[The Toulmin Model (Assign 9/12)

 

In The Future We Choose: The Stubborn Optimist's Guide to the Climate Crisis, Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac, two architects of the 2015 Paris Climate Accords, illustrate two potential paths for our planet and climate change. Path A is one in which nations fail to address the crisis adequately, and as a result, the planet faces the catastrophic consequences of climate change. In Path 2, however, governments take decisive action to limit the climate's effects to manageable levels. Additionally, Figueres and Rivett-Carnac demonstrate practical steps that can be taken right now at both the micro (everyday people) and macro (governments and corporations) levels.

For this assignment, you will utilize a Toulmin Model to construct two rhetorically-sound claims based on arguments upon The Future We Choose. Your first Toulmin Model should support a claim highlighting one thing we can do as individuals—on the micro level—to help combat climate change. Likewise, your second Toulmin Model should support a claim highlighting one thing governments and/or corporations can do—on the macro level—to help combat climate change.

Follow this model (on the four-day work week) for both claims:

1. CLAIM: Implementing a four-day work week would lead to a number of positive changes in American society, including improved employee well-being, increased productivity, and enhanced work-life balance.
2. GROUNDS: Recent research indicates that shorter work weeks can actually boost productivity because employees are more focused and motivated during their condensed work periods, which leads to greater efficiency and output. 
3. WARRANT: Post-pandemic, embracing alternative work arrangements, such as a four-day work week, can help businesses remain competitive with emerging Gen Z pool of employees, who seek greater flexibility than previous generations. 
4. BACKING: A number of companies around the world, who have successfully implemented four-day work weeks, report positive outcomes, including higher employee morale, lower absenteeism, and improved recruitment and retention rates.
5. QUALIFIER: A four-day work week might introduce a level of uncertainty for both management and employees, such as new scheduling requirements and how to meet the needs of clients during off times.
6. REBUTTAL: A four-day work week presents companies with an opportunity to build camaraderie and morale, if they stress flexibility, patience, and open-mindedness during the transition. 

Notes: 

1. Cite exclusively from The Future We Choose: The Stubborn Optimist's Guide to the Climate Crisis to construct your Toulmin Models. 
2. Use MLA's parenthetical citations to cite specific evidence from the book.
   

Requirements:

• Up to  500 words
• One question and two responses in Discussions
  

Due: Mon 4.22 (via Packback)