English 10 / Unit 8: Writing Arguments
8.1 Writing a Strong Claim
Notes
A claim is the position your argument defends. It must be worth arguing.
- Debatable: reasonable people could disagree. "Exercise is good" is too obvious.
- Specific: names exactly what you argue. "Schools should start no earlier than 8:30 a.m." beats "School times should change."
- Defensible: can be supported with evidence.
- A strong claim often previews the reasons: "Schools should start at 8:30 a.m. because later times improve sleep, attendance and grades."
Practice
Which is the strongest argumentative claim?
It is debatable, specific and previews reasons.
"Pollution is bad" is a weak claim mainly because it is:
Almost no one would argue against it.
Which revision makes "Cities should do more for the environment" more specific?
It names a concrete action and a deadline.
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