Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes a claim of value?

1. It assesses a fact.

2. It critiques a moral standard.

3. It suggests a policy change.

4. It argues good or bad judgments.

The correct answer is: It argues good or bad judgments.

A claim of value primarily involves judgments about what is considered good or bad, right or wrong, desirable or undesirable. This type of claim is evaluative and focuses on the qualitative aspects of a subject, often tied to personal beliefs, societal norms, or ethical considerations. In contrast, assessing a fact pertains to objective claims that can be verified or disproven, which aligns more with claims of fact. Critiques of a moral standard may touch on values, but they often stem from an analytical perspective rather than a straightforward evaluative judgment. Similarly, suggesting a policy change relates more to claims of policy, which focus on what should be done, rather than on the inherent value of something. Therefore, the essence of a claim of value lies in arguing for or against the quality or worth of a subject, which is embodied in the judgment of good or bad. This makes the selected answer the most accurate description of a claim of value.