In analytical and argumentative writing, topic sentences should be claims.

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The statement we’re evaluating is: 'In analytical and argumentative writing, topic sentences should be claims.'
Option 1: True. In argumentative writing, the topic sentence typically presents a claim or a thesis that the paragraph will support with evidence and reasoning. It serves as the driving assertion for the paragraph and connects to the overall argument. In analytical writing, a topic sentence can introduce the specific point of analysis or interpretation that the paragraph will examine, which often takes the form of a claim about a text, idea, or phenomenon. This framing helps the reader understand the purpose of the paragraph and how it contributes to the larger analysis or argument. Therefore, describing topic sentences as claims aligns with common scholarly practice in these genres.
Option 2: False. If one were to claim that topic sentences should not be claims, this would imply that topic sentences merely describe surface features, summarize content, or list details without presenting a central assertion to be argued or analyzed. While some writers might use topic sentences that describe context, pose a question, or set up a description, saying that topic sentences should never be claims would overlook the function of a topic sentence in guiding interpretation and argument. In analytical and argumentative writing, a lack of a clear claim in the topic sentence can lead to a paragraph that feels unfocused or merely descriptive rather than argumentative or analytic.
Overall, the distinction hinges on how we define a 'claim' in this context: a claim is a debatable assertion or interpretive point that the paragraph supports. If the topic sentence is not presenting such an assertion, it may fail to signal the paragraph’s argumentative or analytical purpose; however, many writers reliably structure their topic sentences to present a claim or thesis for the paragraph. Thus, evaluating whether the statement is universally true depends on how strictly one defines 'claim' in topic sentences, but in standard practice for analytical and argumentative writing, topic sentences often function as claims that the rest of the paragraph supports.

LLED_V 200 V06 2025W1 Midterm Test 3 - Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

In analytical and argumentative writing, topic sentences should be claims.

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