The Toulmin Method


The Toulmin Method was created by Stephen E. Toulmin as a way to construct persuasive communication and is composed of 6 key elements. These elements are...

Claims- this helps to clearly state what issue is being addressed.

Grounds- this information helps to support the claim.

Warrant- this element works to connect the claim with the grounds.

Backing- this helps to provide further support with facts.

Qualifiers- this helps to acknowledge how there is a possibility the claim can be challenged.

Rebuttals- this helps to acknowledge another perspective.




Utilizing the Toulmin Method provides easy elements to search for when navigating through information online. Today, anyone has the ability to post information online, and many people are not aware of the importance of checking the legitimacy of this information. Providing in-depth information and reputable resources helps to create well-constructed persuasive communication. However, relying solely on the Toulmin Method can present limitations. If an article is missing some of the elements listed in the method, it may be misinterpreted that the information the article is presenting is fabricated.

Example Article

As a horticulture student, I wanted to assess an article in my field of study. I found the article, "The Worst Chemical On Your Lawn Isn’t Roundup", which discusses how there a more toxic chemicals than the herbicide, Roundup, that are being used for lawn care. Let's explore this article using the Toulmin Method...




The article claims that there are more harmful chemicals being used for lawn care purposes that are more toxic than the herbicide, Roundup.

The article grounds lists the chemicals 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D), pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids, as being more toxic than Roundup.

Unfortunately, the article fails to include warrant and backing. These elements would have helped to support the claims being made. Citations from reputable sources that presented evidence showing how the chemicals listed were more harmful to the environment, people, and pets than Roundup would help to legitimize their claims. 

Furthermore, the article lacks qualifiers and rebuttals. These elements would have helped the article to show acknowledgment that there is a possibility the claim they're making may be incorrect. As well as showing the article is not presenting false information.

The following video discusses how the Toulmin Method may be applied to the creation and analysis of arguments...





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