Identifying and Explaining Claims and Evidence

AP^® English Language and Composition | Unit 2 | CLE 3.A

Building Arguments: Claims and Evidence in Context

Understanding Claims and Evidence

Every effective argument is built upon two fundamental elements: claims and evidence. A claim represents what the writer wants the audience to believe or accept, while evidence provides the support needed to make that claim convincing.

In Unit 2, as you deepen your understanding of argument structure and audience awareness, mastering the ability to identify and explain claims and evidence becomes essential for analyzing arguments critically and constructing persuasive essays. This skill enables you to recognize how writers build their arguments and evaluate the strength of those arguments.

What is a Claim?

The assertion that requires defense

Definition

A claim is a statement or assertion that a writer puts forward as true or valid and that requires defense through evidence and reasoning. Claims represent the writer's position on a subject and serve as the backbone of an argument.

Characteristics of Effective Claims

Debatable: Can be reasonably challenged or disagreed with
Specific: Clear and focused rather than vague or overly broad
Defensible: Can be supported with evidence and reasoning
Significant: Addresses a meaningful issue worth discussing
Assertive: Takes a clear position rather than simply stating a fact

Claim vs. Fact

✓ Effective Claim (Debatable)

"Social media platforms have a responsibility to combat misinformation actively."

✗ Statement of Fact (Not Debatable)

"Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter exist."

Types of Claims

Understanding different categories of assertions

1. Claims of Fact

Assert that something is true or false, or that something did or did not happen. These claims are verifiable through evidence.

Example:

"Climate change is caused primarily by human activities."

2. Claims of Value

Assert that something is good or bad, right or wrong, worthwhile or worthless. These involve judgments based on criteria or standards.

Example:

"Online education is inferior to traditional classroom learning."

3. Claims of Policy

Assert that specific actions should or should not be taken. These often include words like "should," "must," or "ought to."

Example:

"Schools should eliminate standardized testing as a requirement for graduation."

4. Claims of Cause and Effect

Assert that one event or condition leads to or causes another. These establish causal relationships.

Example:

"Excessive screen time negatively impacts adolescent mental health."

5. Claims of Definition

Assert how something should be defined, classified, or interpreted. These often involve disputed or ambiguous terms.

Example:

"Video games should be recognized as a legitimate art form."

What is Evidence?

The support that validates claims

Definition

Evidence refers to the specific facts, examples, statistics, expert testimony, anecdotes, or other information that writers use to support and defend their claims. Evidence provides the proof or justification that makes a claim believable and persuasive.

Qualities of Strong Evidence

Relevant: Directly relates to and supports the specific claim
Credible: Comes from trustworthy, authoritative sources
Accurate: Factually correct and verifiable
Sufficient: Adequate in quantity and quality to support the claim
Current: Up-to-date and reflects recent information when applicable
Representative: Typical of the larger pattern, not an isolated exception

Types of Evidence

Multiple forms of support for arguments

Facts and Statistics

Objective, verifiable information and numerical data that can be proven true.

Expert Opinions

Statements from authorities or specialists in a relevant field.

Examples

Specific instances or cases that illustrate a point or pattern.

Anecdotes

Brief personal stories that illustrate a larger point or principle.

Analogies

Comparisons between two things to clarify or support an argument.

Testimonies

First-hand accounts from individuals with relevant experience.

Research Studies

Findings from scientific or academic investigations.

Historical Events

Past occurrences that provide context or proof for arguments.

⚠️ Important Note:

The most effective arguments often combine multiple types of evidence. For instance, pairing statistical data with a compelling anecdote can appeal to both logical and emotional reasoning.

The Relationship Between Claims and Evidence

How they work together to build arguments

The Claim-Evidence Connection

Claims and evidence exist in a dependent relationship:

Claims without evidence are merely opinions or assertions that lack persuasive power
Evidence without claims is disconnected data that lacks purpose or direction
Effective arguments seamlessly integrate claims with relevant, credible evidence

The CER Structure

Arguments typically follow the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) pattern:

Claim: State the assertion you want to prove
Evidence: Present specific support from credible sources
Reasoning: Explain how the evidence supports the claim (the "so what?")

How to Identify Claims

Strategies for finding assertions in texts

Key Strategies

Look for the thesis: The main claim often appears in the introduction or conclusion
Identify topic sentences: Supporting claims frequently begin paragraphs
Find evaluative language: Words like "should," "must," "better," "worse" signal claims
Spot assertions: Look for statements presented as true that require defense
Distinguish from facts: Claims are debatable; facts are verifiable truths
Ask "So what?": Claims answer why the topic matters or what should be believed

Signal Words and Phrases for Claims

Common indicators: therefore, consequently, it is evident that, clearly, undoubtedly, arguably, it is essential that, must, should, ought to, is better/worse than, proves that, demonstrates that

How to Identify Evidence

Recognizing support for claims

Key Strategies

Look for specific details: Evidence is concrete, not abstract or general
Identify sources: Evidence often includes citations, attributions, or references
Find numerical data: Statistics, percentages, and measurements serve as evidence
Spot examples: Specific instances, cases, or scenarios that illustrate points
Recognize quotations: Direct quotes from experts or sources provide evidence
Identify descriptions: Detailed observations or accounts support claims

Signal Words and Phrases for Evidence

Common indicators: for example, for instance, according to, research shows, studies indicate, data reveals, specifically, in one case, as demonstrated by, evidence includes, as stated by, one study found

Explaining How Evidence Supports Claims

The Role of Commentary

Identifying claims and evidence is only the first step. You must also explain the connection between them. This explanation—called commentary or reasoning—answers the critical question: "How does this evidence prove this claim?"

