how to write a claim in an essay

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 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!

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

Understanding Claims in Writing and How to Craft Effective Ones

Last Updated on July 7, 2023 by Nathaniel Tower

In the realm of academic and persuasive writing, a claim holds significant importance. A claim serves as the central assertion or argument made by a writer to support their position or viewpoint. It is the backbone of an essay or any piece of writing, providing a clear focus and direction for the reader. Crafting a strong claim requires careful thought, analysis, and supporting evidence. In this article, we will delve into the concept of claims in writing and explore effective strategies for constructing compelling and persuasive claims.

What is a Claim?

A claim is a declarative statement that expresses the writer’s position or viewpoint on a particular subject. It is often referred to as a thesis statement or central argument. A well-crafted claim should be concise, specific, and debatable. It presents an opinion or interpretation that can be supported or challenged through logical reasoning and evidence.

Claims can take various forms, including factual claims that present verifiable information, value claims that express opinions about what is good or bad, and policy claims that propose specific courses of action. Regardless of the type, a claim should be formulated in a way that engages the reader and compels them to consider the writer’s perspective.

How to Write an Effective Claim

Revise and Refine : Once you have drafted your claim, review and revise it to ensure clarity and effectiveness. Check for any logical fallacies, inconsistencies, or weak points in your argument. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to gain different perspectives and improve your claim.

What is a counterclaim in writing?

In writing, a counterclaim refers to a rebuttal or opposing argument presented by the writer to challenge or refute the main claim or thesis statement. It serves as a counterargument that acknowledges the opposing viewpoint and attempts to undermine its credibility or validity. A counterclaim adds depth and complexity to an argument by considering different perspectives and engaging in a more comprehensive analysis of the topic.

When constructing a counterclaim, it is essential to present a strong and logical argument that challenges the original claim. This entails conducting thorough research, gathering evidence, and providing convincing reasoning to support the counterargument. By doing so, the writer demonstrates their ability to critically evaluate multiple viewpoints and engage in a balanced discussion.

A well-crafted counterclaim should address the opposing side’s key points, highlight any weaknesses or fallacies in their argument, and provide a compelling alternative perspective. It is crucial to maintain a respectful tone and avoid personal attacks or derogatory language while presenting the counterclaim. Instead, focus on presenting a coherent and evidence-based argument that can effectively challenge the original claim.

In addition to presenting the counterclaim, it is essential to refute the opposing viewpoint by offering counter-evidence or providing a different interpretation of the existing evidence. This helps strengthen the writer’s position and credibility by demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the topic and a willingness to engage with alternative perspectives.

By including a counterclaim in their writing, the author not only acknowledges the complexity of the issue but also shows a commitment to intellectual rigor and fairness. It encourages readers to consider multiple viewpoints, critically evaluate arguments, and arrive at a well-informed conclusion. In academic writing, including counterclaims demonstrates the writer’s ability to engage in scholarly discourse and contributes to the overall quality and credibility of the work.

Conclusion

Crafting a strong claim is essential for writing compelling and persuasive pieces. A well-constructed claim provides a clear focus and direction, engages the reader, and supports the writer’s position or viewpoint. By understanding the purpose of your writing, conducting thorough research, formulating a clear claim, providing evidence, and considering counterarguments, you can create a robust claim that strengthens your overall argument. Remember to revise and refine your claim to ensure its effectiveness. With a well-crafted claim, you can captivate your audience and present a convincing argument in your writing.

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 a Claim Statement for an Essay with Examples

A claim is a key component of a research paper, an argumentative essay, and a debate paper. It is thus crucial to master the steps for writing a good claim statement to ace your paper.

If you are wondering what a claim statement is, this article will provide tips for writing a claim essay and offer some examples to help you prepare a quality claim for your essay.

What is a claim statement in an essay?

A claim is a key idea in your paper’s paragraph that supports your thesis statement. A claim may take up an entire paragraph to explain the major focus of your paper or support the main arguments of your essay.

Claims statements should precede other content in your paragraph, followed by the support from credible sources.

How to write a claim statement

Characteristics of a claim statement.

A good claim statement should be debatable – claim statements should kickstart a debate by making a bold claim regarding a topic. For instance, ‘corporal punishment should be abolished in schools’ shows your claim and creates room for arguments for and against your idea.
Your claim statement should express your stand clearly – your statement should show the stand of your paragraph/ essay without creating confusion as to your point of argument. For instance, ‘the death punishment is an effective way to deter crimes.’
A good claim statement is specific – like your thesis, the claim should cover one key idea. For instance, the ‘government should tax drugs heavily to deter drug use.’ Is a great topic as it narrows your paper down to a specific idea that’s easy to handle within a paper.

Types of claim statements

Sometimes, it’s essential to infuse various types of claims into your work to make a more compelling essay. Some of the popular types of claim statements include:

Claims of fact

These claims can be proved or disproved with factual evidence. As such, a claim of fact should create room for support with ample evidence in your field. For instance, instead of arguing the earth is round, you could settle with a claim like, ‘drug abuse is higher among teenagers in urban areas.’ The former topic, unlike the latter, can be argued with ample evidence and is debatable.

Claims of definition

These sorts of claim statements argue a point by defining it and separating it from conflicting ideas. For instance, arguing that ‘medical marijuana is not illegal.’ You could start by defining medical marijuana and presenting the definition as to why it is considered legal.

Claims of cause and effect

These types of claims should show how one issue has affected another and create room for debating your standpoint. For instance, ‘corruption is the key cause for slow economic growth in African countries.’

Claims of value

This statement establishes a standard of measurement and establishes a criterion to determine the quality of an item. For instance, your statement could claim that Twitter is better than Facebook. After this, proceed to establish the degree to which the quality you are analyzing has been presented.

How to Write a Claim Sentence

1. select an interesting topic .

First, search for a topic that evokes your interest or simply buy essay online to use as a sample. Narrow your topic to a specific idea within the topic and dive into the research to determine if the topic can be exhausted with the available material.

2. Establish the purpose of your paper

Define what you are aiming to achieve with your paper and how this can be presented as a statement.

3. Select what you can exhaust

Be keen to select a topic that you can prove while leaving room for counterclaims.

Claim statement examples

Nude therapeutic massage should not be considered prostitution
Bad governance is the reason why third world countries experience stunted development rates
Nike is better than Adidas
School uniforms should be embraced in higher institutions of learning to promote uniformity among students of various socioeconomic backgrounds
Yoga offers a wide range of mental and physical benefits
Spending more than one hour on homework is not beneficial for students
Eating junk food is the reason why many Americans are struggling with obesity
Children below the age of fifteen should not be allowed to use social media

Writing a claim statement should not cause you sleepless nights. We hope these tips have helped you overcome your challenge. If you are still struggling with your essay, reach out to our experts for custom help.

Developing Strong Thesis Statements

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The thesis statement or main claim must be debatable

An argumentative or persuasive piece of writing must begin with a debatable thesis or claim. In other words, the thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. If your thesis is something that is generally agreed upon or accepted as fact then there is no reason to try to persuade people.

Example of a non-debatable thesis statement:

This thesis statement is not debatable. First, the word pollution implies that something is bad or negative in some way. Furthermore, all studies agree that pollution is a problem; they simply disagree on the impact it will have or the scope of the problem. No one could reasonably argue that pollution is unambiguously good.

Example of a debatable thesis statement:

This is an example of a debatable thesis because reasonable people could disagree with it. Some people might think that this is how we should spend the nation's money. Others might feel that we should be spending more money on education. Still others could argue that corporations, not the government, should be paying to limit pollution.

Another example of a debatable thesis statement:

In this example there is also room for disagreement between rational individuals. Some citizens might think focusing on recycling programs rather than private automobiles is the most effective strategy.

The thesis needs to be narrow

Although the scope of your paper might seem overwhelming at the start, generally the narrower the thesis the more effective your argument will be. Your thesis or claim must be supported by evidence. The broader your claim is, the more evidence you will need to convince readers that your position is right.

Example of a thesis that is too broad:

There are several reasons this statement is too broad to argue. First, what is included in the category "drugs"? Is the author talking about illegal drug use, recreational drug use (which might include alcohol and cigarettes), or all uses of medication in general? Second, in what ways are drugs detrimental? Is drug use causing deaths (and is the author equating deaths from overdoses and deaths from drug related violence)? Is drug use changing the moral climate or causing the economy to decline? Finally, what does the author mean by "society"? Is the author referring only to America or to the global population? Does the author make any distinction between the effects on children and adults? There are just too many questions that the claim leaves open. The author could not cover all of the topics listed above, yet the generality of the claim leaves all of these possibilities open to debate.

Example of a narrow or focused thesis:

In this example the topic of drugs has been narrowed down to illegal drugs and the detriment has been narrowed down to gang violence. This is a much more manageable topic.

We could narrow each debatable thesis from the previous examples in the following way:

Narrowed debatable thesis 1:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just the amount of money used but also how the money could actually help to control pollution.

Narrowed debatable thesis 2:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just what the focus of a national anti-pollution campaign should be but also why this is the appropriate focus.

Qualifiers such as " typically ," " generally ," " usually ," or " on average " also help to limit the scope of your claim by allowing for the almost inevitable exception to the rule.

Types of claims

Claims typically fall into one of four categories. Thinking about how you want to approach your topic, or, in other words, what type of claim you want to make, is one way to focus your thesis on one particular aspect of your broader topic.

Claims of fact or definition: These claims argue about what the definition of something is or whether something is a settled fact. Example:

Claims of cause and effect: These claims argue that one person, thing, or event caused another thing or event to occur. Example:

Claims about value: These are claims made of what something is worth, whether we value it or not, how we would rate or categorize something. Example:

Claims about solutions or policies: These are claims that argue for or against a certain solution or policy approach to a problem. Example:

Which type of claim is right for your argument? Which type of thesis or claim you use for your argument will depend on your position and knowledge of the topic, your audience, and the context of your paper. You might want to think about where you imagine your audience to be on this topic and pinpoint where you think the biggest difference in viewpoints might be. Even if you start with one type of claim you probably will be using several within the paper. Regardless of the type of claim you choose to utilize it is key to identify the controversy or debate you are addressing and to define your position early on in the paper.

