9.1 Arguable and Nuanced Claims

Notes

An argument needs a claim that reasonable people could disagree with.

• A fact ("The school day begins at 8:00") is not arguable. An arguable claim takes a position ("Schools should start later in the morning").
• A nuanced claim is specific and qualified. It uses words such as often, largely, in most cases and states conditions: "Later school start times can improve attendance, but only when schools also adjust transportation and after-school schedules."
• Avoid absolutes (always, never, everyone) unless you can prove them.
• A strong thesis previews the reasoning: claim + because.