Assessment of the Toulmin Web Site

We would like to determine how well the Toulmin Web Site is accomplishing its objectives. Please take a moment to complete this short assessment form. The form asks you to provide some information about yourself as well as asking you some "test" questions over the material in the web site. Read each question carefully and select the appropriate response. Once you are finished, click the "send" button at the bottom of the form. Your responses to these questions will remain anonymous.

 

Directions: The first set of questions ask you to identify components of the Toulmin Layout of Argument and to also identify their definitions. Match the terms in the "A" column with appropriate definitions in the "B" column. Dome definitions in the "B" column may be used more than once.

 

"A" Column

"B" Column
1. Data A. This is evidence used to support the connection made between the data and claim in the layout.
2. Fallacy B. This is evidence that the speaker and audience accept as factually true. The starting point for argument.
3. Statistics C. This is an exception to the truthfulness of the argument. Illustrates instances where the argument may not be true.
4. Qualifier D. Not a part of the model.
5. Inductive E. A statement of probability indicating how "true" the speaker thinks the argument is.
6. Backing F. Establishes a logical connection between accepted fact and the claim being advanced.
7. Claim G. The thesis of the argument being presented.
8. Reservation
9. Rebuttal
10. Warrant

Directions: Below is an example argument. Read the argument carefully. After reading the argument, match the terms from the Toulmin Layout (in the "A" column) with the appropriate phrase in the "B" column. All answers in the "B" column are used only once.

When purchasing a vehicle everyone wants to get the best buy for their money. Because the Ford Mustang is a highly economical car, as evidenced by low depreciation value and high gas mileage, this is a good car to purchase for almost anyone . . . unless they want room in the back seat!

A Column

B Column
11. Data A. the Ford Mustang is a highly economical car
12. Warrant B. unless they want room in the back seat
13. Claim C. everyone wants to get the best buy for their money
14. Backing D. low depreciation value and high gas mileage
15. Qualifier E. this is a good car to purchase
16. Reservation F. for almost anyone

Directions: Below is an example argument. Read the argument carefully so that you can answer questions about the argument. In the space provided, please identify the following: Data, Warrant, Claim, Backing, Qualifier, Reservation. Use phrases from the paragraph to indicate how each part of the Toulmin Layout is used in the argument and then briefly explain why you think the phrase is illustrative of that component.

Global warming is a serious problem facing the world ecosystem. Each year industry pumps millions of carbon dioxide particles into the atmosphere. Empirical evidence from polar ice cores indicate that higher carbon dioxide emissions are associated with global warming. Unless the computer models predicting global warming are incorrect, we absolutely must recognize the seriousness of global warming.

Directions: In the space provided, please construct your own argument using all parts of the Toulmin Layout. Your argument may be over any topic that you would normally use for a speech or paper. The only requirement is that all parts of the Toulmin Layout must be present in your argument.

Directions: We would like to know some demographic information about you. Please answer the questions below. All information is kept confidential.

Gender: Male Female

Year in School: Fr SO JR SR

Approximate GPA:

What Communication Class are you currently in?

BACK TO: The Toulmin Project Home Page

Designers of the Toulmin Web Page:

Charles Soukup and Scott Titsworth, Department of Communication Studies. This page was created as part of a class project in Educational Psychology 942. All material is copyrighted by the University of Nebraska. No portion of this may be used without the expressed written permission of the creators.