For Charity the pretty geek only

Writing Assignment: Types of Claim

Write a minimum of 250 word paper (before the Works Cited) that is organized around a single claim. One credible source MUST be used for support. (Worth up to 5 points).

· Use Times New Roman, 12 point font.

Choose ONLY one of the following:

A. Is it true? Does it exist? CLAIM OF FACT:

Financial aid for students (is or is not) readily available on our campus.

HINT: Try a claim with reasons. Add facts, statistics, and real examples.

B. How should we define it? CLAIM OF DEFINITION:

A dangerous level of alcohol consumption is not defined by everyone in exactly the same way.

HINT: Explain the controversy over what is considered a dangerous level.

Quote an authoritative source that defines the term “dangerous level.” Compare definitions and not-dangerous levels and use examples and statistics as support.

C. What caused it? What are the effects? CLAIM OF CAUSE:

Various causes contribute to the student dropout problem in colleges.

HINT: Describe the major causes for students leaving college before they graduate. Use factual data, including statistics and examples as support. Describe the effects on the students themselves.

D. Is it good or bad? CLAIM OF VALUE:

Student organizations (do or do not) contribute significant positive value to the college experience.

HINT: Make a list of the positive values that student organizations provide students, or make a list of negative values that show students should not join these organizations. Apply them to one or more student organizations. Appeal to what most students would value or want.

E. What is the problem and what should we do to solve it? CLAIM OF POLICY:

Students do not always know their academic standing in all of their courses duriong a semester, and measures should (or should not) be taken to correct this lack of information.

HINT: Try a problem-solution pattern of organization. Use examples, comparisons, quotes from authorities, and appeals to values and motives.