What is a Claim in Literature? Definition and Examples for High School

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 📌 Definition: A claim in literature is a statement that an author puts forward as true or arguable. It's the central argument or point they're trying to make.
• ✍️ Characteristics: Claims should be debatable, supported by evidence, and relevant to the text.
• 💡 Types of Claims:
  • Claims of Fact: Assert something is true or false.
  • Claims of Value: Argue something is good or bad, right or wrong.
  • Claims of Policy: Propose a specific course of action.
• 🔎 Finding Claims: Look for statements where the author expresses an opinion or interpretation about the text or characters.
• 🔑 Examples:
  • "Romeo and Juliet" is a tragedy about impulsive decisions. (Claim of Value)
  • The symbolism in "The Great Gatsby" reflects the disillusionment of the American Dream. (Claim of Fact)

Practice Quiz

1. Question 1: Which of the following best defines a claim in literature?
   1. A) A question posed by the author.
   2. B) A statement presented as true or arguable.
   3. C) A summary of the plot.
   4. D) A description of a character.
2. Question 2: What is a key characteristic of a strong claim?
   1. A) It is universally accepted.
   2. B) It is supported by evidence.
   3. C) It is based on personal feelings.
   4. D) It is irrelevant to the text.
3. Question 3: Which type of claim argues whether something is good or bad?
   1. A) Claim of Fact
   2. B) Claim of Policy
   3. C) Claim of Value
   4. D) Claim of Definition
4. Question 4: In the statement, "The protagonist's journey symbolizes the struggle for identity," what kind of claim is being made?
   1. A) Claim of Fact
   2. B) Claim of Policy
   3. C) Claim of Value
   4. D) Claim of Definition
5. Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a claim of policy?
   1. A) "Hamlet" is a play about revenge.
   2. B) The government should invest more in arts education.
   3. C) The weather is warm today.
   4. D) Cats are better pets than dogs.
6. Question 6: Where should you look to identify claims in a literary text?
   1. A) In the table of contents.
   2. B) Where the author expresses opinions or interpretations.
   3. C) Only in dialogue between characters.
   4. D) In the footnotes.
7. Question 7: Which statement is the MOST debatable claim?
   1. A) The sky is blue.
   2. B) Water is essential for life.
   3. C) Social media has negatively impacted interpersonal relationships.
   4. D) The Earth revolves around the Sun.