Claims of Fact, Claims of Value & Claims of Policy Making A Strong Claim Claims of Fact, Claims of Value & Claims of Policy

Claims of Fact A claim that a certain condition existed in the past, exists in the present or will exist in the future. This claim must be supported by facts. Claim of Fact (Past): Prayer in public schools has created much debate in the field of education. Claim of Fact (Present): Students who listen to rap music are more likely to commit violent acts. Claim of Fact (Future): Global warming will impact future generations and eventually ruin the environment.

Claims of Value A claim of value makes a judgment. It is supported by data In a claim of value, one expresses their approval or disapproval They prove that an action, belief or condition is right or wrong, good or bad, beautiful or ugly, worthwhile or undesirable

Claims of Value Example: Cheating in sports is wrong. Example: Illegal immigrants are ruining the American economy. Example: Cheating men are undesirable to women.

Claims of Policy A claim of policy argues that certain conditions should not exist They promote courses of action for problems that need a solution They almost always include the keywords “should,” “ought to,” or “must”

Claims of Policy Example: A dress code should be introduced for all public high school students. Example: Texting while driving should be an offense punishable by jail time.