CLAIM
What is a CLAIM?
A claim is a statement that tells your position or point of view in an argument.
What is a THESIS STATEMENT?
A thesis statement is one sentence that shows your position/point of view and 3 reasons.
What is a COUNTERCLAIM?
A counterclaim is a statement that shows the opposite point of view (their position and reason).
What is a REBUTTAL?
A rebuttal is a statement that disproves the counterclaim.
What is EVIDENCE?
Evidence refers to the information—facts, data, quotations, and examples—used to support, prove, or validate a claim or thesis.
Which of the following is a CLAIM?
a. Students should wear uniforms because they are cool.
b. Students should not wear uniforms.
c. Students should not wear uniforms because they are ugly.
B
Where is a THESIS STATEMENT located in an essay?
A thesis statement is located at the end (last sentence) of the introduction paragraph.
What is the COUNTERCLAIM for the following claim?
Students should wear school uniforms.
Students should not wear school uniforms.
What is a good transition word/phrase to introduce a REBUTTAL?
However,
Still,
Which of the following is NOT evidence?
A. 90% of girls like the color green.
B. 1 out of 5 boys plays basketball.
C. A scientist explains that "loud music can harm your hearing".
D. Listening to loud music is fun.
D. Listening to loud music is fun.
Write a CLAIM for the following topic:
Children allowances
"Parents should give their children allowances for completing chores."
"Parents should not give their children allowances for completing chores."
What is the formula for writing a THESIS STATEMENT?
(Transition) It is clear that (position) because (reason 1), (reason 2), and (reason 3).
What is the COUNTERCLAIM for the following claim?
NASA should send astronauts to live on Mars.
NASA should not send astronauts to live on Mars.
Write a REBUTTAL for the following counterclaim.
NASA should not send astronauts to live on Mars because it would be dangerous.
Even though it would be dangerous for astronauts to live on Mars, it would be worth the risk because they would learn a great deal about the "Red Planet." (or another reason)
Make up EVIDENCE for the following argument:
Cats make better pets than dogs because they are generally easier to care for.
Fact, statistic, or quote.
Examples: While dogs typically need to be fed twice a day, cats can often feed themselves if food is left out for them. 75% of cat owners say that they never have to think about feeding their cat. 1 out of 4 dog owners dread feeding their dog.
Write a CLAIM for the following topic/argument:
Video games and violent behavior
"Playing video games leads to violent behavior."
"Playing video games does not lead to violent behavior."
What should you add to a THESIS STATEMENT to take it to the next level?
The counterclaim (Some may argue that...).
What is the difference between a COUNTERCLAIM and a REBUTTAL?
A COUNTERCLAIM tells the opposite point of view, while a REBUTTAL tells why the opposite point of view is wrong or insufficient.
Write a REBUTTAL for the following counterclaim.
The school day should be lengthened.
Though some may argue that longer school days may lead to more time to practice basic academic skills, more time does not equate to better learning and may lead to "cognitive fatigue". (or another reason)
Make up EVIDENCE for the following argument:
Glasses are better than contacts because they take less time to put on.
Fact, statistic, or quote
Examples: Only 23% of contact wearers say they don't mind the time it takes. 3 out of 4 people who wear glasses say they switched to glasses because of the hassle of putting in contacts.
What is the difference between a CLAIM and a THESIS STATEMENT?
A THESIS STATEMENT tells your point of view/position and your reasons, while a CLAIM only tells your point of view/position.
Write a THESIS STATEMENT for the following topic/argument:
School Uniforms
It is clear that students should/should not wear uniforms because of (reason 1), (reason 2), and (reason 3).
What is a good word/phrase to introduce a COUNTERCLAIM?
Some may argue that...
Even though some critics say...
Despite the fact that...
Although the opposing argument is...
What is the purpose of explaining a counterclaim and refuting it in your argument?
To show the reader that you understand the opposing point of view and convince them that your point of view is better.
What is a good phrase to introduce EVIDENCE?
For example, ...
According to the Sun Sentinel article "Dog Parks Everywhere", ...
Dr. Patel, a researcher with CalTech, explains...
A recent study by [Author/Organization]..."