How To Write A Claim For An Essay

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Writing an essay requires the formulation of a clear and concise claim, also known as a thesis statement. A claim serves as the foundation of your essay, conveying the main argument or point you intend to make. Crafting an effective claim is crucial, as it provides direction and structure to your writing, guiding the reader throughout the essay. In this article, we will delve into the step-by-step process of writing a strong claim for your essay, helping you present a compelling and focused argument.

Understand the Purpose of a Claim

Before you start writing your claim, it is essential to understand its purpose. A claim acts as a roadmap for your essay, informing the reader about the main argument or position you will be defending. It serves as a concise statement that encapsulates the essence of your essay, setting the tone and direction for the entire piece.

Analyze the Essay Prompt or Topic

Thoroughly analyze the essay prompt or topic you have been given. Identify the key keywords, themes, and concepts that will guide your claim. This analysis will help you gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and enable you to formulate a more specific and focused claim.

Conduct Background Research

Once you have a clear understanding of the essay topic, conduct thorough background research to gather relevant information, evidence, and supporting points. This research will provide you with a solid foundation to build your claim upon and enable you to make a compelling argument.

Identify Your Position

Based on the research and analysis conducted, identify your stance on the topic. Determine whether you agree, disagree, or have a nuanced perspective. Your claim should reflect your position and the main argument you will be making throughout the essay.

Make it Specific and Concise

A strong claim is specific and concise. Avoid vague or broad statements that do not clearly articulate your argument. Instead, focus on developing a claim that is narrow and precise, ensuring that your essay remains focused and well-structured. Consider the scope and limitations of your essay, and tailor your claim accordingly.

Ensure it is Debatable

An effective claim should be debatable, meaning that it can be argued from different perspectives. Avoid making claims that are universally accepted or lack opposing viewpoints. A claim that invites discussion and debate will make your essay more engaging and thought-provoking.

Test Your Claim

Before finalizing your claim, test it against your research and supporting evidence. Ensure that your claim aligns with the information you have gathered and that you can substantiate it with relevant examples, data, or expert opinions. If your claim appears weak or unsupported, revise and refine it until it accurately represents your argument.

Incorporate Your Claim Into the Introduction

Once you have a solid claim, incorporate it into the introduction of your essay. The claim should be placed at the end of the introduction paragraph, clearly stating your position and setting the stage for the subsequent arguments and evidence that will support it. The claim acts as a hook, capturing the reader’s attention and compelling them to continue reading.

Revise and Refine

As you progress with your essay , continuously review and refine your claim. Ensure that each paragraph and piece of evidence supports your claim and contributes to its overall strength. Make necessary revisions to maintain the coherence and logical flow of your argument.

In conclusion, a well-crafted claim is the cornerstone of an effective essay. By understanding the purpose of a claim, conducting thorough research, and refining your position, you can write a strong and compelling claim that serves as the backbone of your essay. Remember to make your claim specific, debatable, and supported by evidence, ensuring that it captures the essence of your argument and engages the reader from the outset.

Examples of Claims for Different Essay Topics

Essay Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Society

Claim: The pervasive use of social media has significantly altered social interactions, communication patterns, and self-perception, resulting in both positive and negative consequences for individuals and society at large.

Essay Topic: The Benefits of Exercise on Mental Health

Claim: Regular physical exercise has proven to be a powerful tool in improving mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, enhancing mood, boosting self-esteem, and promoting overall psychological well-being.

Essay Topic: The Influence of Technology on Education

Claim: The integration of technology in education has revolutionized the learning process, facilitating personalized instruction, promoting interactive and collaborative learning environments, and equipping students with the essential skills needed to thrive in the modern world.

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Consider the following thesis for a short paper that analyzes different approaches to stopping climate change:

Climate activism that focuses on personal actions such as recycling obscures the need for systemic change that will be required to slow carbon emissions.

The author of this thesis is promising to make the case that personal actions not only will not solve the climate problem but may actually make the problem more difficult to solve. In order to make a convincing argument, the author will need to consider how thoughtful people might disagree with this claim. In this case, the author might anticipate the following counterarguments:

By encouraging personal actions, climate activists may raise awareness of the problem and encourage people to support larger systemic change.
Personal actions on a global level would actually make a difference.
Personal actions may not make a difference, but they will not obscure the need for systemic solutions.
Personal actions cannot be put into one category and must be differentiated.

In order to make a convincing argument, the author of this essay may need to address these potential counterarguments. But you don’t need to address every possible counterargument. Rather, you should engage counterarguments when doing so allows you to strengthen your own argument by explaining how it holds up in relation to other arguments.

How to address counterarguments

Once you have considered the potential counterarguments, you will need to figure out how to address them in your essay. In general, to address a counterargument, you’ll need to take the following steps.

State the counterargument and explain why a reasonable reader could raise that counterargument.
Counter the counterargument. How you grapple with a counterargument will depend on what you think it means for your argument. You may explain why your argument is still convincing, even in light of this other position. You may point to a flaw in the counterargument. You may concede that the counterargument gets something right but then explain why it does not undermine your argument. You may explain why the counterargument is not relevant. You may refine your own argument in response to the counterargument.
Consider the language you are using to address the counterargument. Words like but or however signal to the reader that you are refuting the counterargument. Words like nevertheless or still signal to the reader that your argument is not diminished by the counterargument.

Here’s an example of a paragraph in which a counterargument is raised and addressed.

Image version

The two steps are marked with counterargument and “counter” to the counterargument: COUNTERARGUMENT/ But some experts argue that it’s important for individuals to take action to mitigate climate change. In “All That Performative Environmentalism Adds Up,” Annie Lowery argues that personal actions to fight climate change, such as reducing household trash or installing solar panels, matter because change in social behavior can lead to changes in laws. [1]

COUNTER TO THE COUNTERARGUMENT/ While Lowery may be correct that individual actions can lead to collective action, this focus on individual action can allow corporations to receive positive publicity while continuing to burn fossil fuels at dangerous rates.

Where to address counterarguments

There is no one right place for a counterargument—where you raise a particular counterargument will depend on how it fits in with the rest of your argument. The most common spots are the following:

Before your conclusion This is a common and effective spot for a counterargument because it’s a chance to address anything that you think a reader might still be concerned about after you’ve made your main argument. Don’t put a counterargument in your conclusion, however. At that point, you won’t have the space to address it, and readers may come away confused—or less convinced by your argument.
Before your thesis Often, your thesis will actually be a counterargument to someone else’s argument. In other words, you will be making your argument because someone else has made an argument that you disagree with. In those cases, you may want to offer that counterargument before you state your thesis to show your readers what’s at stake—someone else has made an unconvincing argument, and you are now going to make a better one.
After your introduction In some cases, you may want to respond to a counterargument early in your essay, before you get too far into your argument. This is a good option when you think readers may need to understand why the counterargument is not as strong as your argument before you can even launch your own ideas. You might do this in the paragraph right after your thesis.
Anywhere that makes sense As you draft an essay, you should always keep your readers in mind and think about where a thoughtful reader might disagree with you or raise an objection to an assertion or interpretation of evidence that you are offering. In those spots, you can introduce that potential objection and explain why it does not change your argument. If you think it does affect your argument, you can acknowledge that and explain why your argument is still strong.

[1] Annie Lowery, “All that Performative Environmentalism Adds Up.” The Atlantic . August 31, 2020. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/08/your-tote-bag-can-mak…

picture_as_pdf Counterargument

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What Is A Claim In An Essay? Types and How to Make One

by Antony W

February 16, 2023

A claim in an essay is a statement of truth that’s ultimately debatable. You arrive here after investigating an issue and making the conclusion that a particular concept is arguably true.

Since it’s more or less a statement of an author, a claim puts readers or listeners in a position to agree or write off the statement as either true or false.

While claims show up in many different kinds of writing, they’re especially common in college level writing, and it can be persuasive or argumentative.

In persuasive essay writing , for example, author use claims to convince their readers to think, believe, or act in a certain way. In argumentative essay writing , claims arise when you’ve looked at both sides of an issue; you come up with findings, and make suggestions of what should happen next.

Claims aren’t conclusive and their expectations are different, as ultimately, you’re providing a piece of information that someone can agree or disagree with.

Rather than being biased, you’re informative and letting your audience choose whether to agree with you or completely write off your statement.

The overall goal of making a claim isn’t to inform your audience. Rather, it’s to persuade them to agree with you, without you or them being biased.

Arguable Claims vs Opinion

An opinion claim requires another opinion for support, and ends up with weak points that can’t prove or disapprove the claim itself.

On the other hand, an arguable claim is more than just a debatable statement that you can challenge with concrete academic evidence.

It dives deeper into addressing the implication of something, clearly giving a clear picture of why you should care in the first place. Not to mention it even goes on to address the “so what?” question.

Experts recommend staying far away from opinion claim, mostly because they’re subjective in form and stick to arguable claims instead.

Claims vary depending on the topic of the essay and the writer of the paper. So while it may be easily arguable, you need to make sure the claim you make is complex, focused, relevant, and specific.

Types of Claims in an Essay

1. definition.

This claim argues about how you can define something or a situation.

Often, authors argue that one thing is another, even if some people would find the statement contradicting.

An example is defining the mass shooting in New Zealand’s mass shooting at Christ Church as terrorist attack.

Authors use claim of fact to make an assertion about something they can approve or disapprove using factual evidence.

A claim of fact must be debatable in form, and it shouldn’t merely consistent of proven facts or statistics.

Instead, it must be a statement that requires fact for backup, while still leaving room to debate the evidence.

3. Value

When you want to argue about how good or bad a topic for your essay is, you’ll need to think more of a value claim.

Stay away from opinions when making a value claim, because the support you provide will all be based on opinion.

4. Solution

A solution claim takes a value claim and expands on it even further. In a value claim, we state how one thing can be bad.

For example, climate change can become a geopolitical crisis in our lifetime.

A solution claim takes this into account and tries to argue how we can fix the problem.

For instance, when we decriminalize drugs, the rate of drug abuse would be lower.

5. Cause and Effect

A cause and effect claim states that one event leads to another – or that one thing causes another.

Like a fact claim, a cause and effect claim should be easily debatable.

How to Make a Claim in an Essay

The easiest way to write a claim is to start with a question.

