ARGUMENTATIVE TEXTS

 EXPOSITION
- Claims --------------------> INTRODUCTION
 ARGUMENTS
- Reasons & Evidence ----------> BODY
 RESTATEMENT OF POSITION
- Restatement & Summary --> CONCLUSION

CLAIMS OF FACT, POLICY, AND VALUE

CLAIMS: A claim is a statement or assertion

that someone believes to be true. It's like
making a declaration about something. When
you make a claim, you're saying that something
is this or that case or expressing your opinion
about a certain topic. Claims can be based on
facts, opinions, or beliefs, and they form the
foundation of arguments or discussions. They're
the ideas or points you want to prove or
persuade others to believe.

A claim in an argumentative text is a

statement or assertion that presents a
position or viewpoint on a topic.
There are three main types of claims: fact,
policy, and value.

Fact Claims: These are statements that

can be proven true or false. They are about
things that can be checked and verified.

"Dogs have fur."

This is a fact claim because it's
something we can check by looking
at dogs.

"The sun rises in the east."

We know this from watching the
sun come up each morning.
 "Water boils at 100 degrees
Celsius."
This is a scientific fact that can be
proven through experiments.

Policy Claims: These are statements

that suggest what should be done or what
action should be taken.

"We should recycle paper."

This is a policy claim because it's
saying what we should do to help
the environment.

"Schools should have longer

recess."
This suggests a change in how
schools operate.
 "Speed limits should be reduced to
30 mph in neighborhoods."
This is a policy claim about
changing a law for safety reasons.

Value Claims: These are statements

that express personal beliefs or judgments
about something.

"Pizza is delicious."
This is a value claim because it's
someone's opinion about pizza.

"Helping others is good."

This expresses a belief about
being kind and helpful.

"Freedom is more important than

safety."
 This is a value claim that
expresses a belief about what's
more valuable in society.

Remember, claims are one of the building blocks

for arguments. They help us express what we
think and believe. Fact claims are like stating
what's true or false, policy claims suggest what
should be done, and value claims express our
beliefs and opinions.

_____________________________________
CLAIM or THESIS STATEMENT?

A claim can also be referred to as a thesis

statement in an argumentative text. Both serve
as the main point or central idea that the writer
is trying to prove or support throughout the
piece.
While they are similar and often used
interchangeably, there can be a slight difference
in their usage:

A Claim is a broader term that refers to any

statement or assertion that takes a position on a
topic. It could be a thesis statement, but it can
also include other types of arguments or points
made within an essay or discussion.

Thesis Statement this specifically refers to the

main claim or central argument in an essay or
academic paper. It's usually found in the
introductory paragraph and presents the writer's
stance on the topic, guiding the entire essay's
direction.

So, while a thesis statement is a type of claim,

not every claim necessarily functions as a thesis
statement.
The thesis statement is more specific,
serving as the overarching claim guiding the
entire piece of writing.

Topic: Video games and their impact on

children's behavior.

Claim: "Playing video games can have both

positive and negative effects on children."

In this example:
- Claim: It's a broad statement presenting a
position on the topic of video games and
children. It doesn't specify the exact direction of
the argument but sets the overall stance.

Thesis Statement: "While some video games

can enhance problem-solving skills, excessive
gaming may lead to behavioral issues in
children."
In this example:
- Thesis Statement: This is a more specific claim
within the broader topic. It not only presents a
position (video games having both positive and
negative effects) but also hints at the specific
arguments or points that will be discussed in the
essay (enhancing problem-solving skills vs.
potential behavioral issues).

So, the CLAIM is the larger assertion about

the topic, while the THESIS STATEMENT is a
focused, specific assertion/claim that guides
the essay's direction and outlines the main
arguments or points that will be discussed.

Activity 1: Categorizing Claims

Instructions: For each statement, identify

whether it represents a claim of fact (F), policy
(P), or value (V).
 1. A.
b.

1. Topic: Pets
- Statement 1A: "Dogs have four legs."
- Statement 1B: "We should adopt pets from
animal shelters rather than buying them from
pet stores."

Answers:
1. Statement 1A: (F) Fact claim
Statement 1B: (P) Policy claim

2. Topic: Environment
- Statement 2A: "Trees produce oxygen."
- Statement 2B: "We should reduce the use of
plastic to protect the environment."
Answers:
2. Statement 2A: (F) Fact claim
Statement 2B: (P) Policy claim

3. Topic: Education
- Statement 3A: "Schools should start later in
the morning for better student performance."
- Statement 3B: "Reading books is enjoyable."

