what is a claim in essay

What Is a Claim in an Essay? Read This Before Writing

What is a claim in an essay?

In this article, you’ll find the essay claim definition, characteristics, types, and examples. Let’s learn where to use claims and how to write them.

Get ready for up-to-date and practical information only!

What Is a Claim in Writing?

A claim is the core argument defining an essay’s goal and direction. (1) It’s assertive, debatable, and supported by evidence. Also, it is complex, specific, and detailed.

Also known as a thesis, a claim is a little different from statements and opinions. Keep reading to reveal the nuances.

Claims vs. statements vs. opinions


– Debatable – Supported by evidence – Answering the “So what?” question	– No criticism, investigation, or analysis – Support and argument aren’t necessary – Not going beyond the info from a core text	– More opinion than academic reasoning – No need for evidence – Stating support, not necessarily the reason behind the support

Where to use claims

To answer the “What is claim in writing?”, it’s critical to understand that this definition isn’t only for high school or college essays. Below are the types of writing with claims:

Argumentative articles. Consider a controversial issue, proving it with evidence throughout your paper.
Literary analysis. Build a claim about a book , and use evidence from it to support your claim.
Research papers. Present a hypothesis and provide evidence to confirm or refute it.
Speeches. State a claim and persuade the audience that you’re right.
Persuasive essays and memos. State a thesis and use fact-based evidence to back it up..

What can you use as evidence in essays?

Facts and other data from relevant and respectful resources (no Wikipedia or other sources like this)
Primary research
Secondary research (science magazines’ articles, literature reviews, etc.)
Personal observation
Expert quotes (opinions)
Info from expert interviews

How to Write a Claim in Essays

Two points to consider when making a claim in a college paper:

First, remember that a claim may have counterarguments. You’ll need to respond to them to make your argument stronger. Use transition words like “despite,” “yet,” “although,” and others to show those counterclaims.

Second, good claims are more complex than simple “I’m right” statements. Be ready to explain your claim, answering the “So what?” question.

And now, to details:

Types of claims in an essay (2)

	Your position on: – What happened? – Does it exist?
	Your position on: – What is it? – How does its usual meaning change in different contexts?
	Your position on: – Is it good or bad? – Who thinks so? – What criteria should I use to evaluate it?
	Your position on: – Why did it happen? – What are the effects? – What will be the results on a long-term basis?
	Your position on: – What can we learn by this comparison? – How can we understand one thing by looking at another?
	Your position on: – What should we do? – How can we solve this problem? – What should be future policy?

Writing a claim: Details to consider

What makes a good claim? Three characteristics (3):

It’s assertive. (You have a strong position about a topic.)
It’s specific. (Your assertion is as precise as possible.)
It’s provable. (You can prove your position with evidence.)

When writing a claim, avoid generalizations, questions, and cliches. Also, don’t state the obvious.

Poor claim: Pollution is bad for the environment.
Good claim: At least 25% of the federal budget should be spent upgrading businesses to clean technologies and researching renewable energy sources to control or cut pollution.

How to start a claim in an essay?

Answer the essay prompt. Use an active voice when writing a claim for readers to understand your point. Here is the basic formula:

When writing, avoid:

First-person statements
Emotional appeal
Cluttering your claim with several ideas; focus on one instead

How long should a claim be in an essay?

1-2 sentences. A claim is your essay’s thesis: Write it in the first paragraph (intro), presenting a topic and your position about it.

Examples of Claims

Below are a few claim examples depending on the type. I asked our expert writers to provide some for you to better understand how to write it.

Feel free to use them for inspiration, or don’t hesitate to “steal” if they appear relevant to your essay topic. Also, remember that you can always ask our writers to assist with a claim for your papers.


Fact
Definition
Value
Cause
Comparison
Policy

Final Words

Now that you know what is a claim in an essay, I hope you don’t find it super challenging to write anymore. It’s like writing a thesis statement; make it assertive, specific, and provable.

If you still have questions or doubts, ask Writing-Help writers for support. They’ll help you build an A-worthy claim for an essay.

References:

https://www.pvcc.edu/files/making_a_claim.pdf
https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/sweetland-assets/sweetland-documents/teachingresources/TeachingArgumentation/Supplement2_%20SixCommonTypesofClaim.pdf
https://students.tippie.uiowa.edu/sites/students.tippie.uiowa.edu/files/2022-05/effective_claims.pdf
Essay samples
Essay writing
Writing tips

What Is a Claim in Writing? Examples of Argumentative Statements

argumentative statements of claim and counterclaim examples

DESCRIPTION argumentative statements of claim and counterclaim examples
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Are you wondering, "What is a claim in writing?" When you make an argument in writing and back it up with supporting evidence, you are making a claim. Claims are very common in research papers and certain types of essays.

Making Claims in Writing

Making a claim in your writing allows you to present the main idea of the document in the form of an argument that you will support with evidence throughout the document. A claim statement is a type of thesis statement in which you present the main idea of what you are writing in the form of an argument. Think of claims like a thesis statement in the form of an argument.

Claims are matters of opinion, but they are stated as if they are facts and backed up with evidence.
Any time you make a debatable statement in writing that is backed up with facts and/or other types of evidence, you are using a claim.

Statement vs. Claim Example

Argumentative claims don't have to be complex, but they do have to be more than just a fact-based statement that is obviously true. Instead, claims should be statements that are up for debate. As a writer, your goal is to effectively argue in favor of your claim. Review the examples below to develop a better understanding of what is a claim in an essay.

statement - If you open an essay by stating, "I own a cell phone," this is not an example of a claim in writing. Assuming that you do, in fact, own a cell phone, this is just a statement of fact. It is not something that is arguable.
claim - If you open by stating, "Every middle school student should have their own cell phone," this is a claim. This is not something that everyone agrees upon. Your paper will need to focus on supporting this claim with evidence.

Types of Writing That Use Claims

Claims are common in different types of writing, including documents created for school assignments or in the professional world.

argumentative essays - These essays focus on an issue that is controversial, presenting evidence that backs up the writer's claim.
research papers - Academic research papers are designed specifically to provide evidence to confirm or refute the writer's hypothesis , which is a type of claim.
literary analysis - When engaged in literary analysis, writers make a claim about a literary work, then provide evidence from it to support their claim.
persuasive essays - Persuasive essays are a type of argumentative essay. They use fact-based information as evidence to back up a writer's claim.
persuasive speeches - Persuasive speeches are presented orally, but many start with an outline focused on providing evidence for a primary claim.
persuasive memos - Persuasive memos are often designed to convince readers to believe or act on a claim backed up by evidence.

What Is Evidence in Writing?

In order to back up a claim in writing, you will need to provide evidence. Evidence is information that provides proof of or support for an idea. Your claim statement should be a logical conclusion that you reached as a result of reviewing and understanding valid, reliable evidence. Rather than expecting readers to simply believe that your claim is true, you'll need to provide them with evidence they can consider to reach their own conclusion.

There are many types of evidence:

direct observation of a phenomenon or occurrence
primary research, such as an experiment or content analysis
synthesis of secondary research, such as a literature review
information gathered from investigative interviews
facts, statistics or other data
expert opinions
examples of past behavior

It's important to be aware that the fact you can find evidence in favor of your claim does not necessarily mean that your claim is a factual statement. There is also just as much evidence against a claim as there is evidence for them. The idea of making a claim in writing is to present a logical, fact-based argument for the claim that you are making.

Argumentative Claim Examples

Review a few examples of argumentative claims to help clarify what is a claim in writing. These examples can help you identify claims when reading works of writing, as well as provide you with inspiration when you need to write a claim statement.

College students today should focus on learning skills that will qualify them to work effectively in a virtual environment.
School uniforms help promote an inclusive educational environment for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status.
In light of the severity of recent hurricanes, living near the coast is becoming increasingly hazardous.
Yoga provides both physical and mental health benefits.
Concrete is the best building material for residential structures.
Children under the age of 12 should not be allowed to have social media profiles.
Spending more than an hour per day on housework is a waste of time.
People who get at least 10,000 steps per day are healthier than those who don't.
Eating too many carbohydrates is the primary reason some people are overweight.
Dining in restaurants is actually more economical for individuals or couples than cooking at home.

Note that the statements above are not commonly accepted facts. You may agree with some of these, but chances are that you don't agree with all of them. Each example above is a matter of opinion. If you write about any of these, you will need to back up with evidence in an effort to prove your point. Readers will decide whether or not they agree with your argument base on how effectively you make your point, as well as their own knowledge and/or opinion about the topic.

What to Include in a Claim Paragraph

An argumentative claim will generally appear in the first paragraph of a document. The claim statement is usually paired with a hook to form the introductory paragraph of an essay or other document. The hook is designed to capture reader interest so they will want to learn more, while the claim statement lets them know what point will be argued in the paper.

What Is a Counterclaim in Writing?

When someone presents an alternative argument to your claim, that is a counterclaim. Another word for a counterclaim is a rebuttal. When someone presents a counterclaim, they are making a claim of their own. It will be up to them to state their counterclaim, then seek to back it up with evidence (just as you did when making the initial claim).

claim - making an argument and backing it up with evidence
counterclaim - presenting a rebuttal to a claim and backing it up with evidence

Debates involve claims (arguments) and counterclaims (rebuttals). When people participate in a debate, they prepare arguments for their claims and deliver strong rebuttals to the claims of their opponents.

Explore Argumentation and Debate

Now that you know what a claim is in writing, consider taking a deeper dive into how this communication strategy can be used in writing and face-to-face communication. Start by exploring key ways the terms argument and debate differ . From there, investigate how examples of rhetoric can be used as a tool to persuade and motivate.

What Is a Claim in an Essay? Unpacking the Core Element with Writing Tips

Picture yourself as a captain steering your ship, a.k.a. your essay, across a wild ocean of ideas. Your secret weapon? The claim. It’s not just some fancy statement – it’s the backbone of your essay, the big point you’re itching to make and stand by.

Getting the hang of crafting a killer claim is like hitting the jackpot for any essay writer. It sets the mood, points the way, and basically makes or breaks your essay. So, let’s dive deep into what makes a claim tick.

What’s a Claim, Anyway?

Think of a claim as your essay’s thesis or main argument. It’s way more than an opinion. It’s a bold, assertive statement that lays down the foundation of your argument. Depending on your essay’s vibe, claims can come in different flavors:

Factual claims ─ The straight-up truths, like “The Earth does its dance around the Sun.”
Definitional claims ─ The “what’s what” of things, like “Genetically modified munchies can totally be called organic.”
Cause and effect claims ─ The “this led to that” stuff, like “Scrolling through Insta all day shoots up anxiety in teens.”
Value claims ─ Your judgment call, like “Free speech is the lifeblood of democracy, no question.”
Policy claims ─ The “let’s shake things up” kind, like “Making buses free could clear up city smog.”

Figuring out your type of claim is like choosing the right gear before setting off on an essay adventure.

Building a Rock-Solid Claim

A solid claim is like a good cup of coffee – clear, strong, specific, and just what you need:

Clear as day ─ It’s got to be easy to get, no beating around the bush.
Open for debate ─ A tasty claim gets people talking, not just nodding along.
Specific ─ It zeros in on your essay’s heart, with no wandering off.
Relevant ─ It’s got to jive with your essay’s main jam.

Cooking Up a Strong Claim

Crafting a top-notch claim? It’s like making a masterpiece. Start broad, then get down to the nitty-gritty:

Brainstorm central ─ Kick off by throwing ideas around. Ask questions, scribble thoughts, and play with different angles.
Idea filter ─ Sift through your thoughts, and pick the ones that have that zing of debate.
Wordplay ─ Your choice of words and tone is key. Be bold, but keep it in line with your essay’s style .
Learning by example ─ Check out strong and weak claims to see what makes or breaks them.

Rooting Your Claim with Evidence

Your claim needs roots, like a tree. That’s your evidence – the stuff that makes your claim stand up tall:

Back it up ─ Throw in facts, stats, expert say-so, and real-life tales to beef up your claim.
Keep It balanced ─ Your evidence should be like a good sidekick – supportive but not stealing the spotlight.
Counterpunch ─ Tackle the naysayers head-on. It shows you’ve done your homework and you’re not afraid of a little debate.

Claims in Different Essay Worlds

Your claim shifts gears depending on your essay type:

Analytical essays ─ Here, you’re dissecting stuff like books or historical events to dig out hidden treasures.
Argumentative essays ─ You’re taking a stand on a hot-button issue, backed by evidence that packs a punch.
Expository essays ─ You’re the explainer, shining a light on concepts, often with a “here’s the 411” vibe.

Watch Out for These Slip-Ups

Even seasoned essay sailors can hit rough waters:

Overgeneralizing ─ Steers clear of claims that are too broad. Specific is terrific.
Evidence MIA ─ Don’t leave your claims hanging without backup. That’s just asking for trouble.
Going in circles ─ Don’t use your claim to prove your claim. That’s like saying, “It’s true because I say so.”

Fine-tuning Your Claim Crafting a Claim Can Be a Trial-and-error Deal

Draft city ─ Play around with different versions. Mix and match perspectives and wording.
Revise for impact ─ Get feedback, then tweak and polish your claim until it shines.
Open ears ─ Good feedback can turn a decent claim into a showstopper. Embrace it.

The Bottom Line

A well-crafted claim is like the heart of your essay, pumping life and direction into your arguments. Getting good at building strong claims is a game-changer for essay writing. Practice, pay attention to the details, and you’ll be churning out claims that grip your readers and don’t let go. And hey, if you hit a wall, remember there’s help out there – like custom essay writing services – ready to give you a leg up. Keep at it, and you’ll be the master of claims in no time!

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What Is a Claim in Writing? [Explained + 30 Examples]

Ever wondered what gives a piece of writing its backbone? It’s the claim!