Posing an issue as a question, instead of a statement, not only gives your audience something concrete to think about but also makes it easy for you to take a position to defend.

Stay far away from vague questions, as readers would end up losing the interest to debate the topic.

For example, are cellphones bad?

This is a vague question that you can’t even convert into different stances.

Instead, you want to ask something like “ should I allow my 12 year old to bring their cell phone to school? ”

Such a question is clearly debatable, not to mention focused and specific.

Such a question doesn’t only encourage continued debate but also allow you to take a very strong position that you can easily argue.

What Makes a Good Claim?

There are a few rules you need to observe in order to make a good claim.

So make sure you’re careful to observe them because the last thing you want to happen is to tank both the claim and your essay altogether.

The first rule of thumb when it comes to making a claim in an essay is to avoid opinions 100%. While there’s nothing wrong with opinion-based claims, the claims aren’t academic and therefore there’s no research to back them up.

Second, you want to keep your claim narrow in its scope. Instead of going broad with your focus, narrow your claim and be as specific with it as possible.

The third rule is make sure you support your claim. A claim without evidence isn’t as awful, but who’s going to take you seriously if you don’t have strong arguments to support it?

So unless you’ve done enough research on a claim, and you’re sure there’s enough evidence to support it, it won’t make sense to include it in your essay.

While making an arguable claim can take only a few minutes of your time, writing the essay can be somewhat a challenge and overall time consuming.

Get Writing Help

If you have less time to spare for the essay writing, or you prefer to get help from an established essay writing service, feel free to place your order with Help for Assessment.

About the author

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

Identifying Thesis Statements, Claims, and Evidence

Thesis statements, claims, and evidence, introduction.

The three important parts of an argumentative essay are:

A thesis statement is a sentence, usually in the first paragraph of an article, that expresses the article’s main point. It is not a fact; it’s a statement that you could disagree with. Therefore, the author has to convince you that the statement is correct.
Claims are statements that support the thesis statement, but like the thesis statement, are not facts. Because a claim is not a fact, it requires supporting evidence.
Evidence is factual information that shows a claim is true. Usually, writers have to conduct their own research to find evidence that supports their ideas. The evidence may include statistical (numerical) information, the opinions of experts, studies, personal experience, scholarly articles, or reports.

Each paragraph in the article is numbered at the beginning of the first sentence.

Paragraphs 1-7

Identifying the Thesis Statement. Paragraph 2 ends with this thesis statement: “People’s prior convictions should not be held against them in their pursuit of higher learning.” It is a thesis statement for three reasons:

It is the article’s main argument.
It is not a fact. Someone could think that peoples’ prior convictions should affect their access to higher education.
It requires evidence to show that it is true.

Finding Claims. A claim is statement that supports a thesis statement. Like a thesis, it is not a fact so it needs to be supported by evidence.

You have already identified the article’s thesis statement: “People’s prior convictions should not be held against them in their pursuit of higher learning.”

Like the thesis, a claim be an idea that the author believes to be true, but others may not agree. For this reason, a claim needs support.

Question 1. Can you find a claim in paragraph 3? Look for a statement that might be true, but needs to be supported by evidence.

Finding Evidence.

Paragraphs 5-7 offer one type of evidence to support the claim you identified in the last question. Reread paragraphs 5-7.

Question 2. Which word best describes the kind of evidence included in those paragraphs: A report, a study, personal experience of the author, statistics, or the opinion of an expert?

Paragraphs 8-10

Finding Claims

Paragraph 8 makes two claims:

“The United States needs to have more of this transformative power of education.”
“The country [the United States] incarcerates more people and at a higher rate than any other nation in the world.”

Finding Evidence

Paragraphs 8 and 9 include these statistics as evidence:

“The U.S. accounts for less than 5 percent of the world population but nearly 25 percent of the incarcerated population around the globe.”
“Roughly 2.2 million people in the United States are essentially locked away in cages. About 1 in 5 of those people are locked up for drug offenses.”

Question 3. Does this evidence support claim 1 from paragraph 8 (about the transformative power of education) or claim 2 (about the U.S.’s high incarceration rate)?

Question 4. Which word best describes this kind of evidence: A report, a study, personal experience of the author, statistics, or the opinion of an expert?

Paragraphs 11-13

Remember that in paragraph 2, Andrisse writes that:

“People’s prior convictions should not be held against them in their pursuit of higher learning.” (Thesis statement)
“More must be done to remove the various barriers that exist between formerly incarcerated individuals such as myself and higher education.” (Claim)

Now, review paragraphs 11-13 (Early life of crime). In these paragraphs, Andrisse shares more of his personal story.

Question 5. Do you think his personal story is evidence for statement 1 above, statement 2, both, or neither one?

Question 6. Is yes, which one(s)?

Question 7. Do you think his personal story is good evidence? Does it persuade you to agree with him?

Paragraphs 14-16

Listed below are some claims that Andrisse makes in paragraph 14. Below each claim, please write the supporting evidence from paragraphs 15 and 16. If you can’t find any evidence, write “none.”

Claim: The more education a person has, the higher their income.

Claim: Similarly, the more education a person has, the less likely they are to return to prison.

Paragraphs 17-19

Evaluating Evidence

In these paragraphs, Andrisse returns to his personal story. He explains how his father’s illness inspired him to become a doctor and shares that he was accepted to only one of six biomedical graduate programs.

Do you think that this part of Andrisse’s story serves as evidence (support) for any claims that you’ve identified so far? Or does it support his general thesis that “people’s prior convictions should not be held against them in pursuit of higher learning?” Please explain your answer.

Paragraphs 20-23

Andrisse uses his personal experience to repeat a claim he makes in paragraph 3, that “more must be done to remove the various barriers that exist between formerly incarcerated individuals such as myself and higher education.”

To support this statement, he has to show that barriers exist. One barrier he identifies is the cost of college. He then explains the advantages of offering Pell grants to incarcerated people.

What evidence in paragraphs 21-23 support his claim about the success of Pell grants?

Paragraphs 24-28 (Remove questions about drug crimes from federal aid forms)

In this section, Andrisse argues that federal aid forms should not ask students about prior drug convictions. To support that claim, he includes a statistic about students who had to answer a similar question on their college application.

What statistic does he include?

In paragraph 25, he assumes that if a question about drug convictions discourages students from applying to college, it will probably also discourage them from applying for federal aid.

What do you think about this assumption? Do you think it’s reasonable or do you think Andrisse needs stronger evidence to show that federal aid forms should not ask students about prior drug convictions?

Supporting English Language Learners in First-Year College Composition Copyright © by Breana Bayraktar is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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What Is A Claim In An Essay?

Euphresia Kwamboka
April 9, 2020
Essay Guides and Topics

Here's What We'll Cover

Have you ever asked yourself, what is a claim in an essay? A claim refers to a debatable statement or argument in your paper backed up with evidence or factual support. Its main aim is to persuade, argue, convince, and prove a point to a reader who may not have the same opinion as you. All essays contain a debatable topic the writer wants the reader to agree or disagree and for a good essay, you have to argue effectively in favor of your claim.

For example, if your claim says university fees should be reduced, your paper will focus on supporting this claim with evidence. Other examples of argumentative claims include “college student-athletes should be paid” or “guns should not be sold easily over the counter”. When writing compelling essays, it is essential to understand your claim and how you’ll structure your essay. If you want to learn how to write a claim sentence and haven’t considered argumentative essay writing help , this post will guide you in creating a good claim in your essay.

The Difference Between A Claim And a Thesis Statement

When formulating a claim in an essay, it is important to note that the thesis is not the claim. A thesis is the general or main argument of your essay. Everything in your essay should tie back to your thesis. A thesis statement gives the backbone of your writing, and it usually appears at the end of the introductory paragraph. On the other hand, argumentative claims are the specific arguments that make up your thesis. They develop, support, and explain your thesis thoroughly throughout the essay.


it’s the main idea for a paragraph	it’s the main argument for your essay
Each claim paragraph should support your thesis	Everything in your essay should tie back to your thesis
It is the specific argument that makes up your thesis	Is the backbone of your writing

Types Of Claims For Written Arguments

It is important to have an interesting topic and a strong thesis statement when writing essays. The thesis is considered the ‘main claim’ of an essay. You can use different types of claims to create possible arguments for the topics you choose to examine . At times, a debatable thesis can have two or more claims. It is better to incorporate various claims to make your essay more compelling and longer. The types of claims include;

1. Claims Of Fact

Claims of fact assert that something can be proved or disapproved with factual evidence. They argue whether something is accurate, valid, or correct and answer questions like: Is it true? Is it real? What happened? Claims have to be debatable and present an assertion. Therefore, a claim of definition for a logical argument cannot comprise a proven fact or statistic alone. For example, you cannot say the earth is flat. Is there evidence to prove that? You might decide to go with; Rock music has led to the increase of violence among teens.

Claims of fact need to be centered on an assertion that incorporates facts as backup, even though the evidence provided might still be debatable. Writing an argumentative essay uses this type of claim.

If you were to argue that basketball was a slow game with no rules, it would only take a minute for a researcher to google the facts and find out that it has plenty of rules and is fast-paced. Hence, this claim is not debatable, and there would be no argument here. Arguments from claims of fact should have reliable data, clearly defined terms, and a clear line between inference and facts.

2. Claims of Definition

This claim argues how something is defined. It answers the question; what is it? How should it be classified or interpreted? How does its usual meaning change in a particular context? Claims of definition offer an in-depth explanation of a specific subject. This goes hand in hand with the definition of claim in literature.

For example, if you are arguing that even though therapeutic massage is done on nude bodies, it’s not a form of prostitution. You could start by defining what therapeutic massage is. You could even look at the legal definition of prostitution and demonstrate to your peers that therapeutic massage does not fall into the legal definition of prostitution because it does not involve the behaviors characterized by that definition.

3. Claims of Cause And Effect

A claim of cause and effect argues that one thing caused another thing to happen. This type of claim answers questions like; Why did it happen? Where did it come from? What is the likely result now and in the future? Like claims of fact, claims of cause and effects should be debatable. For example, you could argue that corruption has affected Kenya’s economic growth.

4. Claims of Value

Claims of value argue that something is bad or good or that one thing is better than the other. They call into question a standard of comparison, resulting in an essay with a lot of evaluation. For example, if you say Nike is better than Adidas or Titanic is the greatest movie of all time, you are making a claim of value. When developing arguments from claims of value, ensure that your statement establishes the evaluation standards and their advantages. Also, Identify the priority value, and include examples and credible sources for support. It is essential to anticipate your response to the opposing viewpoint when dealing with this type of claim.

A claim of value seeks answers to questions like: Is it right or wrong? Is it good or bad? Is it moral or immoral? Who thinks so? What do those people value? What criteria should I use to establish how good or bad something is?

5. Claims of Solution or Policy

A claim of solution maintains that specific conditions must exist or that an action should be taken or not taken to solve a problem. If your value of claim was climate change has led to more intense drought, your solution claim will focus on what should be done to fix the occurrence of frequent drought periods.

A claim of solution seeks answers to questions like: How can we solve this issue? What action should we take? What should be the future policies? As you answer the questions or provide solutions, ensure that your evidence contains a clear proposed action, justification, workable plan, benefits, and consideration of counter-arguments.

How To Craft A Great Claim Statement

A claim determines the direction your essay will take. The point is to ensure you develop a central argument to give your first draft an organizing and unifying idea. A great, reasonable claim will give you a good debatable essay, while an illogical claim won’t stand strong on its own or convince the reader. Here are things you need to consider when crafting a claim in an essay.

1. Explore The Topic Of Interest

You need to gather as much information as you can about your topic. Brainstorm questions and answers to gain more knowledge and have a better idea of the topic. If you talk about something you don’t know, no one will take you seriously. You won’t convince them because they already see you as a joke and have lost trust in you. It’s also important to have a specific topic to give you a clear debate.

For example, if you are talking about women’s healthcare, you can narrow that down to the effects of Kenya’s free maternity service policy. This way, you will be able to argue better and convince your reader.

2. Define The Goal Of Your Paper

The effectiveness, quality, and complexity of your essay lean on your claim. The type of claim statement you will use depends on the goal of your paper. It will help you know what to include in your essay and what to pay the most attention to. Your objective might be to change your reader’s opinion on something, or it might be to challenge them to take a particular action. If you are using claims of value in your essay, you can probably argue that Fenty Beauty products are the best skin care products in the market.

3. Choose What You Can Prove

As discussed earlier, a claim in an essay needs to be backed up by research, evidence, and facts. If you choose a claim that’s not debatable, your essay won’t be interesting or compelling. It’s also important to use logic to support your claims and pick a simple and easy claim that you can prove.

How To Start A Claim Paragraph and What To Include

Your introduction needs to grab the attention of the reader and hook them to your paper. If you lose the reader’s attention from the start, it’ll be hard to convince them that what you are saying is interesting or makes sense. Writing short and simple sentences is the best way to get your points across.

Once you have hooked the reader, the next step is to Introduce your topic, so the reader knows exactly what the essay will be about. If your topic is about smoking, you can talk about why it’s an issue of controversy and then make your claim, for example, smoking shouldn’t be allowed in public spaces. If your topic is about phones, you can say, children below the age of fifteen shouldn’t have access to smartphones.

After making your claim, have two or three paragraphs that have evidence to support your claim, then have your counterclaim paragraph and conclusion.

Tips On How To Write A Claim In An Essay

The claim of an article or essay is the spine that holds everything together. A controversial claim will make the essay engaging, while a boring one will set the tone for a dull paper. Therefore, it is essential to take the time to create a good claim before you start writing. Here are some of the things you need to consider when making a good claim;

1. Make It Straightforward

A good claim doesn’t beat around the bush. While many people advocate for creating some mystery in the claim, it is not the best advice. An essay does not have to hold the reader in suspense the entire time. Making a straightforward claim from the beginning helps the reader know what to expect in your essay. Additionally, making your claim clear allows the reader to take a stand and contribute to further academic research.

2. Make Your Claim Specific

In your academic life, you will get people advising you to have a broad claim in your essays more often than not. While this is a good idea because it allows you to access multiple research materials, it does not make your essay hold weight. A broad claim in an essay will mean the evidential support you provide will also be broad. Additionally, the essay will also fail to convince, and readers can easily point out inefficiencies in how you illustrate your points. A good essay has a specific claim, requiring specific evidential support that wins the reader’s opinion.

3. Don’t Worry About The Truthfulness Of Your Claim

Many students lose the plot when they try to focus on the truthfulness of their claim. When writing an essay, whether the claim you make is true or false is not the main reason why a reader will want to read the essay. The purpose of the essay is to gauge how effectively you communicate your ideas and the evidential support you provide to prove your point. Additionally, your target is to get the reader to agree with you whether the claim is true or false.

4. Make Your Claim Contestable

When writing, the worst mistake you can make is coming up with a claim that the reader can respond to with a yes or no answer. Such a weak claim will make the essay boring because the reader has already formed their opinion. A good claim ignites a debate. The reader should want to read more to understand why you make a specific claim that does not correspond with him or her. At the end of your essay, you might be able to change their mind or not.

Counterclaim

Just like a coin has two sides, every argument has two sides—the supporting side and the one that disagrees. So, a counterclaim can be defined as the opposite of a claim or the argument opposing your claim. It is also called a rebuttal. For example, if you tell your mum you want to move schools, you’ve already made your claim. If your mum says something like, “How can you say that, yet you don’t pay the school fee? That’s her counterclaim.

When writing an essay, you need a counterclaim paragraph that addresses the valid points of the other side of the argument. A counterclaim shows your reader that you have thoughtfully considered both sides of the issue before arriving at your claim. You can then argue and say you find the counterclaim weak or invalid. When this paragraph is done well, it gives you a chance to respond to the reader’s potential arguments before they finish reading the essay.

Major Claim Vs. Sub Claim

A major claim is an essay’s central argument, while sub claims support the ideas of the primary claim. Sub claims add specific details to the main claim. They also reinforce the validity of the main point. A major claim is revealed in the introduction, while sub claims appear in the body of the other paragraphs.

For example, if your thesis is “Unversity fee should be reduced to prevent students from dropping out of school, that will be my central argument. You may also talk about how many students have dropped out of school or how hard it is for most of them to access specific courses because of how expensive they are. You can further talk about how this is killing their dream or even how expensive it is to repay student loans because of high unemployment rates. These mini statements are your sub claim, and they support your primary claim which is, why University fees should be reduced.

For an effective essay , you need evidence to support each sub claim. For instance, if you talk about how many students have dropped out of university because they can’t afford the fee, you might use a report released from the Ministry of Education or the student body.

The Difference Between Claim, Counterclaim, and Thesis Statement


Structure	Hook the reader and then Introduce your claim	Explain what others who disagree with your claim might say	It is composed of three claim sentences. Claim 1, 2, and 3.
Tone	Positive	Negative	Positive
Elements	Specific and debatable	It disagrees with the claim	It is the central argument of an essay
Position	It appears in the introduction	It appears before the conclusion	It appears at the end of the introductory paragraph.

Conclusion

It is essential to read through the essay question to understand clearly what it asks before making your claim. Ensure that your claim is specific and controversial to spike the interest of the reader. Additionally, avoid leaving the reader in suspense on what is the claim you make in your essay. If you’re still struggling with writing a proper claim for your essay, you might consider buying your term papers online .

An example of how to make a claim in an essay

Claims are the debatable statements writers use to prove their point in an essay. In simpler words, a claim is an argument. If a child says they want a new phone to access the internet, that’s their claim. Or if someone says rock music leads to violence among teens, that’s their claim.

A good claim is a type that is debatable, specific, and has evidence to support it. A claim shouldn’t be an opinion or a feeling because then it won’t be a claim. Remember, you must have strong arguments to support your claims.

First, you have to identify your topic of discussion. Second, formulate questions around the topic then your answers will help you develop the claim.Note that, a claim is introduced in the first paragraph of an essay. This way, readers will know what you are talking about without reading too much or losing their focus.

Below are the steps that you need to follow to make a strong claim: 1. A claim must state a fact that is debatable with evidence. 2. A claim should define your goals, scope, and direction you will follow. 3. A claim should be specific and upholds a focused argument.

The main purpose of a claim is to support and establish your main argument. This will create questions in your readers’ minds which will be answered in the essay.

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Two-Part (Claim Reason) Thesis Statement

Ai generator.

Unlock the power of concise and persuasive argumentation with Two-Part (Claim + Reason) Thesis Statement Examples. This approach provides a dynamic framework for crafting compelling essays by presenting a claim followed by the reasoning behind it. Delve into how to effectively employ this method and uncover valuable tips to enhance your writing. Elevate your ability to articulate strong arguments and engage readers with well-structured, impactful thesis statements.

What is a Two-Part (Claim + Reason) Thesis Statement? – Definition

A Two-Part (Claim + Reason) Thesis Statement is a succinct and persuasive way to present an argument in academic writing. It consists of two essential components: the claim, which states the main point or position you’re asserting, and the reason, which provides a concise explanation or justification for why that claim is valid. This approach adds depth and clarity to your thesis statement, setting the stage for a well-structured and persuasive essay.

What is an example of a Two-Part (Claim + Reason) thesis statement?

Claim: “Mandatory physical education in schools is crucial.” Reason: “Regular physical activity not only improves students’ physical health but also enhances their cognitive abilities, contributing to better academic performance.”

In this example, the claim is that mandatory physical education in schools is essential. The reason provided explains why this claim is valid, highlighting the positive impact of physical activity on both physical health and academic achievement. This two-part structure effectively outlines the argument and its rationale.

100 Two-Part (Claim + Reason) Thesis Statement Examples

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Explore 100 Two-Part (Claim + Reason) Thesis Statement Examples, each carefully crafted to present compelling arguments along with their supporting rationales. This comprehensive collection spans various topics, allowing you to grasp the art of concise and impactful argumentation. Enhance your essay writing skills by learning how to effectively structure your ideas and convince your readers with well-reasoned claims.

