what is a thesis or claim

The kind of thesis statement you write will depend on the type of paper you are writing. Here is how to write the different kinds of thesis statements:
A thesis statement is a sentence that states the topic and purpose of your paper. A good thesis statement will direct the structure of your essay and will allow your reader to understand the ideas you will discuss within your paper.

The thesis is the most important part of your paper; it tells the reader what your stance is on a particular topic and offers reasons for that stance.
In philosophy papers, your thesis will state a position or claim.

References:

http://libguides.lvc.edu/c.php?g=333806&p=2245962
http://writingcenter.ashford.edu/thesis-generator