Find the Claim!

Now let's work on writing a claim...Remember to separate opinion from argument. 

Opinion:

• Twinkies are delicious.
• I like dance music.
• I think Virginia Woolf is better than James Joyce.
• The governor is a bad man.

Argument/Arguable claim:

• Twinkies taste better than other snack cakes because of their texture, their creamy filling,
  and their golden appearance.
• Dance music has become popular for reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of
  the music; rather, the clear, fast beats respond to the needs of people who really want to let loose.
• Virginia Woolf is a more effective writer than James Joyce because she does not rely on
  elaborate language devices that ultimately confuse and alienate the reader.
• The governor has continually done the community a disservice by mishandling money,
  focusing on frivolous causes, and failing to listen to his constituents.

What are the differences?

• An argument is supported by evidence, which can be debated/challenged. Opinion is
  supported by more opinion (and ultimately you end up with something along the lines of
  “Well, just because, okay?”).
• A claim can be substantiated with research, evidence, testimony, and academic reasoning.
• A claim is something more than statement and support: an arguable claim also goes on to
  address the “so what?” question, the implications and why we should care in the first
  place.
• Remember that not all claims are created equal, and though a claim may be arguable, the
  best claims are focused, specific, complex, and relevant.

Now practice what you've learned.