This document discusses the concept of claims in academic arguments. It defines a claim as the main argumentative position or thesis being put forward. There are three main types of claims: claims of fact, which argue about the existence or non-existence of a condition; claims of value, which argue about worth, quality, or whether something should be approved or disapproved; and claims of policy, which argue that a change in behavior, policy, or attitude is necessary. The document provides examples of each type of claim and discusses characteristics of effective claims such as being focused, clear, direct, arguable, and revelatory. It includes an activity asking readers to develop claims on a given topic and discuss example claims.

1. INVENTING ARGUMENTS:
CHAPTER 2
Rooney - English 127

2. CLAIMS The Building Block of
Argument

3. WHAT IS A CLAIM?
The main argumentative
position (or thesis) being put
forward.
Claim = assertion
Asserting
Claim
Supporting
Claim
Defending
Claim
Argume
nt

4. WHAT IS ACADEMIC ARGUMENT?
Main Claim
Supporting
Claim
Support
Support
Supporting
Claim
Support
Support

5. TYPES OF CLAIMS
Argument
Claims
of Policy
Claims
of Fact
Claims
of Value

6. CLAIMS OF FACT :
Facts are Always in Dispute
Argue a
condition
does or does
not exist
Argue a
condition has
or has not
existed
Argue a
condition will
or will not
exist

7. CLAIMS OF VALUE :
Any Claim that Argues Worth
Argues that
something possesses
a certain quality
(good, bad, just,
unreasonable,
practical, unfair)
Argues that
something reflects or
embodies a certain
quality (good, bad,
just, unreasonable,
practical, unfair)
Argues that
something should be
approved or
disapproved

8. CLAIMS OF POLICY :
Action or Change is Necessary
Argues that a
particular change
in behavior is
necessary
Argues that a
particular change
in policy is
necessary
Argues that a
particular change
in attitude or
approach is
necessary

9. CONSTRUCTING CLAIMS
Type &
Construction
of Claim
(Content)
Purpose of
Argument
Reaction
of
Audience

10. CONSTRUCTING CLAIMS
I’m not
saying
________
I’m saying
________
= Clarity

11. ACTIVITY
In your group, discuss the following:
1. Consider the blurring between news and entertainment. Develop
three argumentative claims (one fact, one value, and one policy)
about this topic. Be sure to provide clarity in your claim!
2. Discuss this argument:
“I’m not gay; not that there is anything wrong with that.”
What is happening here? What is the purpose and (do you think)
audience for this claim? How and why would and could this be
effective?

12. CHARACTERISTIC OF CLAIMS
Focused
Claims
Guide the attention to a
particular aspect of an
issue
Clear, direct language
and incredibly specific
Arguable
Claims
Make assertion that can
be challenged on
various grounds,
inviting opposition
No room for questions,
obvious facts, or
limited perspectives.
Revelatory
Claims
Reveal an unfamiliar
topic or a new layer of
a familiar one.
Challenge norms and
show hidden sides.
Tear down the curtains,
clear away dirt, and
reveal the roots (and
often the mess)

13. ACTIVITY
In your group, discuss the following:
1. Consider how the following unfocused thesis statements (main
claims) could be more focused. Be specific and offer at least two
improved versions for each.
2. People should avoid large corporate retailers.
3. King Lear is Shakespeare’s best work.
4. The settlers were wrong in driving out the Native Americans.
5. There are many good things about public television.