Claim: “Social media platforms have revolutionized communication.” Reason: “Their instant connectivity and vast user base facilitate global interactions, transforming how people connect and share information.”
Claim: “Artificial intelligence is shaping the future of industries.” Reason: “Its ability to analyze massive data sets and automate complex tasks boosts efficiency and innovation across sectors.”
Claim: “Climate change demands urgent attention and action.” Reason: “Mounting evidence of rising temperatures and extreme weather events underscores the critical need to mitigate environmental risks.”
Claim: “Literature plays a pivotal role in fostering empathy.” Reason: “Engaging with diverse characters’ experiences cultivates understanding and compassion among readers.”
Claim: “Diversity in the workplace enhances creativity and innovation.” Reason: “A range of perspectives fuels dynamic discussions and encourages fresh approaches to problem-solving.”
Claim: “Higher education is a gateway to socioeconomic mobility.” Reason: “Access to advanced knowledge and skill development equips individuals to access better job opportunities.”
Claim: “Government surveillance threatens individual privacy rights.” Reason: “Mass surveillance infringes on personal liberties and erodes the balance between security and freedom.”
Claim: “Renewable energy sources are the solution to the climate crisis.” Reason: “Harnessing solar, wind, and hydro power reduces reliance on fossil fuels, curbing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Claim: “Mandatory voting promotes a more engaged and informed citizenry.” Reason: “Compulsory participation ensures broader representation and encourages citizens to stay informed.”
Claim: “Cultural diversity enriches a society’s social fabric.” Reason: “Different backgrounds and traditions contribute to a vibrant tapestry of experiences and perspectives.”
Claim: “Online learning is revolutionizing education.” Reason: “Flexible schedules and interactive platforms enhance accessibility and engagement for learners worldwide.”
Claim: “Gender equality is essential for societal progress.” Reason: “Empowering women in all spheres fosters innovation, economic growth, and social harmony.”
Claim: “Space exploration drives technological advancements.” Reason: “The pursuit of cosmic knowledge inspires breakthroughs in engineering, materials science, and communication.”
Claim: “Censorship of artistic expression hampers creative freedom.” Reason: “Limiting artistic freedom stifles cultural innovation and inhibits open dialogue on societal issues.”
Claim: “Critical thinking is a crucial skill for modern education.” Reason: “Nurturing critical thinking abilities empowers students to analyze information, solve problems, and make informed decisions.”
Claim: “Universal healthcare ensures equitable access to medical services.” Reason: “Healthcare for all reduces disparities, provides preventative care, and promotes overall well-being.”
Claim: “The digital age has transformed the way we consume information.” Reason: “Instant access to online content and personalized algorithms reshape information consumption patterns.”
Claim: “Financial literacy is essential for personal financial well-being.” Reason: “Understanding money management empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions.”
Claim: “Technology addiction poses a significant societal concern.” Reason: “Excessive screen time impairs mental health, interpersonal relationships, and overall productivity.”
Claim: “The preservation of natural habitats is crucial for biodiversity.” Reason: “Conserving ecosystems maintains species diversity and supports ecological balance.”
Claim: “Ethical consumerism drives positive social and environmental change.” Reason: “Supporting eco-friendly and socially responsible products encourages responsible business practices.”
Claim: “The advancement of robotics will redefine the job market.” Reason: “Automated tasks and AI technologies will reshape employment opportunities and skill requirements.”
Claim: “Social media fosters both connection and isolation.” Reason: “Online interactions offer global connectivity, yet excessive screen time can lead to real-world disconnection.”
Claim: “Youth involvement in civic activities cultivates active citizenship.” Reason: “Engaged young individuals contribute fresh perspectives and energize public discourse.”
Claim: “Freedom of speech should have limitations to prevent hate speech.” Reason: “Balancing free expression with societal well-being safeguards marginalized communities and social harmony.”
Claim: “Music therapy offers holistic healing for mental health.” Reason: “Engaging with music promotes emotional release, stress reduction, and cognitive improvement.”
Claim: “Urbanization poses environmental challenges and opportunities.” Reason: “Concentrated urban living accelerates innovation and necessitates sustainable infrastructure solutions.”
Claim: “Social inequality hinders economic growth and stability.” Reason: “Unequal distribution of resources stifles human potential and undermines social cohesion.”
Claim: “The arts are essential for well-rounded education.” Reason: “Cultivating creative expression enhances critical thinking, communication, and empathy.”
Claim: “Personalized learning empowers diverse student needs.” Reason: “Tailoring education to individual strengths fosters engagement and academic success.”
Claim: “Ethical considerations should guide advancements in genetic engineering.” Reason: “Prioritizing ethical guidelines ensures responsible innovation and prevents unintended consequences.”
Claim: “Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful relationships.” Reason: “Clear communication fosters mutual understanding, trust, and resolution of conflicts.”
Claim: “Social media activism has transformed modern advocacy.” Reason: “Online platforms amplify voices, mobilize communities, and raise awareness about social issues.”
Claim: “Multilingualism benefits cognitive development and cultural understanding.” Reason: “Learning multiple languages enhances brain function and promotes cross-cultural empathy.”
Claim: “Early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning.” Reason: “Quality early education nurtures cognitive, social, and emotional development.”
Claim: “The gig economy provides flexible work options but lacks stability.” Reason: “Freelance opportunities offer autonomy, but inconsistent income poses financial challenges.”
Claim: “Effective time management is key to academic success.” Reason: “Balancing priorities and deadlines enhances productivity and reduces stress.”
Claim: “Alternative energy sources are vital for reducing carbon emissions.” Reason: “Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables mitigates climate change and supports sustainability.”
Claim: “Media literacy is essential in the digital age.” Reason: “Critical analysis of media sources promotes informed decision-making and safeguards against misinformation.”
Claim: “Preserving indigenous languages safeguards cultural heritage.” Reason: “Language is intrinsic to identity, reflecting unique worldviews and historical legacies.”
Claim: “Flexible work arrangements enhance work-life balance.” Reason: “Remote work and flexible hours accommodate personal needs, leading to improved well-being.”
Claim: “Literacy is the foundation of lifelong learning and empowerment.” Reason: “Proficiency in reading and writing enables access to information, education, and opportunities.”
Claim: “Rapid technological advancements pose ethical dilemmas in AI development.” Reason: “Ensuring AI aligns with human values and respects privacy is essential for responsible innovation.”
Claim: “Universal basic income can address socioeconomic inequality.” Reason: “Providing a basic income cushion fosters economic security and reduces poverty.”
Claim: “Cultural appropriation perpetuates stereotypes and erases history.” Reason: “Appropriating elements from marginalized cultures trivializes their significance and disregards their origins.”
Claim: “Physical activity is crucial for overall health and mental well-being.” Reason: “Exercise releases endorphins, reduces stress, and improves cardiovascular health.”
Claim: “Preserving biodiversity is essential for ecological balance.” Reason: “Each species contributes to ecosystem stability and resilience against environmental changes.”
Claim: “Government transparency strengthens democracy and public trust.” Reason: “Open governance fosters accountability, ensures informed decisions, and curbs corruption.”
Claim: “Critical reflection enhances personal growth and self-awareness.” Reason: “Examining experiences and beliefs promotes continuous learning and personal development.”
Claim: “Technological advancements in healthcare improve patient outcomes.” Reason: “Innovations like telemedicine and precision medicine tailor treatments for better results.
Claim: “Early childhood vaccinations are vital for public health.” Reason: “Immunizations prevent the spread of diseases, safeguarding individual and community well-being.”
Claim: “Media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion.” Reason: “Information dissemination influences perspectives, leading to informed decisions and societal change.”
Claim: “Globalization fosters cultural exchange and interconnectedness.” Reason: “Cross-cultural interactions promote understanding, collaboration, and shared values.”
Claim: “Animal testing should be replaced with alternative research methods.” Reason: “Ethical considerations demand the use of cruelty-free testing methods that yield accurate results.”
Claim: “Financial literacy education empowers responsible money management.” Reason: “Teaching budgeting and investment basics ensures informed financial decision-making.”
Claim: “Promoting gender diversity in STEM fields drives innovation.” Reason: “Inclusive environments harness diverse perspectives, fostering creative problem-solving.”
Claim: “Education empowers individuals to break the cycle of poverty.” Reason: “Access to quality education equips individuals with skills to overcome economic challenges.”
Claim: “Cybersecurity measures are essential to protect digital assets.” Reason: “Preventing cyber threats safeguards personal information and prevents cybercrime.”
Claim: “Economic growth should prioritize environmental sustainability.” Reason: “Balancing growth with conservation ensures future generations’ access to resources.”
Claim: “Healthy eating habits contribute to overall well-being.” Reason: “Nutrient-rich diets support physical health, energy levels, and disease prevention.
Claim: “Empathy is crucial for fostering harmonious interpersonal relationships.” Reason: “Understanding others’ perspectives cultivates compassion, reduces conflicts, and builds trust.”
Claim: “Economic inequality hampers social mobility and undermines democracy.” Reason: “Unequal distribution of resources perpetuates disparities and limits equal opportunities.”
Claim: “Online education offers accessible and flexible learning opportunities.” Reason: “Virtual learning platforms cater to diverse schedules and geographical constraints.”
Claim: “Historical preservation maintains cultural heritage and identity.” Reason: “Preserving artifacts and landmarks ensures future generations connect with their past.”
Claim: “Social entrepreneurship addresses societal challenges while generating profits.” Reason: “Innovative business models prioritize social impact, driving positive change and sustainability.”
Claim: “Effective parenting strategies shape children’s emotional development.” Reason: “Nurturing emotional intelligence fosters resilience, empathy, and healthy relationships.”
Claim: “Ethical fashion practices promote sustainable clothing production.” Reason: “Supporting ethically produced garments reduces environmental impact and supports fair labor practices.”
Claim: “Inclusive education benefits students with diverse learning needs.” Reason: “Adapting curriculum and teaching methods empowers all students to thrive academically.”
Claim: “Cultural preservation is integral to indigenous identity and rights.” Reason: “Preserving cultural traditions upholds sovereignty and protects indigenous ways of life.”
Claim: “Volunteering enhances personal well-being and community resilience.” Reason: “Contributing time and skills fosters a sense of purpose and strengthens social ties.
Claim: “A balanced work-life routine improves overall productivity and satisfaction.” Reason: “Prioritizing personal well-being and leisure time enhances focus and reduces burnout.”
Claim: “Cultural diversity fosters innovation and global collaboration.” Reason: “Combining perspectives from different backgrounds sparks creative problem-solving and mutual understanding.”
Claim: “Literacy rates correlate with socioeconomic development and empowerment.” Reason: “High literacy levels enhance access to education, employment opportunities, and civic engagement.”
Claim: “Sustainable tourism preserves natural and cultural resources.” Reason: “Responsible travel practices protect fragile ecosystems and local traditions.”
Claim: “Quality healthcare is a fundamental human right.” Reason: “Access to medical services promotes well-being and ensures equal opportunities for health.”
Claim: “Community engagement enhances neighborhood safety and cohesion.” Reason: “Involved residents collectively address concerns and create a strong sense of belonging.”
Claim: “Ethical considerations should guide AI’s role in decision-making.” Reason: “Responsible AI use prevents biased outcomes and respects human values.”
Claim: “The arts promote emotional expression and healing.” Reason: “Creating and engaging with art facilitates catharsis and emotional release.”
Claim: “Cultural sensitivity is vital for effective global communication.” Reason: “Understanding cultural nuances fosters mutual respect and minimizes misunderstandings.”
Claim: “Social media’s impact on mental health warrants ethical guidelines.” Reason: “Balancing online engagement with mental well-being safeguards against digital stressors.
Claim: “Economic globalization accelerates income inequality.” Reason: “Transnational corporations exploit cheap labor, exacerbating disparities between affluent and impoverished regions.”
Claim: “Investing in early childhood education yields long-term societal benefits.” Reason: “Early learning programs enhance cognitive development and reduce future educational disparities.”
Claim: “Active participation in local governance strengthens democracy.” Reason: “Engaging citizens in decision-making promotes accountability and responsive policies.”
Claim: “Promoting mental health initiatives in schools benefits student well-being.” Reason: “Early support and awareness campaigns address psychological challenges and reduce stigma.”
Claim: “Technology integration in education enhances student engagement.” Reason: “Interactive digital tools cater to diverse learning styles, encouraging active participation.”
Claim: “Criminal justice reform is necessary for equitable legal outcomes.” Reason: “Eliminating biases in sentencing and addressing systemic flaws ensures fair justice.”
Claim: “Sustainable agriculture practices are essential for food security.” Reason: “Regenerative farming methods preserve soil health and mitigate climate change impacts.”
Claim: “Freedom of the press is integral to a functioning democracy.” Reason: “Unbiased journalism informs public discourse and holds authorities accountable.”
Claim: “Intercultural education fosters global understanding and cooperation.” Reason: “Teaching cultural awareness cultivates empathy and prepares individuals for a diverse world.”
Claim: “Inclusive urban planning improves accessibility and quality of life.” Reason: “Designing cities for all residents accommodates diverse needs and enhances urban livability.

