Toulmin Essay Topics

Laptops in the Classroom



Do you think laptops should be encouraged, allowed, or banned from the college classroom? Find below two arguments for and against. Read them, then use one as a source to argue your position in a Toulminian style. Utilise the source you do not agree with as a source for your opposition section.


Why students using laptops learn less in class even when they really are taking notes - Fred Barbash




Don't Ban Laptops in the Classroom - Nicole Short

ENG 105 - Toulmin Argument Outline

Toulminian Argument is named after British philosopher Stephen Toulmin. Essentially, Toulmin argues that good, realistic arguments consist of 6 parts. Support, Claim, Warrant, Qualifier, Rebuttal, and Backing. See the Inventing Argument text for further reading.

See an example argument:
Congress should ban animal research (Claim #1) because animals are tortured in experiments that
have no necessary benefit for humans such as the testing of cosmetics (Support). The well being of
animals is more important than the profits of the cosmetics industry (Warrant). Only congress has the
authority to make such a law (Warrant) because the corporations can simply move from state to state
to avoid legal penalties (Backing). Of course, this ban should not apply to medical research (Qualifier). A
law to ban all research would go too far (Rebuttal).
So, the law would probably (Qualifier) have to be carefully written to define the kinds of research
intended (Claim #2).

Toulmin Outline
I. Introduction of the problem or topic.
    A. Material to get the reader's attention (a "hook")
    B. Introduce the problem or topic
    C. Introduce our claim or thesis, perhaps with accompanying qualifiers that limit the scope of
         the argument. (NB: This will help you cut the topic down to a manageable length.)
II. Offer support for the argument.
    A. Support #1
    B. Support #2
    C. (and so on)
III. Explore warrants that show how the data logically is connected to the data
    A. Warrant #1
    B. Warrant #2
    C. (and so on)
IV. Offer factual backing to show that logic used in the warrants is good in term of realism as well
as theory.
    A. Backing for Warrant #1
    B. Backing for Warrant #2
    C. (and so on)
V. Discuss counter-arguments and provide rebuttal
    A. Counter-argument #1
    B. Rebuttal to counter-argument #1
    C. Counter-argument #2
    D. Rebuttal to counter-argument #2
    E. (and so on)
VI. Conclusion
    A. Implications of the argument, summation of points, or final evocative thought to ensure the
         reader remembers the argument.

Read Ryan Brown's "Community of Cars" or Lynda Smith's "Disconnected."

ENG 105 - Rogerian Argument Prompts and Research Topic Exercise

Source: Wikipedia

Use the following prompt for your Rogerian Essay. You MUST read both articles in order to construct your argument.You need to use your rhetorical analysis skills to identify the claims and support of both sides, and also how they deal with their respective oppositions. Think carefully about the types of values both sides seem to have and consider how you can use those to come to a workable conclusion.

1. The topic of marriage has been a popular issue recently, largely in relation to marriage equality. However, how popular is marriage at all? Read these two conflicting perspectives on marriage and cosntruct your own Rogerian argument to come to your own conclusions.

Articles:
"Skirting the Issue: Since when did getting married become so unfashionable" by Louisa Peacock
"We need to have a frank discussion about marriage" by Tauriq Moosa





Secondly, we need to start thinking about our Final Projects. Start brainstorming your topics and feel free to email me for my input.

ENG 105 - Rogerian Outline

ROGERIAN STYLE OUTLINE: (may vary due to the length of your essay… each section shown here can include many more points and supporting details/evidence)


I. Introduction: This should be a detailed definition of the exigence and rhetorical situation.

II. The body of the paper begins with a classification and division of Side A and Side B.

A. This introduces the con position of the debate. (OPPOSITION)

1. This should be the first major issue to support the ‘opposing side’
a. This is a minor detail supporting number '1'.
b. This is a second minor detail supporting number '1'.

2. This is the second major detail to support the ‘opposing side’
a. This is a minor detail supporting number '2'.
b. This is a second minor detail supporting number '2'.

etc.

B. This introduces the ‘proposition’ of the debate. (YOUR SIDE)

1. This should be the first major issue to support the ‘pro side’
a. This is a minor detail supporting number '1'.
b. This is a second minor detail supporting number '1'.

2. This is the second major detail to support the ‘pro side’
c. This is a minor detail supporting number '2'.
d. This is a second minor detail supporting number '2'.

etc.

C. This particular section compares and contrasts the issues in order
to highlight the differences between the pro and opposing position (can use the
information from the two sides in the sections above)

1. This might begin with a sentence stating a pro position.
2. The following might point out a con position.
3. The next point might refute a previous claim.
4. The next point might restate a position.


III. Drawing a conclusion.
It should recount the highlights of the argument, but it draws a logical conclusion or compromise. See the example essay you read in your text – Obesity Lawsuits by Nancy Hall. For more material see the Youtube video we watched in class as well as a lengthier guide here.