A claim is what sets the stage for your argument, providing a clear and compelling statement that you’ll back up with evidence. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about claims in writing, from the different types to how to create them step-by-step.

But first, let’s fully answer the main question, What is a claim in writing?

Here Is the Definition of a Claim in Writing:

A claim is a debatable statement that forms the core of your argument. Unlike a fact, which is indisputable, a claim requires evidence and justification. It’s the statement around which the rest of the essay or piece revolves. In essence, a claim is what you’re trying to prove to your reader.

Person writing in a notebook on a cozy desk - What Is a Claim in Writing

Table of Contents

Types of Claims

There are many different types of claims you need to know:

Example : “Climate change is caused by human activities.”
Support : Temperature records, scientific studies.
Example : “Social media negatively impacts mental health.”
Support : Psychological studies, expert opinions.
Example : “The government should implement stricter gun control laws.”
Support : Crime statistics, case studies of other countries.
Example : “Regular exercise improves mental health.”
Support : Health studies, testimonials.
Example : “Freedom of speech includes the right to criticize the government.”
Support : Legal precedents, philosophical arguments.
Example : “Electric cars are more efficient than gasoline cars.”
Support : Efficiency studies, environmental impact reports.

How to Write Effective Claims

To write effective claims, start with a clear statement, support that statement, and apply the best practices below.

Clarity and Precision

An effective claim is clear and precise. It should be specific enough to be arguable and focused enough to be manageable within the scope of your essay. Ambiguous or overly broad claims can confuse readers and weaken your argument.

Example of a weak claim : “Technology is bad.”

Example of a strong claim : “The overuse of technology in classrooms can hinder students’ social skills and critical thinking abilities.”

Debatable and Supportable

A good claim is debatable, meaning that it presents a point that some people might disagree with.

If everyone agrees with your claim, there’s no argument to be made. Additionally, your claim must be supportable with evidence. You should be able to back up your claim with facts, statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples.

Example : “Lowering the voting age to 16 would lead to more informed and engaged citizens.”

Strategies for Writing Effective Claims

Example : Instead of “Pollution is bad,” say “Air pollution in urban areas increases respiratory health issues.”
Example : “Implementing renewable energy sources will reduce carbon emissions.”
Example : For a local audience, “Banning plastic bags in our city will reduce local waterway pollution.”
Example : “School uniforms improve student discipline and focus.”
Example : “Universal healthcare will decrease overall healthcare costs.”

Supporting Your Claims

One of the most important parts of how to write a claim is to come up with good support.

You’ll want to explore the evidence, counterclaims, and rebuttals.

Types of Evidence

Supporting a claim involves providing evidence and analyzing how that evidence backs up your claim. Different types of evidence include:

Example : “According to the CDC, smoking is responsible for over 480,000 deaths per year in the U.S.”
Example : “Dr. Smith, a renowned cardiologist, states that regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease.”
Example : “My friend quit smoking and noticed significant improvements in his health within months.”
Example : “Just as a balanced diet is essential for physical health, a balanced curriculum is vital for educational success.”

Counterclaims and Rebuttals

Addressing counterclaims is crucial in strengthening your argument. Acknowledging opposing viewpoints and then refuting them shows that you have considered different perspectives and have a well-rounded understanding of the issue.

Example : “While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the maturity to vote responsibly, studies indicate that younger voters are just as capable of making informed decisions as older voters, especially when given the appropriate civic education.”

Developing the Argument

Each body paragraph should focus on a single supporting point for your claim.

Start with a topic sentence that introduces the point, followed by evidence and analysis that supports it. Include a counterclaim and rebuttal to demonstrate critical thinking and thorough understanding.

Topic Sentence : “Mental health education helps reduce stigma and promotes awareness.”
Evidence : Studies showing decreased stigma in schools with mental health programs.
Analysis : Explain how awareness leads to early intervention and better outcomes.
Counterclaim : “Some argue that discussing mental health in schools could lead to increased anxiety among students.”
Rebuttal : “However, research indicates that education reduces anxiety by providing students with coping strategies and support.”

Structuring Your Argument

People often overlook the power of structure — yet, a good structure can make or break your claim.

As a quick overview, the structure is:

Introduction
Development

Introduction of a Claim

In the introduction, present your claim clearly and concisely. It should be part of your thesis statement, which outlines the main argument of your essay.

Example : “To address the growing mental health crisis among adolescents, schools should implement mandatory mental health education, which has been shown to improve students’ well-being and academic performance.”

Summarize your main points and restate your claim in a way that underscores its importance.

Highlight the broader implications of your argument and suggest areas for further research or action.

Example : “In conclusion, mandatory mental health education in schools is a crucial step towards addressing the mental health crisis among adolescents. By reducing stigma and providing essential support, these programs can lead to a healthier, more informed student population.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve noticed patterns of mistakes when it comes to writing claims.

Avoid these common claim writing mistakes to level up your persuasive prowess.

Overly Broad Claims

Claims that are too broad can be difficult to support with evidence. Narrow your focus to a specific aspect of the issue.

Example of a broad claim : “Technology affects education.”

Revised claim : “The integration of artificial intelligence in education can enhance personalized learning experiences.”

Unsupported Claims

Claims without evidence are simply opinions. Ensure that every claim is backed up with solid evidence.

Example of an unsupported claim : “Social media is bad for teenagers.”

Supported claim : “Social media usage among teenagers is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression, according to multiple studies.”

Vague Language

Avoid vague language that can confuse readers. Be specific and clear in your assertions.

Example of vague language : “People should be healthier.”

Revised language : “Regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining physical health and preventing chronic diseases.”

Lack of Counterarguments

Ignoring counterarguments can weaken your position.

Addressing and refuting counterclaims shows that you have considered multiple perspectives.

Example : “While some argue that electric cars are too expensive, government incentives and falling battery costs are making them more affordable.”

Check out this popular and helpful video about claims in writing:

Examples of Claims in Writing

In this section, I’ve put together 100 examples of claims in writing.

Read through them and see if you can spot the different tips and techniques that we’ve covered throughout his guide.

Fact Claims

“The global population has surpassed 8 billion people.”
“Renewable energy sources are now cheaper than fossil fuels.”
“Honey never spoils and can last indefinitely.”
“The Amazon rainforest produces 20% of the world’s oxygen.”
“Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system.”
“Human brains continue to develop until the age of 25.”
“Eating too much sugar can lead to type 2 diabetes.”
“The Great Wall of China is visible from space.”
“Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.”
“More people die from car accidents than plane crashes.”

Value Claims

“A vegetarian diet is healthier than a meat-based diet.”
“Classical literature is more enriching than modern fiction.”
“Handwritten letters are more personal than emails.”
“Watching too much television is bad for children’s development.”
“Recycling is the best way to combat waste.”
“Public libraries are essential to community development.”
“High school should start later in the morning.”
“Art is a vital part of human culture.”
“Learning a second language is crucial in today’s global society.”
“Exercise is the best way to maintain mental health.”

Policy Claims

“Governments should invest more in renewable energy sources.”
“The legal drinking age should be raised to 21.”
“Schools should require students to wear uniforms.”
“The use of plastic bags should be banned worldwide.”
“Healthcare should be free for all citizens.”
“Public transportation should be expanded in urban areas.”
“Corporations should be held accountable for their carbon emissions.”
“Voting should be mandatory for all eligible citizens.”
“There should be stricter regulations on data privacy.”
“The minimum wage should be increased to reflect the cost of living.”

Definition Claims

“Success is defined by personal happiness, not wealth.”
“Freedom of speech includes the right to offend.”
“Art encompasses all forms of creative expression.”
“Patriotism means supporting your country but also criticizing it.”
“Leadership is about inspiring others, not commanding them.”
“Intelligence includes emotional awareness and interpersonal skills.”
“Justice means equality for all, regardless of background.”
“Democracy requires active participation from its citizens.”
“Innovation is the process of creating new and useful ideas.”
“Beauty is subjective and varies across cultures.”

Cause and Effect Claims

“Deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity.”
“Excessive screen time can cause eye strain and headaches.”
“A lack of exercise can lead to obesity.”
“Poor nutrition can affect cognitive development in children.”
“Climate change causes more frequent and severe weather events.”
“Social isolation can lead to mental health issues.”
“Pollution contributes to respiratory problems.”
“Lack of sleep negatively impacts academic performance.”
“Economic inequality leads to social unrest.”
“Regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases.”

Additional Fact Claims

“Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat.”
“Sharks have existed for over 400 million years.”
“The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth.”
“The human genome contains approximately 20,000-25,000 genes.”
“Electric cars have lower lifetime carbon emissions than gasoline cars.”
“Mount Everest is the tallest mountain above sea level.”
“The Earth’s atmosphere is composed of 78% nitrogen.”
“The average human body temperature is approximately 98.6°F (37°C).”
“Water is a universal solvent.”
“Venus spins in the opposite direction to most other planets.”

Additional Value Claims

“Music education should be a part of every school curriculum.”
“Reading daily improves cognitive function.”
“Volunteering is a rewarding and valuable experience.”
“Traveling broadens one’s perspective and understanding of the world.”
“Meditation is beneficial for mental and emotional well-being.”
“Healthy relationships are key to a fulfilling life.”
“Supporting local businesses strengthens communities.”
“Sustainable living is crucial for future generations.”
“Outdoor activities are essential for a healthy lifestyle.”
“Creativity is an important skill in any profession.”

Additional Policy Claims

“The government should subsidize renewable energy projects.”
“Education reform is necessary to improve public schools.”
“There should be stricter gun control laws.”
“Mental health services should be more accessible.”
“The use of fossil fuels should be heavily taxed.”
“Public parks should be preserved and maintained.”
“There should be incentives for companies to reduce their carbon footprint.”
“Urban planning should prioritize green spaces.”
“Sex education should be mandatory in schools.”
“The criminal justice system needs significant reform.”

Additional Definition Claims

“Work-life balance means prioritizing personal time as much as work.”
“Friendship is based on mutual respect and understanding.”
“Success in life is achieving one’s personal goals and happiness.”
“Innovation is the application of better solutions to meet new requirements.”
“Equality means providing the same opportunities for all individuals.”
“A hero is someone who acts selflessly for the benefit of others.”
“Integrity is adhering to moral and ethical principles.”
“Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas.”
“Education is the process of facilitating learning and acquisition of knowledge.”
“Respect means acknowledging the worth and dignity of others.”

Additional Cause and Effect Claims

“Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease.”
“Lack of parental involvement can affect a child’s academic performance.”
“Air pollution contributes to global warming.”
“Regular exercise improves mental health.”
“Stress can lead to high blood pressure.”
“Deforestation can cause soil erosion.”
“Smoking during pregnancy can harm fetal development.”
“High sugar intake can lead to cavities.”
“Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss.”
“Inadequate sleep can impair immune function.”

Final Thoughts: What Is a Claim in Writing?

Writing a strong claim is like laying the foundation for a great argument. It’s the starting point that guides your entire piece.

Remember, a good claim is clear, specific, and backed by solid evidence. Don’t be afraid to take a stance and make your argument compelling. Happy writing, and may your claims always be strong and persuasive!

How to Write an Effective Claim (with Examples)

Formulating a claim for your essay can be difficult even if you are already a masterful debater — especially if you are not quite sure what a claim is, and how it may differ from a counterclaim or thesis statement. This guide will make it easy to decide on your claim!

Essay Claim Basics

In essay writing, a claim can most succinctly be defined as "a debatable statement" — which the writer then defends with supporting evidence and rhetoric. It is easy to confuse a claim and a thesis statement, because the thesis is indeed a type of claim as well. Essays can contain further claims that orbit the topic of the thesis statement, however.

Claims straddle the line between opinion and fact. If you're hoping to make a strong claim that seamlessly fits into a powerful essay, you will need to make sure that your claim ticks the right boxes:

Your claim can debated — solid arguments can be made both in favor and against. Therefore, statements such as "I live in Queens" or "Joe Biden is the President" are not claims. In an argumentative essay, "the death penalty should be abolished" is an example of a claim. Even scientific papers make claims, such as "Keyboards contain more germs than toilet seats", which can be tested. These are called hypotheses.
You will state your claim as a matter of fact. "Many people oppose the death penalty, and with good reason" is not a good claim, but "the death penalty is no longer an appropriate punishment in modern America" can be.
Your claim is sufficiently specific to allow you to explore all aspects that you intend to tackle. "The Victorian era was Britain's darkest era" give you more bite than you can comfortably chew. "Fast food should be taxed to reduce obesity rates" is more specific.

Types of Claim (With Examples!)

Claims are debatable statements, but there are numerous different types. If you have specifically been asked to present a claim in an essay, you may be able to choose what kind of claim you would like to work with.

1. Claim of Fact or Definition

In research essays, a claim of fact or definition is one that defines a fact, as you see it, and proceeds to lay out the evidence in favor of the claim. Here are some examples to show you how it works:

Plant species are becoming extinct at a faster rate than animal species, yet the plight of plants has been overlooked.
Amazon's Alexa has revolutionized many people's daily lives — but this appliance also makes us vulnerable to new forms of hacking.
Commercial air travel transformed the way in which we do business.

2. Claim of Cause & Effect

In a claim of cause and effect, you argue that one thing causes another, such as:

Internet gaming has a widespread negative effect on students' grades.
Lax enforcement of preventative measures against Covid has enabled the pandemic to continue for much longer than it need have.
Playing jigsaw puzzles leads to novel cognitive connections that help senior citizens stay sharp.

3. Claim of Value

Claims of value are more heavily opinion-based than other types of claims. If you are making a claim of value, you will usually want to compare two things. For example:

George W Bush was a better President than George W H Bush.
Emotional health is just as important as physical health.
Stephen King is the best horror writer of al time.

4. Claim of Solution or Policy

Claims of solution or policy state a position on a proposed course of action. In high school and college essays, they typically focus on something that should be done, or something that should no longer be done. Examples might include:

Depressed patients should always be offered talk therapy before they receive a prescription for antidepressants.
The United States should not accept refugees from Afghanistan.
First-time offenders should be given lighter sentences.

Claim vs. Counterclaim vs. Thesis Statement

If you've been told to make an essay claim, you may be confused about the differences between a claim, counterclaim, and thesis statement. That's understandable, because some people believe that there's no difference between a claim and a thesis statement.

There are important distinctions between these three concepts, however, and if you want to write a killer essay, it's important to be aware of them:

A thesis statement is the very foundation of your essay — everything else rests on it. The thesis statement should contain no more than one or two sentences, and summarize the heart of your argument. "Regular exercise has consistently been shown to increase productivity in the workplace. Therefore, employers should offer office workers, who would otherwise be largely sedentary, opportunities to work out."
A claim is a statement you can defend with arguments and evidence. A thesis statement is a type of claim, but you'll want to include other claims that fit neatly into the subject matter as well. For instance, "Employers should establish gyms for employees."
A counterclaim is a statement that contradicts, refutes, or opposes a claim. Why would you want to argue against yourself? You can do so to show that arguments that oppose the claim are weak. For instance, "Many employers would balk at the idea of facilitating costly exercise classes or providing a gym space — employees can work out in their own time, after all. Why should the boss pay for workers to engage in recreational activities at work? Recent studies have shown, however, that workplaces that have incorporated aerobics classes enjoy 120% increase in productivity, showing that this step serves the bottom line."

Together, a thesis statement, claims, and some well-placed counterclaims make up the threads of your story, leading to a coherent essay that is interesting to read.

How to Write an Effective Claim

Now that you've seen some examples, you are well on your way to writing an effective claim for your essay. Need some extra tips? We've got you covered.

First things first — how do you start a claim in an essay? Your claim sentence or sentences should be written in the active voice, starting with the subject, so that your readers can immediately understand what you are talking about.

They'll be formulated as an "[Subject] should be [proposed action], because [argument]. You can stay with this general structure while making different word choices, however, such as:

It is about time that
We have an obligation to
Is the only logical choice
It is imperative that

Once you have formulated a claim, you will want to see if you can hook your readers with an interesting or provocative statement that can really get them thinking. You will want to break your argument down into sections. This will lead you to sub-claims. If your claim is your main argument, your sub-claims are smaller arguments that work to support it. They will typically appear naturally once you contemplate the subject deeply — just brainstorm, and as you research, keep considering why your claim is true. The reasons you come up with will sprout sub-claims.

Still not sure what to write? Take a look at these examples of strong claim statements:

A lack of work experience has proven to be the main barrier to finding satisfying employment, so businesses should be incentivized to hire recent graduates.
The rise in uncertified "emotional support animals" directly causes suffering for people suffering from severe pet dander allergies. Such pets must be outlawed in public places to alleviate the very real harm allergy patients now experience on a daily basis.
Emerging private space exploration ventures may be exciting, but they greatly increase CO2 emissions. At a time when the planet is in crisis, private space exploration should be banned.

Additional Tips in Writing a Claim the Right Way

You now know what you need to include in a claim paragraph to leave a strong impression. Understanding what not to do is equally important, however.

Take a stand — if you're writing an argumentative essay, it is perfectly OK to take a controversial opinion, and no matter what you write, it is bound to have the potential to offend someone . Don't sit on the fence. Even when you're defending a position you disagree with, embrace it wholeheartedly.
Narrow your claim down. The more specific you can get, the more compelling your argument can be, and the more depth you can add to each aspect of your argument.
Have fun! You want your essay to be interesting to read, and any genuine passion you have will be apparent.
Choose the right subject — one about which you can find a lot of data and facts.

What should you avoid in writing a claim, you wonder? Don't:

Use any first-person statements. The claim is about your ideas, not about you.
Base your claim on emotional appeal. You can work some pathos in, but don't make feelings your center.
Clutter your claim with too many separate ideas, which will make the rest of your essay harder to read, less powerful, and unwieldy for you to develop.

How do you use a claim?

When you're writing your essay, you can think of the thesis statement as the spine. The claims you make are, then, your "ribs", so to speak. If you prefer a different analogy, the thesis is your trunk, and the claims branches. You use them to build a strong final product that shows you have considered all aspects of your argument, and can back them up with evidence and logic.

What is a good way to start a claim?

You can start with a shocking fact, objective data from a reliable source, or even an anecdote — or, if you prefer, you can simply offer your argument without bells and whistles.

Can a claim be in a paragraph or is it a single sentence only?

Claims are almost always limited to a single sentence. It can be a long compound sentence, though! The claim does not have to remain all alone in the paragraph. You can immediately surround it with rhetorical punches or further facts.

What are some examples of argumentative claims?

So, you want to learn to argue like a pro? Watching speeches politicians make is a great way to look out for claims, and court transcripts and academic debates are two other places you can look for great argumentative claims.

Is there a claim generator you can use?

Yes! Some claim generators are free to use, while others require a subscription. These tools can be interesting to play with, and can serve as inspiration. However, it's always best to tweak your final claim to fit your needs.

Bone of Contention - Meaning, Usage and Origin
I Beg to Differ - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Chewing the Fat - Meaning, Usage and Origin
All that Glitters is Not Gold - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Ginning Up - Meaning, Usage and Origin
Chime In - Meaning, Origin and Usage

How to Write an Effective Claim for an Essay

Often, people use claim statements and thesis statements interchangeably. And they are not wrong because a thesis statement is a type of a claim. In most cases, essays contain further claims other than the thesis statement, depending on the topic in question. Nevertheless, claims overlap the line between fact and opinion. A strong claim leads to a powerful essay that always scores the best marks.

A good claim is debatable either for or against and must be sufficiently specific so that you explore all the aspects and angles of a given topic.

Yet even with this knowledge, people find themselves confused when asked to formulate a claim for an essay. Failure to structure an argument the right way makes it difficult to persuade an audience. Claims help structure your argument using reasoning and evidence to support your stance.

Given the confusion that sometimes surrounds claims and claim statements, we have put together this guide to take you through the process of writing claims in five steps, using examples and illustrations where necessary for you to master the art of writing claims in an essay.

What is a claim in an essay?

A claim statement is the main point or a debatable statement in the essay that asserts your argument . When you write an essay, you do it to convince or inform the reader about something. What you are trying to convince the reader about is what is referred to as a claim.

The main point or argument in an essay is its most important part. This is because it quickly informs the reader about the objective of the essay, its direction, and its scope.

It is important to note that an opinion is not a claim and cannot be used as the main argument when writing an essay. The easiest way to know if your essay's main argument is a good claim is to ask yourself if it is specific, focused, detailed, relevant, and debatable. If your answer to these questions is yes, you most probably have a good claim.

