TEXT AND CONTEXT CONNECTIONS

Page 6: Defining Claims

• What is a Claim?

  • A claim is an expressed opinion or a conclusion that the arguer or writer wants to be accepted by the audience.

  • Extended arguments often label claims as propositions.

  • Claims challenge existing beliefs, requiring supporting information.

Page 7: Developing Arguments

• As you develop your claim, consider not only the argument but also the approach to present it.

• Claims can typically be categorized into distinct types.

Page 8: Types of Claims

• Categorization of claims into three main types:

  • Claims of Fact

  • Claims of Value

  • Claims of Policy

Page 9: Claims of Fact

• Definition:

  • Claims that assert a condition's existence based on factual data.

• Key questions:

  • What is true? What happened? How do we know? What exists?

Page 10: Examples of Claims of Fact

• Education in secondary schools inadequately prepares students for college.

• The death penalty's effectiveness is debated in the US and other countries.

Page 11: Defending Claims of Fact

• Ensure clarity in the claim's statement.

• Define any controversial or ambiguous terms.

• Use reliable evidence to support claims.

• Clearly distinguish between facts and interpretative conclusions.

• Arrange your evidence in order to emphasize what is most important.

Page 12: Claims of Value

• Definition:

  • Claims aimed at determining relative desirability.

• Key questions:

  • Is it good or bad? Right or wrong? More or less moral?

Page 13: Examples of Claims of Value

• Assertion that global warming is the leading challenge today.

• Perspective that gay marriage is immoral.

Page 14: Defending Claims of Value

• Argue that defending values leads to positive outcomes.

• Use real-world illustrations for abstract value discussions.

• Leverage testimonies from credible individuals to enhance persuasion.

Page 15: Claims of Policy

• Definition:

  • Claims proposing solutions or actions regarding defined problems.

• Key questions:

  • What actions should be taken or not taken?

  • What solutions are viable?

Page 16: Examples of Claims of Policy

• Proposal to ban electronic devices in schools.

• Advocacy for electing the Supreme Court.

Page 17: Defending Claims of Policy

• Clearly outline proposals with precise definitions.

• Establish necessity for change, considering existing counterarguments.

• Devote the major part of your research paper to proving your proposal is an answer to the opposing arguments.

• Support your proposal with solid data, but don’t neglect moral and common sense reasons, which may be even more persuasive.

Page 18: Explicit vs. Implicit Claims

• Explicit Claims:

  • Claims stated directly in a text (e.g., "It was a dark and stormy night.")

• Implicit Claims:

  • Claims inferred from context, not directly stated (e.g., description implying stormy conditions).