revise this paragraph. The revShainaBoling829
FIX-IT (REVISE THIS DRAFT)
Revise this paragraph. The revised version should contain needed details (add examples, get
rid of vague words), proper grammar, and accurate information.
This paragraph is about ENG 011 and ENG 111. You can expect to learn a number of things in
ENG 011. The purpose of the class is to provide support for you while you are also enrolled
in ENG 111, and to spend time teaching the subskills we will need for the larger, high-stakes
assignments in ENG 111. Grammar are a topic covered in ENG 011 because many times ENG
111 instructors will expect students to use proper grammar without any direct teaching. The
topic of run-ons is covered in ENG 011, other grammar topics are also covered. Next, ENG
011 typically does activities that teach the rhetorical appeals. Summary writing be another
big skill needed for ENG 111, and another popular topic in ENG 011. Summary writing is
used a lot. Lastly, ENG 011 teaches students to improve their overall writing by emphasizing
such things as paragraph structure, good details, use of third person, and replacement of
vague words. At the end of the course, students typically agree they have worked very hard
so they have also learned a lot.
Skip to main contentEnglish Composition I
Reading
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Diagramming and Evaluating ArgumentsEvaluate Unstated or Suppressed Premises As Well As Stated Ones
An unstated or suppressed premise is assumed rather than voiced outright, but is nevertheless needed for an argument to work. Consider this highly unscientific poll conducted by a TV news station. “Which do you believe Senator Hillary Clinton is most out of touch with: illegal immigration, border security, or the American people?” The pollster is operating as if it is unquestionable that Clinton is out of touch with something. In other words, the question presupposes that she is “out of touch.” However, this unstated premise is debatable once it is brought out into the open. Is she in fact out of touch at all?
A listener or reader who is not alert to such unstated or suppressed premises is, without realizing it, agreeing to debate on the communicator’s terms—when those terms may be unfair. In fact, on more complex or serious issues it is often things people take for granted that may actually deserve the most critical scrutiny. For example, in the argument “This medication is labelled as totally natural, so it is safe for me to take it,” the suppressed premise—that “natural” guarantees “safe”—is not trivial and can certainly be challenged.Argument Diagramming
Besides recognizing the use of induction and deduction, you can use diagramming or outlining to develop an understanding of an argument’s overall structure. Remember that an argument as defined here isn’t a “quarrel,” but rather a group of statements, some of which, the pre ...
ArgumentsA. Arguments are found in many texts and media .docxjewisonantone
Arguments
A.
Arguments are found in many texts and media and it is important to be able to recognize, formulate, and evaluate arguments. Doing well in this class will depend upon whether you can acquire and improve these three skills. We will be concentrating on the arguments found in the philosophy texts we are reading this semester, but this skill is something you should carry with you through the rest of your college career and beyond.
Recognizing an argument is the first step in the process. An argument is where a claim is stated and it is supported by evidence. The claim is the conclusion of the argument and the evidence is known as the premises. In an argument, the conclusion follows from the premises, or, more specifically, the premises connect together in such a way that one can draw an inference from them, i.e., the conclusion.
But recognition of argument is not sufficient. One must also be able to formulate the argument. This involves listing the premises as well as unstated assumptions so one can see more clearly how the conclusion follows from the premises. This task will at first seem tedious and frustrating, but like anything else, the more you practice, the better you will get. Hopefully, you find this exercise beneficial and enlightening.
Here are some sample arguments:
1) All men are mortal.
Socrates is a man.
Socrates is mortal.
2) If there is snow on the ground, it must be cold.
There is snow on the ground.
It must be cold.
3) Animals are either vertebrates or invertebrates.
Walruses, an animal, are not invertebrates.
Walruses are vertebrates.
4) It rained almost every day in April for the last three years.
April is a rainy month.
B.
Not all texts will contain arguments. Some passages will just contain a description, explanation, or dialogue. Here are some examples.
1) Tuesday is the second day of the week.
