Question

Which description defines a claim? Explain the correct answers as well as the incorrect ones. (Choose only one answer.)
an assertion that something is true
a fact that supports an idea
a statement that explains a point of view
an opinion based on facts

Answer 1

Correct answer: an assertion that something is true.

Why this is correct
- In argumentation and academic writing a claim is a declarative assertion — a position or statement presented as true that the speaker/writer expects others to accept or to be persuaded of. Example: "Climate change is primarily caused by human activity."

Why the other choices are incorrect
- "A fact that supports an idea": A fact is evidence or support, not the claim itself. Facts are used to back up a claim (e.g., "CO2 levels have risen 40% since 1750" supports the claim above).
- "A statement that explains a point of view": That describes an explanation or a reason, not the claim itself. Explanations/ reasons tell why a claim should be accepted (e.g., "Because burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases…").
- "An opinion based on facts": A claim can be an opinion, but it does not have to be based on facts; claims can be unsupported or false. This choice mixes two concepts (opinion and evidence) and is therefore not a precise definition of a claim.