We talk a lot about the "Toulmin Model," without really exploring the ideas that Stephen Toulmin put forth. This week I would like for you to explain what the Toulmin way of thinking means to you. Why do you think we use it? What are the benefits? What are the limitations? How can it be used in different types of writing and thinking?
Please be honest! Please respond to this post by Wednesday evening. I want to use this discussion in class on Thursday.
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The toulmin way of thinking is to me, a logical way of breaking down and explaining a claim made or an idea presented. The benefits are clear arguments as well as thorough analysis, which lead to sound and reasonable foundation. It also provides, when used often, a consistent and logical train of thought, that can help when trying to relay ideas. The limitation is the need for evidence and the fact that one cannot simply say that they believe something. Arguments cannot be made based on passion, but they must have evidence, and therefore can be difficult for those who may not know why something is, but simply know that it is. Anyone can use this model, though it may give a more argumentative connotation to a simple statement of fact.
ReplyDeleteThe toulmin model/way of thinking helps me to formulate my arguments clearly and thoroughly. It helps to keep my papers consistent in structure and allows people who are them the opportunity to follow the ideas stated in my paper easily. The limitation that I feel when using the toulmin model, is that it forces you to follow a certain set of standards. There is no room for creative thought and sheer passion for an argument. When I write using this model, sometimes I feel stuck and stunted creatively. Everything is based on cold hard logic and evidence, and that has hindered my ability to be inspired and write figuratively. But the toulmin model can be used for anything, from writing position papers on a novel to writing something for a scientific journal.
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ReplyDeleteThe Toulmin Model is a guide to help individuals coherently formulate ideas in an organized fashion. However,It compels everyone to adhere to the same writing style. The Toulmin Model is an accepted way to express ideas and most people use this model whether they realize it or not. It's effective,yes, but can be simplistic and repetitive, especially if one does not use variance within their diction and syntax. When premises were introduced , it took me some time to grasp the idea of them because I programmed my brain to be limited only to evidence based on fact, instead of evidence based on reason & belief to support a claim. However, it cannot be denied that The Toulmin Model can be used in virtually any form of persuasive thinking or writing to convey and support an idea.
ReplyDeleteThe Toulmin Model is used to be able to state a belief and be able to support this belief with evidence and examples. People often say a statement but don't give evidence to prove their point. I find the Toulmin Model effictive because it made writing much easier my freshman and junior year of high school. Now I don't use the Toulmin Model very often.
ReplyDeleteI think View Park makes their students use the Toulmin Model as their primary writing style for the fact it shows the students the basis of how to layout and support an argument. This benefits the students because now the students now how to support their beliefs and claims with valid evidence.
I think the Toulmin Model can be used primarily in debates, position papers, and articles because each have a point to prove. All of these types of writing and thinking need evidence in order to get others to believe what they believe. I believe lawyers also use this method in order to prove a convicted person guilty or innocent. A lawyer needs to first state their claim and why they believe this, based of facts, and then tie their evidence back into the claim. I think the Toulmin Model can only be used for forms of argumentation, and is effective when applied.
-Ayrica Sawyer
The Toulmin way of thinking is very effective I feel. It provides me with a very structured way of writing and it is very useful in making sure that there is proper evidence to help support a claim. This style of writing is used because it helps to shape and form different arguments in a way that is very clear and precise. I feel that the Toulmin helps in articulating and forming ideas and also providing evidence that makes it easier to get from one point to another. The benefits of using the Toulmin model way is that there will always be evidence to support an idea that is put forth. Also when using the Toulmin model way of writing there are many limitations that are put on writing because there is no way to be creative and make the writing unique to each individual. Another limitation that the is brought about by the Toulmin is that there is a lot of repetitiveness which I feel is most times unnecessary. There are many ways and forms of writing that the Toulmin can be used because it can get you straight to the point without getting off task and provide you with solid evidence.
ReplyDelete-Re'Nada Smith
The Toulmin model/way of thinking provides people a clear way to develope a position and warrant it with evidence. View Park uses the Toulmin model to have consistency in the students writting style. The advantages of the Toulmin model are smooth flowing and carefully analized arguments. The disadvantages to using this format is conformity in all student's writting styles. Also, using the Toulmin model, you can't base on argument on emotion or passion because there is no evidence to support your claim. There are no limitations placed on a writers when using the Toulmin model because its entire purpose is to give it's users a clear way to support their position.
ReplyDeleteTo be perfectly honest I hate the Toulmin! I like to be creative in my own way and I prefer not to be limited to structure. Unfortunately, I must admit that it is a great tool that it should be taught to all students. i have a flaw of being I lazy and I dont like to explain myself.
