A Claim and premises

💡 See also Organizing an effective argument: Methods and examples.

A claim

Writing a ClaimWriting a Claim - Notes

A claim is a statement that expresses the main idea or argument of a text. In academic writing, a claim is usually presented as a thesis statement in the introduction, and then supported by topic sentences and supporting sentences in the body paragraphs.

A thesis statement is a concise and specific claim that answers the research question or represents the main idea of the entire text and guides the rest of the paper.

A topic sentence is a more specific claim that introduces the main point of a paragraph and relates it back to the thesis statement.

💡 A supporting claim that supports a more general claim is called a premise (see below).

A supporting sentence within a body paragraph includes claims that provide evidence, examples, details, facts, or statistics that come from an outside source and that support the topic sentence. A supporting sentence also includes claims that provide explanations, analysis, comparisons, synthesis, etc. that link or connect the evidence sentence to the topic sentence, ideas from a prior body paragraph, and/or the thesis statement.

A claim should be clear, debatable, and relevant to the purpose and audience of the text. A claim is typically not a question, an imperative statement, nor a non-debatable (non-argumentative) statement.

A premise

What is a Premise?

In essence, a premise is a statement or proposition that serves as the foundation for an argument or line of reasoning. It’s the underlying assumption that, if accepted as true, leads to a logical conclusion. Think of it as the building block upon which you construct your entire argument.

How Premises Support Topic Sentences & Thesis Statements

1. Topic Sentence: A topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph. A premise can act as the backbone of that idea.

   • Example: Topic Sentence: “Regular exercise has profound benefits for physical health.”

     • Premise: “Physical activity increases cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles and bones, and improves metabolic function.”

2. Topic Sentence: Premises can offer specific details or evidence to support the broader topic.

   • Example: Topic Sentence: “Social media platforms have revolutionized communication.”

     • Premise: “Social media allows for instant global interaction, sharing of information, and connecting with like-minded individuals.”

3. Thesis Statement: A thesis statement encapsulates the main argument of an entire essay or research paper. Premises can lay the groundwork for this central argument.

   • Example: Thesis: “Climate change poses a significant threat to global ecosystems and human societies.”

     • Premise: “Rising global temperatures, caused by greenhouse gas emissions, are leading to sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and disruptions in natural habitats.”

4. Thesis Statement: Premises can offer different angles or perspectives to bolster the thesis.

   • Example: Thesis: “The development of artificial intelligence raises ethical concerns regarding job displacement and potential biases.”

     • Premise: “Automation powered by AI can replace human labor in various industries, potentially leading to widespread unemployment. Additionally, AI algorithms can perpetuate existing societal biases if not carefully designed and monitored.”

5. Broader Premises (Encompassing Multiple Paragraphs/Ideas): Broader premises can act as overarching assumptions that guide the entire structure and logic of an essay.

   • Example: Thesis: “Universal healthcare is a moral imperative and an economically sound policy.”

     • Premise: “Healthcare is a fundamental human right, and ensuring access for all citizens leads to improved public health outcomes, increased productivity, and reduced healthcare costs in the long run.”

Key Points to Remember

• Premises need to be logically sound and plausible to build a strong argument.

• Use evidence, examples, and data to back up your premises.

• Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments to demonstrate critical thinking.