Claim in an Essay: Student Guidelines & Examples

Essays are important academic papers that students use to present and express their thoughts. Basically, a quality paper revolves around a central claim or thesis statement, which expresses person’s thoughts toward a specific topic, problem, or research question. In literature, 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. Further on, these assertions differ from general statements in that others may approve or disagree with arguments. In writing, good claims should be clear, concise, distinct, affirmative, and easy to prove. As such, a right step in writing a claim in an essay includes exploring a unique topic, asking critical questions, determining an entire goal of organizing a paper, and taking a unique standpoint. In turn, these phases must focus on assertions to align them with existing knowledge and evidence for justification.  

General Aspects

Providing a claim in an essay is a main argument that determines its complexity, effectiveness, and quality. Basically, 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. As such, anyone reading this article can understand a central role of an argument in defining an essay’s direction, scope, and purpose. In different types of essays, authors must use evidence, quotations, arguments, expert opinions, statistics, and details to affirm their positions. Further on, a good argumentative statement should be specific, which helps to focus on a single idea. In writing, general assertions may make an entire paper vague and boring to readers. On the other hand, a good essay should contain a thesis statement as a central claim. Moreover, each body paragraph should have supporting sentences related to a thesis statement. Because all types of compositions are important in communicating useful information to readers, one must make specific, believable, and justifiable assertions.

What Is a Claim in an Essay and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a claim in an essay is a well-structured and clear statement that asserts a particular viewpoint or argument, serving as a foundation for a paper’s thesis. For example, the main purpose of writing a claim is to establish an essay’s main point, providing a clear and focused argument that an author will support with evidence, reasoning, and examples throughout a given text (Humble, 2024). In writing, this type of sentence represents a person’s position on a specific topic and guides a direction of a presented composition. Further on, a well-crafted statement helps to unify a whole paper by tying together various supporting points, ensuring all parts of an entire writing contribute to an overall argument (Kleemola et al., 2022). Basically, a strong position invites readers to engage with a composition, encouraging them to consider an author’s perspective and, ideally, persuade them to agree with or understand an argument presented. Moreover, such a sentence is a backbone of any paper, organizing author’s ideas and giving a presented text its direction and purpose (Mentan, 2022). In terms of pages and words, the length of a claim essay depends on academic levels chosen, arguments presented, assignment requirements given, and a depth of analysis expected, while general writing guidelines are:

Format

Note: Some writing sections of a claim essay can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, depending on academic disciplines, institution requirements, and a nature of a specific assignment. For example, a standard claim essay format includes a clear and specific thesis statement, followed by well-organized body paragraphs that present evidence and analysis to support a specific position, and concludes with a summary that reinforces a central argument (Humble, 2024). In writing, a claim is a statement or assertion that expresses a main argument or position that an author intends to support and prove through evidence and reasoning. Further on, claims in persuasive writing should be stated clearly and assertively, presenting a specific and debatable argument that sets a valid foundation for the rest of an essay (Ferretti & Graham, 2019). Basically, an example of a good claim in an essay might be: “Social media channels have a detrimental impact on mental health states among teenagers by increasing anxiety and depression levels.” Moreover, a strong claim is specific, debatable, clearly articulated, and supported by compelling evidence, making it both persuasive and central to an argument being made (Kleemola et al., 2022). As such, to make a claim means to assert a specific viewpoint or argument that a person intends to support with evidence and reasoning throughout an entire writing. In literature, a claim is a statement or assertion that an author presents as a main point or argument, which is then supported by evidence and analysis throughout a text (Mentan, 2022). Finally, to start a claim in an essay, people begin with a clear and specific statement that presents their main argument or position on a specific topic.

Defining Features

From its simple definition, 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. For example, different types of claims are useful in an essay since they define its scope and direction (Lauritzen, 2021). In writing an argumentative essay, students use their thoughts to make claims and support them using evidence. Further on, a nature of a main assertion determines if a targeted audience can read through, agree, or disagree with a key message of an entire composition (Mentan, 2022). Moreover, a claim statement refers to a written sentence that reflects someone’s opinion. As a result, after choosing their essay topics, students make argumentative statements to mean expressing their thoughts regarding a subject under discussion (Humble, 2024). In turn, an example of a claim in a definition essay might be: “Courage is not just an absence of fear but also an ability to act in spite of it, determining bravery as a strength to face and overcome challenges.”