ENG 105: Critical Response Outlining

Introduction:Identify the writer and the text and follow with a summary of the writer's main claims.

For e.g.
In "A Community of Cars" Ryan Brown asserts that we have become a society that is overly reliant on the convenience that cars provide. This unfortunately, is to our detriment as seen in the negative impacts this driving culture has to our environment, our health, and our sense of community.

Body:
In the body, you should identify each of the writer's supporting claims and determine what sort of support (example, evidence, appeal) he chooses to use. Deal with each supporting claim independently.

For e.g.I. There is a negative impact on our environment caused by our addiction to the convenience of cars.
According to Brown, the damage done to our environment by cars varies from the ground-level ozone produced by traffic to the expansion of roadways that "tear up the countryside, destroying wildlife routes and habitats" (39). He uses statistical evidence, pointing towards the rising rates of asthma levels in children between 1980 and 1995 (39).

Conclusion:
In the conclusion, talk about your personal reaction to the argument. How much have you been convinced? How does the writer's rhetoric affect the way you perceive his argument? Do you think it is intriguing enough to sway people who may have held an opposing view prior to reading it?

For e.g.
All in all, Brown posits a competent argument against our reliance on cars. While his emotional and character appeals in terms of the loss of community, environment, and health are seductive ones, he seems to disregard litigating factors such as the increasing population and the increased demand for goods and transportation that follows.

ENG 105 - Exploratory Essay

Please see the following guidelines for creating an Exploratory Essay. Also see the resources provided by The OWL at Purdue here.


Outline


Paragraph 1 A brief, GENERAL, introduction of the topic. Explain why there is a debate or controversy.


Paragraph 2 The RHETORICAL SITUATION – who is interested in the issue, exigence and constraints.


Paragraph 3 One point of view you have discovered in your readings….. explain this point of view in Your own words. Give credit to the source where you found the perspective.


Paragraph 4 Another, DIFFERENT point of view on the issue. explain this point of view in your own words. Give credit to the source where you found the perspective.


Paragraph 5 Yet, another, 3rd point of view on the issue. explain this point of view in your own words. Give credit to the source where you found the perspective.


Paragraph 6 *Tell why you are interested in the issue/topic. *State your personal exigence. *State your claim (working thesis) for the final project. ***** this is the ONLY part of the essay where your opinion should be expressed!


Guidelines


Step 1 Find 3 sources that have at least 3 DIFFERENT perspectives/points of view on your topic. Do this first so that you are educated and informed about the different points of view relating to your topic.


Step 2 Write a short, 1 paragraph summary for each source; in your own words). If you can write a summary for each point of view, then it means you understand them. And there is no need to quote in this essay. Use your own writing style to express the 3 points of view.


Step 2a Edit/revise your summaries…. These are the body paragraphs of this essay. There should be at least 1 paragraph for each perspective; more if needed. Each body paragraph should explain a new point of view only (DON’T state your opinion).


Step 3 Write the second section of your essay: The Rhetorical Situation. Remember this is the part that shows the reader WHY there is a debatable issue in the world, community, etc….. Also remember for this essay not all 5 parts of rhetorical situation are used. Only 3 parts: Interested parties, constraints and exigence.


Step 4 Write your introduction paragraph. It should be a very general explanation of the issue being discussed. NO CLAIM or OPINION should be stated here; only a general description.


Step 5 Write the last paragraph which includes * your personal exigence * your claim/thesis for final project (it is ONLY here that you can show your opinion on the final topic) Combine all parts for one, solid EXPLORATORY ESSAY

ENG 105 - Exploratory Essay

Your topic for the Exploratory essay MUST BE YOUR FINAL RESEARCH TOPIC.
You must have:
at least 3 sources (one for each perspective - more recommended);
at least 3 CLEAR perspectives or points of view on the issue;
compliance with MLA guidelines (in text citations and a Works Cited page);
compliance with the Outline.

Use the following links as aids in your preparations
Exploratory Guidelines
Exploratory Essay Step by Step on Youtube
How To Write an Exploratory Essay on HubPages
Organizing the Exploratory Essay

Your Exploratory Outlines are due via email on Tuesday 15th October.
The Exploratory Essays are due Tuesday 22nd October.

ENG 105 - Invented Arguments

Now that we have completed Rogerian arguments, the next skill for us to learn is how to develop an argument based on a Background or Exigence. This exercise is different in that I am not providing you a clear prompt or position to argue, but rather a situation from which you must develop your OWN argument.

The following are stories from today's news on online news sites. Choose one of the following on which to base a Toulminian Argument. See Invented Arguments and Hegelian Logic in the Inventing Argument text.

