Developing Claims and Counterclaims Fairly
Key Learning Progressions, W.9-10.1b: Developing Claims and Counterclaims Fairly
The language of this standard deviates significantly from that of the same standard for grade eight. The key progression in the language of W.9-10.1b instructs students not only to develop claims, but counterclaims as well, and do so fairly. A paper that meets the standard will point out the strengths and weaknesses of both claims and counterclaims, and will anticipate the audience's level of knowledge and concern accurately. It should be noted that there are many ways that students can incorporate these steps into the writing process. The following is one possible strategy for implementation of this standard. (adapted from: http://www.mesacc.edu/~rocmd94961/lessons/arrangement/toulmin.htm )
The Toulmin Method
The Toulmin Method of argumentation was developed by Stephen Toulmin, a contemporary philosopher whose ideas are often included as part of modern rhetorical theory. This method is designed to assist you in analyzing or constructing the logic of an argument, whether it is spoken or written.
Students can use the basic structure for the Toulmin Method to structure an entire paper, or to develop claims and counterclaims within a specific body paragraph.
The basic format:
Claim: The overall thesis the writer will argue for.
Data: Evidence gathered to support the claim.
Warrant (also referred to as a bridge): Explanation of why or how the data supports the claim, the underlying assumption that connects your data to your claim.
Backing (also referred to as the foundation): Additional logic or reasoning that may be necessary to support the warrant.
Counterclaim: A claim that negates or disagrees with the thesis/claim.
Rebuttal: Evidence that negates or disagrees with the counterclaim.
Including a well thought out warrant or bridge is essential to writing a good argumentative essay or paper. If you present data to your audience without explaining how it supports your thesis they may not make a connection between the two or they may draw different conclusions.
Don't avoid the opposing side of an argument. Instead, include the
opposing side as a counterclaim. Find out what the other side is saying
and respond to it within your own argument. This is important so that
the audience is not swayed by weak, but unrefuted, arguments. Including
counterclaims allows you to find common ground with more of your
readers. It also makes you look more credible because you appear to be
knowledgeable about the entirety of the debate rather than just being
biased or uniformed. You may want to include several counterclaims to
show that you have thoroughly researched the topic. For an example of how to structure an argument based on the Toulmin Method, click the link below.
retreived from: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/03/
Graphic Organizer for Toulmin Method:
