What is a claim in a persuasive text, and what makes it strong?

• A. A claim is merely an opinion with no basis.
• B. A claim is an unfounded statement.
• C. A claim is a clear assertion the author wants the reader to accept; strong claims are precise, arguable, and supported by evidence.
• D. A claim is the title of the essay.

Answer: (C)

In persuasive writing, a claim is a clear assertion the author wants the reader to accept. It’s more than a quick feeling or personal taste—it’s a position that can be debated and needs support. A strong claim is precise about what exactly is being argued and the scope of that argument. It is arguable, meaning someone could reasonably disagree, which invites discussion and counterarguments. And it is supported by evidence—facts, examples, data, expert opinions, or logical reasoning that directly backs the claim.

For example, saying, “Schools should start later in the morning to improve student performance” is a strong claim because it states a specific stance and can be defended with research on sleep, health, and achievement. A weaker claim would be vague or based only on opinion without evidence to back it up, or it might resemble a title or a broad, unfocused statement rather than a position you can argue and support.