Toulminian Analysis

Toulminian Analysis

You are to select one article from our readings

https://buchanan.org/blog/immigration-time-out-163 (I chose this article)

and write a Toulminian analysis explaining how that article goes about making an argument. Your paper must include at least three basic Toulminian terms: main claim, reason, and grounds. It should also include at least one other term and show how it relates to the overall argument. To reiterate, the Toulminian terms are as follows:

Claim + Reason
Grounds (support)
Warrant (may be implied)
Backing
Rebuttal/Refutation
Qualifiers

Two methods to proceed with this paper are as follows:

· A straightforward Toulminian analysis that discusses the main claim and reason as well as the rebuttal/refutation (and possibly qualifiers).

· An audience-based Toulminian analysis that discusses the warrant (and possibly the backing).

Sticking to just one of these methods will help your paper maintain focus.

As always, your paper will need to be well organized, with an introductory paragraph, a thesis statement, and a conclusion. Your introduction should explain the main claim and reason and should also discuss how the author is arguing. For instance, if the article begins with a summary of the other side and then goes into a refutation, discuss why the author chose to do so. If the main claim is never explicitly stated, discuss why. If the author uses backing heavily—that is, reminds the reader of underlying principles—explain why. In other words, beyond merely explaining what the article does, explain why it uses that particular strategy.

The paper must include a title and be in MLA format. Use Times New Roman or Verdana 12 font.

Length

At least 800 words

Value

12% of final grade