When you use NoRedInk for writing practice, one important skill is learning how to tell the difference between a strong claim and a weak claim. A strong claim clearly states an arguable position and gives the reader a clear idea of what the writer wants to prove. A weak claim may be too broad, obvious, vague, or difficult to support with evidence.
This guide explains the difference with simple examples.
What Is a Claim?
A claim is a statement that expresses a position or argument.
For example:
School lunches should include more healthy food options.
This is a claim because someone could agree or disagree with it.
A claim is different from a simple fact.
Fact:
Schools serve lunch to students.
Claim:
Schools should provide healthier lunch choices.
The second statement presents an opinion that can be supported with reasons and evidence.
What Is a Strong Claim?
A strong claim is clear, specific, and arguable. It gives the writer something meaningful to prove.
A strong claim usually:
- Takes a clear position
- Can be debated
- Is specific rather than vague
- Focuses on one main idea
- Can be supported with evidence
- Avoids unnecessary wording
Example of a Strong Claim
Middle schools should start later because additional morning sleep can help students arrive at school more prepared to learn.
This is stronger than simply saying:
Schools should change their schedules.
The first claim identifies the issue, takes a position, and gives a reason that can be developed with evidence.
What Is a Weak Claim?
A weak claim may not give the writer enough direction for an effective argument.
For example:
School is important.
This is weak because it is extremely broad and most readers would not have much reason to debate it.
Another example:
I think schools should start later because I like sleeping.
This expresses a position, but the reason is mostly personal and does not provide a strong basis for an academic argument.
Strong Claim vs. Weak Claim
| Strong Claim | Weak Claim |
| Clear | Vague |
| Specific | Too broad |
| Arguable | May be obvious |
| Evidence can support it | Difficult to support |
| Focuses on one position | May contain several unrelated ideas |
| Gives direction to the essay | Gives little direction |
10 Strong vs. Weak Claim Examples
- School Uniforms
Weak:
School uniforms are good.
Strong:
Schools should require uniforms because a consistent dress code can reduce pressure to wear expensive or fashionable clothing.
The strong version explains the position and provides a reason that can be developed.
- Homework
Weak:
Homework is bad.
Strong:
Schools should limit nightly homework assignments so students have enough time for sleep, family responsibilities, and extracurricular activities.
The strong claim is specific about what should change.
- Social Media
Weak:
Social media is bad for people.
Strong:
Teenagers should limit their daily social media use because excessive use can interfere with sleep, schoolwork, and face-to-face interactions.
The stronger version identifies a particular group, action, and reasoning.
- School Phones
Weak:
Phones are distracting.
Strong:
Schools should restrict recreational phone use during class because notifications and entertainment can interfere with students’ attention.
The strong claim gives the reader a clear argument.
- School Libraries
Weak:
Libraries are useful.
Strong:
Schools should maintain well-funded libraries because access to books and research resources can support students’ academic work.
The second claim is more focused and arguable.
- School Start Times
Weak:
School should start later.
Strong:
Middle schools should begin later in the morning to give students more opportunity for adequate sleep before the school day begins.
The strong claim clearly identifies the proposed change.
- Recycling
Weak:
Recycling is important.
Strong:
Schools should expand recycling programs by placing clearly labeled recycling containers throughout their campuses.
The stronger version proposes a specific action.
- School Sports
Weak:
Sports are good.
Strong:
Schools should continue offering organized sports because athletic programs can give students opportunities to develop teamwork and discipline.
The strong claim provides a clear position and reason.
- Reading
Weak:
Reading is helpful.
Strong:
Students should spend regular time reading outside of class because consistent reading can help develop vocabulary and comprehension skills.
The strong claim is more specific and easier to support.
- Online Learning
Weak:
Online school is better.
Strong:
Online learning can be an effective option for students who need flexible schedules because digital classes can allow them to complete coursework from different locations.
The strong claim avoids making an overly broad statement about every student.
How to Identify a Strong Claim in NoRedInk
If a NoRedInk exercise asks you to identify the stronger claim, ask yourself these questions:
- Is It Arguable?
Can a reasonable person disagree?
Weak:
Water is necessary for humans.
This is generally a fact, not an arguable claim.
Stronger:
Schools should allow students to carry water bottles throughout the school day.
This can be debated.
- Is It Specific?
Avoid claims that are so broad that an entire book would be needed to discuss them.
Weak:
Technology has changed society.
Strong:
Schools should teach students how to evaluate online information because digital sources can vary widely in reliability.
- Can You Support It With Evidence?
A strong claim should give you opportunities to use facts, examples, research, or other evidence.
Weak:
My favorite sport is basketball.
This is personal preference and does not require an argumentative essay.
Strong:
Schools should provide students with opportunities to participate in physical activities during the school week.
This can be supported with relevant evidence.
- Does It Take a Clear Position?
The reader should know exactly what you believe.
Weak:
There are different opinions about school lunches.
This does not take a position.
Strong:
Schools should provide healthier lunch options while keeping meals affordable for students.
This clearly states a position.
Strong Claims Should Not Be Too Extreme
A claim can also become weak if it makes an unnecessarily extreme statement.
Weak:
Every student in America hates homework.
This is an absolute statement that would be extremely difficult to prove.
A better claim would be:
Schools should reduce excessive homework because large workloads can make it difficult for students to balance school and other responsibilities.
The second claim is more reasonable and easier to support.
Strong Claim Formula
A useful formula for creating a strong claim is:
Topic + Clear Position + Reason
For example:
Topic: School phones
Position: Schools should restrict recreational phone use
Reason: Phones can distract students during instruction
Final Claim:
Schools should restrict recreational phone use during class because it can distract students from instruction.
Strong Claim vs. Opinion
Not every opinion is a strong academic claim.
Opinion:
I love pizza.
There is nothing meaningful to prove.
Claim:
Schools should offer healthier pizza options because students should have access to nutritious meals.
The second statement takes a position that can be supported with reasons and evidence.
Quick NoRedInk Strategy
When choosing between two claims, look for the one that is:
Specific + Arguable + Focused + Supportable
For example:
A:
Animals are interesting.
B:
Zoos should provide larger habitats for animals because adequate space can better accommodate their physical and behavioral needs.
Answer: B
The second statement is a stronger claim because it makes a clear argument that can be supported with evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a strong claim?
A strong claim is a clear, specific, arguable statement that can be supported with reasons and evidence.
What is a weak claim?
A weak claim is often vague, overly broad, obvious, purely factual, or difficult to support.
Is an opinion the same as a claim?
Not always. An opinion can become a claim when it takes a clear position that can be supported through reasoning and evidence.
What makes a claim arguable?
An arguable claim allows reasonable people to disagree about the position.
What should I look for in a NoRedInk strong-claim question?
Look for the statement that is specific, debatable, focused, and possible to support with evidence.
Final Takeaway
The easiest way to remember the difference is:
Weak claim: “School lunches are important.”
Strong claim: “Schools should provide healthier lunch options while keeping meals affordable for students.”
The second statement is stronger because it gives the writer a clear position, a specific topic, and an argument that can be developed with evidence.
For NoRedInk exercises, don’t simply choose the sentence that sounds more confident. Look for the claim that gives you the clearest and most supportable argument.
