AP English Language and Composition 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In argumentative writing, a "claim" refers to a statement or assertion made by an author that is essentially the main argument one seeks to prove or support. This assertion is open to challenge, meaning that it can be debated or questioned, which necessitates the need for evidence or reasoning to substantiate it. By its nature, a claim is not an undisputed fact; rather, it encourages discussion and requires the writer to provide logical support, examples, or data to persuade the audience of its validity. This foundational aspect of claims is critical in argumentative writing, as it drives the overall discourse and establishes the basis for arguments and counterarguments.

The other options fail to capture the essence of a claim accurately. For instance, defining a claim as a definitive fact negates the very idea that it invites challenge and proof. Similarly, describing it as a figurative expression or a rhetorical question misrepresents its role in constructing an argumentative framework. Claims, therefore, are pivotal in establishing positions that contribute to the ongoing dialogue within an argument.