Types of Theses, Claims, and Evidence (copy)

Open Thesis

An overarching claim that does not list specific sub

Closed Thesis

A statement that explicitly previews the major points of the argument, effectively providing a roadmap for the reader.

Counterargument Thesis

A summary of an opposing view, usually beginning with "although" or "while," followed by the writer’s actual claim.

Firsthand Evidence

Information based on something the writer knows from personal experience, anecdotes, or observations of current events.

Personal Experience

A narrative account of events the writer has lived through, used to add a human element and emotional appeal.

Anecdote

A brief, interesting story about a real incident or person used to illustrate a specific point in a relatable way.

Current Events Observations

Evidence gathered from staying informed about local, national, or global occurrences happening in the present.

Secondhand Evidence

Information accessed through research, investigation, or reading, including historical info, expert opinion, and quantitative material.

Historical Information

Facts, dates, and context regarding past events used to provide background or establish a precedent.

Expert Opinion

Insights or testimony from individuals who possess specialized knowledge or recognized authority in a specific field.

Quantitative Material

Evidence that can be represented in numbers, such as statistics, surveys, polls, or census data.

Relevant Evidence

Information that specifically applies to the argument at hand and supports the claim without straying off

Accurate Evidence

Data or information that is factually correct, sourced from reliable outlets, and presented without distortion.

Specific Evidence

Detailed and precise information—such as exact names, numbers, or locations—rather than vague or general assertions.

Claim of Fact

An assertion focusing on whether something is true or false, or whether a specific condition or event actually exists.

Claim of Value

An assertion that argues something is good or bad, right or wrong, or desirable or undesirable.

Claim of Policy

An assertion that proposes a specific course of action or a change to a law, rule, or standard procedure.