Claim

Claim/Main TopicThesis Statement

What is a claim?

A statement that presents an idea or argument, essentially the main point or position a writer is trying to prove or convince the reader of, which needs to be supported by evidence throughout the piece; it's the central idea of an essay or paragraph that can be debated or challenged.

How to turn a prompt (a question) into a claim (a statement)

• Remove question words (how, what, why)
• Use as many words from the question in your response
• Express a clear viewpoint or opinion on the question
• If the question is about something you have read include the title and author's name

With a little bit of work it is really easy to change a question into a statement.

How easy is it to change a question into a statement?

Claim (response)

In the story Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott, Amy's over the top outbursts are ridiculous and she should have had more control over how she responded to Jo's actions.

Question

How are our relationships with others affected by our own emotional responses? In the story Amy gets upset with Jo and burns her manuscript, causing their relationship to suffer. Are her outbursts justified, or could she have handled herself differently?

Claim (response)

Animals that have uniquely adapted to their environment are able to thrive and succeed in ways others without adaptations cannot.

Question

There are many unique adaptations in animals throughout the world. What about these adaptations sets them apart from others?