2) If you do not exercise, you will not be healthy.
3) There are many students who attend state universities. Some explanation for this is that state universities are affordable and offer a variety of disciplines to study.
4) Parent: “You have not cleaned up your room this week.”
Child: “Yes I have.”
Parent: “No, I am afraid your room is still messy.”
Child: “But I have.”
Parent: “No you haven’t, at least not according to me.”
Child: “Well, according to me, I have.”
This last example may seem like an argument because we call it an argument. But this is using the word equivocally, that is using the same word to signify two different things. Example 4 is a disagreement, which does not always constitute an argument. There are no premises to support any claims being made in this example. Further, one should recognize that Example 2 is only a conditional claim and not an argument. A conditional claim is composed of an antecedent and a consequence. One must also affirm the antec.
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
This slide is special for master students (MIBS & MIFB) in UUM. Also useful for readers who are interested in the topic of contemporary Islamic banking.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty,
International FDP on Fundamentals of Research in Social Sciences
at Integral University, Lucknow, 06.06.2024
By Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
Introduction to AI for Nonprofits with Tapp NetworkTechSoup
Dive into the world of AI! Experts Jon Hill and Tareq Monaur will guide you through AI's role in enhancing nonprofit websites and basic marketing strategies, making it easy to understand and apply.
Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
Phyto-Pharmacological Screening, New Strategies for evaluating
Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
for Anti-inflammatory, Antiulcer, Anticancer, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Diuretics and
Antifertility, Toxicity studies as per OECD guidelines
2. Toulmin’s Elements of Argument
Claim: the author’s stance—the claim being argued; the
logical conclusion derived from supporting claims.
Grounds: supporting evidence that illustrates specific,
representative instances which prove a claim true.
Warrant: a general, broad assumption upon which the
claim is based; the conceptual lens through which the
evidence is read; implicit value statement.
Backing: the justification or reasoning that reinforces, i.e.
backs up, the warrant.
Rebuttal/Reservation: exceptions to the claim;
oppositional statements; counter-examples and counter-
arguments.
Qualification: limitations to the claim, warrant, and
backing; the degree of conditionality asserted for a claim.
3. Toulmin & Syllogisms
• The three primary components of Toulmin’s model correspond directly to the
three parts of a syllogism:
Major Premise (since) → Warrant (general)
– Explanation of how the evidence should be read
Minor Premise (because) → Grounds (specific)
– Evidence/example that representatively illustrates point
Conclusion (thus/ergo) → Claim (main/supporting)
– Logical deduction equal to (major + minor)—the point made
If the premises are true, it logically follows that the conclusion must also be true.
4. • Every paragraph is a micro-argument constructed out of a logical syllogism.
The structure of which breaks down as follows:
• Thus, every paragraph presents and substantiates its own claim. These
supporting claims then can be added together, having been proven, to give rise
to the conclusion, or the thesis statement—the argument’s main claim. If
constructed upon sound premises (warrants that can be backed up & sound,
relevant, and representative evidence), the thesis should be logically evident to
the reader by the time he or she arrives at the conclusion.
(TS¶¹ + TS¶² + TS¶³ + TS¶4 + TS¶5 + TS¶6 + TS¶7) = Thesis Statement
Topic Sentence (TS) – The Supporting Claim
Evidence/Example Grounds (Minor Premise)
Explanation Warrant (Major Premise)
Ergo Statement Conclusion (if/then deduction)
Evaluation So What?: Connection to Thesis
Paragraphs as Arguments
5. Toulmin vs. Syllogism
Warrant Major Premise (A)
Grounds Minor Premise (B)
Claim Conclusion (C)
Definitionally, this means:
Arguments are built out of deductive reasoning. This is the kind of reasoning
wherein the truth of input propositions (premises) logically guarantees the truth
of the output proposition (the conclusion), provided that no mistake has been
made in the reasoning. Thus, if A is true and B is true, then C must also be true:
A + B = C where A is the Major, B is the Minor, and C is the conclusion drawn.
