Opinions vs. Arguable Claims

In order for a sentence to be a claim it must contain _______________.

• An arguable opinion

• Quotes

• Relevant opinions of others

• Statements

In order for a sentence to be considered a claim, it must be supported with _______.

• Other complex claims

• Statements

• Evidence

• An anecdote

Twinkies are delicious

• Opinion

• Arguable Claim

Twinkies taste better than other snack cakes because of their texture, their creamy filling,

and their golden appearance.

• Opinion

• Arguable Claim

The governor is a good man.

• Opinion

• Arguable Claim

The governor has continually done well for the community by handling the states finances, focusing on the health of others, and listening to his constituents.

• Opinion

• Arguable Claim

I think Virginia Woolf is better than James Joyce.

• Opinion

• Arguable Claim

Virginia Woolf is a more effective writer than James Joyce because she does not rely on elaborate language devices that ultimately confuse and alienate the reader.

• Opinion

• Arguable Claim

Dance music has become popular for reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of the music; rather, the clear, fast beats respond to the need of people to move, and to move quickly.

• Opinion

• Arguable Claim

Homemade oatmeal cookies are not only a better snack option than a candy bar or pack of crackers, they are actually good for you. While processed foods strip the nutrients out during processing, homemade treats keep the nutrients in. One one‐ounce, homemade oatmeal cookie will give you up to 27 mg of folate―6% of your daily recommended allowance (RDA)―a B vitamin that your body uses to make energy. It will also give you small amounts of vitamin A and vitamin K. Oatmeal cookies are also a good source of iron. A one‐ounce, homemade oatmeal cookie contains .70 mg of iron―9% of the RDA for men and 4% of the RDA for women. It also contains small amounts of potassium and zinc. Finally, oatmeal cookies are a great source of fiber. A one‐ounce, homemade oatmeal cookie will give you a whole gram of soluble fiber, which reduces “bad” cholesterol and lowers your risk of heart disease. Soluble fiber also helps regulate your blood sugar. So the next time you have a sweet tooth, don’t try to talk yourself out of it. Simply make the smart choice, and have an oatmeal cookie!

What is a possible claim for this passage?

• Eating oatmeal cookies will cause vitamin overload.

• Eat lots of oatmeal cookies everyday!

• Processed foods is not a healthy snack option

• It is better to make your own cookies sometimes.