Overview
This lesson explains how to evaluate persuasive texts by identifying and distinguishing between three types of claims: fact, value, and policy.
Types of Claims in Persuasive Text
- A claim is the main point or stand a writer takes on an issue in persuasive writing.
- There are three main types of claims: claim of fact, claim of value, and claim of policy.
Claim of Fact
- Argues whether something is true or false, real or not, or if it happened.
- Clue words: is, was, will be, can, does, exist.
- Goal: To prove something as a fact using evidence, research, or statistics.
- Examples: "Climate change is caused by human activities." "The Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure."
Claim of Value
- Argues what is good or bad, right or wrong, better or worse, important or not.
- Clue words: good, bad, better, worse, valuable, important, should not.
- Goal: To show how something should be judged, often using personal beliefs or reasoning.
- Examples: "Education is the most valuable gift." "Chocolate chip cookies are the best kind of cookie."
Claim of Policy
- Suggests that something should be done, rules should change, or solutions should be applied.
- Clue words: should, must, need to, ought to, have to.
- Goal: To call for action or change.
- Examples: "Schools should provide free Wi-Fi." "We should recycle more to reduce waste."
Identifying Claims Activity
- Claim of fact: Verifiable statements or data (e.g., "The population of the earth is over 8 billion people.").
- Claim of value: Judgments, opinions, or preferences (e.g., "Honesty is the best policy.").
- Claim of policy: Calls for action (e.g., "All students should wear uniforms to school.").
Social Media Example Table
- Claim of fact: "Teenagers spend an average of 7.5 hours per day on social media."
- Claim of policy: "Social media companies should implement stricter age verification."
- Claim of value: "Social media can be a valuable tool for teenagers if balanced with real-world experiences."
Key Terms & Definitions
- Claim — The main point or stand a writer takes in an argument.
- Claim of Fact — Statement that asserts something is true or false, verifiable by evidence.
- Claim of Value — Statement judging something as good/bad or right/wrong.
- Claim of Policy — Statement suggesting an action or change should happen.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice identifying claims of fact, value, and policy in sample statements or texts.
- Review the different clue words and examples for each type of claim.