Final Answer:
The claim in the given options is d) However, with our trash dumps growing and our savings accounts shrinking or nonexistent, it is time for young Americans to learn to conserve again.
Step-by-step explanation:
The provided statement in option (d) makes a specific assertion about the need for young Americans to learn to conserve again, indicating a viewpoint or stance on the matter. Claims are statements that assert a particular idea, perspective, or opinion. In this case, the claim is that there is a necessity for a shift towards conservation due to the growing issue of trash dumps and the decline or absence of savings accounts.
The claim is distinct from the other options. Option (a) provides a historical observation, (b) describes a change in behavior without asserting a stance, and (c) describes a trend without explicitly making a claim. In contrast, option (d) takes a clear position by stating that it is time for young Americans to embrace conservation. This aligns with the definition of a claim, making it the correct answer.
Claims are essential components in argumentative writing as they present a debatable point that can be supported or refuted. In this context, the claim serves as the central idea around which an argument could be built, advocating for a shift towards conservation. This type of assertive statement is crucial in persuasive writing, guiding the reader to consider and potentially adopt the author's viewpoint.
In conclusion, the identified claim in option (d) stands out by presenting a clear perspective on the need for conservation, distinguishing it from the other options that lack a definitive stance or assertion.