Claim vs. Statement

The main difference between a claim and a statement is a unique level of agreeableness. For example, a claim means a debatable statement regarding a specific issue (Lauritzen, 2021). 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 (Mentan, 2022). In writing, 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. Therefore, a good claim for an essay is a clear, specific, and debatable statement that presents a main argument or position that an entire paper will support and prove with evidence.

Types

Writers can use various types of claims to make their essays more convincing. For example, to write a claim in an essay, people clearly state their main argument in a concise and specific sentence that sets an entire direction for their paper, ensuring it is debatable and supported by evidence throughout an entire text (Humble, 2024). As such, 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, people must use evidence to support any argumentative claim.
• Fact. A factual statement is useful in arguing out a truth or falsity of some assertions. In writing, one must use facts to justify a correctness or invalidity of any statement.
• Definition. This claim asserts that something is a 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. A value argument is a statement about what people should regard as worthwhile. In writing, such claims should show different policies, things, beliefs, and facts that humans regard as more valuable than others.
• Comparative. A comparative claim refers to an assertion that relates different objects or things to reveal their differences or similarities. Basically, comparisons are necessary to show a diversity of objects and enable readers to make informed choices depending on their needs.
• Importance. This claim reveals an actual significance of a statement, information, object, or even opinion. In writing, an assertion of importance should convince an intended audience that an item is better than other similar things.

Steps on How to Write a Claim for an Argumentative Essay

Developing a claim for an argumentative essay should contend for a certain interpretation or understanding debatable topics. For example, to write a strong claim in an argumentative essay, people clearly state their position on a chosen issue in a concise, specific sentence that outlines a central argument they will support with evidence throughout a paper (Lauritzen, 2021). In writing, students must understand a specific subject and take a position to justify it. However, a main assertion may contradict popular opinions regarding a chosen subject. Besides, one must provide justifiable evidence to affirm any position taken. Hence, the following recomendations are necessary steps students should take to write a suitable claim for an argumentative essay.

Types of Essays, Use of Claims, and Difference

Different academic articles should have unique claims, and students should identify a specific type of essay to make a suitable assertion, including a hook. For example, 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 (Humble, 2024). Therefore, this section contains information on key types of assertions one should make when writing these papers.  

• Research Paper. Sentences used in this work should provide insights into specific research topics by informing readers more about a main idea or argument. Assertions used in writing research papers should lead to a greater understanding of a subject instead of presenting different viewpoints.
• Argumentative Essay. A central sentence used in this paper should take a clearly defined stance on a subject to allow authors 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 in their writing. Such sentences 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. In writing, people can make factual or judgmental sentences to express their point of view, interpretation, evaluation, or critical assessment of a literary work.
• Persuasive Essay. Sentences used in this type of paper should convince a target audience to accept a certain point of view. A persuasive assertion should openly communicate a central writing theme or idea presented in an essay and affirm its credibility.
• Rhetorical Analysis. A main sentence used in rhetorical analysis should reflect the evidence or appeals used in a piece of work to convince readers. In writing, one should mention some rhetorical devices and appeals used in a 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. As such, a central sentence used in a memo should state a proposed solution to a problem and important points on an identified course of action.

Types of Evidence

• Expert Opinions. Professionals in various areas of specialists give opinions regarding issues that contain credible information. Such views are important in shaping any position for an essay focusing on current issues.  
• Interviews. Scholars gather first-hand evidence by interviewing participants affected by a problem under investigation. Analysis of obtained views and opinions of participants should inform an entire formation of a central position in an essay.
• Direct Observation. People may observe how humans behave in their natural settings without informing them. The findings may lead to a development of convincing sentences regarding social behaviors and writing about them.  
• Examples of Past Experience. Examples from past incidents allow people to gain unique insights regarding real-life issues. In writing, 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. A 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. In writing, one can draw evidence from secondary sources to develop a strong position 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 strong positions for memos, persuasive speeches, and various writing types of essays.

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 and 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.

