{"id":241,"date":"2021-03-30T16:36:47","date_gmt":"2021-03-30T16:36:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-englishcomp2\/?post_type=chapter&p=241"},"modified":"2022-07-25T19:31:06","modified_gmt":"2022-07-25T19:31:06","slug":"building-up-an-argument","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-englishcomp2\/chapter\/building-up-an-argument\/","title":{"raw":"Building Up an Argument","rendered":"Building Up an Argument"},"content":{"raw":"
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Learning Objectives<\/h3>\r\nDescribe techniques for building an analytic argument\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

Building an Argument with the Toulmin Model<\/h2>\r\nThe Toulmin Model is as useful for building arguments as it is for analyzing the arguments of others\u2014you just work in reverse. Rather than identifying an argument\u2019s Claim, then working down to Grounds, Warrant, and Backing, when creating your own analytic arguments, you must begin with Backing, then work up towards Warrants, Grounds, and finally a Claim.\r\n\r\nIf you begin with a research question, then pursue evidence on that question in an open-minded way, your argument can build toward a Claim that is well supported and carefully considered. It may seem backwards, because the Claim is often what we focus on first when analyzing someone else\u2019s argument. However, when you are composing your own, the Claim should be the conclusion of your work, otherwise you are likely to argue yourself into an illogical corner. Let\u2019s consider the hypothetical research question below as an example of building an argument using the Toulmin Model:\r\n

Question<\/strong>: What sort of animal makes the best pet?<\/p>\r\nIn considering this question, we should first determine what we mean by the word \u201cbest.\u201d Is best, in this case, synonymous with \u201cmost popular\u201d? If so, then we would need to search out data for pet ownership by type. But what if, instead, by best we mean \u201ceasiest to care for\u201d or \u201cmost useful\u201d? All of these definitions of \u201cbest\u201d could be argued for and would go a long way towards determining the path of your research and the argument you would end up composing.\r\n\r\nBut for this example, let\u2019s assume that \u201ceasiest to care for\u201d is the main defining characteristic for \u201cbest pet,\u201d and, overall, your research leads you to conclude that cats are the easiest type of pet to care for. How would we use the Toulmin Model to ensure that we had a complete, logically sound argument? Return to the six parts of the structure and fill in each one with your argument\u2019s information.\r\n

Claim<\/strong>: Cats make the best pets.<\/p>\r\n

Grounds<\/strong>: Because they are the easiest animals to care for.<\/p>\r\n

Backing for Grounds<\/strong>: Evidence that you found in your research, presumably data on pet ownership, such as the cost of food and medicine, the responsibilities of ownership, and the time required to maintain the pet\u2019s well being per day.<\/p>\r\n

Warrant<\/strong>: Ease of care is the most important aspect to determining what makes the best pet.<\/p>\r\n

Backing for Warrant<\/strong>: Evidence that you found in your research, specifically on how cost and ease of ownership affects people\u2019s perception of their pets and their ability to maintain them.<\/p>\r\n

Rebuttal<\/strong>: What about for people who are allergic to cats?<\/p>\r\n

Qualifier<\/strong>: Cats make the best pets, except for people with severe cat allergies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1031\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\"]\"Dachshund If your definition of a \"good pet\" is a pet you can play frisbee with at the park, a cat might not fit the bill.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nNote how changing the Warrant can change the whole argument: if we define \"best pet\" as the pet that offers the most interactive physical activities, like walking, hiking, and playing in the park, then dogs would certainly win out over cats. Again, the importance of the Toulmin model is that it reminds us of the need for both Warrant\u00a0and<\/em> Grounds.\r\n\r\nEven if you choose not to compose your argument using the Toulmin model, once you are finished with a first draft, you can use Toulmin analysis as a way to analyze your own logic. Most importantly, check to make sure the four required elements\u2014Claim<\/strong>, Grounds<\/strong>, Backing<\/strong>, and Warrant<\/strong>\u2014all are present and reasonable. If you are unable to do so, this is a strong indication that you should revisit your sources and conclusions, then revise your argument so that you are able to complete the Toulmin model structure, which means both that you understand your own argument and that it is logically sound in its reasoning.\r\n

Building an Aristotelian (Classical) Argument<\/h2>\r\nThe Aristotelian or classical argument is a style of argument developed by the famous Greek philosopher and rhetorician,\u00a0Aristotle<\/strong>. In this style of argument, your\u00a0goal as a writer is to convince your\u00a0audience of something. The goal is to use a series of strategies to persuade your audience to adopt your side of the issue.\r\n\r\nHere is the basic format for an Aristotelian, or classical, argumentative essay:\r\n
    \r\n \t
  1. Introduce your issue.<\/strong>\u00a0At the end of your introduction, most professors will ask you to present your thesis. The idea is to present your readers with your main point and then dig into it.<\/li>\r\n \t
  2. Present your case\u00a0<\/strong>by explaining the issue in detail and why something must be done or a way of thinking is not working. This will take place over several paragraphs.<\/li>\r\n \t
  3. Address the opposition.<\/strong>\u00a0Use a few paragraphs to explain the other side. Refute the opposition one point at a time.<\/li>\r\n \t
  4. Provide your proof.<\/strong>\u00a0After you address the other side, you\u2019ll want to provide clear evidence that your side is the best side.<\/li>\r\n \t
  5. Present your conclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0In your conclusion, you should remind your readers of your main point or thesis and summarize the key points of your argument. If you are arguing for some kind of change, this is a good place to give your audience a call to action. Tell them what they could do to make a change.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nAccording to Aristotle, there are three main ways to present your case persuasively:\r\n