In the argument essay you met commentary: your sentences that explain evidence. A line of reasoning is the path those explanations make through the whole essay: each reason supports the thesis, and the reasons come in an order that builds.
Key idea
Commentary explains how each piece of evidence supports the claim. A line of reasoning orders the claims so each one prepares the next, and transitions show the logic between them.
Why it works
Readers can’t see inside your head. Without commentary they have to guess how a quotation supports your point, and many will guess wrong or stop trying. A clear line of reasoning lets a reader retell your argument in their own words, which is the surest sign it persuaded them.
Commentary that works
- Says what the evidence shows: “This means …”
- Explains why it matters for the claim: “So …”
- Connects to the thesis or the next reason: “That is why …”
- Never only repeats the evidence in other words.
Worked example: Weak and strong commentary
Evidence: “The library’s Sunday trial drew 900 visitors in four weekends.” Which commentary is stronger? (A) “That is a lot of visitors.” (B) “Nine hundred visitors in four weekends is more than the library sees on most weekday afternoons, so Sunday hours would serve people the current schedule leaves out.”
- A repeats the evidence with a vague judgment.
- B compares the number with something (weekday afternoons), says what it means (demand), and ties it to the claim (Sunday hours serve people now left out).
Answer: B explains what the number shows and why it supports the claim.
Worked example: Order the reasons
Thesis: the town should build a footbridge over the creek. Reasons: (1) children now walk on the road shoulder to reach school; (2) a state grant would pay most of the cost; (3) the road shoulder has no sidewalk and fast traffic. In what order?
- Start with the problem a reader must accept first: the shoulder is dangerous (3).
- Then who it affects: children walk there daily (1).
- Then the answer to the reader’s next question, “Can we afford it?”: the grant (2).
Answer: 3, 1, 2: the danger, who faces it, then why the fix is affordable.
Common mistake
Letting quotations speak for themselves, so the reader must guess how they support the point. Check: highlight your evidence in one color and your commentary in another. If whole paragraphs are one color, or the commentary only restates the evidence, add sentences that explain.