What is a claim in a persuasive text?

• A. A minor detail.
• B. A counterargument.
• C. The writer's main argument or position.
• D. A summary.

Answer: (C)

In a persuasive text, the claim is the writer's main argument or position on the issue. It’s the central statement the author wants readers to accept, and everything that follows is built to support and convince you of that point with reasons, evidence, and examples. This isn’t a minor detail, a simple summary, or the opposing view—the latter is what the writer responds to in order to defend their stance. Recognizing the claim helps you see what the whole piece is trying to prove.