With these 100 Two-Part (Claim + Reason) Thesis Statement examples, you have a diverse array of topics and arguments to explore, analyze, and incorporate into your essays.

Two-Part (Claim + Reason) Thesis Statement Examples for Essay

Claim: “Exploring diverse cultures enriches personal growth.” Reason: “Cultural exposure broadens perspectives, fostering tolerance and empathy.”
Claim: “Effective time management enhances academic success.” Reason: “Balancing study and leisure optimizes focus and reduces stress.”
Claim: “Mindfulness practices improve mental well-being.” Reason: “Mindful techniques cultivate self-awareness, reducing anxiety and enhancing emotional balance.”
Claim: “Literature is a powerful tool for social commentary.” Reason: “Fictional narratives offer insights into societal issues, prompting reflection and dialogue.”
Claim: “Personalized learning caters to individual student needs.” Reason: “Tailoring education to learning styles boosts engagement and comprehension.”
Claim: “Responsible social media usage preserves mental health.” Reason: “Setting boundaries online reduces comparison and fosters authentic connections.”
Claim: “Community service fosters a sense of belonging.” Reason: “Volunteering connects individuals to their surroundings, enhancing civic engagement.”
Claim: “Promoting eco-friendly habits protects the environment.” Reason: “Green choices like recycling and energy conservation reduce carbon footprint.”
Claim: “Inclusive workplaces enhance employee morale.” Reason: “Valuing diversity creates a positive environment that promotes collaboration and creativity.”
Claim: “Critical thinking skills are essential for informed decisions.” Reason: “Analytical thinking empowers individuals to evaluate information and make reasoned choices.”

Two-Part (Claim + Reason) Thesis Statement Examples for Argumentative Essay

Claim: “Government surveillance infringes on individual privacy rights.” Reason: “Mass monitoring undermines civil liberties, opening doors to abuse of power.”
Claim: “Social media platforms should implement stricter content moderation.” Reason: “Addressing harmful content reduces misinformation and protects user well-being.”
Claim: “Mandatory voting promotes active citizenship and representative democracy.” Reason: “Compulsory participation ensures diverse voices are heard in political decisions.”
Claim: “Gun control measures are necessary to prevent mass shootings.” Reason: “Stricter regulations reduce access to firearms, curbing potential violence.”
Claim: “Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right.” Reason: “Affordable medical services ensure equitable well-being and protect lives.”
Claim: “Climate change is a result of human activity.” Reason: “Scientific evidence links rising emissions to global temperature increases.”
Claim: “Animal testing should be replaced with humane alternatives.” Reason: “Ethical considerations demand cruelty-free research methods that yield accurate results.”
Claim: “Social media has negative effects on mental health.” Reason: “Excessive usage correlates with increased anxiety, depression, and social isolation.”
Claim: “School dress codes infringe on students’ freedom of expression.” Reason: “Restrictive policies limit individuality and discourage self-confidence.”
Claim: “Capital punishment should be abolished as it violates human rights.” Reason: “Irreversible consequences and the potential for wrongful convictions oppose ethical principles.”

Two-Part Thesis Statement Examples for Research Paper

Claim: “AI-driven healthcare innovations enhance medical diagnostics.” Reason: “Machine learning algorithms analyze complex data, aiding accurate disease identification.”
Claim: “Economic globalization impacts income distribution within nations.” Reason: “Global trade can lead to unequal wealth distribution among different socioeconomic groups.”
Claim: “Gender pay gap persists despite progress in workplace equality.” Reason: “Societal norms and biases contribute to unequal compensation between genders.”
Claim: “Urbanization affects mental health and well-being.” Reason: “City living can lead to increased stress levels due to noise and social pressures.”
Claim: “Digital media’s influence on children’s development warrants scrutiny.” Reason: “Excessive screen time can hinder cognitive and social skills during formative years.”
Claim: “Artificial intelligence has transformative potential in education.” Reason: “AI-powered personalized learning adapts to individual student needs, enhancing outcomes.”
Claim: “Effects of climate change impact vulnerable populations disproportionately.” Reason: “Marginalized communities suffer more from environmental changes due to resource disparities.”
Claim: “The role of genetics in mental disorders requires further exploration.” Reason: “Genetic factors contribute to mental health conditions, prompting research for targeted treatments.”
Claim: “Criminal justice reform is needed to address racial disparities.” Reason: “Biased sentencing and profiling lead to unequal treatment within the justice system.”
Claim: “Ethical implications of gene editing demand regulatory frameworks.” Reason: “CRISPR technology raises concerns about unintended consequences and responsible usage.”

Can you have a two point thesis?

Yes, you can have a two-point thesis, also known as a Two-Part Thesis Statement. This type of thesis statement presents two distinct aspects or ideas that will be discussed in your essay, each supported by specific reasons or evidence. It provides a clear structure for organizing your arguments and helps you convey a well-rounded perspective on your topic.

How to Write a Two Part Thesis Statement? – Step by Step Guide

Crafting a Two-Part Thesis Statement involves careful consideration of your topic and the main points you want to address. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective Two-Part Thesis Statement:

Choose a Specific Topic: Select a topic for your essay that is focused and manageable. Your thesis statement should address a specific aspect of the topic.
Identify Two Key Points: Determine the two main points or arguments you want to make about the topic. These points should be distinct and complementary, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Create a Claim for Each Point: Develop a clear and concise claim for each of the two points. These claims should represent the main ideas you will be discussing in your essay.
Provide Reasons or Evidence: For each claim, outline the reasons or evidence that support your point. These reasons will help you elaborate on each point in your essay.
Arrange the Structure: Organize your Two-Part Thesis Statement by presenting both claims in a logical order. You can choose to present one claim before the other or arrange them based on their significance.
Concise Language: Write your Two-Part Thesis Statement in clear and concise language. Avoid unnecessary jargon or complex sentence structures.
Revise and Refine: Review your Two-Part Thesis Statement for clarity and coherence. Make sure that each part is distinct and contributes to the overall argument.
Alignment with Essay Content: Ensure that the points you’ve identified in your Two-Part Thesis Statement are directly related to the content of your essay. This alignment helps maintain a focused and organized essay.

How do you split a thesis statement?

Splitting a thesis statement refers to breaking it down into two distinct parts: the claim and the reason. The claim represents the main idea or argument you are making, while the reason provides a brief explanation or justification for that claim. Here’s how you can split a thesis statement:

Original Thesis Statement: “Online education is beneficial.”

Split Thesis Statement:

Claim: “Online education offers numerous benefits.”
Reason: “It provides flexible scheduling and access to a variety of courses.”

By splitting the thesis statement, you clearly separate the main claim from the reason that supports it. This structure sets the foundation for a Two-Part Thesis Statement.

Tips for Writing a Two Part Thesis Statement

Be Clear and Specific: Ensure that your claims and reasons are clear, specific, and focused on the main points you want to discuss.
Balance the Two Points: Choose two points that are relevant to your topic and provide a well-rounded perspective on the subject.
Logical Order: Present your claims in a logical order that flows well and contributes to the coherence of your essay.
Support with Evidence: Make sure you have enough evidence or reasoning to support each claim. This strengthens the credibility of your arguments.
Avoid Overcomplication: Keep your language simple and straightforward. Avoid overly complex sentence structures that might confuse the reader.
Consider Counterarguments: Anticipate potential counterarguments to your claims and address them in your essay to strengthen your position.
Stay Focused: Each part of your thesis statement should relate directly to the points you’ll discuss in your essay. Avoid including unnecessary information.
Revise and Edit: Like any other part of your essay, revise and edit your Two-Part Thesis Statement to ensure it effectively conveys your intended message.

