Thursday, February 26 2008
January 10, 2009
Today’s Agenda
Over the past week, you have done the following work for this course:
1) You wrote a one to one-and-a-half page synthesis of Hertgaard’s article that uses quotes or evidence from D’Souza and one other source of your choosing. This source needs to be addressing the reasons for contemporary American foreign policy. I suggested that you search for sources by considering mainstream publications like Time, Newsweek, or US News and World Report.
For today, you had a slightly more complex assignment:
2) After reading and responding to my comments on your synthesis, you were to include your synthesis of Hertsgaard, D’Souza, and one other source into your analysis and evaluation of “The Oblivious Empire.”
3) After you included this new section to your paper, you re-wrote the draft so that it became an argument: that is, it argues a _specific_ point about Hertsgaard’s “The Oblivious Empire” AS YOU WRITE THIS ARGUMENT, BE AWARE OF THE VERY IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN USING SOMEONE’S WRITING AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO STATE YOUR OWN OPINION AND USING SOMEONE’S WRITING AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND DIRECTLY TO THAT WRITING. I WANT YOU TO DO THE LATTER, NOT THE FORMER.
3) You have e-mailed me this argument, and are here today with three copies of the document to share and workshop with your peers.
Okay, let’s begin today with the following assignment:
On the back of one of the copies of your argument draft, I want you to write about the following:
How did you go about synthesizing Hertsgaard’s claims and evidence with claims and evidence from D’Souza and one other source? What was your reasoning? How did you uses these various sources, and for what purpose (10 mins)?
Group Discussion (5 mins)
Class Discussion (5 mins)
For today, you were challenged to draft an argument, which many of you may have found difficult, as we have not yet talked about what an argument is.
We did not talk about this in class on purpose, as I wanted you to attempt to come up with your own answers to those questions before we worked together as a class.
So let’s begin today by having you turn over one of those drafts. We are going to be writing for the next ten minutes on the following topic. What is an argument? What is the point of an argument? How did you transform your analysis, evaluation and synthesis into an argument? (10 Mins)
Group Discussion (5 mins)
Class Discussion (5 mins)
Workshop
1) Thesis
2) Supporting evidence
3) Good explanation of how your evidence supports your thesis.
Workshop
Step 1: Content Check: Isolate and identify the specific transitions the author uses to move you from his or her analysis to evaluation, and from his or her evaluation to synthesis. If you cannot identify these transitions, or if the transitions need more work to be effective, let the author know.
Mechanics Check: Basic paragraph structure check: Does every paragraph 1) fall between 6-8 sentences, and 2) Contain at least one quote (paragraphs in the synthesis section should have a minimum of two quotes)
When you finish reading, write a paragraph on the back that explains what you think the argument is, based on your reading. Is it clear? Can you identify a specific thesis? If so, what is, and can you quote it directly?
Homework:
I am going to be changing the homework a bit so that you do not have any work for me over the break. If this is a problem for anyone, simply let me know, and I can make the Tuesday of break your deadline, though I suspect no one wants to be working over the first 4 days of break, and there really is not enough work here to keep you busy until then anyway.
For TOMORROW (FRIDAY) at close of business:
Read Chapter 6, identify what a Toulmin argument is and explain how you are going to transform your current argument into a Toulmin argument in a 1.5 page blog post.
BEFORE OUR NEXT CLASS:
Transform your argument into a Toulmin argument. This will mean restructuring your paragraphs and making sure that they all have make a CLAIM have EVIDENCE and that the claim and evidence are connected with a WARRANT (these terms are addressed in the book).[I would STRONGLY SUGGEST STOPPING BY MY OFFICE HOURS THIS WEEK OR BEFORE THE NEXT CLASS TO DISCUSS THIS WITH ME, AS IT IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE TO E-MAIL WHEN THE DOCUMENT IS DUE AND SAY "I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO."]
