CLAIMS & CENTRAL IDEAS
What is a claim?
The main argument an author is trying to prove.
What type of evidence appeals to logic?
Statistics, data, and facts.
What are the three main author purposes?
Inform, persuade, entertain.
What tone is best for formal arguments?
Professional and objective.
Why does writing need logical order?
To help readers follow ideas.
Where is a claim usually found?
Introduction or thesis statement.
Why are specific details stronger than general ones?
They prove ideas clearly.
How does knowing the audience affect writing?
It shapes tone, word choice, and evidence.
Why avoid slang in argumentative writing?
It reduces credibility.
What do transitions signal?
Relationships between ideas.
How is a claim different from a fact?
A claim can be debated; a fact cannot.
What is reasoning?
Explaining how the evidence supports the claim.
Why do authors include expert opinions?
To build credibility (ethos).
What makes a word choice more precise?
It clearly conveys meaning without exaggeration.
Which transition fits conclusions best?
In summary / Ultimately / All in all.
Why must all evidence connect back to the claim?
To keep the argument focused.
Why must statistics be explained?
Numbers alone don’t prove meaning.
When is emotional language effective?
When paired with strong evidence.
How do context clues help with multiple-meaning words?
They narrow meaning to fit the passage.
Why is repetition of ideas a problem?
It weakens clarity.
What weakens a claim most?
Evidence that is emotional or unrelated.
How do you test whether evidence is effective?
Ask: Does this directly support the claim?
What makes an argument convincing?
A clear claim, strong evidence, and logical reasoning.
Why does diction impact persuasion?
Word choice affects reader trust.
What structure best supports arguments?
Claim → Evidence → Reasoning → Conclusion.