Copy of Introducing Claim (or Thesis) Statements

Claims

Part 1

What is a claim ?

A statement that is argued, defended, and supported in an essay.

A claim is just ONE sentence!

So, how do you use a claim?

An essay should be built around a claim!

• In fact, all of the body paragraphs will argue or defend your claim.

Think of it like this...

But why do I even need

a claim?

Because, a claim can...

• Help you find main ideas.

• Write with a purpose.

• Master different modes of writing.

• Summarize a topic.

• Narrow down a topic.

• Develop clear and concise thinking and writing.

• Help you Understand the purpose. behind different types of essays.

• Help you write stories which have a premise.

Think of it like this...

The claim is like a road map.

A claim lets the reader know what is coming up next. As a writer, it gives you direction.

Ok, ok. You've convinced me. I need claims in my life.

How do I write a claim?

A claim is...

• One sentence
• Declarative
• Short and concise
• Can be defended with evidence
• An opinion statement without saying “I think” or “I feel”

You can also write a claim like this...

Subject

+

What you think

+

(Three) Points of Support

Choosing to go to college was a complex decision that involved researching the school, applying to the school, and enrolling in classes.

Let's look back at your opinion statement.

Directions: Choose one of the

following topics and write one

sentence expressing your opinion about it.

Ok.

So that's a little more difficult than I thought. Let's practice some more.

First, here are some examples.

Sodas should remain an option in our lunchrooms because of their fund raising importance and because they allow students to begin exercising responsibility and good decision-making.

Students should be allowed to carry cell phones at school because they provide students more security, they can be used in emergencies, and they keep parents involved in their children’s school lives.

Cell phones should not be allowed at school because of their potential to distract students, to lead to thefts, and to be used for cheating.

Subject

+

What you think

+

(Three) Points of Support

A claim is...

One sentence

Declarative

Short and concise

Can be defended with evidence

An opinion statement without saying “I think” or “I feel”

Choose one of the topics below and write claim. Free read when you are finished.

Claims, Part II

At first, in middle school everything feels difficult. However, once students have the time to adjust to the new routine, they begin to look forward to high school. Though middle school prepares students for high school, the change from 8th to 9th grade can be a challenge. High school is more difficult than middle school because there are way more people, the teachers are more strict, and the work is much harder.

Cars are jam packed on the highway. Everyone is late for work. There is no easy way to get from one part of town to the other with this many cars on the road. Communities need a solution, and that solution is public transportation.

Public transportation is an essential part of community because it is inexpensive, unites neighborhoods, and is better for the environment.

Recycling helps in saving natural resources, conserving energy, and decreasing pollution. Society is wasting too many natural resources and the environment suffers. However, there are easy solutions that can be adopted. If society works together, the world will be better for it.

Technology is a part of everyday life. Computers have become the norm. Students and adults alike are expected to know the latest technology. Students should be allowed to carry cell phones because they are useful technology, they are easier to access than computers, and they will cut school's technology costs.

Growing up is about making choices and learning from mistakes. Students are allowed more responsibility as they become older and are expected to make good choices. However, students need the opportunities to make those choices in order to learn. Schools should allow students access to vending machines because it teaches kids how to make good choices, in the middle of the day they often need a snack, and limiting access to snacks won't stop them from eating snacks!

This is how a claim works in an essay...

Let's practice writing more claims.

Don't forget!

What will your three body paragraphs be based on your claim?

What will your 3 body paragraphs be based on your claim?

Choose one of the following topics and write a claim.

• Instagram
• Early Release
• Video Games
• Book reports
• Field trips

OTB

Directions: In your composition notebook, choose one of the following topics and write one sentence expressing your opinion about it. When you are finished, read silently.

Choose one of the following topics and write a claim.

• Adopting a pet
• Babysitting
• Shopping
• Allowance
• Facebook

Body Paragraph 3

support for claim

reason #3

A claim is...

• One sentence
• Declarative
• Short and concise
• Can be defended with evidence
• An opinion statement without saying “I think” or “I feel”

Subject

+

What you think

+

(Three) Points of Support

claim

Introductory paragraph

with a 1 sentence claim.

• Football V. basketball
• Cats VS. Dogs
• Early dismissal
• Fall
• Summer
• Pets

Choose one of the following topics and write a claim.

claim

Body Paragraph #1: Way more people

Introductory paragraph with

Body Paragraph #2: Teachers are more strict

• Winter
• Football Vs. basketball
• 5th grade vs. 6th grade
• volunteering
• Homework

Body Paragraph 2

support for claim

reason #2

Body Paragraph #3 : Work is harder

Conclusion Paragraph and restate

Concluding Paragraph

Re-state 1 sentence claim

Body Paragraph 1

support for claim

reason #1

Claim

High school

is more difficult than middle school

because there are way more people,

the teachers are more strict,

and the work is much harder.

At first, in middle school everything feels difficult. However, once students have the time to adjust to the new routine, they begin to look forward to high school. Though middle school prepares students for high school, the change from 8th to 9th grade can be a challenge. High school is more difficult than middle school because there are way more people, the teachers are more strict, and the work is much harder.

Let's look at this example:

Subject

+

what you think

+

3 points of support

• Phones at school
• Late start to school day
• Gum chewing
• Playing sports in 6th grade
• Eating in class
• Passing period

Let's practice identifying a claim.

Directions: Read the sentences below. Number 1-5. If it is a claim write "C" if it is not write "NC". You do not need to rewrite the sentence.

1. Claims are cool.

2. Dogs are good pets because they are loyal, trainable, and helpful.

3. Cookies are made with sugar, eggs, and milk.

4. A smartphone is a useful tool because it can access the internet, email, and has many helpful apps.

5. Smartphones are the best because they are fun, interesting, and popular.

Now, let's practice identifying a claim.

Which sentence in the following paragraphs is the claim?

1. NC

2. C

3. NC

4. C

5. C

Claims

Everything I do should support the claim.

Claim

Hey! I'm the body paragraphs of an essay.

Choosing a college

a complex decision

research the school, apply to the school, enroll in school.

A claim is...

• One sentence
• Declarative
• Short and concise
• Can be defended with evidence
• An opinion statement without saying “I think” or “I feel”

• Football V. basketball
• Cats VS. Dogs
• Early dismissal
• Fall
• Summer
• Pets

Subject

+

What you think

+

(Three) Points of Support