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Rachel Foster
Rhetoric and Comp. II
A Crowley
February 26, 2009
After reading chapter 6, and more specifically after reading about Toulmin Arguments, I have realized that I will need to tweak many things in my argument. In order for my argument to be structured like a Toulmin argument, I need to begin with claims, and make those claims clear. An interesting point that was made in chapter 6 about Toulmin arguments is that the claims made need to “be worth arguing.”
The second step that I will take in an attempt to tweak my argument is making sure that there is “a logical, persuasive connection between a claim and the reasons supporting it.” (152) I will do this my supporting my quotes in addition to providing an appropriate introduction for them.
The final major step that I will take to edit my argument will be making sure that all of my claims are qualified. In an attempt to do so I will use some of the qualifying words that chapter 6 provides. By doing so this will make it so my claims are more suitable for a warrant, if encountered.
Other minor things that I will do to transform my argument into a Toulmin argument is double check that my argument provides all of the following, and in this order: a claim, qualifier, good reasons supporting my claim, warrants, backing, evidence, authority, condition of rebuttal and finally a response that is suitable for all of my argument. Because Toulmin arguments seem very structured, I think it will be challenging to make changes to my argument that correctly fit into a Toulmin outline.
Emily Gala
2/26/09
A. Crowley
Toulmin Argument
The Toulmin Argument originated from British philosopher Stephen Toulmin. Toulmin was looking for a method that accurately described the way people make convincing and reasonable arguments. Throughout Chapter 6 of Everything’s an Argument, I have got more familiar with the Toulmin Argument. This argument begins with claim which are debatable and controversial statements or assertions you hope to prove. Toulmin had a great point. The Toulmin Argument has now become a powerful and practical tool for shaping an argument that is being pursued day to day.
I myself as well as my other classmates have being working on an argument as well. In class we have been working quite tediously on Mark Hertsgaard’s article, The Oblivious Empire. This article is filled with key arguments that people may or may not be entirely for. However, like all good arguments this article is filled with good claims, and a lot of personal experience tied in his written. Toulmin Arguments are all about having good claims, as well as debatable ones. They should demonstrate logic or evidence. Hertsgaard’s written is filled with evidence.
Now knowing a lot about Hertsgaard, I get to take part of the argument. I myself am now either for or against The Oblivious Empire. In doing so, like any great writer I need to state my case. I will start with a strong thesis, after that will find some key evidence to back up my statement. This will make it easier to trap a reader into agreeing with me. From learning about the Toulmin Argument, it is one thing to have a good claim, but you still need the support. That is why you always need evidence and strong reason to back it up. With a little more reviewing, and perhaps an outline, I will be able to find my key quotes and citations and really get a good argument out of Mark Hertsgaards writing.
Jessica Munson
Rhetoric and Comp. II
A. Crowley
2-27-09
Toulmin Argument
Chapter 6 in the book, Everything’s an Argument, talks about how to make a toulmin argument. To make a toulmin argument you need a claim that you will discuss in the paper and you will also need to use qualifiers, “words and phrases that place limits on claims,” (160). Another important thing your argument will need is good reasons for choosing the claim that you chose. Warrants are also used in a toulmin argument. A warrant provides a “persuasive connetion between a claim and the reasons and data supporting it,” (152). However, it also “tells readers what your assumptions are…,” (152). The argument, like most arguments, will need evidence and backing to support your claims.
Now that I know what a toulmin argument is, I am going to have to make changes to my paper to transform it into a toulmin argument. One change I will have to make is to make my initial claim more precise. I will also have to add some qualifiers to my paper to help the reader understand my claim and the point I am trying to make.
Also in order to fully support my claim, I will need to provide a fair amount of backing and evidence from my various sources. My thesis needs more evidence and reasoning to make it comprehendible for my readers. I could also use some appeals such as logos, pathos, and ethos. The use of logos would help me with this particular paper because it would appeal to the audience’s sense of logic which will make my claims and thesis stronger.
After making those adjustments to my paper I will need to go over it and make sure that I have included all the parts that make a toulmin argument. The point of a toulmin argument is to structure a paper in a certain way that appeals to the reader and makes it easier for the reader to understand your claim and evidence that you provided.