ReplyDeleteThe Toulmin Model is an argumentative writing style that challenges you to give adequate evidence to prove the accuracy of the presented idea. Even though I do not like the Toulmin model, it is very effective when used as a form of arguementation. This style can be used not only in writing but in debates and as well as in courts. It is a form of persuasion that conveys and supports your idea. This style challenges the student to learn how to layer there arguments with evidence and in the end it enhances not only the students writing but their logical way of thinking. The Toulmin is great, im just lazy but it has definately taught me to be a better writer.
Toulmin model means making a claim and backing it up with strong evidence to prove that your claim is true. I believe that the Toulmin model limits the creativity of how ideas are presented, but it's beneficial because it allows you to persuade whoever your audience is that what you are saying is true. It is a form that also provides structure and also a flow. Although this is a useful blueprint for formulating arguements, I despise this form because I feel as if it makes my voice less powerful in my writing.
ReplyDeleteThe Toulmin model/way of thinking helps me formulate my ideas and present them clearly. The Toulmin Model also provides structure and allows me to state my position with ease. It also is a form that must be written to persuade the reader to believe what it is that you believe. Although I feel that it is an excellent format to use, it still has its limitations. It doesn't allow the writer to fully express their emotions and creativity. By doing so the reader might not fully grasp the idea that the writer wanted them to.
ReplyDelete- Jay Carter
The Toulmin way of thinking is a way to help breakdown and figure out a certain issue in a better more concise way. I think we use Toulmin to better understand a topic or issue. The limitations are that when we use the Toulmin article, we must find our evidence from the article in support of the argument given. It can be used to better get your point of view across in a paper or essay and the Toulmin article can be used in thinking of how to get your point across.
ReplyDeleteAs I sat beside my mother on the leather couch in our den we focused on the television. A topic was brought up that allowed us to both thoroughly think further and grasp our own thoughts. Our opinions differed and we claimed one thing rather than the other but we both, of course, argued to try and persuade each other to believe in one or the others belief. As many arguments that we get in, I normally win. Why is that? It's because I vocalize the "Toulmin Model". The Toulmin Model actually makes it easier to prove your point. You have a claim, which you then clarify and show evidence that you must warrant. The man who created the model, Stephen, was educated at Cambridge University and studied philosophy. Understanding the type of man he is, leads you to a better understanding of why the toulmin model is so affective. He's said to "develop practical arguments which can be used effectively in evalutating the ethics behind moral issues." Because the Toulmin Model is practical, rather than focusing on theoretical arugments we focus on the justificatory function of argumentation. MY mother argues theoretically. Theoretical arguments make inferences based on a set of principles to arrive at a claim. I am practical, I argue practically. Practical arguments differ from theoretical arguments because first they find a claim of interest, and then provide justification for it.
ReplyDeleteThe toulmin model is a a great way for someone to accumlate there thoughts into an effective way and prove a point. I honestly didn't like the model at all but I understand why view park has been teaching this way of thinking to there kids. When you develope a voice and want to be heard most of the time when you want to be succesful in doing that the right way of going about doing it is by using the toulmin model: claim, clarification, evidence and warrant. I even use it now when I talk to my parents about different topics with my parents about whats going on in the world. Of course we have our different views so that's what makes things intresting becuase they arent use to the toulmin model and I have the upper hand so I always prove my point and win. Instead of having some erroneous answer! The toulmin model is a GREAT way to get a point across.
ReplyDelete--MICHAEL PALMER
The Toulmin model is a way for us to formulate our thoughts into a strong, and unswayable argument. This model trains our minds to gather evidence before we even attempt to persuade someone through conversation or writing. I believe the ultimate goal is that the Toulmin way of thinking will become second nature to us; we would unknowingly use this model during informal debates amongst our peers. Since this is the only writing model that has been implanted into our minds since ninth grade, I feel that we are at somewhat of a disadvantage. If in college we are given an assignment to write a paper that is not persuasive, I believe we will freeze up. Never has our English classes taught us to write a research paper, or any other paper that does not include our personal opinion. However, any paper that has any hint of our own views, we are prepared to write, because of the Toulmin model.
ReplyDeleteThe Toulmin Model is a way to have a structured essay with evidence that supports each claim that you put fourth. Personally, the Toulmin Model helps me organize my thoughts into a well written essay, and I am grateful to have learned this way of writing for that reason, but I don’t like that the Toulmin Model doesn’t give me a chance to give my own opinion and show my creative side. I believe we use the Toulmin Model to organize our ideas and structure them in a manner that has evidence to support and a warrant to explain. The benefits are that our papers will always be organized in the same manner, but this can also be considered a limitation because the Toulmin Model limits us to only one way of writing. We will always have the same components in the same order with no variety. Also, everyone will get used to only writing the Toulmin way which will keep our writing ways to a minimum.
