The Purposeful Argument: A Practical Guide, upon which this guide is based, focuses on Toulmin-Based Arguments, Middle-Ground Arguments, Rogerian Arguments, and Arguments based on a microhistory.
- Toulmin-Based Arguments have six "terms" that need to be used for the argument: claim, support, warrant, backing, rebuttal, and qualifier. Chapter 8 of The Purposeful Argument defines each of these terms:
The claim is the point you are trying to argue.
Reasons support your claim directly.
Support is the "proof" - articles, facts, etc.
The warrant points out beliefs and moral principles that both you and your audience have about the topic.
Backing means arguing for the warrant - arguing for the belief that both you and the audience share and the reasons.
The rebuttal acknowledges that other people have different opinions and discusses their arguments. The speaker then explains, respectfully, why they are incorrect.
Qualifiers stop you from making absolute statements.
You can find more information about the Toulmin Argument at OWL Purdue: Toulmin Argument - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University
- Middle-Ground Arguments state that a solution to a problem is between two extremes. This argument style states that the extremes or an issue are impractical.
- Rogerian Arguments establish common ground between people with opposing viewpoints. This is done by discussing both viewpoints in depth and finding what each side agrees on. You can find more information about Rogerian Arguments at OWL Purdue: Rogerian Argument - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University
- Arguments based in Microhistory requires the student to be a historian. Students will discuss small parts of history and how they change and affect today's society. You can work with primary documents and oral histories. One excellent place to find oral histories is the Library of Congress: Search results for Audio Recording, Oral Histories, Available Online, American Folklife Center | Library of Congress (loc.gov)
- An excellent EBSCOhost based source to use is the Points of View Reference Center. "Points of View Reference Center is a full text database designed to provide students and schools with a series of controversial essays that present multiple sides of a current issue. Essays provide questions and materials for further thought and study and are accompanied by thousands of supporting articles from the world’s top political and societal publications."
- Another good resource is Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints in Context. "A rich resource for debaters and includes pro/con viewpoints, reference articles, interactive maps, infographics, and more. A category on the National Debate Topic provides quick and easy access to content on frequently studied and discussed issues. Has coverage of current events, news and commentary, economics, environmental issues, political science, and more. It has cross-curricular research that supports science, social studies, current events, and language arts classes."