Using Christianity to Fight Crime

Toward a More Productive Conversation About Homework
Are Tenured Professors Really Worse Teachers? 
Marraige Policy Encourages One Spouse to Stay Home and the Other to Work

After researching these issues to establish your Background and Exigence, use Invention and Hegelian Logic to construct a Toulminian argument. Be sure to cite sources for support.

This outline is due before our first class next week for my review and comments. The essay will follow MLA standards (see the links to the MLA guide on this blog): MLA formatting, including a Works Cited page, and in-text citations. This essay is expected to be at least 1,000 words. I am looking for your Stasis Theory and Hegelian Logic work on Tuesday and your Outlines on Thursday.

ENG 105 - Annotated Bibliography

After completing your Exploratory Essays, your next assignment is to produce an Annotated Bibliography for your final project. An Annotated Bibliography is much like a Works Cited page with your comments and evaluation of each citation. Have a look at this website and its explanations and examples.

See the link list for the OWL's annotated bibliography guide.
More links: University of Toronto Writing Lab
Southern Illinois University Writing Lab

ENG 105 - Definition Essay

Write a 500 word essay attempting to define one of the following terms. You MUST adhere to MLA Conventions (PLEASE SEE THE OWL MLA GUIDE).

Write an extended definition of one of the following: Honor; Humility; Maturity; Integrity; True Friendship;  Self-Respect; Ambition; or Progress. Remember that an effective definition encompasses techniques used in other styles of Composition.

See the Course Schedule for deadlines.

ENG 105 - Definition (Essential and Extended)

Remember - Essential definitions demand a few things of us: an item (the term to be defined); a broad category (that the term can be classified under); and distinguishing features or characteristics (what separates this term from other members of the broad category).

Be sure to avoid the following common errors in essential definitions:
Circular definition - We cannot use the word we are defining in the definition.
Overly broad definition - Avoid leaving out characteristics that separate the item from others.
Overly narrow definition - Avoid adding so many characteristics that items that apply no longer fit using your final definition.
Omission of broad category - Avoid saying: The term 'is when/is where'. Without the broad category, the reader has no reference for your definition.

When writing extended definitions, remember to illustrate. Give examples that show how the item or term you are defining is different from other members of the broad category. Think (if applicable) about the etymology or origin of your term/item - discuss. A useful tactic sometimes is to use antonymy or negation. Spend some time showing your reader what your term/item is NOT rather than what it IS.

Check out this resource for some more info:
http://ksdl.ksbe.edu/writingresource/definition.html

Rogerian Arguments 27/9/12

Draft a Rogerian outline on one of the following prompts for Tuesday 2nd October 2012. All provided sources must be included in a Works Cited page. Do not cite blog comments. Only cite the article.

The Banning of large sugary drinks in New York.
Exigence: Large-Size Sugary Drink Ban Passes In NYC, Opponents Vow A Fight
Supportive: Why Bloomberg Is Right
Critical: Why Bloomberg's War on Soda Will Fail

Lupe Fiasco's "Bitch Bad" and its effectiveness in countering misogyny in hiphop.
Exigence: Lupe Fiasco - Bitch Bad Lyrics and explanation here
Additional exigence: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/08/24/lupe-fiasco-bitch-bad_n_1827932.html
Supportive: Rapper Lupe Fiasco Weighs In on the B-Word: ‘Bitch Bad, Woman Good, Lady Better’
Critical: Rap's Long History of 'Conscious' Condescension to Women

Fining and sentencing for marijuana possession in the BVI
Exigence: Article 1 Article 2 Sistah Joyce fined $40K For Marijuana
From the Drug Trafficking Offences Act, 1992: 9 (2): "Where the whole or any part of an amount ordered to be paid remains unpaid after such period as the Court may determine the defendant shall be sentenced to imprisonment in accordance with the following table -
Where the amount does not exceed $10,000 - 6 months
Where the amount exceeds $10,000 but does not exceed $20,000 - 12 months
Where the amount exceeds $20,000 but does not exceed $200,000 - 18 months
Where the amount exceeds $200,000 but does not exceed $400,000 - 2 years
Where the amount exceeds $400,000 but does not exceed $1,000,000 - 3 years
Where the amount exceeds $1,000,000 but does not exceed $4,000,000 - 5 years
Where the amount exceeds $4,000,000 - 10 years

(3) Where- (a) a warrant of committal is issued for a default in payment of an amount ordered to be paid under section 5 in respect of an offence or offences; and (b) at the time the warrant is issued, the defendant is liable to serve a custodial sentence in respect of the offences, the term of imprisonment to be served in default of payment of the amount shall not begin to run until after the expiry of the term mentioned in paragraph (b)."

Supportive: Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana
Critical: Sowande Uhuru calls for decriminalization of marijuana

ENG 105 - Annotated Bibliography

Students. Remember you need to start on your research and the Annotated Bibliography. You can start sending those in next week and I hope to have all final Annotated Bibliographies received by April 16th so we can chat about them in your meetings.

