Get Create My Toulmin Argument

First, analyze your sources by identifying the basic elements of the arguments being made. Second, test and critique your own argument. Toulmin identifies the three essential parts of any argument as the claim; the data (also called grounds or evidence), which support the claim; and the warrant.

For example, Hearing aids are available locally. This statement works as backing because it gives credence to the warrant stated above, that a hearing aid will help most people hear better. The fact that hearing aids are readily available makes the warrant even more reasonable.

In this case, a speaker or writer may have to defend the warrant. In our example, the warrant would need to be backed by reasons such as the argument that whiter teeth will help you get more dates or that whiter teeth will make you look better in yearbook photos. Reasons that support the warrant are called backing.

Evidence: support or rationale for the claim. Warrant: the underlying connection between the claim and evidence, or why the evidence supports the claim. Backing: tells audience why the warrant is a rational one.

Qualifiers like “some” or “many” help limit the claim, which can add strength to the claim. Example: There should be more laws to regulate texting while driving in order to cut down on some of the dangerous car accidents that happen each year.

The backing (or support) for an argument gives additional support to the warrant by answering different questions. For example: Hearing aids are available locally. The qualifier (or modal qualifier) indicates the strength of the leap from the data to the warrant and may limit how universally the claim applies.

▶ The Claim – the statement or assertion the writer hopes to prove. ▶ Warrant – logical and persuasive connection between a claim and the evidence. ▶ Backing – the evidence supporting the warrant.