What term describes the writer's standpoint on a specific issue?

The term that describes the writer's standpoint on a specific issue is "claim." A claim is essentially an assertion or a statement that reflects the writer's perspective or belief regarding a particular topic. It is a key component in persuasive writing because it establishes the writer's position and serves as a foundation for further discussion or argumentation.

In context, a claim must be supported by evidence, which consists of facts, statistics, or examples. The argument represents the entire discourse that encompasses the claim along with the supporting evidence. While a thesis statement often encapsulates the overall argument of an entire essay or paper, a claim specifically pertains to an individual standpoint regarding a particular issue. This distinction highlights why "claim" is the correct choice in identifying the writer's specific viewpoint.