As a writer, one of the most important things you need to master is using claims. A claim can be defined as an assertion that something is true or false. In simpler terms, it means making a statement about something and either proving or disproving it with evidence.
Claims are ubiquitous in writing; they appear in every article, blog post, research report or any other form of expression where you are trying to convey information. Whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction pieces like essays, academic papers or opinion articles – claims serve as the backbone of your work.
To understand what “claim” means in writing we need to break down its different aspects such as types of claims made by writers and how writers make their argument for these different kinds of claims.
Types of Claim
There are generally three types of claims that writers make:
1) Claims based on Opinion:
These types of claims rely solely on the writer’s personal point-of-view and are not necessarily supported by facts. For example: “The best pizza toppings ever!” This kind of claim might stir controversy but it’s hard to use theory or empirical data to back up those opinions. Nonetheless, this does not mean that they aren’t useful nor valuable; rather it highlights a shift from addressing objective truths towards engaging differences between personal preferences .
2) Claims based on Reasoning:
Writers can also bring logic-based arguments into their piece while presenting their ideas through logical reasoning .For instance,” Any dog breed needs moderate exercise daily.” Underlying this sentence there lies some kind knowledge gained through experience,certain experiments done over years concerning the endurance condition surrounding specific canine breeds etc,. Claim makers backing-up majority such statements usually employ scientific research finding for further support.Since science studies many aspects in life,such as nutrition,muscles development e.t.c Its influence could go miles away at substantiating rationalized assumptions .
3) Claims grounded on Evidence:
The third type uses actual evidence , data and facts to support the conclusion made by the claim maker.This type of discourse is commonly found in academic papers, research reports or statistics based articles .For example,” Data from 2017 NTT Security Global Threat Intelligence Report shows Ransomware attacks increased by over 700% compared to that reported on previous year.” Statements like this carry weight often backed up with statistical surveys,surveillance cameras,videos leading to meaningful arguments and logical sound conclusions.
How Writers Use Claims
When writers make a claim in their writing piece, they need to try and persuade their audience into believing it. And for effective persuasion ,though there may exist several strategies applied,rhetorical technique usually prove most efficient approach .
Let’s have a look at couple of these techniques:
1) Ethos:
This involves convincing one’s reader through credibility primarily anchored on the writer’s authority e.g., “As an experienced Lecturer at Harvard University,I can with great confidence affirm that…”. When readers buy-in regarding a writer’s expertise chance are that such relation established will govern how his assertions will be regarded.
2) Pathos:
Writers employ emotion-driven claims – pathos – when making an argument inorder to describe a feeling which ought to sway readers’ opinions towards’empathy-based reasoning . e.g., “After years of malnutrition due drought family members had lost all hope until UNICEF dropped relief materials.” As such compelling emotive language enhances empathy aspect between author and listener/reader eliciting feelings strong enough able compel receivers towards prioritizing particular cause being argued.
3) Logos:
Logos are numerous constructed rational statements concrete grounded with steadfast logic firm proof driven explanations resulting into commendable persuasions.Making use of logos requires meticulous attention searching for factual experiences backed up with scientific instruction prior driving home personal arguments. An example here would be ,”Records show that majority students two-years after graduation rarely slide back further more than positions four slots compared to previous year.”
The above discussed rhetorical strategies can be used simultaneously; what really differs is just a writer’s intent. So there will always be some writers that prefer using pathos over logos or ethos instead of pathos – reflecting the nature or intent of their discourse.
Conclusion:
A mastery on how to make valid claims and back them up with evidence lie among critical skills every writer should strive mastering as it paves way towards getting beliefs aligned in sound, logical and properly crafted arguments .For any piece of writing capable standing test time clarity became essential not only ensuring ideas communicated well but also ensure readers feel informed illuminated by authors thoughts added into mains-core subject regarding life diversities either affecting us personally direct or through collective living dynamics influencing choices our lives.. In essence, becoming adept at utilising logic and credible sources necessitates producing reflections highlighting various societal aspects adding valuable enlightenment onto wider perspectives many may have previously side-worded.In turn ,this provides truly talented writers greater levels empowerment leading to positive change within society for generations to come.