Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

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Study for the AP English Language and Composition Exam. Prepare with practice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your rhetorical strategies and composition skills to excel in your exam!

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What role does 'backing' play in the Toulmin model?

  1. It provides emotional appeal in arguments

  2. It offers additional evidence or support for the warrant

  3. It serves as a final claim in the argument

  4. It outlines the potential flaws in the argument

The correct answer is: It offers additional evidence or support for the warrant

In the Toulmin model of argumentation, 'backing' plays a crucial role by providing additional support or evidence for the warrant of the argument. The warrant is the underlying justification that connects the data (evidence) to the claim being made. Backing enhances the reliability of the warrant by offering further premises, examples, or data that bolster its credibility. This additional support is essential in strengthening the argument, as it helps to ensure that the reasoning behind the claim is sound and convincing to the audience. By offering backing, the arguer can effectively address potential skepticism and demonstrate the validity of the link between the claim and the evidence presented.