Toulminian Argument Prompts

In an effort to conserve time, I would like you to start working on a Toulmin Outline and then the Final Toulmin Essay working from one of the following questions:

1. In light of the spate of gun violence gripping the territory, do we need stricter handgun control laws and punishments for their violation to save lives?

2. Should the wealthiest citizens be required by the state to share their wealth with those in need by providing health, food, and education through higher taxation? Or is it the responsibility of those with less to find ways to look after their own?

3. In many instances, cigarettes and liquor are cheaper in the BVI than in the countries they are manufactured. Should the government impose 'sin taxes' on alcohol and tobacco in order to subsidize increasing costs for health care and health infrastructure?

4. Our government mandates that we all use its service (BVI Electricity Corporation) as our primary source of power. Is this fair? What are the benefits and disadvantages of this arrangement? Please research the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation Act in order to fully grasp the extent of the mandate.

5. If a policeman finds something that he was not looking for (e.g. narcotics in a car that was being searched for guns), why should or shouldn't the policeman have the right to take the accused into custody? Research "reasonable suspicion" in your response.

Remember the parts of the Toulmin Argument. I need to see clearly: your claims, your support, and your warrants in the outline. If necessary, the backing, rebuttal, and qualifier should be included. Appropriate research should be done for your topic. Please see me if you need advice or assistance evaluating sources.

This Outline and Draft should be emailed to me by Friday 12th March, 2010. You are expected to follow the Outline that follows (You will receive a sample Toulminian Outline via Google Docs). In that class I will collect and review with the intention of final Toulmin essays being submitted on Monday 22nd March, 2010.

Following is a template for a Toulminian Outline

The Toulmin Outline

I. Exigence (the need for the argument, the rhetorical situation)
Your argument in all its parts except the claim.
1 paragraph

II. Claim
i. First establish credibility with the audience by stating the support you have for your position.
ii. Introduce qualifiers where necessary to diffuse challenges (typically, usually, for the most part, some, several, few, sometimes etc.) Never use absolutes or totalities in your claim. It should be clear to the reader what types of claim you are making.
1-2 paragraphs

III. Support
i. The specific support that you mentioned previously should be presented in whole.
ii. Introduce appropriate appeals here.
2-3 paragraphs

IV. Warrants
i. Remember here you are connecting the claims to the support.
ii. These can be beliefs that are taken for granted, the assumptions that underline your argument, or specific cultural and personal experiences or observations.
2-3 paragraphs

V. Concessions/Rebuttals
i. Here you either concede that an opposing viewpoint is valid or show where they may question your support or backing
ii. Discredit if possible the opposition's counterarguments.
ii. End essay positively affirming your position.
1-2 paragraphs