Question

Writing Claims


Consider these statements:

-Regardless of the filling type, jelly doughnuts from Simply Sweet Bakery are delicious.

-In my opinion, American novelist Toni Morrison is a better writer than Charles Dickens, an English writer and social critic of the nineteenth century.

-Club music is extremely popular and interest in it continues to rise.

-The senator has continually done the community a disservice by mishandling funds, focusing on irrelevant causes, and refusing to listen to her constituents.
Question 1
Which sentence presents an effective claim?

NOTE: An effective claim is specific and focused. It is used as a primary point to support or prove an argument.
Responses
A Club music is extremely popular and interest in it continues to rise.Club music is extremely popular and interest in it continues to rise.
B Regardless of the filling type, jelly doughnuts from Simply Sweet Bakery are delicious.Regardless of the filling type, jelly doughnuts from Simply Sweet Bakery are delicious.
C The senator has continually done the community a disservice by mishandling funds, focusing on irrelevant causes, and refusing to listen to her constituents.The senator has continually done the community a disservice by mishandling funds, focusing on irrelevant causes, and refusing to listen to her constituents.
D In my opinion, modern American novelist Toni Morrison is a much better writer than Charles Dickens, an English writer and social critic of the nineteenth century.In my opinion, modern American novelist Toni Morrison is a much better writer than Charles Dickens, an English writer and social critic of the nineteenth century.
Question 2
Now that the claim has been identified in the correct answer above, what two items would a student MOST need to add to this claim as he continues writing his essay? Choose two answers.
Responses
A at least one opposing claimat least one opposing claim
B a transcript of an interview with an experta transcript of an interview with an expert
C general statements that have broad meaningsgeneral statements that have broad meanings
D logical reasons and evidence supporting his claimlogical reasons and evidence supporting his claim
E clearly statement sentences that provide additional primary claims

Answer 1

Question 1: C

Question 2: A and D
- A (at least one opposing claim) — acknowledging and addressing counterarguments strengthens the essay.
- D (logical reasons and evidence supporting his claim) — necessary to prove the accusation (mishandling funds, irrelevant causes, not listening to constituents).