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Staking a Claim

  • Every argument has a claim (assertion or proposition) that states the arguments main idea or position
  • Differs form a optic or subject because it must be arguable
  • It must state a position that people might agree or disagree with
  • Evaluate whether it is arguable or too easily verifiable to develop into an effective argument

Types of Claims

Claims of Fact

Assert that is something true or not true

  • Are arguable when they are questioned, raise controversy, or challenge a person’s beliefs

Claims of Value

Argue that something is good or bad, right or wrong, desirable or undesirable

  • Judgements based on taste or more object evaluations based on external criteria
  • Claim based on taste. What is the criteria for “best”? What defines subjective terms used?

Claims of Policy

Any claim that argues and proposed a claim

  • Usually calls for direct action to take place, but it could be recommendation for a change in attitude or viewpoint

Begin with a definition of the problem (claim of fact), explain why it is a problem (claim of value) and then explain the change that needs to happen (claim of policy)