What is a Claim in Writing?

A claim is a part of a longer essay or paper that states the idea in that body of text. This is a very essential part of writing and requires thorough and in-depth critical thought before articulating it. 

Definition of a claim in writing

Let’s define the claim first. You can see the claim as a thesis statement. This is a strong statement (could be controversial) that states the opinion you are putting forward in your essay which will later be proven by evidence and facts. For instance, look at this claim example,

‘Children are losing their ability to imagine by the constant intake of visual information through social media’. Some people might agree with this and some won’t but it is stated as a fact because this is the opinion that the writer is trying to prove to the reader. It basically answers the question, ‘what is the author’s claim?’ 

Knowing the art of wording claims is an important part of writing research papers and essays. 

claim in writing

Types of claims in writing

There are three types of claims: 

  • Claims of fact: When you insert a claim of fact within a paragraph, it makes the reader anticipate further scientific or logical evidence for what you have said. This should be stated in clear and accurate words and should leave some room for discussion or a counterclaim. 

For example, ‘Reducing and recycling plastic in offices can significantly reduce the adverse effects of plastic on the environment’. 

A wrong way of making a claim of fact is stating the above information in a factual manner with the help of a statistic that can not be debated further. 

‘Recycled steel saves 60% production energy, recycled newspaper 40%, recycled plastics 70%, and recycled glass 40%.’ -National Institute of Health

  • Claims of value: This is a claim that states a form of comparison between two things that gives an estimate of their value. This comparison also shows a certain personal opinion that can be debatable. Still, it is worded like the truth or fact. 

‘Although a lot of patients feel better after yoga, most do not find it very effective for their mental illness and instead find it extremely difficult to focus during the exercise’ 

This is a claim that compares the value of yoga for patients who have bad mental health. As it can be seen, the reader will automatically anticipate what the writer has to say about this further. 

  • Claims of policy: As the name indicates, a claim of policy is arguing whether a certain civil policy would be effective to achieve a purpose or not. Sometimes it can also suggest a policy that will help a situation. 

‘Implementing a fine for not wearing seatbelts and helmets can significantly reduce traffic accidents’

This again, is a proposition for the implementation of a traffic law and requires further studies and facts to support it. You can look at claims of policy examples when reading articles in the newspaper. 

How to identify a claim in a text

  1. It is a statement that can be argued with a counter statement to challenge it.
  2. A claim is not a commonly accepted fact or truth 
  3. Argumentative claim is usually the first sentence in a paragraph
  4. It is usually answering a question 

The role of claims in writing

A well-written claim can make your essay or research paper very strong. This is the main power of your argument. When you make a claim, it has to be followed by an exercise of logic that tests whether the claim is sound. 

If a claim is weak, the reader might not be interested in the evidence you have gathered to make your point. It should provide a hook to the reader to open their mind and explore the validity of the argument with the writer. 

Making a claim in an argumentative essay

Before you make a claim, it is important that you research the subject and gather evidence for your argument through the studies, analysis, expert opinions, examples of past behaviour, scientific experiments, investigation, or research. 

When you are working on an argumentative essay, think about the counterclaim as well and imagine what kind of evidence you should be collecting to back up your personal opinion. Thinking from the point of view of the rebuttal is very important. 

Mastering Claims in Writing Tips and Technique

Tips for making strong claims in your writing

  • Make sure that your claim has the following qualities: 
  1. Specificity 
  2. Provability 
  3.  Assertiveness 
  • Cliches and obvious statements should be avoided at all cost
  • The evidence should be from credible sources 
  • If a disagreement is stated, it has to be very clear and provided with evidence 
  • Try not to word your claim like it is the only truth in the universe. Incorporate some of your opponent’s views and challenge it subtly with a fact
  • Be very clear about the direction of your essay in the claim. It should not confuse the reader 
  • Use strong vocabulary for starting your claim like
  1. Must
  2. It is about time that
  3. We have an obligation to
  4. Is the only logical choice
  5. It is imperative that