Statements such as "state universities should admit all high school graduates" or "John Doe committed armed robbery" would be referred to as which of the following?

The correct answer is that statements such as "state universities should admit all high school graduates" or "John Doe committed armed robbery" are classified as claims. A claim serves as the assertion or proposition that is being put forward in an argument or statement. It expresses a belief or opinion that may be supported with evidence or reasoning.

In the examples provided, the first statement presents a clear position on a policy related to university admissions, while the second asserts a specific fact about an individual’s actions. Both statements can serve as the basis for further argumentation, where evidence can be added to support or refute these claims.

Recognizing claims is essential in public speaking and argumentation, as they form the backbone of any persuasive communication. These claims must be substantiated through supporting material such as data, examples, or testimonies to enhance their credibility and persuasive power.