Types of ClaimsJi-Eun Park

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Type 1: Fact

Statements about something real Correct or Incorrect Validity of the claim depends on the fact Make sure the support can refute your opponent’s claim Be sure elaborate on terms you use Can use past, present, or future Book example: “Rainfall of 32.4 inches in 1997 was 4 inches above that for

the previous year.” – Straight facts = hard to argue its validity “Air travel is more dangerou today than it was five years ago.”

– Easy to question its validity

Type 1: Fact

More examples: Prostitution in Japan http://www.public.iastate.edu/~rhetoric/105H17/nnguyen/co

f.html

By 1984 the number reached alarming levels and is still increasing.

Genetic Engineering http://www.public.iastate.edu/~rhetoric/105H17/amoser/cof.

html

Through this altering of genes crops can be produced that are safer for the consumer.

Type 2: Value

Values are “judgments about the world that cannot be verified.”

This type makes judgments about good vs. bad, right vs. wrong, just vs. unjust, moral vs. immoral.

Applies to people, behavior, events, ideas, and policies Works best when your audience has the same values as you Book example: Thomas Paine said, “Liberty is more precious

than life.” “Capital punishment is morally wrong under any

circumstance.” Another example: Political statements: “Abortion is wrong.”

“Universal health care is wrong.”

Type 2: Value

4 Types of Claims of Value: Artistic: beautiful or ugly, good or bad taste Moral: right or wrong, good or bad, just or unjust Basis for laws Political: important within the governmental structure Disagreements between countries are because of

different political values Pragmatic: practical or impractical Time efficiency, cost efficiency, practicality

Type 3: Policy

Proposes actions the audience should take or make someone else complete the action

Often in persuasive speeches Mostly accompanied by the other two claims

because claims of policy requires support and reasoning

Appeal rationally or morally

Type 3: Policy

Book example: “Stricter laws are needed to preserve the environment” – appeals morally

“School reform efforts have been successful” – appeals rationally when supported with evidence

More examples: Warning labels should be placed on “high-heeled

apparel boxes.” http://www.public.iastate.edu/~rhetoric/105H16/copp/ads/adsc

opp.html

Overlap of Claims

Types of claims rely on each other for support Book example: Claim of fact: “Safety has declined in the past five years

as shown by an increase in near accidents, non-fatal accidents, and deteriorating equipment.”

Claim of value: “Safety is important to all of us, and the government has an obligation to guarantee travelers’ safety.”

Claim of policy: “Stricter controls on airlines are needed to increase safety.”