Toulmin’s Theory of Argumentation

Claim:

Although abstinence should be encouraged, it should not be the only sex education that students receive in public schools.

 Evidence:

The National Campaign’s own survey data (With One Voice 2007) shows that nine in ten adults and teens believe that teens should be given a strong message from society that they should not have sex until they are at least out of high school. However, this overwhelming support for encouraging young people to delay sex should not be misinterpreted as overwhelming support for providing young people only with messages about abstinence. The same survey shows that 76% of adults and 64% of teens wish that young people were getting more information about abstinence and contraception, rather than either/or.

 Warrant:

According to a nationally representative study of teens, 88 percent of adolescents who took virginity pledges within “abstinence-only until marriage” programs reported engaging in sexual intercourse before marriage. Furthermore, young adults who are taught an abstinence-only curriculum are less likely to have the knowledge and skills needed to keep themselves safe when they do initiate sexual activity.

Backing:

While it is easy for teens to make a pledge of abstinence, it is hard to stick to their promise in the heat of the moment. Since teens are likely to give in to sexual temptation, they should be armed with knowledge of safe sex and how to use contraceptives.

Rebuttal:

Some teens may be confused that educators are sending them a mixed message. They seem to be hearing, “Don’t have sex. Here’s a condom.”

Qualifiers:

Some would argue that to truly hold to the puritan values, you must advocate abstinence only. However, one may uphold these values, while encouraging responsibility in wise choices regarding sexual intercourse.