Claims and Evidence

What is a claim?  A claim expresses an author’s specific position on a topic.  This is the main point the author is trying to make.

How does a writer support his or her claim?  Writers develop ideas using varied types of evidence (types of support).  This evidence supports or helps prove the author’s claim.

Types of Evidence  There are many types of evidence and some are better than others.  Facts- statements that can be proved  Opinions- beliefs that may or may not be based on fact  Generalizations- conclusions about a group based on details about its members  Reasons- statements that justify or explain opinions  Quotes with Commentary- a source or person is quoted (the quote is then explained or elaborated on)  Examples- specific cases that illustrate general ideas  Descriptions- details that show how something looks, sounds, feels, or tastes  Anecdotes- brief stories that illustrate a concept

Practice Identifying Claims and Evidence  Around the room, there are six excerpts from “The Trouble with Television.”  Find a station to start at. The class should be evenly divided among the stations.  You will have three minutes at each station. 1. Read the excerpt from “The Trouble with Television.” 2. Discuss the claim and evidence you see in the excerpt with the other people at your station. 3. Write your responses on your handout (be sure to write each response in the correct box). 4. Rotate to a new station when the timers goes off.