Claim= Subject + Opinion

 Start with a research question, such as “Should we have greater gun control in America?”  Consider both sides of the issue, and try to be unbiased as you consider  Form an opinion and state it clearly. Do not be wishy-washy.

Turn your claim into a SUPER claim!

 NEVER include the words “I think”, “In my opinion”, or “I believe”  NEVER include qualifier words such as “maybe”, “might”, “perhaps”, or “probably”

 Be a declarative sentence – not a question  Be short and simple – no longer than one sentence  Be limited to one main idea  State your side, not just the issue  Avoid biased language

 Bad Claim  In a world full of success gurus and books about success, it becomes ever so more important to delineate the one trait that ultimately determines success: doing the right things consistently. Better Version Success is a result of doing the right things consistently. KEEP IT SIMPLE AND TO THE POINT

 Bad Claim  The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific goal, which is also the key to successfully running a business and coaching a football team. Better Version The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific goal. STICK TO ONLY ONE MAIN IDEA

 Bad Claim  Does Derrick Rose‘s ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable player? Better Version Derrick Rose‘s ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable player. A CLAIM IS A DECLARATIVE SENTENCE

 Bad Claim  Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound just might make him the league's most valuable player. Better Version Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable player. DON’T USE QUALIFYING WORDS

 Bad Claim  This paper will examine the issue of gun control in America. Better Version America needs tougher gun control laws. STATE YOUR POSITION, NOT JUST THE ISSUE

 Bad Claim  Clueless lawmakers need to stop messing with Americans’ God-given right to protect themselves from the evil in the world. Better Version Gun control laws violate America’s Bill of Rights. AVOID BIASED LANGUAGE

 Bad Claim  In my opinion, America needs tougher gun control laws. Better Version America needs tougher gun control laws. Never include “I” or “my” in your thesis