Write a focused claim
The idea
A claim states the position or explanation a piece of writing will develop. It should be specific enough to support with evidence and appropriate to the assignment. Avoid a claim broader than your sources can justify. A claim can change as research develops.
Worked example
“School gardens are useful” is broad. “A school garden can support observation lessons when students collect and compare plant data” specifies a benefit and a condition.
Another application
“Gardens always improve every student’s learning” is much broader than a small classroom observation. A narrower claim can describe the observed activity and the particular learning opportunity it provided.
A common misunderstanding
A claim can sound persuasive while promising more than the evidence establishes. Qualifying conditions can improve precision.
Try it yourself
Draft a claim, then list two pieces of evidence you would need. Revise the claim if the evidence supports a narrower conclusion.
Check your understanding
Should a claim be broader than the available evidence?
Reveal the explained answer
No. Its scope should match what the evidence can support.