Kevin Adams
February 27, 2009
Toulmin Arguments
A toulmin argument is a method that describes the way people make convincing and reasonable arguments. These arguments take into account the complications in life such as formal logic and reasoning. The basic elements of toulmin argument are claims, evidence and reasons, warrants, and the backing of evidence. Toulmin argument teaches to state claims clearly and qualified while also supporting evidence and good solid reasons. As well as solid evidence and reasons backing your claim, toulmin arguments also teach to consider the assumptions of readers and anticipate the possible objections readers may have.
After reading about how toulmin arguments are produced and effectively written, I have many different thoughts on how I will go about transferring my argument on Hertsgaard using the concepts of toulmin argument. One of the first thing I will undergo, will be the reformation of my claim. As I looked at my paper once more, I found my claim did not fit the standards of toulmin argument and I need to address some points before I finalize my claim.
Also, I want to present my claim within the first two paragraphs. In order to do that I need find ways to flow into the presentation of my claim if I am just clearly stating it, or if I decide to have the reader “read between the lines” to find my claim. So within the first two paragraphs my objective for writing the argument will be to provide a smooth transition between the specific point I’m trying to argue in Hertsgaard’s essay and the claim I am making against Hertsgaard’s. This will have to include a very solid warrant. A warrant gives me the authority to proceed with my claim. With the warrant, I will have to further provide evidence for my claim.
The evidence or backing will determine how well I support my thesis or claim. I need to find a little more information in order to “back” my claim in every paragraph of the body of my work. I also think it will help if I choose more specific quotes of other sources. Some of the quotes I used were sufficient to my claim though, I really need to capitalize and support them with evidence supporting my claim. Along with slight grammar and rewording issues, I think I have a bit of work to do, but toulmin argumentation has given me a better approach I can really apply.
Matthew Nash
Rhetoric and Comp II
A. Crowley
2/27/09
A Toulmin argument is one that was introduced by British philosopher Stephen Toulmin. His goal was to discover a method that correctly defines and describes the way convincing and reasonable arguments are made. By finding this, a Toulmin argument, “has become a powerful and, for the most part, practical tool for understanding and shaping arguments in the real world.” (147) His arguments are so strong because of the way they are outlined. By using strong claims, along with warrants, backing, evidence and a few other elements, one can make a very strong Toulmin argument.
It only makes sense then that I shape my own argument about “The Oblivious Empire”, into a Toulmin argument. Although my current, unadjusted, argument does not fit the qualifications of a Toulmin argument, it is now very far away. Our theses would mirror as the claim, being that the claim in a Toulmin article is most important, and also our thesis is the most important in our own arguments. By using the different quotes that we inserted into our arguments to back our theses, we would then provide the backing and evidence part of a Toulmin argument. Our book claims that, “Most successful arguments are thick with ideas and different kinds of evidence.” (169) By providing an analysis that clearly supports our thesis to each quote or statement that we present, we will be completing a Toulmin argument.
Personally, in my argument, I need reasoning after my quotes to support my thesis. Without this my argument will not become the powerful argument in which I have strived for. Although the book states that, “It takes considerable experience to write arguments that meet all these conditions.” It also states that, “Using Toulmin’s framework brings them into play automatically.” (170) As long as I stay to the outline of a Toulmin argument, and remember to clearly support my claims, I will develop a powerful and concise argument.
Tyla Crocker
Toulmin Argument
Crowley
February 27, 2009
Toulmin Argument
A toulmin argument is an argument that requires many things to make the argument become successful with readers. Most of what is needed to present in the argument are claims, evidence, good reasons, assumptions, and anticipation of rejection.
Many claims are something that the author believes; it is what the author believes to be true. However, the author cannot make a claim without providing evidence and proof to back up the claim in order to be a Toulmin argument. The evidence can be anything from facts, a personal experience, someone else’s experience, anecdotes, and even authorities. At first I didn’t quite understand want it meant by authorities, but as I kept reading I discovered that by authorities they actual mean authorities such as police.
