Engish STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

What is a claim in the context of an argumentative text?

1. A statement that is generally accepted as true

2. An opinion the author wants to prove

3. A question posed to the audience

4. A summary of the main ideas

The correct answer is: An opinion the author wants to prove

In the context of an argumentative text, a claim is fundamentally an assertion or statement that reflects the author's opinion or belief about a particular issue, which they intend to support with evidence throughout the text. This opinion is not merely stated; it is something the author seeks to prove and persuade readers to accept as valid. In this context, options that suggest other aspects—such as a universally accepted truth, a question to engage readers, or a summary of ideas—do not accurately capture the essence of what a claim is in argumentative writing. A claim is inherently subjective; it requires backing through reasoning and evidence, distinguishing it from statements that are presented as accepted facts or inquiries designed to provoke thought. Therefore, recognizing a claim as an opinion the author aims to demonstrate is essential to understanding argumentative texts and their structure.