ReplyDelete-Blake Le Dent
The Toulmin way of thinking is very circular in that the claim is applied to evidence which must be tied back to the claim. This is ingenious as it, when used correctly, allows for no loose ends and faulty logic. By mandating that arguments be supported with sound reasoning, a disciple of the Toulmin model can be assured that his claim is firmly planted in strong foundations of logic rather than the shifting sands of pathos.
ReplyDeleteThe Toulmin model is much like a pair of training wheels as it allows burgeoning writers to gain confidence in their skills as they learn how to compose a well organized, persuasive essay. However, much like training wheels, there comes a time when one must be freed from its constraints, in order to further develop one’s own stylistic preferences.
I think the Toulmin model is best used in types of writing and thinking in which the main purpose is to present information or defend a position, other genres, in which content may be second to style, are not as well suited to this mode of writing.
-Taylor J.
I personally am a fan of the Toulmin model. I feel that View Park adopted this style of writing because it helps organize our essays and propose a structure that we can't go wrong with. It assist us with formulating our ideas into well thought out, organized paper. With this format we are persistingly thinking, what do we believe, why and how can we prove our position to be accurate without having scattered ideas. However, it can limit those who like to be creative in their on style of writing.
ReplyDeleteAlthough this model is structured for papers it can be applicable to almost anything. For example, I use the Toulmen model when I debate with someone therefore it's been adapted into my every day use. Also, with thinking because if your constantly replaying the model in your mind it can enhance our daily speaking skills.
-Asia Goodall
The Toulmin way of thinking is stating your claim, clarifying what your claim means, giving evidence to support your claim, and then warranting. We use this format to enhance our writing skills and also to give a unique style of our writing. The benefits we gain are receiving a clear and more thorough understanding and explanation of what the writer is trying to say. The limitations are being able to express our self and tell how we really feel, for example we have to use evidence instead of our own analysis. Also we are not able to show our creative side because the way this model is structured forces us to use a certain standard. It also does not show uniqueness from other writers using this format. This writing can also be used in other areas of writing and thinking such as debates, law suits, and even trying to persuade someone.
ReplyDelete- Tara Harris.
The Toulmin Model is a style of writing that has been taught to me since I first came to View Park in 8th grade. Since then, it has been nonstop variations of making claims, clarifying those claims, providing evidence for those same claims, and finally warranting everything that came before. The Toulmin offers writers a guideline to which they can formulate their opinions and present their arguments in a neatly designed, fool-proof package. For these reasons, I can understand why the English Department heavily preaches the use of the Toulmin way of thinking. Although this is true, I can also see the faults of this extremely restricted format. This strict prompt allows for no leeway to include other elements that may be vital to a piece, unless of course that element is transferred into one of the subdivisions of the Toulmin Model. All in all, the Toulmin is a resource necessary in order to professionally and effectively argue or persuade.
ReplyDeleteThe toulmin way of thinking I believe, a logical method of constructing and explaining a claim or a presented idea. The toulmin model method of thinking has greatly aided my ability to formulate my arguments and ideas clearly. It also provides a consistent, flowing thought patters. It allows a much easier flowing read. It's a very effective model, but I believe that at times it can be too structured for its own good. So much so that it can easily drift into becoming repetitive if one does not incorporate an immense variety of diction.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was first introduced to the model it took me awhile to fully grasp it. This was the case until I realized that everyone incorporates it subconsciously. It is the logical way to formulate and back an argument. You state what you believe, and then state the reasons why you believe it, simple enough. It can be used in almost any form of persuasive thinking or writing. Logical, effective arguments cannot be based upon passion, to truly convince someone you need hard evidence, which the toulmin model innately provides.
-Joseph Fiddmont
The Toulmin Model is a logical way of thinking. Before coming to View Park I was taught to write in the same format but it was not given a specific name. The Toulmin Model is beneficial because it gives you structure when writing your essay so your thoughts are in order. Although it gives structure it gives limits on creativity because you have specific items that need to be included in the paragraphs.
ReplyDelete-Adia Brady
The toulmin model is a structured way of writing and forming ideas. It is commonly used in debate and conversations. The toulmin model is also a means of persuasion, often used when people are trying to convince opposing sides to their belief. It is very beneficial, and I believe this is another reason why it is so often used.
ReplyDeleteThe benefits of using the toulmin model is it always makes a person sound right without providing any factual evidence, although evidence is needed. As a result of learning about the toulmin model, I realize that I use it in more ways then I had previously thought.
The only limitation that I believe their is within the toulmin model, is providing a point that cannot be supported with evidence. It limits a person from just throwing out points, by providing structure. Many of my ideas are incorporated in the form of the toulmin model, although not labeled in the same order.
-Lorina Kegler