Claims
& Counterclaims
What is a claim ?
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.
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) Reasons of Support
Choosing to go to college was a complex decision that involved researching the school, applying to the school, and enrolling in classes.
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 following topics and write a claim.
- Instagram
- Early Release
- Cougar Night
- Book reports
- Late Slips
What will your 3 body paragraphs be based on your claim?
Let's practice writing more claims.
Choose one of the following topics and write a claim.
Body Paragraph 3
support for claim
reason #3
- Adopting a pet
- LKMS
- Shopping
- KU VS KState
- Facebook
This is how a claim works in an essay...
What will your 3 body paragraphs be based on your 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”
Subject
+
What you think
+
(Three) Points of Support
Introductory paragraph
with a 1 sentence claim.
Introductory paragraph with thesis
Choose one of the following topics and write a claim.
Body Paragraph 2
support for claim
reason #2
Body Paragraph #1: Way more people
Body Paragraph #2: Teachers are more strict
Body Paragraoh #3 : Work is harder
Conclusion Paragraph and restate claim
- Winter
- Football Vs. basketball
- 5th grade vs. 6th grade
- volunteering
- Homework
What will your three body paragraphs be based on your claim?
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.
Subject
+
what you think
+
3 points of support
Let's look at this example:
A statement that is argued, defended, and supported in an essay
A claim is just ONE sentence!
Counterclaims:
What is a counterclaim?
Here are some claims. what would someone say if they disagreed with you?
A claim that negates or disagrees with the thesis/claim.
1. Cell phones should be allowed in schools because they can add to the learning experience, can be used for safety reasons, and keep students happy.
2. The US government should rid schools of standardized testing because they do not improve student achievement, are an unreliable measure of student performance, and increase stress levels of students.
3. Video games contribute to youth violence because video games make children more violent, make children less sensitive to real-life violence, and contribute to an increase in bullying.
Claims
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”
Subject
+
What you think
+
(Three) Points of Support