Final answer:
A claim is an assertion that something is true, supported by evidence and logical reasoning. It can be descriptive, stating observable facts, or evaluative, expressing judgments of value. Valid claims are backed by compelling evidence and logical consistency.
Step-by-step explanation:
A claim is an assertion that something is true or valid, or that some action should be taken. It is often presented in academic writing as a main idea or thesis statement, and it is supported by logical reasoning and evidence. The evidence may include facts, statistics, anecdotes, examples, or quotations tailored to substantiate the claim. Logical reasoning to support a claim can manifest through cause and effect, comparison and contrast, or problem and solution frameworks.
In distinguishing between different types of claims, there are descriptive claims, which are statements about how the world is, detailing observable facts. On the other hand, evaluative claims make statements about how the world ought to be, expressing judgments of value. When assessing the validity of a claim, it is important to consider whether it is supported by compelling evidence and whether it aligns with logical principles and established truths.