Universal Technique to Argue on Academic & Policy Debates— IELTS (5× Example Sets) | Toulmin Method for Argumentative Writing | Members Only

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Lesson Objectives

Lesson Objectives

To equip students with a structured approach to argumentative writing by applying the Toulmin Method, enabling them to construct logical, evidence-based essays and policy debates that address counterarguments and strengthen their claims.

Use this structured table to frame strong argumentative essays: Claim → Grounds → Warrant → Backing → Counterclaim → Rebuttal → Conclusion.

Toulmin Method: Claim, Grounds, Warrant, Backing, Counterclaim, Rebuttal, Conclusion

Organize logical arguments with clarity

Strengthen claims with evidence and reasoning

Useful for argumentative and policy writing

Step	Focus Area	What to Include	Example Phrases (Set 1)	Example Phrases (Set 2)	Example Phrases (Set 3)
1. Claim	Main argument	Your central position Concise and assertive Policy or opinion statement	“University education should be free for all citizens because it ensures equal access to opportunities.”	“Governments must provide tuition-free higher education to strengthen social mobility and economic growth.”	“No student should be denied university education due to financial constraints; therefore, it should be fully state-funded.”
2. Grounds	Evidence	Facts, data, examples Research or expert opinion Practical observations	“Countries with free higher education, such as Germany and Finland, report higher graduate employment rates.”	“Studies by UNESCO show that student debt negatively impacts career choices and delays financial independence.”	“Historical data proves that expanding education access leads to greater innovation and productivity.”
3. Warrant	Reasoning	How evidence supports the claim Logical bridge Underlying principle	“If education is a fundamental right, then higher education must not be restricted by wealth.”	“Since an educated workforce drives national progress, removing barriers to education benefits society at large.”	“Because financial inequality hinders academic achievement, making education free ensures fairness.”
4. Backing	Additional support	Further justification Authoritative sources Historical/empirical proof	“The World Bank notes that every dollar invested in education returns multiple dollars in GDP growth.”	“History shows that nations with broad access to higher education advance faster in science and technology.”	“Experts in sociology argue that free education reduces long-term welfare dependency.”
5. Counterclaim	Opposing view	Potential objections Financial, social, or practical concerns	“Critics argue that free education places a heavy financial burden on taxpayers.”	“Some believe that making education free may reduce students’ sense of responsibility.”	“Opponents claim that state-funded universities may lower academic quality due to overcrowding.”
6. Rebuttal	Response to opposition	Address and refute objections Provide counter-evidence Demonstrate strength of your claim	“While taxpayers fund education, the long-term economic gains outweigh the short-term costs.”	“Research shows that free education increases completion rates, suggesting greater—not lesser—responsibility.”	“Overcrowding can be managed by balanced investment in infrastructure and digital learning platforms.”
7. Conclusion	Final statement	Restate claim Highlight importance Call to action or broader implication	“In conclusion, tuition-free higher education is not just an ideal but a practical necessity for a fair society.”	“Ultimately, free education empowers individuals and strengthens nations, making it a wise investment.”	“Providing free university education ensures equality, progress, and prosperity for future generations.”

How to use: Follow each step (Claim → Grounds → Warrant → Backing → Counterclaim → Rebuttal → Conclusion) to build a complete argumentative essay or policy debate response. Use evidence, logic, and balance to achieve persuasive writing.

📖 Key Features

• 📌 Format: Text with High Qquality Graphics
• 📌Content: this text is very helpful for IELTS students, especially for Speaking Part 2 (cue card tasks like "Describe a person you admire") and also for Writing Tasks where structured description is needed.
• 📌 Ideal for: IT-Assisted Classrooms
• 📌 Perfect for: Presentation Purposes and Personal Learning too

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