Structuring Arguments

Tonight’s reading was about how to structure an argument. It is very important that an argument is well composed and arranged. There may be many different ways to successfully argue a point. However, there are more ways to structure and argument unsuccessfully. In order to avoid this there are several things that can be done. The textbook we are using outlines the Toulmin Argument. It is only one of the various ways to put together an argument, but it is one that works well.

I really do believe that there are ways to make an argument flow well and stir emotions of others. There is a grace about the way some arguments, such as the Declaration of Independence, that are moving and genuinely make you believe in the cause. I had to peer edit a great amount of research papers for my senior thesis. I was definitely able to tell who put time into planning out how to lay out their argument most effectively and who threw everything together, sometimes haphazardly. I agreed with almost all the book had to say.

I also enjoyed reading about the Toulmin Argument. I thought it was a helpful tool that can be used as a reference when writing a research paper. I have never had a specific outline for an argument such as this. I find it very useful to have because it gives structure to what I want to say. At first it confused me a bit. I didn’t quite understand the difference between the reason and the warrant. After looking closer, I was able to grasp the concept. I feel like I am a very structured person and I like to have a formula for what I am doing- something definite and concrete. I thought that the Toulmin Argument provided this. It also gives you a way to make your argument stronger. If one of the components are lacking, you know what to fix or find that will help your argument. On top of that, it is a way to judge or dismiss other arguments that do not have all the qualifications.