Toulmin Argument

The Toulmin argument seems really complicated in analysis. It seems like the argument itself is common sense, yet it doesn't make a lot of sense if you try to pin point each element of the toulmin style. I think your brain naturally works out the warrants and qualifiers and rebuttals on its own rather than analyzing it so extensively. The Toulmin argument consists of six elements. These elements include: data, claim, warrants, qualifiers, rebuttals, and backing. In the Toulmin argument, you want to make your point clear right away. The claim is what you are proposing to the reader, with the intent for them to accept your claim as truth. Next, the data is used to support the claim that you make. Often, the data and the claim are not connected or not entirely related. When this is the case, a warrant is used to explain why the data backs up the claim. Specific words are used to connect the data and the claim, which often need to be identified or clarified in order to strengthen the connection between warrants and claims. These qualifiers are often definitive words. Backing statements provide extra support to your claim as they provide additional evidence to whatever it is your are trying to prove. Finally, rebuttals are necessary in a Toulmin argument because it is important to bring in at least one opposing view to what you are trying to prove, for the purpose of acknowledging the other side. This acknowledgement provides ethical strength to your argument, because it shows that you are aware of what the opposition has to say, and while being aware you can still prove your point.