A claim is usually substantiated with evidence, research, testimony, and academic reasoning. It addresses the -so what?- question the implications of why your audience should care anyway. Unlike a subjective opinion, a claim is always objective.

In a nutshell, a claim:

Refers to the main argument of an essay
Defines the goals, scope, and direction of a paper
It is supported by facts, evidence, argumentation, statistics, telling details, and quotations.
It is specific, nuanced, detailed, complex, and focused.
It is the starting point for your thesis and allows readers to think critically about the topic.
Persuades, argues, and proves a point to the reader.

Types of claims with examples

With the definition of claims in mind, let's explore the different types of claims you can use when writing a paper on any topic.

1. Factual claims

Factual claims are arguments or statements that state facts. Any statement that is a fact is a factual claim. Factual claims are usually easy to support with evidence.

When writing a research essay, a claim of fact or definition defines the fact as you see it and provides evidence to back the claim.

Examples of factual claims that are easy to support:

The United States is the world's biggest economy.
New York is the home of the United Nations.
Donald Trump was the 45 th President of the USA.
The invention of computing technology has transformed every sector of the global economy.

2. Value claims

Value claims or claims of value are arguments that include a judgment. They are primarily opinion-based. A typical value claim will judge something or someone using terms such as good/bad, right/wrong, moral/immoral, and fair/unfair. A value claim is usually followed by explaining the value claim or argument to provide context.

Examples of value claims:

Online dating is
It is right for the West to sanction private individuals for Russian government actions.
It is unfair for some businesses to be exempted from tax.
Emotional health is as important as physical and mental health.

3. Definitional claims

Definitional claims are arguments defining something as one thing or the other. For example, a good value claim will define or describe something or someone as a particular thing and then provide an explanation why.

An excellent example of a definitional claim:

Hunting is not a sport because it does not include regular competition.

4. Cause and effect claims

Cause and effect claims are arguments that are very logical in structure. A typical cause-and-effect claim argues that one thing causes something else. For a cause-and-effect claim to be successfully proven, you must show clearly how the cause leads to the effect.

An excellent example of a cause-and-effect claim:

Wars in the Middle East caused Europe's biggest refugee crisis.

5. Descriptive claims

Descriptive claims are arguments that describe or state things. The work of proving a descriptive claim is usually quite simple and straightforward.

Here are good examples of descriptive claims:

Peter weighs 220 pounds.
He is the world marathon record holder.
The house has three master en suite bedrooms.

6. Argumentative claims

All argumentative essays have an argumentative claim at the core. An argumentative claim is an argument that is clear, focused, specific, and debatable. The thing that makes argumentative claims argumentative is the fact that they are debatable. In other words, the claims usually have two clear sides. The side you have picked should be clear in the claim so the audience can read your essay to understand why you picked that side.

Here are good examples of argumentative claims:

In light of reduced and erratic rainfalls, farmers in East Africa are increasingly abandoning agriculture for city life.
Running provides both mental and physical health benefits.
Increasing cases of cyberbullying can be prevented by banning anonymous social media accounts.
Yoga improves physical, mental, and emotional strength.
School uniforms help promote inclusive environments where students can interact without barriers.
College students should learn new languages and skills to help them gain skills to take them through life.
Concrete is by far the best building material for commercial houses.
Owning a home is better compared to renting.
Children under 12 should not be posted on social media by their parents.
Generation Z should be taught about financial literacy.
Cooking at home is healthier and cheaper compared to fast food.

7. Exploratory claims

Exploratory claims are very different from argumentative claims. The reason why is that they are written to explore all the different opinions or sides of a debate. No exploratory claim will focus on one position.

A typical exploratory claim will include information about the subject to be written about, the different positions or debates about the subject, and the writer's thoughts about the subject.

Here is an example of an exploratory claim:

Marijuana was recently legalized for recreational use in New York, leading to a heated debate online on the benefits and drawbacks of the drug. It is essential to look at both sides of the debate to make a fair conclusion on the matter.

8. Assertive claims

Assertive claims are strong arguments or statements. The use of an assertive statement is to explain the thesis a bit or show the importance of the thesis. Without an assertive claim, it becomes challenging to hook the reader to try and read the rest of your essay.

Here is an excellent example of an assertive claim:

Online driving courses are not as good as physical ones because they minimize hands-on or one-on-one training experience.

9. Policy claims

Policy claims are also known as solution claims. A characteristic policy claim will state a problem and then its solution.

Examples of policy claims:

Western European countries are over-dependent on Russian oil and gas and, therefore, should try to be more energy-independent.
Non-violent drug users who are caught should be rehabilitated instead of being incarcerated.

Where to use Claims when writing

As we have already discussed, academic writing has different types of claims. You can use these claims when writing different kinds of papers. Here are some types of writing that use claims:

Argumentative essay. Claims in argumentative essays are used to support the central argument or the thesis. In this type of essay, you must focus on a controversial or debatable issue and present evidence to support your thesis statement. Your claims help to fortify the thesis in your argumentative essay.
Literary analysis essays. In a literary analysis essay, you can make a claim about the literary work in question and then offer evidence to support the claim.
Persuasive essays. Like the argumentative essay, you can use a claim in a persuasive essay. In this case, you will use evidence-based information to support your claim.
Research papers. You can use evidence to support or refute the hypothesis, a type of claim.
Persuasive speeches. Although presented orally, persuasive speeches entail providing claims and then using evidence to support the claims.
Persuasive memos. You can write a persuasive memo to convince the audience about a claim you support with evidence.
Compare and contrast essays . You can use claims when comparing two items or subjects.

You can also use claims when writing professional papers such as reports, letters, memos, or social media posts.

Related Article: Writing good analytical essays for better grades.

Features of a reasonable claim

Below are the features of a good claim:

1. A good claim is a statement and not a question

A good claim is usually a statement and not a question. The purpose of making a claim is to present a debate and the writer's position on the debate. Using a question, there is no way to present a debate and clarify your position.

2. A good claim challenges the status quo

The purpose of writing essays is to improve the existing body of knowledge. Simply writing another essay supporting the current beliefs, behaviors, rules, or policies does not enhance the body of knowledge. This is why it is vital to make your claim challenge the status quo so that you can write about something new that everyone doesn't already agree with.

An excellent example of a claim that challenges that status quo is that "The United States should shut down all its nuclear power plants in the next year to eliminate the chance of a disaster happening."

This statement challenges the status quo: nuclear power plants are needed in the USA for the foreseeable future to provide much-needed power.

3. A good claim is unbiased

Claims should always be put to provide an opportunity to defend or support either position. Phrasing a claim in a way that leaves no room for the audience to think that an alternative position can exist is not right. It removes objectivity and makes a claim look biased and unwise.

4. A good claim is particular

Broad claims do not provide any insight. This is because they are easy to agree with. They are also easy to prove. In contrast, specific claims narrow the focus and improve argumentation. So, to write a good essay, it is vital to make your claim specific and detailed so that whatever you write is focused and provides good insight.

