Argumentative Claim Checklist
The argumentative claim is the foundation for an argumentative essay. It introduces the
reader to the main argument you will be making about a topic or issue. Later in the essay,
you will continue to build your argument by providing reasons and textual evidence. A
strong argumentative claim is debatable, focused, and clear. Use this checklist to ensure
that your argumentative claim is a strong foundation for the rest of your essay.
Is my claim….
______Debatable?
Is it possible for two people to disagree about my claim?
______Focused?
Is this claim about a specific part of the topic, such as a specific setting or group of people
related to the topic?
______Clear?
Will the reader of my essay know exactly what I am going to write about after reading my
claim?