Line of Reasoning (LoR)

A Line of Reasoning (LoR) is the arrangement of claims and evidence that leads to a conclusion.  Essentially, it is the author's train of thought or a progression of connected ideas.  To develop the LoR, writers make careful decisions about what information to start with, how to weave their claims with supporting evidence, and how to conclude in a convincing way.  This process requires a logical progression of ideas linked together through transitions called signposts.  Skilled critical readers are able to accurately track a writer's LoR as a part of evaluating the overall quality of the argument.

Thesis/Central Claim: This is the author's main point or argument, the idea they are working to prove through their text.  (Although most central claims are directly stated, there are examples of implied thesis statements out there, so be on the lookout!)

Claim: The author will need to make additional assertions to prove the thesis/central claim.  These are sometimes called sub-claims or reasons because they are all working under the umbrella of the thesis.  They can be either directly stated or implied.

Evidence: Research or examples the author uses to support the claim.

Signposts: Specific words and phrases authors use to show relationships between ideas.  (To see a list of common signposts, click HERE.)

To decide if an author's LoR is well-developed enough to lead to a convincing argument, answer the following questions.

• What is the thesis/central claim?  Where is the central claim located in the text?  Is it directly stated or implied?

• What is the first supporting claim?  How does it connect with the thesis?

• What are the following supporting claims?  How does each one connect to the claim before it?  (Extend or further prove the previous claim?  Offer counterargument or refutation?)  How does each one connect to the thesis/central claim?

• How are the claims organized overall?  (Large to small showing depth or nuance?  Small building up to big?  Cause and effect?  Connection to audience?)

• What specific evidence is used to support each claim?  Which claims have the most support?  Which have the least?

• What types of evidence does the author use?  (Studies? Statistics? Anecdotal or descriptive? Examples?)  In what order is the evidence presented for each claim?

• How do all of these pieces work together to prove the argument?

College Board. (2023). AP Seminar Course. AP Central. Retrieved July 6, 2023, from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-seminar

Identifying the Line of Reasoning. (2020, August 5). Marco Learning. Retrieved July 6, 2023, from https://marcolearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Marco-English-Language-Line-of-Reasoning-Lesson-Plan.pdf