5. A good claim promotes an argumentative essay

Make a claim that is easy to agree with. Your essay will not be engaging because it will be a description or a story. In contrast, you create an argumentative environment when you make a claim supporting one of two sides. In other words, you create a situation where you provide evidence to support or defend the side of the argument you have picked.

Claim vs. Claim Statement

A claim is an argument. When writing an academic paper (essay, speech, or research), you will have your main claim (main argument). In addition, you will have your sub-claims or supporting arguments throughout your paper or essay.

An essay's central claim or argument is the claim statement. It is also referred to as the thesis statement. In brief, the main difference between a claim and a claim statement is that the former is just an argument while the latter is the main argument.

The requirements for writing a claim and a claim statement are very similar. However, sub-claims or supporting arguments in the body paragraphs do not need to be debatable. In contrast, a good claim statement should always be detailed and debatable.

Claim vs. Thesis Statement vs. Counterclaim

Claim	Thesis Statement	Counterclaim
The main argument for a paragraph. It is sometimes the topic sentence of the paragraph that announces the focus of a paragraph.	The main argument for the essay	An argument that negates, refutes, or contradicts the main argument in a paragraph
Every claim should support the thesis	Everything should support the thesis statement	The counterclaim should come after the claim in an argumentative essay
Every claim should be clear and specific	The should be detailed and focused	The counterclaim should focus on the claim, and its weaknesses should be addressed
An essay can have multiple claims	An essay can only have one claim	Every claim in an argumentative essay can have a counterclaim

Steps to writing the best claim in an essay

A claim is an argument. It is pretty easy to write an argument in an essay. The most straightforward essay will include the main claim or argument in the introduction , a supporting argument beginning each body paragraph, and a conclusion.

The most important part when writing an essay is usually the main claim or argument. It is also referred to as the claim statement. A good claim statement will help you to write a good essay. A lousy claim statement will make it challenging to write a good essay.

Follow the steps below to learn how to write a good claim statement.

1. Pick a topic and find out more information about it

The first thing you need to do when writing a claim statement is to pick a topic. Even if you can choose any topic, select one that interests you and can research and write an entire essay.

Once you choose the topic, find out more information about it. This will help you narrow the topic, find something interesting to write about, and make arguments. You also develop many aspects of the topic and choose one to help you write your claim.

As an example, suppose you are writing about climate change. Then, you can focus on global warming as a subject and present why it is a top cause of climate change.

2. Phrase the exciting topic as a question

Once you find something interesting about a topic, you should frame the topic as a question. As you frame the question, ensure you answer it with your thesis.

The easiest way to write a question is to imagine you are a professor asking your students to write an easy essay on the topic. This will help you to phrase the topic as a question quickly. The question will help you to come up with the claim statement and to write a good essay.

For example, suppose your research on a topic leads you to want to write about the harmful effects of Instagram on teenage girls. In that case, you could phrase this topic as a question. For example, one way you can phrase this topic as a question is, "What are the harmful effects of Instagram on teenage girls?"

Phrasing the topic this way makes it easy to write the claim and thesis statements.

3. Define the objective of your essay

To write a good essay, you need to set the objective. The objective of your essay will determine what type of claim statement you write. For example, suppose your objective is to convince the audience that something is good or bad. In that case, you must decide after phrasing your essay topic as a question.

4. Take a position on the issue

After deciding your essay's objective, you need to take a position on the topic now. This position or claim will be your essay's main claim or claim statement. In addition, it will inform what your supporting arguments will be.

At this stage, you should rephrase your question into a claim statement (the question you constructed in step 2). Our example question was, "What are the harmful effects of Instagram on teenage girls?"

To rephrase this question into a claim statement, state how you would answer it in detail. For example, one way you could do this is, "This paper looks at the harmful effects of Instagram on girls under 18 years of age in the USA."

This statement makes it clear what your essay will be all about. It is focused, detailed, and debatable.

5. Develop sub-claims

After creating the claim statement, you need to write an outline to help you write your essay. Your claim statement will inform the outline.

And the most critical parts of the outline will be the sub-claims. The sub-claims are the supporting arguments you will use in your essay. They are the arguments that support your main argument.

If you are writing a typical 5-paragraph essay with an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion " the three body paragraphs will include a sub-claim at the beginning. The sub-claim will be an argument that supports your main position.

Following the five steps above, you can quickly develop a good essay with all the necessary claims and sub-claims. If, for any reason, you feel like it will be challenging for you to develop a good claim statement and sub-claims, contact us for help with your essay. We have professional essay tutors ready to help you write any essay before you hit the deadline.

Dos and don'ts when writing A claim in an Essay

You now know everything important about claims. You know all the major types of claims and how to write an eye-catching claim statement. In this section, you will learn all the critical dos and don'ts when writing any kind of claim.

Choose a good topic. It is important to choose a good topic if you are permitted to. A good topic is interesting, has lots of facts and data, and is easy to take a stand on.
Have fun. If essays are stressing you up, maybe you should re-evaluate your major or minor. Whatever topic you choose, you should have fun learning more about it and taking a stand. If you do this, your genuine passion will be evident to the reader.
Take a position. It is important to take a position when writing about a topic. Writing about something without supporting or defending a position will not help you. You need to embrace a position and stick to it.
Narrow your focus. It is crucial to narrow the focus of your writing to a particular thing or group. If your claim is too broad, it will not be compelling, and your essay won't be very informative.
Avoid using first-person when writing a claim statement. Using the first-person perspective will make your argument subjective and not very objective.
Avoid using emotional appeal. When writing, ensure that you appeal to facts and data. So don't appeal to emotions; that will water down your arguments.
Lose focus. Cluttering your claim with other ideas will make it challenging to support. It will also make your writing less understandable and less robust.

Final Remarks

Consider a claim as the branches and the thesis statement as the trunk that holds your paper together. It can be a compound or short sentence that asserts your position on an issue or topic.

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What is a claim?

A claim is a statement that presents an idea or series of ideas as arguments. Arguments therefore consist of claims, or another way to put it is, to say that claims are the building blocks of a good argument.

In research writing, claims will be the backbone that form a thesis or a hypothesis (here the term ‘hypothesis’ refers to the argument that is evidenced within the scope of the work).

According to Heady (2013) “Claims are the points you want to prove, interpretations you want to offer, and assertions you want to make” (p. 74). Importantly, in academia claims are statements that can be supported by evidence.

‘Traditional classroom teaching is boring’

For example, claiming that traditional classroom teaching is boring is not a good claim because it lacks definition (what does ‘traditional classroom teaching’ actually mean? and how do we measure ‘boring’)? It may also be a ‘sweeping statement’ (meaning it’s far too general in scope). However, claiming that “traditional teaching methods, like didactic instruction, do not provide sufficient interaction with students and lead to poor learning outcomes” is a good argumentative claim, because it can be investigated and measured.

