English 1020

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)