Essays are important academic papers that students use to present and express their thoughts. A quality essay revolves around a central claim or thesis statement, which expresses the writer’s thoughts toward a topic, problem, or research question. The term “claim” refers to an assertion that convinces, argues, demonstrates, and suggestively implies something to a reader who agrees with or disputes it using available evidence, knowledge, or experience. These assertions differ from general statements in that others may approve or disagree with arguments. Good assertions should be clear, concise, distinct, affirmative, and easy to prove. The right step in writing a claim in an essay includes exploring the topic, asking critical questions, determining the goal of writing, and taking a unique standpoint. These phases must focus on assertions to align them with the existing knowledge and evidence for justification.
General Aspects of Writing a Claim in an Essay
Providing a claim in an essay is the main argument that determines its complexity, effectiveness, and quality. This guideline focuses on how to write a claim in an essay and contains concise examples that people should follow to create outstanding academic papers. Anyone reading this article can understand the role of an argument in defining an essay’s direction, scope, and purpose. In different types of papers, authors must use evidence, quotations, arguments, expert opinions, statistics, and details to affirm their claims. A good argumentative statement should be specific, which helps to focus on a single idea. General assertions may make an entire essay vague and boring to readers. A good essay should contain a thesis statement as a central claim. However, each body paragraph should have supporting claims related to the thesis statement. Because all types of essays are important in communicating useful information to readers, one must make specific, believable, and justifiable assertions.
Definition of What Is a Claim and Its Meaning
A claim is an assertion that convinces, argues, demonstrates, and suggests something to a reader who agrees with or disputes it based on available knowledge and understanding. Claims are useful in an essay since they define its scope and direction. In writing an argumentative essay, students use their thoughts to make claims and support them using evidence. The nature of the main assertions determines if the targeted audience can read through, agree, or disagree with the main message of an essay. In turn, a claim statement refers to a written sentence that reflects someone’s opinion. As a result, after choosing their essay topics, authors make argumentative statements to mean expressing their thoughts regarding a subject under discussion.
Claim vs. Statement
The main difference between a claim and a statement is the levels of agreeableness. For example, a claim means a debatable statement regarding a specific issue. Although readers may not disagree with statements, they can have diverse opinions regarding an argumentative claim. On the other hand, a statement may represent facts that are not debatable. An example of a general statement is: “The first African American president of the United States was Barack Obama.” One cannot dispute this statement because it represents a fact. However, an example of a claim is: “The election of Barack Obama as the American President marked the end of racism based on skin color.” In summary, some people may disagree with this argument under existing cases of racial discrimination against African Americans during and after President Obama’s tenure.
Types of Claims
Writers can use various types of claims to make their essays more convincing. This section explains different types of assertions when writing a claim in an essay.
- Cause and Effect. This claim contains information about two or more phenomena regarding their origin and effect.
- Argumentative. Results from reasoning and reflects people’s opinion toward a subject. However, writers must use evidence to support any argumentative claim.
- Fact. The factual statement is useful in arguing out the truth or falsity of some assertions. One must use facts to justify the correctness or invalidity of any statement.
- Definition. This claim asserts that something is the case without providing evidence. Moreover, assertions accurately describe an object, event, or situation.
- Solution. This assertion provides an answer to an existing problem or question of interest and responds directly to an inquiry or an existing doubt.
- Value. The value argument is a statement about what people should regard as worthwhile. Such claims should show different policies, things, beliefs, and facts that humans regard as more valuable than others.
- Comparative. The comparative claim refers to an assertion that relates different objects or things to reveal their differences or similarities. Comparisons are necessary for showing the diversity of objects to enable readers to make informed choices depending on their needs.
- Importance. This claim reveals the significance of a statement, information, object, or even opinion. An assertion of importance should convince the audience that an item is better than other similar things.
4 Easy Steps for Writing a Strong Claim for an Argumentative Essay
Developing a claim for an argumentative essay should contend for a certain interpretation or understanding debate topics. For example, students must understand a specific subject and take a position to justify it. However, the main assertion may contradict popular opinions regarding the subject. In turn, one must provide justifiable evidence to affirm any position taken. The following are the necessary steps that students should take to write a suitable claim for an argumentative essay.