Answers:
3. Statement 3A: (P) Policy claim
Statement 3B: (V) Value claim

4. Topic: Health
- Statement 4A: "Eating fruits and vegetables
is good for your health."
- Statement 4B: "Hospitals should provide free
healthcare to everyone."

Answers:
4. Statement 4A: (V) Value claim
Statement 4B: (P) Policy claim

5. Topic: Manners
- Statement 5A: "Saying 'please' and 'thank
you' is polite."
- Statement 5B: "Children should clean up
after themselves at home."

Answers:
5. Statement 5A: (V) Value claim
Statement 5B: (P) Policy claim

Answers:
1. Statement 1A: (F) Fact claim
Statement 1B: (P) Policy claim

2. Statement 2A: (F) Fact claim

 Statement 2B: (P) Policy claim

3. Statement 3A: (P) Policy claim

Statement 3B: (V) Value claim

4. Statement 4A: (V) Value claim

Statement 4B: (P) Policy claim

5. Statement 5A: (V) Value claim

Statement 5B: (P) Policy claim

Guide on how to formulate each type of

claim:

Claim of Fact:
Formulation Guide:
 objectively proven or disproven by evidence,
observation, or research.
 based on verifiable information.
 can be checked, measured, or observed for
accuracy.
  involve empirical evidence or scientific truths.
* "Empirical knowledgel" refers to information or
knowledge that is obtained through observation,
experience, or experimentation. It's based on evidence
that can be measured, observed, or verified. In fields like
science, empirical evidence is crucial as it relies on data
and experiments that can be replicated and tested to
support or refute hypotheses. In essence, empirical
knowledge is derived from direct sensory experience or
objective evidence rather than just opinions or beliefs.

Claim of Policy:
Formulation Guide:
 suggests a specific action or change that
should be taken.
 advocates for a particular course of action or
a change in existing policies or practices.
 propose what should be done to address an
issue or improve a situation.
 recommendations for actions, changes, or
solutions.

Claim of Value:
Formulation Guide:
 expresses a judgment or opinion about
something.
 reflects personal beliefs, ideals, or
preferences.
 express your opinions, beliefs, or judgments
about the importance, worth, or significance
of something.
 subjective assessments of the importance or
quality of something.

These examples represent different types of

claims, each requiring a distinct approach in
formulation based on what can be proven, what
actions should be taken, or persobnal beliefs and
opinions.
Activity 2: Formulating Claims
Instructions: For each scenario, identify the type of
claim it represents/describes (Fact, Policy, or Value)
and formulate a claim of the same type based on the
scenario.
1. Scenario 1:
A statement discussing the impact of regular
exercise on physical health.

Answer: Claim of Fact

Formulated claim: (Example) Regular exercise
improves cardiovascular health.
2. Scenario 2:
A statement proposing the implementation of
stricter regulations on plastic use to reduce
pollution.
3. Scenario 3:
A statement expressing the belief that honesty
is an important quality in friendships.

4. Scenario 4:
A statement asserting that water boils at 100
degrees Celsius under normal atmospheric
pressure.
5. Scenario 5:
A statement recommending the introduction of
a new subject in schools to teach financial
literacy.

Answers:

2. Claim of Policy
 Formulated claim: (Example) Stricter
regulations on plastic use should be
implemented to reduce environmental pollution.

3. Claim of Value
Formulated claim: (Example) Honesty is an
essential quality for strong friendships.

4. Claim of Fact
Formulated claim: (Example) Water boils at
100 degrees Celsius under standard conditions.

5. Claim of Policy
Formulated claim: (Example) Schools should
introduce a subject teaching financial literacy to
students.Be prepared for a QUIZ
Trial:

1. You are writing an essay on the impact of fast

food on public health. In which section of your
essay would you most likely find the main
claim?

a. In the introduction
b. In the body, presenting reasons and
evidence
c. In the conclusion, restating the position
d. In the value claim

2. Your friend argues, "Social media is the cause

of increased anxiety among teenagers." What
type of claim is your friend making?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement
3. You are tasked with writing an essay arguing
for the importance of space exploration. What
type of claim would this be?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

4. In a debate about whether the legal driving

age should be raised, where would you find the
restated claim expressing a position on the
issue?

