Lesson 5:

Claims of Fact, Policy, and Value

Noel D. Martinez
English 10 Teacher
 As individuals, we are often compelled to
respond to different kinds of issues around us. When
responding or expressing opinion towards an issue,
it is important to be able to identify the writer’s or
the speaker’s claim. A clear understanding of
someone’s beliefs, or ideas about something enables
others to give appropriate feedback or reactions.
CLAIMS OF FACT, POLICY, & VALUE
Identifying one’s claims is an essential skill
when expressing opinion on a certain issue
especially in the field of writing. A CLAIM
refers to a clear assertion of a person’s ideas,
opinions, or propositions.
+The use of claims may serve the purpose of
convincing or persuading readers or a specific
audience to agree with a specific stand or
rationale on an issue. Generally, claims may be
classified as claims of fact, claims of value,
and claims of policy.
Claims of Fact

This category of claims states something
about things in the past, in the present, and
in the future. This also deals with ideas or
claims that can be proven or disproved with
the help of factual evidences. This fact claim
is basically debatable yet verifiable.
Claims of Fact
 The 2020 national budget amounting to Php4.1 trillion, which
is 12 percent larger than the 2019 budget, can really help in
boosting the economy through various infrastructural projects.

(The claims focus on the budget and the possible result of its
implementation in terms of economic growth. These can be proven [or
disproved] after the actual implementation of the target infrastructural
projects using the given amount specified in the national budget.)
Claims of Fact
 Being the richest city in the country, the City of
Makati can implement better projects needed by its
citizens.

(The claim is debatable since no evidences are initially presented.

The claim focuses not only on being the richest city but on the
implementation of better projects. This can also be proven [or
disproved] using verifiable evidences.)
Claims of Value

 A claim of value, also known as value claim, presents

an assertion as to whether something is good or bad,
or one concept or idea is better than another. This
also emphasizes and weighs the benefits of the subject
matter. This is debatable in nature since people may
have different opinions on the given claims or
concepts.
Claims of Value

 Taking vitamins is better than eating fruits and

vegetables in terms of boosting our immune
system.

(This claim is based on one’s opinion, judgment, or

experience as to which one is better than the other. The
claim may be truthful to some but not to all.)
Claims of Value
 IfI were to choose, I would prefer the work from
home (WFH) scheme than working in the office as
this gives me more family time.

(The claim is based on one’s opinion or judgment about the

worth of WFH scheme. This is arguable since benefits of WFH
may vary from one person to another.)
Claims of Policy

 A claim of policy supports that an action should or

should not be done to address a certain case or policy.
Policy claim indicates that an action should be carried
out either in support or in opposition of a particular
argument.
Claims of Policy
 Thecity’s health department must learn from
how other cities successfully address the
concerns against COVID-19.

(This claim supports the idea of learning from the best

practices of other cities leading to a particular call to
action.)
Claims of Policy

To further improve one’s skills in speaking before

a large number of audience, one must consider
enrolling in personality development classes that
can help boost confidence and improve one’s self-
image.

(The writer presents a particular course of action.)

Study the statements that follow. Then, identify the statements is an
example of Claim of Fact, Claim of Value, Claim of Policy
1. The Department of Education (DepEd) got the highest allocation for
the 2020 National Budget.
2. Taking drugs without a doctor’s prescription can endanger one’s life.
3. The use of substantial research in writing is a great way for authors to
achieve their purpose.
4. It is necessary for stakeholders in the community to support every
school in making sure that education continues for all learners.
5. Honesty is the best policy.
Study the statements that follow. Then, identify the statements is an
example of Claim of Fact, Claim of Value, Claim of Policy
1. The Department of Education (DepEd) got the highest allocation for
the 2020 National Budget. Claim of Fact
2. Taking drugs without a doctor’s prescription can endanger one’s life.
Claim of Fact
3. The use of substantial research in writing is a great way for authors to
achieve their purpose. Claim of Value
4. It is necessary for stakeholders in the community to support every
school in making sure that education continues for all learners. Claim of
Policy
5. Honesty is the best policy. Claim of Value