What are the different types of claims in writing?

Writing has never been an easy task, especially as a college student, when professors’ and mentors’ only goal seems to be teaching you how to write well. Truth be told, if your argument is not adequate, your reasoning could be rejected as invalid, which means that you will have no evidence to support your beliefs. This is why you must take advantage of all the available resources at hand. Make sure your thesis falls under one of the next claims to stay on top of your assignments and get the best grades!

Quick pre-tip: the longer your essay, the briefer your thesis should be. Make sure that you build a very concise and focused argument by checking its strength. Look at our list of characteristics and if you have any questions whatsoever, do not hesitate to contact us.

1.The claim of fact or definition

To make a claim of fact, pick a debatable, subjective-oriented topic that can be easily argued by both sides. It could be a controversial issue that can be proved or disproved with inartistic evidence. The argument is usually made in regard to how one existing idea can interfere with the past and the future, how concepts can change, and how predictive behavior can be observed. Factual claims focus on the relational-causal connections between one’s thoughts and can be historical in nature.
To support such claims, your argument must:

●Have reliable grounds, such as appropriate data, researched ideas, accurate information, and well-defined terms in terms of clarity
●“Make the distinction between fact and inference,” states one of the best academic writers online, Clark Crawford. “Use data, don’t assume facts. Prove to them that you are right based on the available information, not based on experience.

2.The cause and effect claim

This type of claim also requires a debatable subject, an opinion-based definition of concepts, a controversial issue to discuss. People disagree upon various topics, especially when it comes down to “what caused X to become Y?” For example, “is Global Warming caused by greenhouse gases?” could be a potential question, as well as “are only children more prone to increased depression and anxiety?” Make sure that your topic can be argued well by both sides, try to pick a subject that is popular but also wide.

When choosing this type of claim, make sure you analyze the cause and effects of the idea presented. Ask yourself, “what caused X to determine Y to potentially become Z?” or “what effects had X on Y and Z?” Keywords to use: because of, therefore, due to, etc.

3.The claim about policies or solutions

These claims work hand in hand with the first category, “claims of fact and definition.” That’s because they discuss a problem (fact, definition) and then suggest an appropriate solution to that issue. If you are using a policy claim, you should structure your arguments in a methodical order and use checkpoints for your objectives. For instance, “how should colleges organize their curriculum so that all students can follow through?” or “should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote?”

As I mentioned above, you can intertwine these two types of claims – factual and solution-oriented – in one single paper on a relatable subject. For instance, since the American healthcare system could be improved (fact/definition), what are some reforms that could bring about positive changes (policy/solution)?
Proof for this type of claim includes –

●Making your proposed plan clear to the audience
●Justifying your ideas with supportable back-up claims
●Making the plan workable by mapping out the exact steps
● Discussing the advantages of proposing such a reform
●Addressing any disadvantages if necessary
●Considering the other party’s argument and coming up with responses in advance

4.The claim about value

You don’t have to be part of the nerdy writers club to realize the importance of writing in our daily lives. Not only does it help develop valuable content, but it also promotes unique perspectives on various issues and thus expands/changes our thought-patterns. If making a claim about value, writers should focus on discussing the taste or the morals of one controversial (or non-controversial) issue, the good and the bad of one viewpoint. You could easily make value judgments or resolve conflicts by using this type of claim. Don’t forget to always ask yourself, “what is the rightness of this situation?” or “what is its relative merit?”
To prove your point, here is what you should keep in mind:

●Establish the right standards of evaluation by choosing specific measures and compatible tools (how can you establish the relevancy of an issue? How can you quantify it?)
●Ask yourself, what is the priority of this value and why is it moral for me to continue arguing? If there is an immoral reason, should I stop?
●What are the advantages/disadvantages of your standards?
●Can you give out examples to expand on your ideas?
●Use the right resources to back your claims with reasonable data

Conclusion

If you are familiar with these types of claims, there is nothing stopping you from winning a debate or proving your well-established point. Keep your standards high, be concise and brief, and always give out examples. Don’t forget to consider the other side’s opinion and come up with counter-arguments that fit the context. Keep your thesis objective and write well. Don’t make any grammar/spelling mistakes. You got this!