Focus On Author's Reasons For Claims

1. You find their argumentative claims.

2. You find their logos by asking, Why does the author believe that claim?, and then look for their supporting reason sentences, where they explain themselves.

• Are they using deductive or inductive reasoning?
• Write down the essayist's assumptions (premises) and write down their conclusions together 
• Example:  If ...., then.....

• Do some low stakes writing (free-write; brainstorm a list) about the logical strength of the writing.
• What may somebody argue, in contrast? 
• What kind of bias is implied, and does that bias harm their validity?

3.  Practice your own logos in your essays:  Your topic sentence argues whether or not the author has sound logic. Now you must support it with your own logic! After writing your topic sentence claiming your position, you must lead in to our supporting evidence and explanation--your evaluation of that author's logic. 

• Start your supporting evidence sentences with an introductory phrase to author quote
• Quote one of their reasons (or paraphrase or summarize)...
• Rather than end on the quote, attach a DEP clause in which you sum-up the author's conclusions.
• Then, use a transitional phrase to your POV/analysis: if you agree, use a word or phrase that indicates this, and then explain why you find their conclusions valid.

• If you disagree, use a word or phrase that clarifies so, and then...explain why you find their conclusions valid.

• Ex.:  Author AEIOU assumes/argues "quoted reason," concluding RSTLNE.  However, author fails/ignores/overlooks/simplifies....