Identifying the Author's Claim: A Guide to Excerpts
When reading a text, it's crucial to understand the author's main point or claim. The claim is the argument the author is trying to convince you of. To identify the claim, you'll need to analyze the passage and find the excerpt that most directly expresses the author's central idea.
Here's how to approach this task:
1. Read the Entire Passage:
- Carefully read the entire text to grasp the overall message and context.
- Pay attention to the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
2. Identify Key Ideas:
- As you read, underline or highlight important points, phrases, or sentences that seem to be central to the author's argument.
- Look for words like "therefore," "because," "since," "thus," and "consequently," which often signal a statement of claim.
3. Determine the Main Argument:
- What is the author trying to convince you of? What is the main point being made?
- The author's claim should be a statement that can be argued for or against.
4. Evaluate Each Excerpt:
- Does the excerpt clearly and directly state the main argument? Does it offer evidence or reasoning to support the claim?
- Compare and contrast the excerpts to see which one most effectively captures the author's central idea.
5. Choose the Best Excerpt:
- The excerpt that most directly and succinctly expresses the author's claim is the best choice. It should be a complete statement, not just a single phrase or sentence fragment.
Example:
Passage:
"The use of social media has become increasingly prevalent in modern society. While it offers numerous advantages, such as connecting with people worldwide and sharing information instantaneously, it also poses significant risks. The constant influx of information can lead to information overload, making it difficult for individuals to discern reliable sources. Furthermore, social media platforms can be breeding grounds for misinformation and fake news, which can have harmful consequences."
Claim:
The author is arguing that while social media offers benefits, it also presents risks, particularly in the form of information overload and the spread of misinformation.
Best Excerpt:
"While it offers numerous advantages, such as connecting with people worldwide and sharing information instantaneously, it also poses significant risks."
This excerpt best states the author's claim because it directly states both the benefits and risks of social media.
Important Note: Always consider the context of the passage and the author's overall purpose when identifying their claim.
This breakdown should give you a better understanding of how to find the excerpt that best states the author's claim.
