TYPES OF CLAIMS

LEVY P. CORONEL
Which sentence do you prefer?

1. Every night I always think and dream about you.

2. I love you so much.
CLAIM

 central idea
 what the writer tries to prove in the text by providing details, explanations, and other
types of evidence.
 a sentence that summarizes the most important thing that the writer wants to say as a
result of his/her thinking, reading, or writing.
Characteristics of a good claim:

1. A claim should be argumentative and debatable.

2. A claim should be specific
3. A claim should be interesting and engaging.
4. A claim should be logical. It should result from reasonable weighing of support
provided.
3 Types of Claims:

a. claims of fact
 refer to a condition has existed 9past), exist (present), and will exist (future).
 inferences made are based on data, documents, and scientific observation, and research.
Guide questions ( claims of fact)

 Did it happen?
 Does it exist?
 Is it true?
 How can its truthfulness be verified?
 Is it a fact?
How to defend your claims of fact:

 state the claim clearly.

 define terms that maybe controversial or ambiguous so that readers know exactly what
you mean.
 Make sure that your evidence fulfills the appropriate criteria.
 Make clear when conclusions about the data are inferences or interpretations, not facts.
 arrange your evidence in order to emphasize what is most important.
3 Types of Claims
b. Claims of Value

 require the use of standards of evaluation, presentation of advantages on moral standards

used, use of example to concretize abstractions, and use of credible experts.

Example:
Death penalty is unjust.
Guide questions:
Claims of value

 Which claims endorse what is good or bad?

 What qualities should be considered good? Why?
How to defend your claims of value:

 Try to make clear that the values or principles you are defending should have priority on
any scale of values.
 Keep in mind that you and your readers may differ about their relative importance.
 suggest that adherence to the values you are defending will bring about good results in
some specific situation or bad results if respect for the values ignored.
 comparisons and contrasts are especially helpful.
 use testimony of others to prove that knowledgeable or highly regarded people share your
values.
3 Types of Claims:
c. Claims of Policy

 are specific and measurable actions that need to be done in order to address issues or
concerns presented in an argument or proposition.
 argue that certain conditions should exist.

Examples:
A dress code should be introduced for all students.
President Duterte recalled order allowing kids aged 10 to 14 outside their homes.
How to Defend your Claims of Policy

 Convince your audience that a problem exists.

 Make your proposal clear.
 Establish that there is a need for a change.
 Consider the opposing arguments.
 Devote the major part of your essay to providing that your proposal is an answer to the
opposing arguments and there are distinct benefits for your readers in adopting your
proposal.
 support your proposal with solid data, but don’t neglect the moral considerations and the
common-sense reasons, which may even more persuasive.
Quiz Time:

1. Winning by cheating is worse than losing honesty.

2. The recent earthquake in the Philippines, in January 2021, registered 7.0 on the Richter scale.
3. Teachers are expected to retire on or before their 60 th birthday.
4. Eathquake prediction technology is an important aspect of the Philippine National Defense strategy.
5. Hospitals will prioritize patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms.
6. The increase of population threatens the environment.
7. Excessive consumption of alcohol is fatalistic.
8. Watching television is a wasteful activity.
9. Globally, about 1 in 3 women will be beaten or raped in her lifetime.
10. The transition of Philippine President’s mark significant changes in our culture and society. Despite the fact that history
classes provide a comprehensive discussion on these salient events, very few appreciate the positive influence, the moral
changes, and the contribution of Presidents in the country.