Step 1: Exploring a Specific Topic
The first step in writing a claim for an argumentative essay is to explore sensitive or controversial debate topics. In this case, one must do preliminary research on the selected or assigned topic to develop concrete ideas for possible arguments. The information gathered should allow writers to support and justify a specific position. For example, if the topic concerns global warming, one may gather evidence to justify why cutting down trees is a major cause of heat waves experienced in different parts of the world.
Step 2: Asking Questions
The second step of making a claim in an essay should involve narrowing it down to a specific subject by asking critical questions regarding the evidence gathered. This stage is necessary to enable authors to determine the quality of the information obtained on the subject. Interrogating the evidence allows one to determine if the selected side of the argument is valid and convincing. As a result, examining the topic may lead to identifying possible counterclaims and valid opposite arguments.
Step 3: Determining an Essay’s Goal
Reviewing the assignment briefing to understand the primary goal of the argument is an important step in developing a strong claim. In this stage, writers should develop a deeper understanding of the primary goal of making a good argument. The resulting insights are necessary to focus the essay’s scope and develop a claim that challenges the target readers’ opinions. Besides, reviewing the goals is essential in refuting what one assumes to be true. On the other hand, reviewing the essay’s goals is important in combining related and relevant ideas. Even if argumentative essays focus on multiple issues, quality papers should address a central theme guided by a clear thesis statement. In turn, writers must connect related ideas to make refutable claims demonstrating a clear stand on the main subject.
Step 4: Taking a Unique Standpoint
The fourth step should involve a unique standpoint to make a refutable argument. Most students need to start stating arguable facts followed by straightforward claims. A quality essay should contain a unique argument that convinces the audience to develop an alternative thought on the subject. Moreover, students should critically evaluate the obtained evidence and deduce a unique position to argue about. As a result, all sides taken should rebut popular beliefs and truths and affirm a distinctive position.
Types of Essays, Use of Claims, and Difference
Different academic articles should have unique claims. In this case, students should identify the type of essay to make a suitable assertion, including a hook. The most common types of academic work encountered during academic studies include a research paper, an argumentative essay, a persuasive speech, a literary analysis, a persuasive essay, a rhetorical analysis, and a memo. This section contains information on the type of assertions one should make when writing these papers.
- Research Paper. Claims used in this work should provide insights into specific research topics by informing readers more about the main idea or argument. Assertions used in research papers should lead to a greater understanding of the subject instead of presenting different viewpoints.
- Argumentative Essay. Central claims used in this paper should take a clearly defined stance on a subject to allow writers to build an evidence-based case to support all positions. The most unique feature of argumentative claims is that they should be questionable.
- Persuasive Speech. Students should present convincing opinions, ideas, or assertions. Such claims are useful in swaying or influencing people’s beliefs, attitudes, values, or behaviors.
- Literary Analysis. Possible assertions used in literary analysis papers should affirm a certain position as truthful. Writers can make factual or judgmental claims to express their point of view, interpretation, evaluation, or critical assessment of a literary work.
- Persuasive Essay. Claims used in this type of paper should convince the audience to accept a certain point of view. A persuasive assertion should openly communicate the central theme or idea presented in an essay and affirm its credibility.
- Rhetorical Analysis. The claim used in rhetorical analysis should reflect the evidence or appeals used in a piece of work to convince readers. One should mention the rhetorical devices and appeals used in the specific work under evaluation.
- Memo. The primary purpose of writing a memorandum is to inform a group of professionals about a specific problem, solution, event, or situation relevant to their institution. The claim used in a memo should state the proposed solution to a problem and important points on the identified course of action.
Types of Evidence for Writing Claims
- Expert Opinions. Professionals in various areas of specialists give opinions regarding issues that contain credible information. Such views are important in shaping claims for an essay focusing on current issues.
