Claim, Evidence, & Commentary: Examples of concise and specific writing

Example: Claim

O The most plausible explanation for the recent increase in gambling as an

acceptable pastime is the perceived stamp of approval by cultural

institutions, such as state and local governments and organized religion.

Why is this a good example of a claim? Let’s remember some of our guidelines for

writing.

O stated in a very ________________ and ________________ way

O ________________ sentence

O A good claim is not ________________.

O A good claim is not ________________ ________________.

O A good claim is ________________.

Example: Evidence

O Last year the State of Minnesota spent $X million dollars promoting the

state-run lottery through ads focusing on the contributions made to

environmental funds (Author’s last name, page #).

Why is this a good example of evidence? Let’s remember some of our guidelines

for writing.

O be ________________! Be ________________!

O Stick to your ________________!

O proves only the ________________ ________________

O uses information ________________ or ________________

O not ________________

Example: Commentary

O Citizens look at the amount of time and effort devoted to promoting

gambling-related activities by their government and churches and assume

that this is a legitimate and even risk-free activity with little social stigma

attached. If the state and church rely on these funds to survive, gambling

may even be regarded as a social service: the more money they lose, the

more they are helping others.

Why is this a good example of commentary? Let’s remember some of our

guidelines for writing.

O ________________ evidence

O moves the reader ________________ the ________________

________________

O does not ________________ main idea word‐for‐word