ClaimsDon’t write a paper without one!

What is a claim?

…I’m so glad you asked!

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.

Claims

0are sentences that define the purpose of an essay0unify the writer’s thoughts under one idea.0are the heart of any good paper. 0prevent your reader from saying, “So what?” about

your topic.

0 contain0 A topic 0 A position on that topic

More on claims0 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.

More on claims

0A good claim is NOT:0A statement of fact:0Ice cream is a high calorie dessert.

0A personal opinion:0I think ice cream is the best dessert.

0A vague generalization:0Ice cream is good.

0A question:0Are there benefits to eating ice cream?

Good or bad?

Example

0The book The Outsiders is about teenagers.

Example

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

Example

0Water is good for people to drink.

Example

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

Example

0Social networks are bad.

Example

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

How do I write a claim?

A Winning Combination

0Topic0Position0Reasons you’re right

For this task:

0Topic0 Internet Addiction

0Position0 You decide. Is it a problem faced by today’s teens or not?

0Reasons you’re right0 Can be found in the articles provided to you.

Food for Thought

A living sentence…

0Until you publish or turn in a paper, a claim is a living thing.

0Your ideas will change based on 0 Conversations you have0 Things you read0 Life experiences

0Expect to revise your claims often.

TRY IT!

0After 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?

0Turn this in on a separate sheet of paper.