Qualifiers are also commonly used to present a claim. What’s a qualifier? A qualifier is, “words and phrases that place limits on claims, such as usually, sometimes, in many cases…” (160). The use of qualifiers is to help the reader understand exactly what one is saying and there is usually an exception to every rule, proving that qualifiers are important in ones claims. Speaking of the readers, the readers may not agree with ones claim so it is very important to answer any question that they might have. By presenting the answers to these questions, there are fewer instances that the readers will try to disprove ones claim. Evidence is a good tool to use in order prove the claim.
After reading chapter six on the Toulmin argument I realized that my paper needs to be reconstructed. Firstly, I must make sure that my claim is clear to all readers because after doing the peer group readings, one of my peers could not find my thesis or claim. I thought that my claim was clear, but after reading the Toulmin argument I realized that I need to resolve any questions that my readers may have before they happen. Secondly, I must provide more qualifiers in my paper, I believe this will help my paper because it will define my claim more. I will do this by following the example that are on page 161 of Everything’s An Argument. Lastly I will make sure my evidence suits my claims, for example after reading my paper I noticed that some of my examples would fit better with my other claims.
I think that by using the Toulmin argument my paper will not only be polished, but it will also clearly define my claims, and my readers will be more likely to agree with me than they would have if I didn’t write my argument in the Toulmin argument method. I believe that this method will truly help my paper and make it more understandable.
Brianna Ward
EH124
February 27, 2009
Toulmin Argument
A toulmin argument was introduced by British philosopher Stephen Toulmin in The Uses of Argument in 1958. These arguments describe how other authors make convincing and reasonable arguments. “Toulmin logic has become a powerful and, for the most part, practical tool for understanding and shaping arguments in the real world” (147). These arguments help the writer understand what goes where in many kinds of arguments, and develop their critical thinking habits. All toulmin arguments begin with claims that are debatable and controversial.
The argument begins with a “question of definition” (147). These claims need to be controversial so that there can be an argument about them. They cannot be claims such as water flows downhill or Christmas is always on the 25th because they are factual and people will usually agree. Claims also need to be debatable and they can be backed up with evidence and logic. Claims are the most important part of the toulmin argument because it answers the question “ so what‘s your point?” about your argument.
In order to turn my argument into a toulmin argument I need to make some changes. I need to add a lot more claims about Hertsgaard argument. I need to make sure that these claims can be controversial and debatable. I can back up my claims by using evidence from D’Souza’s article and my other source. I need to make these claims good claims, and a way I can do that is by “personal experience” (149).
I can use my personal experiences in order to make trustworthy claims, and label other claims are expert ones. I live in the country in which this article is written for. I know about how the people in the U.S. act and I know that our government hides things from us, like issues from the Vietnam War. I can also look up facts about what other things our government has done involving our foreign policy. I can use these personal experiences and my research to better my claims and write a stronger argument.
Bethany Beaulieu
A. Crowley
Rhetoric & Composition II
February 27th 2009
Toulmin Argument
Toulmin argument was created by a British philosopher Stephen Toulmin in The Uses of Argument (1958). It is a method to make convincing arguments. In a Toulmin argument, the most important parts are the claims. The claims must be debatable and controversial. “A claim is just a lonely statement hanging out there in the wind – until it teams up with with evidence and good reasons” (150). Debatable arguments are also shown by using logic or evidence.
In order to change my evaluation, analysis, and synthesis paper, I will start with making claims. The claims I use must be debatable as well as controversial. The claims should not result in an easy solution. My paper should also include evidence and reason. I will include qualifying words in order to improve my claims. Also, using a warrant, a persuasive connection between a claim and the reasons supporting it, will give me authority to proceed with my case.
My claims will become more descriptive as well as debatable. I will find evidence and support to create a controversial argument as well. Using a current event or evidence from articles will help support Hertsgaard’s thesis for my paper. Qualifying words can be used to make the argument more reasonable. “By spelling out the terms of the claim as precisely as possible, you’ll have less work to do, and your argument will seem more reasonable” (161).
