1. What we talk
about when
we talk
about
Argument

2. Let’s start with an enthymeme

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

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

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

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

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

8. Stephen Toulmin

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

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

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

12. An Argument:
Claim Cheerleading should
be banned
Reason ...because it depicts
girls as sex objects

13. An Argument:
Claim Cheerleading should
be banned
Reason ...because it depicts
girls as sex objects
Grounds •description of the uniform
•video of suggestive cheerleading
•Bring it On
•MTV videos using cheerleading
•professors of Media Studies
quotes on cheerleading

14. So Far:
Cheerleading should be banned Claim
Reason
because it depicts girls as sex
objects
????? Warrant

15. So Far:
Cheerleading should be banned Claim
Reason
because it depicts girls as sex
objects
It is harmful for girls/society to
depict girls as sex objects
Warrant

16. So Far:
Cheerleading should be banned Claim
Reason
because it depicts girls as sex
objects
Arguments that show how
Backing having girls as sex objects are
detrimental to their health and
to society’s

17. So Far:
Cheerleading should be banned Claim
Reason
because it depicts girls as sex
objects
Backing
It is harmful for girls/society to
depict girls as sex objects
Relevant evidence of loss of self-esteem,
tendency towards teen pregnancy, and a
society that does not respect the
intellectual capabilities of women.

18. Almost Done

19. Two More terms:
Rebuttal
Qualifier

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

21. Two More terms:
Rebuttal
Cheerleading should not
be banned because it
increases girls’ self-
esteem

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

23. Two More terms:
Cheerleading should DEFINITELY be
banned
Qualifier

24. Two More terms:
We should consider whether
Cheerleading should be banned or
discouraged.
Qualifier

25. Two More terms:
Cheerleading should POSSIBLY be
banned
Qualifier

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

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