1. Effective Claims A checklist for writing strong claims

2. Is your claim debatable? Your “claim” must state an opinion that some people will disagree with. Don’t confuse your claim with a warrant, or a generally accepted truth or reason behind the claim. Your “claim” must state an opinion that some people will disagree with. Don’t confuse your claim with a warrant, or a generally accepted truth or reason behind the claim. For example: Spanking a child should never be used as punishment. Claim Children need to be disciplined. Warrant Children need to be disciplined. Warrant

3. Is your claim reasonable? Though it is important that your claim be debatable, you do not want to propose something that no one (or few) would agree with. For example: If a student fails a class, he should not be allowed to take it over. Bad Claim because it’s unreasonable! If a student fails a class, he should not be allowed to take it over. Bad Claim because it’s unreasonable!

4. Is your claim specific enough? You need a claim that narrows down your topic and is specific to your argument essay. For example: Our nation needs more gun control. Non- specific/too general States need to close the gun show loophole that allows gun purchasers to sidetrack background checks. More specific

5. Is your claim significant and important? In other words, is it worth debating in the first place? What would you say to someone who said, “So what?” or “Who cares?” You must be able to answer those questions in order be able to defend your claim in your essay. In other words, is it worth debating in the first place? What would you say to someone who said, “So what?” or “Who cares?” You must be able to answer those questions in order be able to defend your claim in your essay. For example: Pet parents should not dress up their dogs and cats for Halloween as it might hurt the pets’ self- esteem. Is this really worth debating?

6. Did you avoid using phrases such as “I think” or “I believe”? When writing a claim, you are writing a sentence stating what you believe and/or think. Therefore, saying so makes your claim repetitive and tells your reader what he/she already knows. Leave it out and simply state your opinion. For example: I believe that the driving age should be raised to the age of 18. wordy, repetitive I believe that the driving age should be raised to the age of 18. wordy, repetitive The minimum driving age should be 18 years.

7. Does your claim read clearly and make sense? The best way to make sure that your claim is written grammatically correct is to read it aloud. Even better: Have someone read it aloud to you. You will hear the problems. The best way to make sure that your claim is written grammatically correct is to read it aloud. Even better: Have someone read it aloud to you. You will hear the problems. Also, make sure that it is a complete sentence, that it is to the point, and that it clearly states an opinion. Also, make sure that it is a complete sentence, that it is to the point, and that it clearly states an opinion. It also helps if you turn in your claim to Ms. Gordon for review before you go any further. It also helps if you turn in your claim to Ms. Gordon for review before you go any further.