Speech 104 Extra Credit

1. The Toulmin Model:
A better way of evaluating arguments
By Harut Sargsian
Speech 104 Spring 2012

2. Stephen S. Toulmin
• Dr.Toulmin a well respected
Philosophy Professor at USC
• Developed a model that
demonstrates to us on how to
evaluate arguments.
• The Toulmin model breaks
the argument down to six
parts.

3. Why use the Toulmin Model?
• We use the Toulmin model
to better understand an
argument.
• The better we understand
the better we can know
what the strengths and
weaknesses are.
• The better we know the
strenghts and weaknesses
the easier we can resolve
the issue at hand.

4. The Steps of the Toulmin Model
• Claim
• Grounds
• Warrant
• Backing
• Reservation
• Qualifier

5. The Claim
• The Statement
that is being
argued
• Example: You
should purchase
a BMW

6. Grounds
• The roots of your
claim, what you are
trying to prove.
• Example: BMW has
been the best selling
premium car brand
in the world for over
10 years.

7. Warrant
• The data that links the
claim and the ground
together, to form a
stronger basis.
• Example: BMW has
been voted as best
consumer satisfaction
out of any other car
brand.

8. Backing
• The support of the
argument, covers all
points of argument to
make it clear to the
audience.
• Example: You can find
a BMW dealership and
service center in
almost all major cities
in the U.S.

9. Qualifier
• A statement that
shows the strength
between the data and
the warrant, and how
well the claim applies
to both of these.
• Example: Many people
are satisfied with
BMW.

10. Rebuttal
• Counter –arguments that
go against the original
argument, finding the
perfect statement to give
an initial rebuttal to the
argument.
• Example: Many BMW
enthusiasts are prepared
to offer you great service
at any BMW center.

11. Sources
• The Toulmin Model of Argument:
http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/documents/Toul
min.pdf
• BMW News Group USA:
https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/
p/pcgl/startpage.htm

12. THE END