Writing a Strong Claim

Which of the following is the BEST definition of a claim?

• a statement of fact

• a paper that presents an argument

• a position that can be argued

A strong claim is compelling. What does "compelling" mean?

• It is interesting.

• It can be supported with evidence.

• It is a fact.

A strong claim is debatable. How do we know it is debatable?

• It is interesting.

• It can be supported with evidence.

• It isn't a fact.

Strong claims identify the author's stance. What is a "stance"?

• something that is unclear

• the sentence stem

• the position

• a fact

What should you avoid when writing a claim?

• including your stance

• words like "I think" or "I feel"

• using evidence

Which of the following would be a good example of a claim?

• In most states, teens can drive at the age of 16.

• Kentucky should raise the driving age to 18.

• What do you think about the driving age?

Which of the following examples would be a good claim?

• I think athletes should drink sports drinks.

• Athletes should use sports drinks because they provide hydration.

• Some athletes use sports drinks to stay hydrated.

What is evidence? 

• Facts that tie your claim to your reasoning.

• Facts that disprove your claim. 

• Facts that support your claim.

• Facts that do not support your claim. 

Choose the best example of a good claim. 

• Mark Wahlberg is my favorite actor. 
• Mark Wahlberg was born in Boston, MA.
• Mark Wahlberg deserved to win an Oscar for his role in "The Fighter". 
• Mark Wahlberg has his own reality show.

Choose the strong claim from the choices below:

• I believe that students should be able to choose their own schedules.
• Students should not be able to choose their own schedules.
• Should students be able to choose their own schedules? Yes!
• Sometimes it would be ok for students to choose their own schedules.