What is a strong claim?

To write a strong claim, state a clear, debatable position that requires evidence and focused analysis to prove. A solid claim guides your writing and tells the reader your specific stance.

Key Qualities of a Strong Claim

• Debatable: It must present an argument that reasonable people can challenge or disagree with, rather than an obvious fact.
• Specific: It should focus on a narrow subject using precise words instead of a broad generalization.
• Supported by evidence: It needs to be something you can actually prove using facts, statistics, or examples in your body paragraphs.
• Free of weak phrasing: Avoid filler phrases like "I think" or "I believe" that make your position sound hesitant.

Steps to Write a Claim

1. Start with a question: Turn your writing prompt or topic into an open-ended question.
2. Take a side: Answer that question directly to form your core position.
3. Add your reasoning: Include a brief "because" clause to outline why you hold this view and how you plan to support it.
4. Place it correctly: Put your main claim at the end of your introductory paragraph for an essay, or as the first sentence for a short response.

You can learn more about crafting arguments through resources like Developing Strong Claims or read guidelines on Making a Claim.

Good evidence for a claim is relevant, reliable, and directly supports the specific point being made.

Characteristics of Good Evidence

• Relevance: It must clearly connect to the claim and directly address the reasons behind it.
• Credibility: It should come from trustworthy, verifiable sources with recognized expertise or authority.
• Objectivity: Empirical data, scientific studies, and clear physical documentation carry more weight than purely subjective personal opinions.
• Verifiability: It must be reproducible, checkable, or backed by transparent methods.

Common Types of Strong Evidence

• Data and Statistics: Quantitative figures gathered through rigorous research or primary sources.
• Expert Testimony: Insights and evaluations from qualified professionals in the specific field.
• Physical and Visual Proof: Clear photographs, videos, or physical objects that document an event or state without bias.
• Documentary Records: Official reports, medical files, or primary historical texts that establish a concrete timeline and facts.

You can read more about evaluating source credibility through the Keene State Library Guide.

The three main types of claims used in argumentative writing and critical thinking are:

• Claims of fact
• Claims of value
• Claims of policy

1. Claims of Fact

• Definition: These statements assert that something is true, exists, or will occur based on verifiable data or research. They focus on whether an assertion can be proven true or false.
• Key Question: Did it happen? Does it exist? Is it true?
• Example: "Global temperatures are rising due to human activity."

2. Claims of Value

• Definition: These statements make a moral, aesthetic, or philosophical judgment. They argue whether something is good or bad, right or wrong, or better or worse than something else.
• Key Question: Is it good or bad? Is it valuable or harmful?
• Example: "Traditional textbooks are more effective for student retention than digital e-books."

3. Claims of Policy

• Definition: These statements advocate for a specific course of action or solution to a problem. They usually state what should or must be done.
• Key Question: What should be done? How do we solve this problem?
• Example: "The local government should implement mandatory recycling programs in all residential areas."

A good claim is a clear, debatable statement that serves as the main point of your argument and requires evidence to be proven true. You can learn more about crafting them properly through resources like the Writing Center at PVCC.

Key Features of a Good Claim

• Arguable: It must take a side that others can reasonably debate or challenge. It is not a simple, accepted fact.
• Focused: It targets a specific issue rather than making a broad, vague generalization.
• Supported by Evidence: It sets up a point that you can defend using data, quotes, or research in the rest of your writing.
• Stated as a Fact: It is written strongly, avoiding weak phrases like "I think" or "I believe".

Steps to Write a Strong Claim

1. Start with a question: Turn a broad topic into an active question. For example, change "Are schools bad?" to "Should elementary schools ban junk food?"
2. Take a firm position: Answer your question directly and state your main reason "why".
3. Add nuance or parameters: Avoid extreme words like "always" or "never". Define key terms or set a specific context to make your argument sophisticated.
4. Place it correctly: Put your main claim at the end of your introduction paragraph for an essay, or as the first sentence for a short response.

Here are five examples of argumentative and persuasive claims from Super ELA! and other common writing topics:

Examples of Claims

• "Social media use significantly ruins attention spans in young adults." (A claim of fact stating that an effect exists and can be studied with evidence.)
• "Electric cars are much better for the environment than gas-powered vehicles." (A claim of value making a comparative judgment about quality or worth.)
• "The local government should ban single-use plastic bags in all grocery stores." (A claim of policy proposing a concrete rule or action to solve a problem.)
• "Regular exercise is the single most important habit for maintaining physical and mental health." (A claim of value expressing a strong belief about importance.)
• "Remote work leads to higher overall employee productivity than traditional office setups." (A claim of fact/cause-and-effect that can be supported or challenged with workplace data.)