xtra blog 5

"Stephen Toulmin describes several key elements of an argument... the claim and the reasons and evidence (also called data) offered to support the claim." (Huillet, 249)

   I believe the Toulmin method is a very smart and healthy way to handle an argument. It allows one to break the argument apart and understand each aspect. I feel as if people in general use facts and proof to back up their argument. If their argument has no evidence, it might be hard to support and prove right; but people still have their right to an opinion and sometimes do continue with their argument.

   I could use the Toulmin method to dissect an argument that bothers me and a mass majority of others every day. Let's say:

 Caim: College in the America should be free for students.

Reason: College debt is a major problem in the United States.

Evidence/Data: The statistics in 2015 show seven out of ten seniors who graduated from public and nonprofit colleges in America had an average of $30,100 in student loan debt.

    This argument has been brought up across the country many times. Some states have turned their schools to have free tuition. An article published on trade-schools.net speaks on the pros, cons, and alternatives that go along with the idea of free college. I'll leave the link here for you curious to check it out, <http://www.trade-schools.net/articles/should-college-be-free.asp>

• Some positives listed are: "people would be able to take the good-paying jobs that often go unfilled," "could result in billions of additional dollars circulating throughout the economy since people tend to spend more money when they have higher incomes and little or no debt," as well as the possibility of better focus on the education rather than the money stress on students, and the percent graduating on time could rise.

• A variety of negatives: "State budgets could become strained, which might lead to cuts and decreased access to the programs that students want to take," "If a lot more people are able to earn college degrees, then the value of those degrees could decrease," as well as the possibility of students not taking college as serious as they do now due to the money invested.

• Suggested alternatives: "Greatly expanding the existing Pell Grant program while cutting back on student loans," "investing in better pre-college education that teaches students, in greater detail, about all of the realistic options that are available to them," 

  THIS second option I selected is my favorite. Don't get me wrong, the Pell Grant expansion would be so nice and helpful  But, being taught ahead of time on how to handle financial issues and how to be an adult could REALLY help future students. I wish I was taught in school how to apply for a lot scholarships ahead of time, take out loans, pay bills, and learn more options for financial aid, and learn more information about grants and such. This argument has both negatives and positives. I know it might be hard for the country to decide fully on free college, and I don't have ALL the information on it. I do truly this could benefit millions in the country. I believe there are more positives than negatives to support the argument. I also believe the decision would have to come with strict rules as to achieve the free tuition, and how to maintain it throughout the educational journey.

Sources

Huillet, Michelle. Communicating Online. N.p.: McGraw Hill, n.d. Print

Redd, Luke. "Should College Be Free? Pros, Cons, and Alternatives." Should College Be Free? Pros, Cons, and Alternatives. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2017. 

"The Institute For College Access and Success." State by State Data | The Institute For College Access and Success. N.p., n.d. Web. /.latest_citation_text