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What is a Claim?

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CLAIM = A position that can be argued.��Strong claims are compelling, debatable and defensible.

What is the difference between a claim and a fact?

Creates interest

Because it’s not a fact.

Can be supported with recent reliable evidence

�Strong claims are compelling, debatable and defensible.

Other Key Characteristics of a Strong Claim:

Identifies the writer’s stance (position)
Is clear and specific (shows the direction of the writer’s thinking)
May use an “umbrella” term that relates to the major points to be made instead of listing all of your evidence
Avoids terms such as “I think” or “I feel”

Making Claims STRONGER

Instead of…	Try…
I think Reality TV is good. Why? We can’t argue against this statement. It is a fact that you like it.	The popularity of Reality TV proves that it meets the audience’s needs.
Reality TV is fake. Why? This is a common complaint and flunks the “compelling” requirement. So what?	Because Reality TV is fake, its lessons are not always “real.” We should therefore limit children’s exposure to it.
You won’t catch me watching Reality TV because of stereotyping. Why? Great angle, but so what? Go beyond yourself to make this debatable!	Viewers should avoid Reality TV because it promotes stereotyping.

3 Types of Claims

FACT: A fact claim is a statement about how things were in the past, how they are in the present, or how they will be in the future. A fact claim is not a fact; it only claims to be a fact. What makes it arguable is that the speaker has no direct way of establishing the truth of the claim.

VALUE: A value claims make judgments, and like all claims readers need to evaluate the evidence and assumptions supporting such claims. Value claims try to prove that some idea, action, or condition is good or bad, right or wrong, worthwhile or worthless.

POLICY: A claim of policy is an essay consisting of an argument that certain conditions should exist. These essays advocate adoption of policies or courses of action because problems have arisen that call for a solution.

Making Claims STRONGER

In the classroom: Let’s brainstorm a class list of claims for the topic we’re studying.

Test to make sure that each one is a CLAIM (takes a position) rather than just a fact or research finding from an article.
Test to make sure the claim is debatable, defensible, and compelling; specific; other-directed.
Check the list to make sure there are options for a variety of opinions.

Refining Our Claims

Try frames such as these to narrow your focus, acknowledge the opposition, and/or limit the claim:

Making Claims NUANCED

Let’s test our claims and revise, if needed:

Test to see whether we can refine the claim by acknowledging an opposing position and/or limiting the claim to particular situations or audiences.