a. In the introduction
b. In the body, presenting reasons and
evidence
c. In the conclusion
d. In the value claim
5. Your classmate argues, "School uniforms
enhance a sense of community and equality."
What type of claim is your classmate making?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

6. You are writing an essay on the benefits of

reading for cognitive development. Where would
you expect to find the thesis statement?

a. In the introduction
b. In the body, presenting reasons and
evidence
c. In the conclusion, restating the position
d. In the value claim
7. Your friend argues, "Public transportation
should be free to reduce traffic congestion."
What type of claim is your friend making?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

8. You are given the task of writing an essay on

the importance of cultural diversity in schools.
What type of claim would this be?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

9. In a debate about the use of technology in

education, where would you find the
paraphrased claim expressing a position on the
issue?

a. In the introduction
b. In the body, presenting reasons and
evidence
c. In the conclusion, restating the position
d. In the value claim

10. Your friend argues, "Individuals should

prioritize mental health over career success."
What type of claim is your friend making?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement
Answers:

1. b
2. a
3. b
4. c
5. c
6. a
7. c
8. b
9. c
10. c
 Quiz on Argumentative Texts and Claims

1.In an argumentative essay about the impact of

social media on mental health, where would you
most likely find the claim?

a. In the body section, presenting evidence

b. In the conclusion, summarizing the main
points
c. In the introduction, introducing the topic
d. In the restatement, concluding the essay

2. You are writing an essay arguing for stricter

penalties for littering in public places. What type
of claim are you making?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
 c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

3. Your friend believes that chocolate ice cream

is the best flavor. What type of claim is your
friend making?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

4. You are writing an essay about the harmful

effects of excessive screen time on children.
What would be the most appropriate thesis
statement?

a. "Children should spend less time on

screens."
b. "Excessive screen time harms children's
development."
 c. "Screen time is a growing concern for
parents."
d. "Reducing screen time is beneficial for kids."

5. You are tasked with writing an argumentative

essay on whether homework should be abolished
in schools. What type of claim would this be?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

6. Your classmate argues, "The Earth is round."

What type of claim is your classmate making?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement
7. You are writing an essay on the importance of
preserving endangered species. What type of
claim would emphasize taking action to protect
these species?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

8. In a debate about the use of smartphones in

classrooms, where would you expect to find the
claim that states a position on the issue?

a. In the introduction
b. In the body, presenting reasons and
evidence
c. In the conclusion, restating the position
d. In the value claim
9. You are given the task of writing an essay on
the importance of honesty. What type of claim
would you be focusing on?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

10. Your friend argues, "Everyone should learn

to code." What type of claim is your friend
making?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

11. You are writing an essay on the benefits of

regular exercise. What type of claim would you
likely make?
 a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

12. In a debate about whether standardized

testing is effective in measuring students'
abilities, where would you find the claim
expressing a position on the issue?

a. In the introduction
b. In the body, presenting reasons and
evidence
c. In the conclusion, restating the position
d. In the value claim

13. You are given the task of arguing for a

change in school policies to include more
extracurricular activities. What type of claim
would this be?
 a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

14. You are writing an essay on the impact of

climate change. What type of claim would
emphasize the need for immediate action?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

15. Your friend argues, "Music is the universal

language of emotion." What type of claim is your
friend making?

a. Fact claim
 b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

16. In an essay discussing the benefits of a

vegetarian diet, where would you expect to find
the thesis statement?

a. In the introduction
b. In the body, presenting reasons and
evidence
c. In the conclusion, restating the position
d. In the value claim

17. Your classmate argues, "The legal drinking

age should be lowered." What type of claim is
your classmate making?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
 c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

18. You are writing an essay on the importance

of art education in schools. What type of claim
would you be likely to make?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. Thesis statement

19. In a debate about whether technology has

more positive or negative effects on society,
where would you find the claim expressing a
position on the issue?

a. In the introduction
b. In the body, presenting reasons and
evidence
c. In the conclusion, restating the position
 d. In the value claim

20. Your friend argues, "Social media is a

powerful tool for activism." What type of claim is
your friend making?

a. Fact claim
b. Value claim
c. Policy claim
d. None of the Above
ANSWERS:
1. c
2. c
3. b
4. b
5. c
6. a
7. c
8. b
9. b
10. c
11. b
12. b
13. c
14. c
15. b
16. a
17. c
18. a
19. b-a-c-a
20. a-b –c-a
Erwin - jenny
Aicel – Rose ann