This document outlines the key elements of a Toulmin argument structure: 1) Claim - the main point or stance being argued 2) Reasons/Evidence - facts and data that support the claim 3) Warrants - underlying assumptions that logically connect the claim and evidence 4) Qualifiers - limits or exceptions placed on the claim 5) Backing - additional evidence and authority provided to support the warrants underlying the argument. The document provides examples and definitions for applying each element to construct a persuasive Toulmin argument.

1. Structuring Arguments
Using Toulmin Argument

2. 5 Elements of Toulmin’s Structure
Claim
Qualifiers
Reasons / Evidence
Warrants
Backing

3. Claim
Your claim states the
argument you wish to prove.

4. When presenting an argument,
your claim needs to state your
main point or tell where you
stand on an issue.

5. Qualifiers
Qualifiers are any limits you
place on your claim.

6. Examples of Qualifiers
it is possible
rarely
few
in some cases
sometimes
typically
more or less
often
one might argue
if it were so
for the most part
possibly
perhaps
under these
conditions

7. Reason(s)/Evidence
The evidence you produce
demonstrates support for your
claim.

8. Warrants
Warrants are underlying assumptions that
support your claim.
They are implied, not written.
Warrants can often be identified through
critically reading the text.

9. “Crucial to Toulmin argument
is appreciating that there must
be a logical and persuasive
connection between a claim
and the reasons and data
supporting it.” (Lunsford &
Ruszkiewicz, pg. 135) This
connection is the warrant.

10. Backing
The evidence you provide in support of a
warrants is called backing. The backing
you offer shows your authority because
you are able to defend the warrants that
support your claim.

11. Assignment
Thinking of an issue near and dear to you,
write a 15 minute free write demonstrating
your ability to use what you have learned
about Toulmin Argument.