A claim is the "backbone" of an essay. It connects all the elements of a paper and defines the purpose by containing a topic and position on that topic. A good claim unifies the writer's thoughts under one main idea and prevents the reader from asking "So what?" about the topic. More specifically, a claim is not merely a statement of fact, personal opinion, or vague generalization. It should also propose a solution or make a comparison to effectively argue a position.

2. What is a claim?

3. …I’m so glad you asked!

4. A claim is the
“backbone” of your
paper.
It connects all of the elements of
your paper, just like your spine
controls your whole body.

5. Claims
0 are sentences that define the purpose of an essay
0 unify the writer’s thoughts under one idea.
0 are the heart of any good paper.
0 prevent your reader from saying, “So what?” about
your topic.
0 contain
0 A topic
0 A position on that topic

6. More on claims
0 A good claims may also:
0 Make a comparison or contrast:
0 Example: Cake and ice cream are a classic birthday combination;
both desserts bring about happy memories and contribute to a
positive environment at any celebration.
0 Focus on the causes or effects of a particular event, condition or
change:
0 Example: Overconsumption of ice cream was the lead contributor
to Mrs. Mundy’s weight gain this summer.
0 Propose a solution to a problem or recommend a policy.
0 Example: People can learn to curb their cravings by logging
everything they consume on a daily basis.

7. More on claims
0A good claim is NOT:
0 A statement of fact:
0Ice cream is a high calorie dessert.
0 A personal opinion:
0I think ice cream is the best dessert.
0 A vague generalization:
0Ice cream is good.
0 A question:
0Are there benefits to eating ice cream?

9. Example
0 The book The Outsiders is about teenagers.

10. Example
0 Through characterization and plot events, S.E. Hinton
accurately represents the American teenager in the
novel The Outsiders.

11. Example
0 Water is good for people to drink.

12. Example
0 Something as simple as drinking more water can
make a large, positive difference in a person’s health.

13. Example
0 Social networks are bad.

14. Example
0 Social networks are negatively impacting the way we
communicate face-to-face.

16. A Winning Combination
0 Topic
0 Position
0 Reasons you’re right

17. For this task:
0 Topic
0 Internet Addiction
0 Position
0 You decide. Is it a problem faced by today’s teens or not?
0 Reasons you’re right
0 Can be found in the articles provided to you.

19. A living sentence…
0 Until you publish or turn in a paper, a claim is a living
thing.
0 Your ideas will change based on
0 Conversations you have
0 Things you read
0 Life experiences
0 Expect to revise your claims often.

20. TRY IT!
0 After reading the articles, craft a more polished
claim in response to the writing prompt from last
week: Is internet addiction a health threat for
teenagers?
0 Turn this in on a separate sheet of paper.