A subclaim in an argumentative essay is a supporting statement that explains or strengthens the main claim or thesis of the essay. It serves as a smaller argument that backs up the larger argument you’re trying to make.
In an argumentative essay, the main claim presents your primary argument or opinion on a topic, while subclaims provide additional evidence or reasoning that helps validate the main claim. For instance, if your main claim is that climate change is caused by human activity, one subclaim might discuss how greenhouse gas emissions from cars contribute to global warming.
Subclaims help to organize your essay and guide the reader through your reasoning. They break down the argument into digestible parts, making it easier for your audience to understand and follow your line of thought. Each subclaim should ideally be supported by relevant evidence, such as statistics, expert quotes, or real-life examples, reinforcing your overall argument.