ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND

PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
Analyzing Arguments
 OBJECTIVES
• Define what argument is.
• Describe the structure of an argument (claim, grounds, warrant,
backing, qualifier and rebuttal)
• Write a claim based on an argument given by the Teacher (group
activity)
 ELICIT
• What is an opinion?
 ELICIT
• What is an opinion?

- Opinions are your own views of certain issues or concerns.

 ELICIT
• What is an opinion?

- Opinions are your own views of certain issues or concerns.

- Every individual has their own opinion about something.
 ELICIT
• What is an opinion?

- Opinions are your own views of certain issues or concerns.

- Every individual has their own opinion about something.
- You are entitled to your own opinion, but these opinions must be
based on facts so that you will not be biased.
 ENGAGE
Question:

1. In terms of percentage (up to 100%), up to what specific

percentage do you believe you are going to successfully graduate
from Senior High School this year?
2. Why? Provide additional information to support your claim.
 What do you believe in?

How have you expressed your beliefs and opinion?

 EXPLORE
• What is an argument?
- The set of reasons which are artistically organized and developed.
- Reasons are purposively explicated and identified to invite effective
communication.
- Heated and emotional exchanges can be avoided if reasons are
stated in a calm and logical manner.
 TOULMIN ARGUMENTATIVE
METHOD
• According to a British Philosopher, Educator and Author named
Stephen E. Toulmin, there are six parts of the structure of an
argument:
1. Claim 6. Rebuttal
2. Warrant
3. Grounds
4. Backing
5. Qualifier
 TOULMIN ARGUMENTATIVE
METHOD
1. Claim
- states the main idea or concept that is desired to be accepted, believed
and enacted to be valid and reliable truth.

- Claim forms part of the main thesis asserted by the author and wished to
be proven.
 TOULMIN ARGUMENTATIVE
METHOD
2. Warrant
- Consists of the valid evidences that support the claim.

3. Grounds
- Consists of valid data pertinent to the foundation of the claim.
- These are factual information from reliable sources.
 TOULMIN ARGUMENTATIVE
METHOD
4. Backing
- Supports the argument by giving additional information to support the
claim.

5. Qualifier
- Adds strength of the leap from the data to the warrant and may limit how
universally the claim applies.
- It can have strong or weak assertion introduced by words such as most,
usually, always, or sometimes.
 TOULMIN ARGUMENTATIVE
METHOD
6. Rebuttal
- The counter-arguments that address potential objections of the
claim.