In other words, deduction is the logical process of drawing specific conclusions
from general premises. It is using what is known to be generally true to draw
more specific conclusions.
=
+
Each paragraph represents a logical
deduction that supports its claim
with evidence and tells the reader
how to read that evidence. As such,
each paragraph should be built
upon the foundational structure of
both the Toulmin model and the
logical syllogism—deduction.
6. Identifying Claims, Grounds, Warrants
• To identify a claim versus grounds and warrants, look for key indicator
words, i.e. transitions/qualifiers:
– Thus, …
– …; therefore, …
– Ergo, …
– …, so…
– …, then …
• Consider, when reading other arguments, rephrasing the ideas in an
“If ____ and _____, then necessarily ___” statement, where “If x ” is
the general assumption (warrant), the “and y ” is the specific
example (ground/s) that helps to make your point evident to the
reader, and the “then z ” is your conclusion (claim) drawn from the
combination of the first two statements.
• In other words, the formula is often easiest to see as:
• Since (warrant) and because (ground/s), therefore (claim).
7. Qualifications
• To have a well balanced and self-evident case for each paragraph requires
making sure that you have not only put up the grounds and warrant, but that
you also provide the reader with any necessary qualifiers (limitations).
– Consider the difference between the following statements:
• Everybody texts while they drive, which is why there are so many accidents
on the roadways.
• According to studies conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation
over the last 20 years, most drivers under the age of 30 will end up in an
auto accident related to texting and driving. Thus, these incident rates
suggest a growing problem in how personal communication devices are
used on roadways, one with potentially dangerous consequences as mobile
technology becomes increasingly ubiquitous.
The equal sign that should separate everything in the body of the paragraph
from the supporting claim must reflect an accurate portrayal of the facts. Thus,
if the necessary qualifiers are not present in the paragraph, the claim becomes
weak or even logically falls apart, being fallacious.
8. Qualifications
The first statement, for example, makes an all-or-none fallacy and presumptively
leaps to a causal conclusion without something more concrete to illustrate its point
(it lacks evidence and over generalizes):
• [ALL PEOPLE] perform some problematic action |which| causes (is the
reason for) some bigger problem (as if that is the sole reason).
All Xs |verb-Y| (universally) causing Z-effect (to happen).
• The problem starts with the qualifier: ALL
– Such an over estimation of the applicability of the statement can be easily refuted
by calling out for the false dichotomy it creates. Any single instance that
demonstrates the opposite will effectively disprove the legitimacy (truth value) of
the claim: one deviation is enough to prove not ALL do this supposed action.
The fix, then, is to be more specific and really focus in on one group that represents a larger
population trend. One representative group will act like a parable—examining their behavior will
reflect a larger trend that readers will likely infer on their own, as long as the moral of the story is
apparent. If one population does something other people can relate to, they will draw analogous
conclusions for those around them behaving in like manner. That is the point of an example.
Your goal, then, is to only state the facts of group behavior you can speak to—find a
manageable sample, e.g. drivers between the ages of 16 and 30, drivers 16 to 26 versus 27 to 37,
drivers under 40. Find sources that have the numbers (evidence). Pick a population that is
specific, one you can find actual, current data on, and then use the evidence to draw a conclusion.
9. Qualifications & Rebuttals
• Watch out for over generalizations. Rather, provide the necessary
limiters and qualifiers with the claim or on the warrant. Qualifications
help ensure that your points are clear and only make claims on what
the evidence allows.
• If necessary, you may also need to include a refutation (however)
statement to either set up the supporting claim or to counter possible
rebuttals from your opponents. These can be a single statement in a
paragraph or a whole paragraph on their own.
• Often, refutation claims start with a transitional phrase or clause that
sets up a juxtaposition: “While expert so-and-so claims that xyz is
the case, (new evidence) suggests the contrary is more valid.”
• Above all, what matters in argumentation is that you do not say
anything you cannot back up.