A well-crafted Two-Part Thesis Statement guides your essay’s structure, helps you stay focused on your main points, and provides your readers with a clear roadmap of what to expect.

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What is A Claim in Essay Writing and How to Write It?

A good essay revolves around a strong thesis statement or central claim, expressing the writer’s thoughts on a research question or topic, such as “ write my essay in Canada .” The term “claim” refers to an assertion that convinces, argues, demonstrates, or implies something to the target audience, who either agrees with it or disputes it using relevant knowledge, evidence, or real-life experience.

Although such assertions differ from general statements, they should be clear, affirmative, and easy to prove. The right way to develop a claim is to explore the topic, ask un-asked questions, determine the writing goal, and demonstrate a strong standpoint. Sounds like a lot? Well, that’s why students seek English essay writing help from professional writers.

Professional essay experts are now widely prevalent among students worldwide for offering comprehensive writing guidance. These experts offer one-to-one guidance and help students investigate an issue and draw an arguably true conclusion.

Whether writing a claim for your essay or explaining the three basic parts of a literary analysis , tutors possess impeccable subject knowledge and skills to help you compose the best solution. Although professionals are always available to help with your essay, writing a quality paper with justifiable assertions won’t be a nightmare if you understand the fundamentals of writing a claim. Keep reading to learn what a claim is and how to write it.

The Definition of a Claim

As mentioned earlier, a claim is an assertion for convincing, arguing, demonstrating, and suggesting something to readers who agree or disagree with the context of the argument with the available knowledge. Claims are an important aspect of an essay as they highlight its scope and give direction. In argumentative essays, students use their knowledge and thoughts to make claims using supportive evidence. Here are two examples of claims for essays:

Abortion is a woman’s fundamental right: Although the majority of the mass argue that abortions are an unethical practice because it ends an innocent’s life, it should be a woman’s fundamental right to decide what she wants to do, especially those with terminal health risks or rape victims.
Gender roles in “The Great Gatsby”: The novel “The Great Gatsby” is a literary masterpiece that reflects on the opposing values of the then-social models through the perspectives of different female characters that men objectified.

Types of Claims in an Essay

Writers use different types of claims to make their essays relevant and convincing. Let’s look at the types of claims writers generally use while writing an essay claim :

Comparative: Comparative claims are assertions relevant to different objects and reveal their similarities and differences to help readers analyze the diversity of objects for informed decision-making.
Argumentative: Such claims are made based on the reflection of people’s opinions supported by relevant evidence.
Cause and effect: This claim covers information about two or more events or issues and their origin and effect.
Fact: Facts are used to point out the truth or falsity of some claims.
Definition: Such claims assert something without giving evidence, like describing an event, situation, or object.
Value: These are statements that people should consider worthwhile. These assertions show beliefs, facts, and policies, anything considered valuable.
Solution: Such claims answer existing problems or respond to questions directly.

Types of Evidence for Writing Claims

Various evidence types are used for writing claims, such as:

Expert opinions of professionals from different areas of specialization.
First-hand evidence from participants’ interviews and analysis of their views and opinions.
Direct observation of humans in natural settings without prior information and developing convincing claims.
Examples from past experiences to gather real-life insights into the issues.
Primary research to gather first-hand evidence to develop conclusions from credible assertions.
Synthesis of secondary research to draw evidence for developing a claim for argumentative or persuasive essays on a specific subject or topic.
Historical data, facts, statistics, and other information gathered from primary research of credible sources.

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How to Write a Good Claim in an Essay?

An essay claim should be backed by justifiable evidence affirming a position. Here are the necessary steps to follow while writing a claim:

Step 1: Explore the topic

The first step to writing a claim is to learn about the topic. To do so, conduct preliminary research on the topic and find sufficient evidence to justify your position. For example, if you are writing on climate change, gather evidence to support your claim of global warming being the major cause of climate change.

Step 2: Ask important questions

The next step to writing a claim is asking critical questions about the gathered evidence. This stage will help you determine the quality of information on the subject and determine which side of the argument is valid. As a result, you can identify the possible counterarguments and prepare accordingly.

Step 3: Determine your Essay’s Goal

Go through your essay briefing and determine the primary purpose of the argument before writing your claim. You should have a deeper understanding of the main goal by now. Based on your insights into the essay’s scope, develop a claim that challenges readers’ opinion of the topic. Also, reviewing your essay’s goal is important for combining relevant ideas. Even if your writing focuses on multiple issues, connect the related ideas and make refutable claims to demonstrate a clear knowledge of the topic.

Step 4: Take a Unique Stand

The final should focus on developing a unique standpoint for making a refutable argument. Hence, start by stating arguable facts and straightforward claims. Make sure your argument is unique and convinces the readers to shift from their original understanding of the topic or issue. You should also critically examine the gathered evidence to deduce a distinctive position.

Writing a Good Claim in an Essay – Dos & Don’ts

Claims should be clear and straightforward. Hence, choose a statement that you can justify with the available evidence. Ensure it has a definitive and affirmative tone so readers are convinced of your main arguments and claims. Let’s take a look at some dos and don’ts of making a claim:

In conclusion, a good essay relies on a strong claim or thesis statement that presents the writer’s thoughts on a research question or topic. A claim is an assertion that convinces, argues, demonstrates, or implies something to the audience, supported by evidence and knowledge. There are different types of claims, including comparative claims, argumentative claims, cause and effect claims, fact claims, definition claims, value claims, and solution claims.

To write a good claim, it is important to explore the topic, ask critical questions, determine the essay’s goal, and take a unique stand. The claim should be justifiable, clear, and straightforward, with a definitive and affirmative tone. It should also have a logical scope, use an active voice, and be concise. Avoid selecting a too broad scope, using negative language, complicating the argument, and relying on personal grounds. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively develop strong and compelling claims for their essays.

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The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Introductions

What this handout is about.

This handout will explain the functions of introductions, offer strategies for creating effective introductions, and provide some examples of less effective introductions to avoid.

The role of introductions

Introductions and conclusions can be the most difficult parts of papers to write. Usually when you sit down to respond to an assignment, you have at least some sense of what you want to say in the body of your paper. You might have chosen a few examples you want to use or have an idea that will help you answer the main question of your assignment; these sections, therefore, may not be as hard to write. And it’s fine to write them first! But in your final draft, these middle parts of the paper can’t just come out of thin air; they need to be introduced and concluded in a way that makes sense to your reader.

Your introduction and conclusion act as bridges that transport your readers from their own lives into the “place” of your analysis. If your readers pick up your paper about education in the autobiography of Frederick Douglass, for example, they need a transition to help them leave behind the world of Chapel Hill, television, e-mail, and The Daily Tar Heel and to help them temporarily enter the world of nineteenth-century American slavery. By providing an introduction that helps your readers make a transition between their own world and the issues you will be writing about, you give your readers the tools they need to get into your topic and care about what you are saying. Similarly, once you’ve hooked your readers with the introduction and offered evidence to prove your thesis, your conclusion can provide a bridge to help your readers make the transition back to their daily lives. (See our handout on conclusions .)

Note that what constitutes a good introduction may vary widely based on the kind of paper you are writing and the academic discipline in which you are writing it. If you are uncertain what kind of introduction is expected, ask your instructor.

Why bother writing a good introduction?

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. The opening paragraph of your paper will provide your readers with their initial impressions of your argument, your writing style, and the overall quality of your work. A vague, disorganized, error-filled, off-the-wall, or boring introduction will probably create a negative impression. On the other hand, a concise, engaging, and well-written introduction will start your readers off thinking highly of you, your analytical skills, your writing, and your paper.

Your introduction is an important road map for the rest of your paper. Your introduction conveys a lot of information to your readers. You can let them know what your topic is, why it is important, and how you plan to proceed with your discussion. In many academic disciplines, your introduction should contain a thesis that will assert your main argument. Your introduction should also give the reader a sense of the kinds of information you will use to make that argument and the general organization of the paragraphs and pages that will follow. After reading your introduction, your readers should not have any major surprises in store when they read the main body of your paper.

Ideally, your introduction will make your readers want to read your paper. The introduction should capture your readers’ interest, making them want to read the rest of your paper. Opening with a compelling story, an interesting question, or a vivid example can get your readers to see why your topic matters and serve as an invitation for them to join you for an engaging intellectual conversation (remember, though, that these strategies may not be suitable for all papers and disciplines).

Strategies for writing an effective introduction

Start by thinking about the question (or questions) you are trying to answer. Your entire essay will be a response to this question, and your introduction is the first step toward that end. Your direct answer to the assigned question will be your thesis, and your thesis will likely be included in your introduction, so it is a good idea to use the question as a jumping off point. Imagine that you are assigned the following question:

Drawing on the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass , discuss the relationship between education and slavery in 19th-century America. Consider the following: How did white control of education reinforce slavery? How did Douglass and other enslaved African Americans view education while they endured slavery? And what role did education play in the acquisition of freedom? Most importantly, consider the degree to which education was or was not a major force for social change with regard to slavery.

You will probably refer back to your assignment extensively as you prepare your complete essay, and the prompt itself can also give you some clues about how to approach the introduction. Notice that it starts with a broad statement and then narrows to focus on specific questions from the book. One strategy might be to use a similar model in your own introduction—start off with a big picture sentence or two and then focus in on the details of your argument about Douglass. Of course, a different approach could also be very successful, but looking at the way the professor set up the question can sometimes give you some ideas for how you might answer it. (See our handout on understanding assignments for additional information on the hidden clues in assignments.)

Decide how general or broad your opening should be. Keep in mind that even a “big picture” opening needs to be clearly related to your topic; an opening sentence that said “Human beings, more than any other creatures on earth, are capable of learning” would be too broad for our sample assignment about slavery and education. If you have ever used Google Maps or similar programs, that experience can provide a helpful way of thinking about how broad your opening should be. Imagine that you’re researching Chapel Hill. If what you want to find out is whether Chapel Hill is at roughly the same latitude as Rome, it might make sense to hit that little “minus” sign on the online map until it has zoomed all the way out and you can see the whole globe. If you’re trying to figure out how to get from Chapel Hill to Wrightsville Beach, it might make more sense to zoom in to the level where you can see most of North Carolina (but not the rest of the world, or even the rest of the United States). And if you are looking for the intersection of Ridge Road and Manning Drive so that you can find the Writing Center’s main office, you may need to zoom all the way in. The question you are asking determines how “broad” your view should be. In the sample assignment above, the questions are probably at the “state” or “city” level of generality. When writing, you need to place your ideas in context—but that context doesn’t generally have to be as big as the whole galaxy!