- Interviews. Researchers gather first-hand evidence by interviewing participants affected by a problem under investigation. Analysis of obtained views and opinions of participants should inform the formation of a central claim in an essay.
- Direct Observation. Scholars may observe how humans behave in their natural settings without informing them. The findings may lead to the development of convincing claims regarding social behaviors.
- Examples of Past Experience. Examples from past incidents allow people to gain unique insights regarding real-life issues. One may use the information to develop an argumentative claim for an essay.
- Primary Research. Through primary research, students obtain first-hand evidence and knowledge, contributing to understanding real-life issues. The conclusion drawn from such studies is good for developing credible assertions for research papers.
- Synthesis of Secondary Research. Scholars present their research findings in journal articles and reports. One can draw evidence from secondary sources to develop a claim for argumentative or persuasive essays on specific issues or topics of interest.
- Facts, Statistics, or Other Data. Historical facts, statistics obtained from primary research, and other forms of credible sources are crucial in justifying an assumption, a hypothesis, or a theory under analysis. Critical evaluation of these reliable sources of information can lead to claims for memos, persuasive speeches, and various types of essays.
Experience a seamless writing process with Wr1ter Team, where plagiarism is never a concern.
Topic Examples for Making Claims in an Essay
- Excessive Use of Social Media Platforms Enhances Academic Performance Among Teenagers
- Children From Divorced Families Demonstrate Greater Psychological Resilience
- Low Salaries Are the Primary Cause of Corruption in Modern Societies
- Impacts of Technology on Society
- The Ethical Implications of Gene Editing: A Paradigm Shift in Medicine
- Roles of Parental Attachment in Child Development
- Balancing School Curriculum: Is Art Education as Important as Science?
- Pros and Cons of Self-Driving Vehicles: Evaluating Safety and Efficiency
- It Is Ethical for Doctors to Modify Unborn Fetuses to Meet Their Parents’ Desires Genetically
- The Government Should Ban Social Media Platforms That Collect Users’ Data Without Consent
- Abortion Is a Fundamental Right for Women
- Reimagining the Role of Technology in Enhancing Sports Performance
- Martin Luther King’s Speech “I Have a Dream” Changed People’s Lives
- Doctors Should Embrace Art and Music Therapy to Enhance the Healing Process
- Students Should Learn an Instrument in School to Boost Their Creativity
- Introverts Make Great Leaders Than Extroverts
Literary Analysis Essay Topics
- Great Gatsby Essay: The American Dream, Pursuit, and Corruption
- Gender Roles in “The Great Gatsby”
- Flower Symbolism in “A Rose for Emily”
- Endurance in “The Old Man and the Sea”
- Childhood Vaccinations and Their Importance in Society
- Local Governments Should Regulate Gambling and Betting
- Teenagers Should Be Allowed to Acquire Driving Licenses
- Poverty Lowers Academic Achievement
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics
- Rhetorical Analysis of Martin Luther King’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail”
- Problems in Education and Ken Robinson’s “Do Schools Kill Creativity”
- Analysis Essay of Volodymyr Zelensky’s Speech “I Call for You to Do More”
- Evaluating the Speech Writing Power in President Obama’s Inaugural Speech
- Analyzing the Ise of Rhetorical Devices in Harry Porter
Memo Topics
- Explaining Human Resource Policy Change
- Company Budget Cuts
- Summary of the 2023 Action Plan
Examples of Claims for Essays
- Abortion is a fundamental right for women – Although some scholars argue that abortion is unethical because it terminates the life of an innocent fetus, women have a fundamental right to make decisions regarding their bodies, especially when they face terminal health risks.
- Children from divorced families demonstrate greater psychological resilience – Because kids experience social and economic challenges, they develop greater psychological resilience as a coping mechanism.
- Doctors should embrace art and music therapy to enhance the healing process – Doctors should include a method as an intervention to lower stress among admitted patients and enhance recovery because art and music create a soothing effect to enhance psychological well-being.
- Gender roles in “The Great Gatsby” – The novel “The Great Gatsby” reflects on opposing values of social models through different female characters who become objectified by men.
