Claims

A conclusion that is drawn from evidenceEvidence (news articles, statistics, studies,

surveys, expert opinion, etc.) therefore, the claim must be true

Example:Sauron, orcs, and ringwraiths are

characterized as evil in Tolkien’s works therefore, a good versus evil plot

device results in one-dimensional characterization

Main claim = thesis statementThe overall argument you wish to proveAnswers questions such as:

So what’s your point?Where do you stand on the issue?

Located at the end of the introduction

Claims that support the main claim/thesis statementAnswers questions such as:

How does this prove the thesis statement is correct?

How does the evidence support the thesis statement?

How does this relate to the thesis statement?Located within the body of the essay

Sam Harris’ “Science Can Answer Moral Questions”Main claim/thesis statement

“[T]he separation between science and human values is an illusion.”

Sub-claim example #1“Values are a certain kind of fact. They are facts about

the well-being of conscious creatures.”Examples: We don’t feel compassion for rocks. We’re

more concerned about primates than about insects.Sub-claim example #2

“Whenever we are talking about facts, certain opinions must be excluded.”Examples: Edward Witten and string theory. Dalai Lama

vs. Ted Bundy.

When analyzing another’s argument, look for the author’s main claim and sub-claimsDo you agree with the main claim?Does the evidence support the sub-claims? Why or why not? Discuss in your essay.

Harris, Sam. “Science Can Answer Moral Questions.”

TED, 11 Feb 2010, Long Beach Performing Arts

Center, Long Beach, CA, USA. Conference Presentation.