Try writing your introduction last. You may think that you have to write your introduction first, but that isn’t necessarily true, and it isn’t always the most effective way to craft a good introduction. You may find that you don’t know precisely what you are going to argue at the beginning of the writing process. It is perfectly fine to start out thinking that you want to argue a particular point but wind up arguing something slightly or even dramatically different by the time you’ve written most of the paper. The writing process can be an important way to organize your ideas, think through complicated issues, refine your thoughts, and develop a sophisticated argument. However, an introduction written at the beginning of that discovery process will not necessarily reflect what you wind up with at the end. You will need to revise your paper to make sure that the introduction, all of the evidence, and the conclusion reflect the argument you intend. Sometimes it’s easiest to just write up all of your evidence first and then write the introduction last—that way you can be sure that the introduction will match the body of the paper.

Don’t be afraid to write a tentative introduction first and then change it later. Some people find that they need to write some kind of introduction in order to get the writing process started. That’s fine, but if you are one of those people, be sure to return to your initial introduction later and rewrite if necessary.

Open with something that will draw readers in. Consider these options (remembering that they may not be suitable for all kinds of papers):

an intriguing example —for example, Douglass writes about a mistress who initially teaches him but then ceases her instruction as she learns more about slavery.
a provocative quotation that is closely related to your argument —for example, Douglass writes that “education and slavery were incompatible with each other.” (Quotes from famous people, inspirational quotes, etc. may not work well for an academic paper; in this example, the quote is from the author himself.)
a puzzling scenario —for example, Frederick Douglass says of slaves that “[N]othing has been left undone to cripple their intellects, darken their minds, debase their moral nature, obliterate all traces of their relationship to mankind; and yet how wonderfully they have sustained the mighty load of a most frightful bondage, under which they have been groaning for centuries!” Douglass clearly asserts that slave owners went to great lengths to destroy the mental capacities of slaves, yet his own life story proves that these efforts could be unsuccessful.
a vivid and perhaps unexpected anecdote —for example, “Learning about slavery in the American history course at Frederick Douglass High School, students studied the work slaves did, the impact of slavery on their families, and the rules that governed their lives. We didn’t discuss education, however, until one student, Mary, raised her hand and asked, ‘But when did they go to school?’ That modern high school students could not conceive of an American childhood devoid of formal education speaks volumes about the centrality of education to American youth today and also suggests the significance of the deprivation of education in past generations.”
a thought-provoking question —for example, given all of the freedoms that were denied enslaved individuals in the American South, why does Frederick Douglass focus his attentions so squarely on education and literacy?

Pay special attention to your first sentence. Start off on the right foot with your readers by making sure that the first sentence actually says something useful and that it does so in an interesting and polished way.

How to evaluate your introduction draft

Ask a friend to read your introduction and then tell you what they expect the paper will discuss, what kinds of evidence the paper will use, and what the tone of the paper will be. If your friend is able to predict the rest of your paper accurately, you probably have a good introduction.

Five kinds of less effective introductions

1. The placeholder introduction. When you don’t have much to say on a given topic, it is easy to create this kind of introduction. Essentially, this kind of weaker introduction contains several sentences that are vague and don’t really say much. They exist just to take up the “introduction space” in your paper. If you had something more effective to say, you would probably say it, but in the meantime this paragraph is just a place holder.

Example: Slavery was one of the greatest tragedies in American history. There were many different aspects of slavery. Each created different kinds of problems for enslaved people.

2. The restated question introduction. Restating the question can sometimes be an effective strategy, but it can be easy to stop at JUST restating the question instead of offering a more specific, interesting introduction to your paper. The professor or teaching assistant wrote your question and will be reading many essays in response to it—they do not need to read a whole paragraph that simply restates the question.

Example: The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass discusses the relationship between education and slavery in 19th century America, showing how white control of education reinforced slavery and how Douglass and other enslaved African Americans viewed education while they endured. Moreover, the book discusses the role that education played in the acquisition of freedom. Education was a major force for social change with regard to slavery.

3. The Webster’s Dictionary introduction. This introduction begins by giving the dictionary definition of one or more of the words in the assigned question. Anyone can look a word up in the dictionary and copy down what Webster says. If you want to open with a discussion of an important term, it may be far more interesting for you (and your reader) if you develop your own definition of the term in the specific context of your class and assignment. You may also be able to use a definition from one of the sources you’ve been reading for class. Also recognize that the dictionary is also not a particularly authoritative work—it doesn’t take into account the context of your course and doesn’t offer particularly detailed information. If you feel that you must seek out an authority, try to find one that is very relevant and specific. Perhaps a quotation from a source reading might prove better? Dictionary introductions are also ineffective simply because they are so overused. Instructors may see a great many papers that begin in this way, greatly decreasing the dramatic impact that any one of those papers will have.

Example: Webster’s dictionary defines slavery as “the state of being a slave,” as “the practice of owning slaves,” and as “a condition of hard work and subjection.”

4. The “dawn of man” introduction. This kind of introduction generally makes broad, sweeping statements about the relevance of this topic since the beginning of time, throughout the world, etc. It is usually very general (similar to the placeholder introduction) and fails to connect to the thesis. It may employ cliches—the phrases “the dawn of man” and “throughout human history” are examples, and it’s hard to imagine a time when starting with one of these would work. Instructors often find them extremely annoying.

Example: Since the dawn of man, slavery has been a problem in human history.

5. The book report introduction. This introduction is what you had to do for your elementary school book reports. It gives the name and author of the book you are writing about, tells what the book is about, and offers other basic facts about the book. You might resort to this sort of introduction when you are trying to fill space because it’s a familiar, comfortable format. It is ineffective because it offers details that your reader probably already knows and that are irrelevant to the thesis.

Example: Frederick Douglass wrote his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave , in the 1840s. It was published in 1986 by Penguin Books. In it, he tells the story of his life.

And now for the conclusion…

Writing an effective introduction can be tough. Try playing around with several different options and choose the one that ends up sounding best to you!

Just as your introduction helps readers make the transition to your topic, your conclusion needs to help them return to their daily lives–but with a lasting sense of how what they have just read is useful or meaningful. Check out our handout on conclusions for tips on ending your paper as effectively as you began it!

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Douglass, Frederick. 1995. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself . New York: Dover.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Guest Essay

Something’s Rotten About the Justices Taking So Long on Trump’s Immunity Case

A view of the Supreme Court building under dark skies with the portico lighted.

By Leah Litman

Ms. Litman is a professor at the University of Michigan Law School, a host of the “Strict Scrutiny” podcast and a former clerk to the Supreme Court justice Anthony Kennedy.

For those looking for the hidden hand of politics in what the Supreme Court does, there’s plenty of reason for suspicion on Donald Trump’s as-yet-undecided immunity case given its urgency. There are, of course, explanations that have nothing to do with politics for why a ruling still hasn’t been issued. But the reasons to think something is rotten at the court are impossible to ignore.

On Feb. 28, the justices agreed to hear Mr. Trump’s claim that he is immune from prosecution on charges that he plotted to subvert the 2020 election. The court scheduled oral arguments in the case for the end of April. That eight-week interval is much quicker than the ordinary Supreme Court briefing process, which usually extends for at least 10 weeks . But it’s considerably more drawn out than the schedule the court established earlier this year on a challenge from Colorado after that state took Mr. Trump off its presidential primary ballot. The court agreed to hear arguments on the case a mere month after accepting it and issued its decision less than a month after the argument. Mr. Trump prevailed, 9-0.

Nearly two months have passed since the justices heard lawyers for the former president and for the special counsel’s office argue the immunity case. The court is dominated by conservatives nominated by Republican presidents. Every passing day further delays a potential trial on charges related to Mr. Trump’s efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election and his role in the events that led to the storming of the Capitol; indeed, at this point, even if the court rules that Mr. Trump has limited or no immunity, it is unlikely a verdict will be delivered before the election.

The immunity case is not the only big case hanging fire. Some two dozen remain undecided that were argued even before the April 25 oral argument over Mr. Trump’s immunity. A case on gun rights for domestic abusers under a restraining order was argued in November; cases involving the power of federal agencies and a multibillion-dollar settlement for opioid victims were heard in December and January; the court also has yet to decide whether upwind states must cut emissions that affect the air quality in downwind states. That case was argued in February.

The court is a busy place, though the justices are completing decisions at the second slowest rate since the 1946 term, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal. The court tries to wrap up its business for the term that began in October by the end of June. It’s not shocking that cases argued later in the term end up being decided later, especially because by the end of April, when the immunity case was heard, the court was still working to finish cases argued months earlier. April was also among the court’s busiest months: The justices heard 10 cases.

But these seemingly mundane, process explanations overlook some of the particulars in the immunity case. Mr. Trump’s lawyers put together a set of arguments that are so outlandish they shouldn’t take much time to dispatch. Among them is the upside-down claim that, because the Constitution specifies that an officer who is convicted in an impeachment proceeding may subsequently face a criminal trial, the Constitution actually requires an impeachment conviction before there is any criminal punishment.

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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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How to Write an Effective Claim for an Essay

What is a claim in an essay?

Types of claims with examples

1. Factual claims

2. Value claims

3. Definitional claims

4. Cause and effect claims

5. Descriptive claims

6. Argumentative claims

7. Exploratory claims

8. Assertive claims

9. Policy claims

Where to use Claims when writing

Features of a reasonable claim

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

2. A good claim challenges the status quo

3. A good claim is unbiased

4. A good claim is particular

5. A good claim promotes an argumentative essay

Claim vs. Claim Statement

Claim vs. Thesis Statement vs. Counterclaim

Steps to writing the best claim in an essay

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

2. Phrase the exciting topic as a question

3. Define the objective of your essay

4. Take a position on the issue

5. Develop sub-claims

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

Final Remarks

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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?

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