A 3.3- Claims

Question 1

Define Claims

Answer 1

Claims are assertions that support the author’s thesis (main position) on a topic. Their function is to ultimately provide the reader with the specific reasons that make the thesis valid and to serve as links between the evidence and the thesis.

Question 2

What is the purpose of claims?

Answer 2

Even though thesis statements are perceived as the heart of an argument, any thesis stands strong only on the shoulders of effective claims and valid evidence. Claims, therefore, support a thesis and connect it to the evidence provided. It is important to understand the interconnections among these three elements both as a writer but also as a reader of an argument piece.

Question 3

What are the aspects of effective claims?

Answer 3

Clarity and Specificity ( a claim needs to be clearly stated and be specific)-Logic or Valid Emotion (a claim needs to be based on logic or a valid emotion)-Connectivity and Bridging (a claim needs to bridge the thesis with the evidence).