A claim, also known as an assertion, is a statement that expresses a belief or opinion that can be supported or challenged with evidence. Claims are often used in arguments, essays, and discussions to present a viewpoint that the speaker or writer wants to convey. They can be factual, such as "The Earth orbits the Sun," or subjective, like "Chocolate is the best flavor of ice cream." In academic writing, claims are typically backed by research, data, or logical reasoning. For example, a claim about the effectiveness of a certain medication, such as Aspirin, would require scientific studies to validate it. The strength of a claim often depends on the quality and relevance of the evidence provided.