Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

How does a claim of value differ from a claim of fact?

1. A claim of value asserts truth, while a claim of fact judges good or bad.

2. A claim of value judges something, while a claim of fact asserts truth.

3. A claim of value proposes change, while a claim of fact provides evidence.

4. They are synonymous in argumentative writing.

The correct answer is: A claim of value judges something, while a claim of fact asserts truth.

A claim of value judges something based on personal beliefs or societal standards, asserting whether something is good, bad, desirable, or undesirable. This type of claim is subjective, relying on values and opinions rather than objective evidence. Conversely, a claim of fact asserts the truth of a situation or phenomenon, often supported by empirical evidence or data. It aims to establish a verifiable reality that can be proven right or wrong. In this context, the distinction between value and fact is critical for understanding arguments and their foundations. While claims of fact focus on objective realities, claims of value engage with subjective interpretations, inherently differing in their purpose and approach. This fundamental difference clarifies how these claims function in discourse and argumentative writing, making option B the most accurate description of their relationship.