1. The Claim (Thesis Statement)
A Road Map for Your Essay
Introduction
ESSAY
Thesis State ment
Body Paragraph #1
Body Paragraph #2
Body Paragraph #3

2. Definition
Claim
A claim is a complete sentence that contains one main idea.  This idea controls the content of the entire essay.  A claim that contains subpoints also helps a reader know how the essay will be organized. 

3. Claim
Example
Psychologists have argued for decades about how a person’s character is formed. Numerous psychologists believe that one’s birth order (i.e. place in the family as the youngest, oldest, or middle child) has the greatest influence. Birth order can strongly affect one’s relationship with parents, relationships with others, and how one views responsibility as an adult.
Subpoints in the claim or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized
The claim contains the main idea that controls the content of the essay.

4. Key Features
Claim
It states the main idea of the ESSAY in a complete sentence, not in a question.
It usually comes at the END of the INTRODUCTORY paragraph.
It states a position or view on a topic (answering the prompt).  It doesn’t just state the topic, itself.
often lists subtopics.
does not directly announce your main topic.
not in first person unless the paper is about you.

5. Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
Key Features
Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
Since the claim is the main statement for the entire essay, it should express a complete thought and be a complete sentence.
Depending on the type of writing, the claim could be asserting an opinion or idea, so it should not be a question. 

6. Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
Key Features
Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
The sport of cross-country running.
This is not a complete sentence.
The sport of cross-country running has allowed me
to get in better shape and meet some interesting people.
Claim
This is a question, not a statement.
Why do I want to be a teacher?
Being a teacher is a great profession because it allows me to work with students and be creative.
Claim

7. introductory paragraph.
Key Features
Location
Readers like to know what an essay will be about near the beginning of the essay
rather than at the end. This is why the claim is often found at the end of the
introductory paragraph.

8. States a position or view (anwers the prompt)
Key Features
States a position or view (anwers the prompt)
Good claims often express a writer’s position or view on the topic.
This makes the claim more specific and requires the writer to explain or prove
their answer. 

9. Key Features Subtopics
You can make your claim more specific by including subtopics or supporting ideas. By doing this, you give your reader a clear idea of what will follow in the body paragraphs of your essay.

10. Key Features Subtopics
The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the state.
No subtopics are named in this claim.
subtopic #2
The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the ability of the state to provide housing, electricity, and jobs for all residents.
subtopic #1
subtopic #3
This claim names three subtopics. Can you find all of the subtopics?

11. Don’t State the Obvious
Key Features
Don’t State the Obvious
In claims, you should avoid using
statements like, “This essay will discuss…” or
“I’m going to write about…” Try to write a
claim that captures your reader’s attention without announcing your main topic
and stating the obvious. Look at the following examples.

12. Don’t State the Obvious
Key Features
Don’t State the Obvious
Which states the obvious?
In this essay, I am going to discuss the effects of long-term drug abuse.
Long-term drug use can have disastrous effects on one’s marriage, career, and health.

13. Key Features
Review
states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question.
is usually at the end of an introduction.
states an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself.
will lists subtopics.
does not directly announce your main topic.

14. Sample 1: Find the Claim
Today's car manufacturers have not only developed the fastest autos in history, but also the most comfortable and convenient. Soft, reclining, adjustable seats await the driver as he gets in. Even his feet get special attention, being cushioned on foamy floor carpets. Starting the vehicle presents no problems with an automatic transmission. A key is turned, a lever moved, and the car is off. No matter what the weather is like, the heater sends hot or cold air in to suit the occasion. The car radio supplies music and news for the driver's enjoyment. Sudden stops and sharp corners mean nothing as power brakes and steering can stop or turn the car on a dime. Modern drivers never had it so good.

15. Sample 2: Find the Claim
Sailing is an invigorating, strenuous, and enjoyable sport. For example, this summer my neighbor and I sailed his sixteen foot sailboat from Bayfield to Goderich and back again through four foot waves and while a twenty-five mile an hour wind was blowing. The constant strain from being "hiked out" or leaning over the side to maintain an even keel and fighting the pull of the wind on the sheets was counteracted only by the invigorating breeze which kept us soaked with spray and wide awake. This experience of sailing the boat at a speed of eight to ten knots through such bad conditions was one of the most enjoyable experiences we have ever had. It is for this reason that I say that sailing is an invigorating, strenuous, and enjoyable sport.

16. Sample 3: Find the Claim
Teenagers from the city live a different life from that of their country counterparts. First of all, the adolescent from the city has more to entertain her. But the country teens have nowhere to go. In the city there is always a movie to watch, or a shopping center in which to browse around and catch up on the latest styles, or the Y.W.C.A. where sports may be played. But rural teens usually live more than three miles out of town, and if they are too young to drive, or can't have the car, they are stuck at home. All the movie houses and shopping centers are either in town, or close to it. For the city teen, there is always the telephone on which one may catch up privately on the local gossip, but because there are quite a few people on the country party-line, the country teen can accomplish very few private conversations. As a whole, urban teens lead a different life than rural teens.

17. Sample 4: Find the Claim
Music from the nineteen fifties is very different from music today. First, music from the fifties had a lot of blues in it. The music of today is "rap". In the fifties songs were all written about someone losing a lover and all of their pain and problems. Today's music is all about guys finding ways to get a girl's attention, (and vice versa), sex and drugs. Fifties music was all real instruments such as piano's, guitar's and drums, while today's music is all electronic machines such as drum machines. As a whole, music from the fifties is very different from the music we listen to today.

18. Definition
Claim
     When I was young, I always knew that I wanted to become a teacher someday.  When I played, I would often gather my dolls together and pretend to teach them how to do math problems or how to read a book.  As I grew older, my desire to become a Language Arts teacher became clearer as I did some volunteer teaching overseas and in the United States.  As I look back on my reasons for becoming a teacher, they are my love for the English language, my innate interest in how people learn, and my desire to help other people .
Subpoints in the claim or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized
The claim contains the main idea that controls the content of the essay.

19. Sample 5: Find the Claim
Although downhill skiing and figure skating are both winter sports, they are totally different. First, of all, for downhill skiing you have skis, plastic boots and poles. For figure skating, you have leather boots and steel blades. The length of downhill skis is usually from the ground to your wrist extended above your head, but skate blades aren't too much longer than your foot. Skiing is performed on snow while skating is performed on ice. Ski boots buckle up but skates lace up. Skis are made in a variety of colors, however figure skates are made only in three colors--white and beige for girls and black for boys. Finally, in downhill skiing, you mainly make left and right turns down a hill. In figure skating you do figure eights, dance steps, jumps and spins. All in all, downhill skiing and figure skating are two very different winter sports.