1. Start with a strong hook. The first few sentences of your claim should grab the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading. This could be a surprising statistic, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking question. As part of the introduction, try to also provide some background information on your general topic and a thesis statement that highlights your claim specifically.
2. Provide evidence to support your claim. Your claim should be based on facts and evidence, not just your opinion. This evidence can come from a variety of sources, such as research studies, interviews with experts, or personal observations. Be sure to cite your sources so that readers can verify your information.
3. Use clear and concise language. Your claim should be easy to understand and follow. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that your readers may not be familiar with.
4. Be persuasive. Your claim should be convincing and make readers believe that you are right. This can be done by using strong evidence and arguments, and by appealing to readers' emotions.
5. Proofread your claim carefully. Before you submit your claim, be sure to proofread it carefully for any errors. This includes checking for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues.
6. Keep it structured. Structure your claim logically so readers can easily follow your points and the development of your argument. Use transitions and signposts to guide your audience through your text (for example, the use of "firstly", "secondly" etc.).
7. Edit for conciseness. While some claims might be longer, it is generally a good idea to edit your work to ensure it is concise and to the point. Cut any unnecessary details that don't specifically contribute to your argument or overall claim.
Examples of good claims:
- "Despite what many people believe, regular exercise actually _decreases_ the risk of heart disease and stroke."
- "The recent tax cuts disproportionately benefit the wealthy, while doing little to help the middle class or the poor."
- "The war on drugs has been a failure, and it is time for us to try a new approach."