Structure

What to Include

Tips

Claims used in essays should be clear and easy to prove. For example, to write a claim for a definition essay, people clearly state their interpretation or specific understanding of a term or concept being defined and establish how this description will be supported throughout a paper (Humble, 2024). Moreover, an argumentative essay should include strong evidence and reasoning, which are statements that support a writer’s claim. As such, one should choose a statement that is easy to justify using available evidence. Because assertions convey main points in a paper or paragraph, students should include a strong supporting statement. Besides, any claim should have a definitive and affirmative tone.

10 Things to Do:

1. Choose a justifiable claim for writing.
2. Use simple terms.
3. Cover a decisive tone.
4. Maintain a positive tone.
5. Take a single-issue stand.
6. Define a narrow and clear scope in logical order.
7. Create a unique approach to a topic.
8. Describe an issue clearly.
9. Follow active voice.
10. Include a short statement.

10 Things Not to Do:

1. Selecting a broad scope.
2. Implementing negative language.
3. Including complex vocabulary.
4. Writing first-person statements.
5. Basing positions on emotional appeal.
6. Cluttering arguments with multiple ideas.
7. Presenting wordy sentences with multiple fill-up words.
8. Using passive voice.
9. Placing claims in illogical order.
10. Covering ambiguous statements that are hard to prove.

Common Mistakes

• Vague Language: Using unclear or ambiguous terms can make a claim difficult to understand and weaken an argument.
• Lack of Specificity: A position that is too broad or general fails to provide a clear direction for writing.
• Overly Complex Sentences: Complicating a sentence with too many ideas or convoluted wording can confuse readers.
• No Evidence: Presenting a statement without hinting at or supporting it with evidence weakens an argument’s credibility.
• Subjectivity: Relying on personal opinions or beliefs rather than objective reasoning can make an entire position less persuasive.
• Ignoring Counterarguments: Failing to consider opposing views in writing can make an assertion seem one-sided or poorly researched.
• Overstating a Claim: Making exaggerated or unsubstantiated propositions can result in a loss of trust from readers.
• Repetition: Repeating a central statement without adding new insight or evidence can make an entire paper redundant.
• Contradictory Statements: Making an assertion that contradicts other parts of an essay can confuse readers and undermine an argument.
• Weak Language: Using hedging words, like “might” or “could,” in writing can make a position appear tentative or unsure, reducing its impact.

Summing Up

A claim in an essay is a statement that expresses a main argument or position an author intends to prove. In writing, such a sentence guides a paper’s structure and provides a clear stance on a presented topic, distinguishing it from mere statements of fact. Further on, a strong assertion should be specific, debatable, and supported by evidence. In principle, a clear statement helps people to direct a text’s content and makes an argument persuasive and engaging. Finally, various types of claims include argumentative, factual, and value-based statements, each serving different purposes in essay writing. As a result, key takeaways to remember are:

• Claims are important in an essay since they reflect a person’s perspective.
• All arguments should be clear and justifiable statements about a topic.
• A central assertion must provide an accurate scope of writing for an essay.
• Some types of claims include cause and effect, argumentative, fact, definition, solution, value, comparative, and importance assertions.
• Clear paragraphs are important in outlining an entire scope of a paper.
• Good positions should be clear, specific, justifiable, and presented in a simple, assertive, and distinctive tone.

References

Crossley, S. A., Baffour, P., Tian, Y., Picou, A., Benner, M., & Boser, U. (2022). The persuasive essays for rating, selecting, and understanding argumentative and discourse elements (persuade) corpus 1.0. Assessing Writing, 54, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asw.2022.100667

Ferretti, R. P., & Graham, S. (2019). Argumentative writing: Theory, assessment, and instruction. Reading and Writing, 32(6), 1345–1357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-019-09950-x

Humble, R. K. (2024). The humble argument: A readable introduction to argument and the college essay. Chemeketa Press.

Kleemola, K., Hyytinen, H., & Toom, A. (2022). The challenge of position-taking in novice higher education students’ argumentative writing. Frontiers in Education, 7, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.885987

Lauritzen, J. (2021). Read, write, and cite. Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.

Mentan, E.T. (2022). English essay writing handbook. Authors’ Tranquility Press.