Value Propositions A value assertion asserts that something is excellent or bad, or that one thing is superior to another. Values can be identified by considering what makes something valuable to people and then applying those principles to other aspects of life. For example, money can be considered a value because it provides security and freedom from poverty. A claim of value is an assertion that contains a value proposition as well as an argument for supporting or rejecting that proposition. For example, a student might write: "Money is a claim of value because it provides security and freedom from poverty." The student could explain why money is valuable by comparing it to other forms of security (e.g., trust funds) or by discussing examples from history or in today's world. Writing claims of value requires thinking about what is important to say and doing so while keeping in mind the purpose of arguments. Use your reader's knowledge to help make your point by explaining how something is valued by others and then apply that understanding to the topic at hand. For example, if you were writing about why money is valuable, you could mention ways in which it can be used to secure other benefits (such as food or shelter) and conclude with a note about its role as a store of value in times of economic uncertainty.