Tips for Selection of Topics and Final Topics to Avoid

Start thinking of topics that….

• Relate to or affect the BVI or the Caribbean
• Politics
• Social Issues
• Transportation
• Think of your HOBBIES or personal interests that you have (fashion, cars, music, religion sports etc.)
• Think of your degree that you are seeking here at HLSCC (Business, English, math, law, teaching ect.) There are MANY issues that surround your career interests!

Topics to AVOID: (There are NO Exceptions)

• Marijuana
• Ergonomics
• Gay lifestyle
• Death Penalty
• Abortion
• Deforestation
• Mangroves
• Divorce
• Videogames
• Sex education
• The Beef Island, Scrub Island, or Oil Nut Bay projects
• Child Abuse
• Assisted suicide
• The BiWater/Ocean Conversion controversy

***Remember you are writing an ARGUMENTATIVE TOPIC; therefore, pick a topic that has more than one side to the issue.

ENG 107 Poetry Essay Question

I

Analyze how the passage of time is explored in three or more poems that you have read. How have these poets used time to communicate their ideas?

Note: Several of the poems we have read are applicable here. Themes that are closely related to the passage of time should be explored as well. You are expected to clearly illustrate your points with relevant quotations and presentation of evidence from the poems themselves.

In addition to your response to your selected question (at least 3 pages), it is expected that you will provide a source separate from the stories and authors selected. Start your research on all facets of your chosen question as soon as possible. If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me

Essay to be in Arial or Times 12pt font and double spaced.

Be sure to cite in accordance with MLA guidelines.

This essay is DUE Thursday, March 22^nd 2012.

NO EXCEPTIONS

ENG 105 - Sample Rogerian Arguments.

Follow the links to read sample Rogerian arguments.

Helmets: Life or Liberty?
Stars and Stripes Forever
To Obey or Not To Obey

Illustration Resources

Sinclair

WJU

Giving Examples Exercises

ENG 105 - Definition Essay Prompt

Write a 500 word essay attempting to define one of the following terms. You MUST adhere to MLA Conventions (if you do not have a Wadsworth Handbook PLEASE SEE THE OWL MLA GUIDE).

Write an extended definition of one of the following: Honor; Humility; Maturity; Integrity; True Friendship; Success; Self-Respect; Ambition; or Progress. Remember that an effective definition encompasses techniques used in other styles of Composition.

This essay is due Monday January 30th 2012 BEFORE 4:00 p.m.

ENG 208 - Poetry (Harlem Renaissance)

ENG 208:

First read Writing About Poetry at the OWL at Purdue's Online Writing Lab. Also see Quoting Poetry within a Paper using MLA Documentation to inform you while writing your essays.

Log on to EBSCOHost and search for "Claude McKay's Harlem Shadows." You will come across an essay of the same name written by Terence Hoagwood of Texas A&M University published in The Explicator. Read this and then answer the following question.

Essay:
William J. Maxwell shows how Claude McKay in particular is able to meet "the need for a medium of expanded radical communication" (qtd. in Hoagwood) through his use of Elizabethan verse forms.

Choose a poet from the assigned Harlem Renaissance poetry who has written in either closed form or blank verse. Consider how the selected poems are able to invoke feelings of fear, loss, oppression, and a yearning for change through the poet's use of language.

Please consider specifically (please research definitions where necessary): whether the poet engages in hypotaxis or parataxis, a poem is monologic or dialogic, the poet uses metonymy or synecdoche. Look at also: the use of meter and whether syllables and words are made of iambs, anapests, dactyls, trochees, or pyrrhics. Look for examples of enjambment, caesura, elision as well as falling meter and iambic feet.

This essay should follow all regular MLA guidelines as described at the OWL at Purdue's MLA Guide. Your sources should include the following as well as whatever academic research you do:

Poet's Lastname, Poet's Firstname. "Poem Title." Literature of the Black Diaspora. Handout. Poems for Study. (Richard Georges.) H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Nov. 2011. Print.

Hoagwood, Terence. "Claude McKay's HARLEM SHADOWS." Explicator 68.1 (2010): 51-54. Academic Search Premier. Web. 10 Nov. 2011.

The essay is due Tuesday November 22nd 2011 and should be emailed to me and not printed. On that day we shall have a lecture and classroom discussion on the Contemporary poets assigned.

ENG 200 - The Metaphysical Poets (John Donne)

Answer one of the following. The regular considerations apply.

Refer to 'The Ecstasy' and discuss the poem as an example of Donne's presentation of love. Support your response with specific reference to other poems.

OR

Select two or three of Donne's poems in order to work out a comparison between his love poems and his divine poems.

Pay particular attention to Donne's use of language and imagery as well as the characteristics of his thought and feeling.

This essay is due Wednesday October 26th 2011. NO EXCEPTIONS.