Steps to Explain the Connection

Identify the claim: What assertion is being made?
Identify the evidence: What specific support is provided?
Analyze the relationship: How does the evidence logically connect to the claim?
Explain the "so what": Why does this evidence matter? What does it prove?
Evaluate effectiveness: Is the evidence sufficient and relevant?

Sample Analysis: Identifying and Explaining Claims and Evidence

Sample Passage

"Schools should eliminate homework for elementary students. Research from Stanford University indicates that excessive homework in early grades correlates with increased stress and diminished interest in learning. In a 2019 study of over 4,000 students, Dr. Denise Pope found that children in homework-free classrooms demonstrated higher levels of engagement and curiosity. Furthermore, countries like Finland, which assign minimal homework in elementary years, consistently rank among the top performers in international education assessments. The evidence suggests that eliminating homework allows young students to develop a healthier relationship with learning."

Main Claim (Claim of Policy)

"Schools should eliminate homework for elementary students."

Evidence #1: Research Study

"Research from Stanford University indicates that excessive homework in early grades correlates with increased stress and diminished interest in learning."

Connection: This evidence supports the claim by showing negative consequences of homework, establishing a basis for elimination.

Evidence #2: Specific Study with Statistics

"In a 2019 study of over 4,000 students, Dr. Denise Pope found that children in homework-free classrooms demonstrated higher levels of engagement and curiosity."

Connection: This provides concrete data showing positive outcomes when homework is eliminated, directly supporting the policy recommendation.

Evidence #3: International Comparison

"Countries like Finland, which assign minimal homework in elementary years, consistently rank among the top performers in international education assessments."

Connection: This example demonstrates that reduced homework doesn't harm academic achievement and may even improve it, countering potential objections to the claim.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

❌ Confusing Facts with Claims

Remember: Facts are verifiable truths; claims are debatable assertions. "The Earth revolves around the Sun" is a fact. "Space exploration should be a national priority" is a claim.

❌ Accepting Evidence Without Evaluation

Not all evidence is equally strong. Consider the source's credibility, the relevance to the claim, and whether the evidence is sufficient.

❌ Failing to Explain the Connection

Simply identifying a claim and listing evidence isn't enough. Always explain HOW the evidence supports the claim.

❌ Overlooking Implied Claims

Not all claims are explicitly stated. Writers sometimes imply claims through evidence and reasoning. Look for the underlying assertion.

❌ Using Insufficient Evidence

One piece of evidence rarely proves a claim. Strong arguments typically require multiple, varied forms of evidence.

Practice Strategies for Mastery

Active Reading Techniques

Annotate texts: Underline claims and circle evidence as you read
Use different colors: Highlight claims in one color and evidence in another
Create margin notes: Write brief explanations of how evidence connects to claims
Map arguments visually: Draw diagrams showing claim-evidence relationships
Question everything: Ask "Is this a claim or a fact?" "What evidence supports this?"

Writing Practice

Practice writing clear, debatable claims on various topics
Collect diverse types of evidence to support a single claim
Write commentary that explicitly connects evidence to claims
Analyze model essays to identify claim-evidence structures
Reverse-engineer arguments: start with evidence and create appropriate claims

Applying CLE 3.A to the AP^® Exam

Multiple-Choice Questions

Questions may ask you to:

Identify the main claim or thesis of a passage
Recognize supporting claims within paragraphs
Identify what type of evidence the writer uses
Evaluate the effectiveness or relevance of evidence
Explain how evidence functions to support a claim

Free-Response Questions

In all three essay types, you must:

Rhetorical Analysis: Identify the writer's claims and analyze how evidence supports them
Argument Essay: Develop your own claims and support them with relevant evidence
Synthesis Essay: Create claims that synthesize information from multiple sources, using their evidence effectively

Scoring Implications

Strong performance on CLE 3.A skills directly impacts your scores. Essays that clearly identify claims, provide relevant evidence, and explain connections consistently earn higher marks than those that simply summarize or list information without analysis.

Mastering Claims and Evidence in Unit 2

The ability to identify and explain claims and evidence is foundational to success in AP^® English Language and Composition. In Unit 2, as you deepen your understanding of argument structure and audience awareness, this skill becomes even more critical.

By consistently practicing these skills—identifying different types of claims, recognizing various forms of evidence, and explaining the connections between them—you develop the analytical and rhetorical capabilities essential for effective communication in all contexts, from the AP exam to college and beyond.

AP^® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this content.

This resource is designed to support AP^® English Language and Composition students in mastering essential analytical skills.