1. Understanding the
Claim
by Michael Acosta

2. Claim
• It is the focus of an argument. What the arguer is
trying to get across.
• It is a statement and not a question. No grey
area, either for or against the subject.
• It is against the status quo. Not necessarily the
minority, but against the current rule or policy.

3. Types of Claims
Claim of fact
Claim of value
Claim of policy

4. Claim of Fact
Require sufficient and appropriate data.
States that something has, does or will exist.

5. Claim of Value
Claiming that something is good or bad or better
than another.
Entails morality and opinion.

6. Claim of Policy
Asserts that something should or should not
be done by someone about something.
Usually include the word should or must.

7. Same Claim
Both sides debate the same claim.
The pro side argues for acceptance
The con side argues for rejection
No new claim is introduced

8. Debate Environments
Scholarly Debate
Religious Debate
Political Debate
Business Debate
Legal Debate
Educational Debate
Social Debate

9. Argumentative Burdens
Affirmative side
-Wants the status quo to be
changed
-In favor of the claim

10. Argumentative Burdens
Negative Side
-Wants to maintain the current
system
-Considered defense attorney in a
court case