If your claim is not debatable, you will not be able to build an argument that supports it. You may add facts to a factual statement, but the written product that results will be an informative report, not an argument. You may also explain a preference such as your favorite color, but the essay that results will be reflective, not argumentative.
Practice identifying claims that are debatable and can be supported by a logical argument--reasons and evidence. For each question below, connect the word claim to the item that represents a claim.
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Claim
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Spaghetti and meatballs make a tasty meal.
Spaghetti and meatballs make a nutritious meal.
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Good job!
Incorrect
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Claim
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Humans and apes share more than 90 percent of their DNA.
Human and apes exhibit similar parenting behaviors.
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Good job!
Incorrect
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Claim
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Hamsters make better pets for children than ferrets.
Hamsters and ferrets do not belong to the same species.
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Good job!
Incorrect
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Claim
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Walking is the best cardiovascular exercise.
Walking at a moderate pace can burn more than 200 calories per hour.
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Good job!
Incorrect
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Claim
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Sunlight and wind are both renewable forms of energy.
We must reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy.
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Good job!
Incorrect
Complete