In the final analysis, to change my paper I will have to make precise claims and use clear evidence. “Toulmin pushes you to probe into the values that support any argument and to think of those values as belonging to particular audiences” (170). I will use logic to create my argument. Warrants will continue to allow me to make a connection between the reasons and claims.
Bethany Nadeau
Rhetoric & Comp. II
A. Crowley
3 March 2009
Toulmin Argument and My Paper
The Toulmin argument was created by the British philosopher Stephen Toulmin in an effort to establish a better method that accurately described the way people make reasonable arguments. There are many aspects of this method I wish to reflect in my paper on “The Oblivious Empire”. First, a claim must be made. Claims are “debatable and controversial statements or assertions you hope to prove,” (147). This, in essence, will be my thesis. It is a claim that I will try to prove throughout my paper using the next aspect of a Toulmin argument, evidence. “A claim is just a lonely statement hanging out there in the wind- until it teams up with some evidence and good reasons,” (150). The evidence is the backbone of my argument. Without evidence, my claim will never be proven. This evidence can come in several acceptable forms such as personal experience, adecdotes, facts, and authorities. In my paper, however, personal experience should not be presented since the goal is to write about Hertsgaard’s views, not my own.
Next, my paper will need logical connections between this evidence and my claim, or thesis. These connections, according to the Toulmin method, are called warrants. A warrant “answers the question How exactly do I get from the claim to the data?” (152). It creates a balance that allows the readers to easily follow where the author is leading them. Warrants expose the author’s train of thought so that the evidence presented is seen as relative and convincing. This is something I need to add to my paper. I need better explinations of how my evidence relates to my thesis. The heart of my argument, however, will of course be found in my evidence. As earlier stated, evidence can come in several types, but it can also take on many forms, such as an ethical or emotional appeal, or even an appeal to values. This is something I certainly need to focus on a bit more in my paper when considering my types and forms of evidence.
Finally, I must be aware of any objections that might be made to my argument and try to bypass them by using logical examples and qualifiers. Rather than giving definite statements, I should use terms that allow room for some margin of change such as words or phrases like “perhaps” and “it may be” or “one might argue”. This will be the final step to creating a Toulmin argument out of my paper.
Jack Prince
In chapter six I learned about toulmin arguments. Toulmin arguments is a method of writing that accurately describes the way people make convincing and reasonable arguments, the key part being way. A toulmin argument takes into consideration how people think and uses that to gain an advantage. These types of arguments are good for testing out ones ideas and arguments using critical thinking. They also help one to understand what it takes to create a good argument and where it needs to go within the argument itself.
I will transform my document into a toulmin argument by first creating a more ‘to the point’ thesis statement. I need a thesis statement that gets right to the point and grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to learn more about the subject. I need my thesis to be to the point but I still need to educate my audience on the subject enough to help them side with me. If I tell them too much detail about the argument it will bore them to death, on the other hand if I don’t tell them enough information they will not be able to come to a conclusion on who they agree with. Since my main goal will always be to get my audience to side with me I will definitely have to make sure the appropriate background information is present in my argument.
I will need some valid claims in my argument, more and bigger, than are present now. I will do this by raising questions in my argument and answering them with strong, solid, claims. I will support my claims with as much evidence and reason as possible. It is important that I back everything I claim with evidence or reason, otherwise I may come off ignorant about the topic and my audience will not respect my argument. The most important thing about making claims is how I will go about backing them up, there are two main choices, evidence, and reason. If I back a claim with evidence it leaves no room for my audience to question my claim. However if I choose to back my claim with reason I cannot leave any room in the reason open for question.
The next thing I will do to transform my argument is to add qualifiers to my claims this helps my audience ‘trust’ me instead of saying always I might say sometimes. Doing this makes it harder for my audience to question my position. If I say always all that reader has to do is find one instance where something didn’t happen and then my whole argument is gone un-credible. It is going to take a lot of work to incorporate all this into my new argument and make it become strong. I believe once I do this however my argument will be very solid.
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