- Poverty lowers academic achievement – Because parents from low-income families cannot afford quality education, academic achievement among their children remains lower than those from middle- or high-income backgrounds.
- Evaluating the rhetorical devices in Harry Porter – J. K. Rowling used literary devices, such as irony, symbolism, contrasting characters, pathos, and ethos, to present the theme of death.
- Explaining human resource policy change – The board of directors agreed that employees must take their scheduled annual leave without fail to promote psychological resilience.
What to Include in a Claim Paragraph
Hook
A claim paragraph should contain adequate information to explain the focus of an essay or research paper. One should include an attention-getter or start with a quote to attract readers’ attention to go through the information provided. The passage should contain background information about the topic presented in the paper to provide the target audience with a glimpse of the main ideas. Other important details include the main argument of the essay’s thesis statement.
Thesis Statement as a Claim in an Essay
A central claim may serve as a thesis statement in an essay. Academic papers should have an introduction with an argumentative thesis statement, which serves as a central claim. In this case, the main assertions should be last sentences of a college essay introduction, which provide the paper’s overview and focus when used as a thesis statement.
Hypothesis
A hypothesis in a research paper represents a statement that requires testing for validation. Such a claim represents an unvalidated relationship between independent and dependent variables. Researchers state their assumptions or predictions about what their research results will confirm. This statement represents a tentative answer to the research question. In this case, hypotheses do not represent claims because they indicate unjustified answers that may be correct or wrong.
Results
The results from a research paper refer to the confirmed and justified findings. Scholars use available evidence, theories, and results to test and affirm hypotheses. In turn, conclusion examples made become the findings in specific research work. Besides, these results may take a form of claims since they represent a justifiable or debatable position on a topic of interest.
Body Paragraphs
A typical paragraph should have a topic sentence or claim, supporting evidence, and explanations. For example, any claim in an essay should begin with a statement followed by supporting evidence. One must provide a clear explanation linking the evidence to the assertion. In turn, justifications provided should link all claims to a central thesis statement.
What Is a Counter Claim and Its Meaning for an Essay
A counterclaim refers to a statement that refutes a central argument in an essay. Different scholars have unique views regarding a specific topic. Such opposing thoughts reveal an alternative way of understanding the subject. For instance, opposers in a debate make counterclaims to contest the motion, while proposers make assertions and rebuttals to counter opposing statements. In this case, rebuttals are unique counterclaims that allow debaters to justify their arguments.
20 Tips to Write a Good Claim in an Essay
Claims used in essays should be clear and easy to prove. Basically, one should choose a statement that is easy to justify using available evidence. Because assertions convey the main points in a paper or paragraph, writers should include a strong supporting statement. Besides, any claim should have a definitive and affirmative tone.
10 Things to Do When Making a Claim:
- Choose a justifiable claim.
- Use simple terms.
- Cover a decisive tone.
- Maintain a positive tone.
- Take a single-issue stand.
- Define a narrow and clear scope in logical order.
- Create a unique approach to the topic.
- Describe the issue clearly.
- Follow active voice.
- Include a short statement.
10 Things Not to Do:
- Selecting a broad scope.
- Implementing negative language.
- Including complex vocabulary.
- Writing first-person statements.
- Basing claims on emotional appeal.
- Cluttering arguments with multiple ideas.
- Presenting wordy sentences with multiple fill-up words.
- Using passive voice.
- Placing claims in illogical order.
- Covering ambiguous statements that are hard to prove.
Summing Up of What Is a Strong Claim in an Essay
- Claims are important in an essay since they reflect the writer’s perspective.
- All arguments should be clear and justifiable statements about a topic.
- A central assertion must provide the accurate scope of an essay.
- Some types of claims include cause and effect, argumentative, fact, definition, solution, value, comparative, and importance assertions.
- Claim paragraphs are important in outlining the scope of an essay.
- Good claims should be clear, specific, justifiable, and presented in a simple, assertive, and distinctive tone.