Wfs claims
- 2. What is a claim?
- 3. …I’m so glad you asked!
- 4. A claim is the “backbone” of your paper. It connects all of the elements of your paper, just like your spine controls your whole body.
- 5. Claims 0 are sentences that define the purpose of an essay 0 unify the writer’s thoughts under one idea. 0 are the heart of any good paper. 0 prevent your reader from saying, “So what?” about your topic. 0 contain 0 A topic 0 A position on that topic
- 6. More on claims 0 A good claims may also: 0 Make a comparison or contrast: 0 Example: Cake and ice cream are a classic birthday combination; both desserts bring about happy memories and contribute to a positive environment at any celebration. 0 Focus on the causes or effects of a particular event, condition or change: 0 Example: Overconsumption of ice cream was the lead contributor to Mrs. Mundy’s weight gain this summer. 0 Propose a solution to a problem or recommend a policy. 0 Example: People can learn to curb their cravings by logging everything they consume on a daily basis.
- 7. More on claims 0A good claim is NOT: 0 A statement of fact: 0Ice cream is a high calorie dessert. 0 A personal opinion: 0I think ice cream is the best dessert. 0 A vague generalization: 0Ice cream is good. 0 A question: 0Are there benefits to eating ice cream?
- 9. Example 0 The book The Outsiders is about teenagers.
- 10. Example 0 Through characterization and plot events, S.E. Hinton accurately represents the American teenager in the novel The Outsiders.
- 11. Example 0 Water is good for people to drink.
- 12. Example 0 Something as simple as drinking more water can make a large, positive difference in a person’s health.
- 13. Example 0 Social networks are bad.
- 14. Example 0 Social networks are negatively impacting the way we communicate face-to-face.
- 16. A Winning Combination 0 Topic 0 Position 0 Reasons you’re right
- 17. For this task: 0 Topic 0 Internet Addiction 0 Position 0 You decide. Is it a problem faced by today’s teens or not? 0 Reasons you’re right 0 Can be found in the articles provided to you.
- 19. A living sentence… 0 Until you publish or turn in a paper, a claim is a living thing. 0 Your ideas will change based on 0 Conversations you have 0 Things you read 0 Life experiences 0 Expect to revise your claims often.
- 20. TRY IT! 0 After reading the articles, craft a more polished claim in response to the writing prompt from last week: Is internet addiction a health threat for teenagers? 0 Turn this in on a separate sheet of paper.