Mastering the Toulmin Essay Format and Organizing Your Argument Effectively
Learn how to effectively structure a Toulmin essay, starting with the introduction and thesis statement, followed by body paragraphs with claims supported by evidence. Understand the importance of using third-person point of view and avoiding bias to enhance the credibility and persuasiveness of your argument.
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ORGANIZING THE ESSAY PARAGRAPH 1: INTRODUCTION POSITION STATEMENT: this is your THESIS statement or MAJOR CLAIM REMEMBER TO INTRODUCE THE SUBJECT BROADLY AND NARROW DOWN TO THE THESIS BY THE END OF THE PARAGRAPH PARAGRAPH 2: BODY PARAGRAPH #1 CLAIM: a smaller version of the position statement, more like the TOPIC SENTENCE of the body paragraph Each body paragraph should be approximately 11 sentences long Data each body paragraph must have at least two examples of DATA/EVIDENCE to support CLAIM WARRANT: Begins with a transition and restates the claim as true
ORGANIZING THE ESSAY Introduction Introduce the subject in general terms Discuss the possible controversies regarding the subject in general terms State your position on the subject: POSITION STATEMENT/THESIS II. Body paragraph #1, #2, and #3 State your CLAIM for this paragraph (topic sentence) Offer two example of evidence/data supporting your claim Make sure to parenthetically cite your sources Remember, your strongest claim should be the claim for paragraph #3 Warrant: affirm your claim and transition to next paragraph III. Conclusion Start with your concluding statement Lead to broad, general conclusion about subject I. A. B. C. A. B. A. B. C. A. B.
ORGANIZING THE ESSAY Position Statement: thesis statement that presents your argument/opinion Claim: your opinion on one aspect of the subject; a more specific sub opinion Data: research and evidence that supports your claim/opinion Warrant: sums up your claim and confirms it as accurate Example (PS) Hats are inappropriate in a classroom setting (C) A student is often inattentive when he/she wears a hat. (D) It is easier for students to fall asleep when hats are permitted (W) Therefore, hats should not be worn in school
You MUST avoid using first (I, Me, My, We) or second (You, your) person when you write You MUST use third person point of view (He, she, they, them) Why? Your ideas sound more universal if they aren t just about you You/Your can sound preachy, yelling, and snobbish. It is defeating what you want to accomplish. You want to sound knowledgeable (factual) and approachable (not above them, like you are preaching to them)
Be careful of allowing bias to infiltrate your essay Bias: lopsided point of view Example The referee at the game graduated from Copley Bias for Copley? Bias against Copley? This is why creating the pros and cons list is so important You can address the cons and not allow bias to creep in!
