College Writing

College Writing Study Guide Even though the Toulmin Method is most often applied to controversial issues, we can nonetheless apply it to the same example that we’ve been working with in the other organizational structures. Once again, this is a rough outline of the topics these paragraphs will cover. Claim: We should go to the new pizza joint for dinner. Grounds: We both enjoy pizza, and according to the menu, their prices are low. Warrant: Because we both enjoy pizza and we are trying to save money, we should go to the new pizza joint. Backing: We both want melty cheese with all the best toppings in hot, delicious slices. There’s nothing quite so good as the perfect slice of pizza. Quali�ier: Just because we eat pizza tonight doesn’t mean we have to eat pizza every night. Rebuttal: You got to choose the restaurant the last time we went out. What can you learn by developing your understanding of the Toulmin Method? Because it includes the “quali�ier,” the Toulmin Method emphasizes that some problems have multiple solutions. Some situations are context-dependent. For example, let’s say that you’re proposing a solution to the prob- lem of an increase in crime rates. It’s possible that adding additional law enforcement personnel is the correct course of action, but if the neighborhood in question has a historically contentious rela- tionship with the police, perhaps increasing the residents’ access to jobs, health care, and education might be a more effective solution. The Toulmin Method recognizes the complexity of problems and solutions in ways that other organizational formats do not. Last, we will cover the Aristotelian and Rogerian Methods concurrently. While their formats are similar, the order is different, which highlights where the writer’s concentration is. Aristotelian Method Rogerian Method Introduce the paper’s thesis Introduce the paper’s thesis Present your point of view Acknowledge the opposing point of view Address the opposing point of view Present your point of view Provide your proof Bring the two sides together in a compromise Conclude by reinforcing your point of view Conclude by discussing how both sides will bene�it from the compromise As you can tell, the Aristotelian and Rogerian Methods begin almost identically, except the Rogerian Method includes the opposing point of view in the second paragraph rather than the third. Where the two methods differ is their ultimate goals. When Aristotle developed his organizational plan, his goal

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