Characteristics of a good claim

In order to make effective claims it is important to understand the difference between statements and sentences. While a statement is also a sentence (in that it is a grammatical unit with subject, verb, object clause), not all sentences are statements (in other words, not all sentences consist of a stance or a position).

The following provides examples of the difference between sentences and statements. The statements present a stance or position about the topic under discussion. This is important to understand as all claims must consist of a stance towards the topic.

sentences	statements
Bulldogs are a common breed of dog. They originated in the British isles.	Bulldogs are a dangerous breed and should be regulated.
Fat is one of three macronutrients. The others being carbohydrate and protein.	Fat has been misrepresented as a leading cause of heart disease. New research challenges this finding.

Function of claims

The function of claims in academic writing is to provoke, analyse, or interpret rather than merely describe or present facts. They can do this by affirming, acknowledging, confirming, or refuting the proposition being made. In this way, claims do the job of building an overall argument or thesis in a piece of work (i.e. each claim progresses the key argument). It is for this reason that claims will appear in topic sentences, thesis statements, introductory and concluding sentences/paragraphs.

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Research and Writing Skills for Academic and Graduate Researchers Copyright © 2022 by RMIT University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

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When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

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An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

Make a claim
Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
Cite data to support your claim
Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
Highlight the problems with this position
Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

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What is a Claim in Writing? Statement vs. Claim Examples

What is a claim in writing? When it comes to writing , you might have heard the word claim bouncing around. Sometimes you’ll hear it being said next to evidence or statement and you might be a little unsure as to what the differences are between them. Don’t worry, they’re easy to wrap your head around with a little guidance and we’ll talk you through it to help you figure it out.

What Is A Claim In Writing?

The easiest way to explain a claim is to say that you are putting your point across (basically the aim of what you’re writing in the first place). It is a way to present the main idea of your initial point and forming it in a way that makes it sound like an argument. A claim is always an opinionated statement in whatever form of writing you’re doing, there isn’t always a fact behind it.

Statement Vs. Claim Examples

It can be confusing to know the difference between a statement and a claim straight away without a bit of aid. We’ve included an example of each to hopefully help you through it.

Statement: “ The price of gold has gone up lately .” This is a statement because you’re stating a fact about the gold price.

Claim: “ The price of gold will increase once the economy bounces back .” This is a claim because it’s based on an opinion (even if it’s a well-educated opinion). There can be no real way of knowing this claim is true until it happens.

Types of Writing that Use Claims

It helps when you’re asking the question of what is a claim in writing to know what types of writing actually need to use claims at all. More often than not you’ll find most claims are used in academic writing and usually always when a point is needed to be put across by the writer for the sake of the reader.

Types of writing that might use claims include essays set with a specific goal or thesis in mind, dissertations that set out to prove something, or scientific papers that require a good claim to be built up from. More often than not, you’ll find that most assignments set at schools and colleges will need some kind of a claim to be made very early on for them to be graded acceptably.

What Is Evidence in Writing?

Evidence is another type of statement that is fairly similar to what we’ve already talked about but is a lot more rooted in fact. Whereas a claim is very opinion-based and a statement just says something is the case, evidence is used to actually prove that a statement (or a claim is true). Evidence requires some research to do it successfully, as you’ll often need to source the facts from a site to prove that they are correct.

It is easy enough to turn a claim into evidence if you have the right information to back it up. Say you take the statement about gold price earlier and change it to this:

“ The price of gold has increased by $30 in the last 7 days, according to this website .” If you quote the website and the exact figures, you are now supporting your original statement with evidence, which turns it into a more factual statement.

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What Is a Claim in an Essay? Definition and Examples
A claim is the core argument defining an essay’s goal and direction. Learn how to write a claim, with all the details on structuring it and examples of using it in papers.
What Is a Claim in Writing? Examples of Argumentative ...
A claim is a debatable statement that you argue in writing with evidence. Learn what is a claim in writing, how to write a claim statement, and see examples of different types of claims.
What Is a Claim in an Essay? Unpacking the Core Element with ...
A well-crafted claim is like the heart of your essay, pumping life and direction into your arguments. We will unpack the core element with writing tips!
What Is a Claim in Writing? [Explained + 30 Examples]
A claim is what sets the stage for your argument, providing a clear and compelling statement that you’ll back up with evidence. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about claims in writing, from the different types to how to create them step-by-step.
How to Write an Effective Claim (with Examples)
Essay Claim Basics. In essay writing, a claim can most succinctly be defined as "a debatable statement" — which the writer then defends with supporting evidence and rhetoric. It is easy to confuse a claim and a thesis statement, because the thesis is indeed a type of claim as well.
Claim Statements: Guide, examples, and tips to write effectively
A claim is the main point or argument of an essay that asserts your position and is supported by evidence. Learn the definition, types, and examples of claims in this guide.
What is a claim? – Research and Writing Skills for Academic ...
A claim is a statement that presents an idea or series of ideas as arguments that can be supported by evidence. Learn the definition, characteristics, and function of claims in academic writing, and see examples of good and bad claims.
Parts of an Argumentative Essay | Claim, Counterclaim ...
The 4 parts of an argumentative essay are the claim, counterclaim, reasoning, and evidence. The claim is the author's argument that they are attempting to prove in the...
How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips - Scribbr
An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.
What is a Claim in Writing? Statement vs. Claim Examples
A claim is always an opinionated statement in whatever form of writing you’re doing, there isn’t always a fact behind it. Statement Vs. Claim Examples. It can be confusing to know the difference between a statement and a claim straight away without a bit of aid. We’ve included an example of each to hopefully help you through it.

What Is a Claim in an Essay? Read This Before Writing

What Is a Claim in Writing?

Claims vs. statements vs. opinions

Where to use claims

How to Write a Claim in Essays

Types of claims in an essay (2)

Writing a claim: Details to consider

Examples of Claims

Final Words

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What Is a Claim in Writing? [Explained + 30 Examples]

Here Is the Definition of a Claim in Writing:

Types of Claims

How to Write Effective Claims

Clarity and Precision

Debatable and Supportable

Strategies for Writing Effective Claims

Supporting Your Claims

Types of Evidence

Counterclaims and Rebuttals

Developing the Argument

Structuring Your Argument

Introduction of a Claim

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overly Broad Claims

Unsupported Claims

Vague Language

Lack of Counterarguments

Examples of Claims in Writing

Fact Claims

Value Claims

Policy Claims

Definition Claims

Cause and Effect Claims

Additional Fact Claims

Additional Value Claims

Additional Policy Claims

Additional Definition Claims

Additional Cause and Effect Claims

Final Thoughts: What Is a Claim in Writing?

How to Write an Effective Claim (with Examples)

Essay Claim Basics

Types of Claim (With Examples!)

1. Claim of Fact or Definition

2. Claim of Cause & Effect

3. Claim of Value

4. Claim of Solution or Policy

Claim vs. Counterclaim vs. Thesis Statement

How to Write an Effective Claim

Additional Tips in Writing a Claim the Right Way

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