Toulmin Model Assignment
Helix Energy Solutions v. Hewitt (21-984)
Draft a complete Toulmin model based on your topic area. Topic areas are assigned at the bottom of this page, and all involve Supreme Court cases.
You will need to research the area. A reference page will be required with the finished product, in proper bibliographical format. Communication uses APA citations.
Present a diagrammed Toulmin model of your arguments about the issue.
You will pick one argument in the case and present one claim from one side for your Toulmin. Do not try to diagram the whole case – narrow your focus and edit your ideas.
Whichever argument you choose to present, you must have a complete, legible diagram with all six components of the Toulmin model (grounds, claim, warrant, backing, qualifier, rebuttal). This diagram should be neat and presentation quality. Do not draw the diagram on lined notebook paper and expect full credit. You can build the diagram in PowerPoint or other software that can be used to add a diagram to your paper.
Your Toulmin diagram should include three warrants to connect the grounds to the claim.
- In addition to the diagram, you need to have a written summary of your argument, including all six components of the Toulmin model. This primarily describes your model.
This needs to be typed, must use appropriate grammar, and have in-text citations.
This is where you will attach your bibliography.
This summary should be at least two pages, double-spaced, and written in essay format, not in bullet points.
- The argumentation in your paper should be valid, using the elements of logic and reasoning established in the syllogism unit.
Include at least two syllogisms in your paper that represent the argument you are using. Label the syllogism(s) by type and explain why it is valid and sound.
- Your political position on the case you are assigned is not important for this project – we are analyzing argument structure and the logic of those arguments. You are demonstrating your ability to organize an argument. Opinions about the subject are not relevant.
Topic Areas: All topics are Supreme Court Cases that are on the docket for the fall. You can start your research at this sitelink to an external site https://www.supremecourt.gov/. There will be significant research for each case, including original court filings and transcripts, appeals court documents, and Supreme Court documents.
