Distinguish a fact from a debatable claim, and write a specific, arguable claim to open an argument essay.
Every argument essay starts with a claim: a sentence that states your position on an issue. A claim is different from a fact. A fact is already settled and cannot be argued -- "Trees produce oxygen" is a fact. A claim takes a stand that a reasonable person could disagree with -- "Our city should require a shade tree along every new street" is a claim, because someone else could argue the money should go elsewhere.
A strong claim is specific, not vague. "Trees are good" is too broad to argue well -- good compared to what, good for whom? "Our city should require a shade tree along every new street" names exactly what should happen and who should do it. This week you will practice telling facts from claims, and you will write the claim that opens your own argument essay.
Mastery looks like: They can sort statements into facts and claims and write a specific, arguable claim naming an exact action and who should take it.
Common stumbles: Writing a claim so vague no one could disagree ("recycling is good"); confusing a strong opinion with a specific, actionable claim.
See it visually
Interactive, spoken-aloud tools that show this idea in motion.