California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) English Practice Exam

Which of the following best defines a claim in an argumentative essay?

1. A persuasive statement

2. A question to the reader

3. A description of facts

4. A summary of evidence

The correct answer is: A persuasive statement

A claim in an argumentative essay is best defined as a persuasive statement that asserts a position or viewpoint on a given issue. This statement serves as the central argument that the writer intends to prove or support throughout the essay. The purpose of a claim is to inform the reader of the writer's stance and to set the stage for the reasoning and evidence that will follow. In argumentative writing, a strong claim not only presents an opinion but is also debatable, meaning that readers can agree or disagree with it. This quality of a claim invites discussion and supports the overall purpose of the essay, which is to persuade the audience towards a specific conclusion or action based on logical reasoning and evidence. The other options, while they may relate to argumentative writing, do not capture the essence of what a claim represents. A question to the reader does not assert a position but instead seeks to engage the reader without providing a definite answer. A description of facts provides information but lacks the persuasive component necessary for a claim. A summary of evidence refers to the support that backs up a claim, rather than the claim itself. Hence, the definition of a claim as a persuasive statement aligns perfectly with its role in argumentative writing.