Writing a Quality Claim

Formula for Claim

Claim= Subject + Opinion

Before you write your claim…

Start with a research question, such as “Should we have greater gun control in America?”

Consider both sides of the issue, and try to be unbiased as you consider

Form an opinion and state it clearly. Do not be wishy-washy.

Now for the QUALITY part…Turn your claim into a SUPER claim!

A Claim Should NEVER …

NEVER include the words “I think”, “In my opinion”, or “I believe”

NEVER include qualifier words such as “maybe”, “might”, “perhaps”, or “probably”

A Claim should ALWAYS…

Be a declarative sentence – not a question

Be short and simple – no longer than one sentence

Be limited to one main ideaState your side, not just the issueAvoid biased language

Examples…

Bad Claim In a world full of success gurus and books

about success, it becomes ever so more important to delineate the one trait that ultimately determines success: doing the right things consistently.Better Version

Success is a result of doing the right things consistently.

KEEP IT SIMPLE AND TO THE POINT

More Examples…

Bad Claim The key to successful dieting is

focusing on a specific goal, which is also the key to successfully running a business and coaching a football team.Better Version

The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific goal.

STICK TO ONLY ONE MAIN IDEA

Even More Examples…

Bad Claim Does Derrick Rose‘s ability to score, pass,

and rebound make him the league's most valuable player?Better Version

Derrick Rose‘s ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable player.

A CLAIM IS A DECLARATIVE SENTENCE

And Another…

Bad Claim Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and

rebound just might make him the league's most valuable player.

Better VersionLebron James' ability to score, pass, and

rebound make him the league's most valuable player.

DON’T USE QUALIFYING WORDS

Still more…

Bad Claim This paper will examine the issue of gun

control in America.Better Version

America needs tougher gun control laws.

STATE YOUR POSITION, NOT JUST THE ISSUE

We’re not done yet…

Bad Claim Clueless lawmakers need to stop messing

with Americans’ God-given right to protect themselves from the evil in the world.

Better VersionGun control laws violate America’s Bill of Rights.

AVOID BIASED LANGUAGE

Almost done!

Bad Claim In my opinion, America needs tougher

gun control laws.Better Version

America needs tougher gun control laws.

Never include “I” or “my” in your thesis