Identifying the Author's Claim: How to Find the Core Argument
When analyzing a passage, one crucial step is to identify the author's claim, or their main argument. This is the central point the author is trying to convince the reader of. Here's how to pinpoint the claim within a text:
What is an Author's Claim?
An author's claim is the main point or argument that the author is trying to make. It's a statement that the author believes to be true and wants to convince the reader of. Claims are often stated directly but can also be implied through the text's overall message.
How to Identify the Claim
- Read the Entire Passage: Get a clear understanding of the text's content and tone before focusing on specific parts.
- Look for Key Words: Words like "Therefore," "Thus," "As a result," "In conclusion," "Ultimately," or similar transition words often signal the author's main point.
- Identify the Topic: What is the overall subject the passage is discussing? This can help you narrow down the possible claims.
- Consider the Evidence: What evidence does the author use to support their argument? This can help you understand what they are trying to prove.
- Think About the Purpose: Why did the author write this passage? What are they trying to achieve? Understanding the purpose can help you identify the claim.
Example:
Let's say we have the following excerpt:
"The decline of bees is a major threat to our food system. With fewer bees to pollinate crops, we can expect to see a decrease in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. This can lead to food shortages and higher prices, ultimately impacting global food security."
In this case, the author's claim is: The decline of bees is a major threat to our food system. This claim is supported by the evidence presented about the impact on crop pollination and potential consequences.
Note: The author's claim is a statement, not just a topic. It's something the author is asserting as true.
How to Choose the Best Excerpt:
To choose the excerpt that best states the author's claim, follow these steps:
- Read all the provided excerpts carefully.
- Identify the key points of each excerpt.
- Compare the excerpts to the overall passage.
- Look for the excerpt that most accurately reflects the central argument of the passage.
- Consider the evidence presented in each excerpt. Does it support the claim?
By following these steps, you can effectively identify the author's claim and choose the best excerpt that captures their central argument.
