Line of Reasoning: 3 Activities for AP® Literature

One of the essential skills that our AP® English students need is to develop a line of reasoning. But the truth is that students struggle with the whole concept because it is so abstract. So these three lesson plans for line of reasoning will be just what you need.

What is Line of Reasoning?

So first, what is a line of reasoning? It is the internal structure of an essay, especially an argument essay. The line of reasoning is established by the thesis and the rest of the structure evolves through the topic sentences which connect directly back to the thesis.

AP® Literature students need to formulate a clear and complex thesis and then back it up with evidence presented in a logical order.

It’s imperative that students understand that the line of reasoning in AP® Lit is like a map. I use a game board as a metaphor to help students see that they have to reach certain milestones along a path to create a clear line of reasoning. (You can get this game board anchor chart here.)

Three activities for line of reasoning: 1. Focus on the AP Lit Thesis; 2. Write a group essay; 3. Listen to Poetry Unbound Podcast.

3 Activities to Teach Line of Reasoning in AP® Lit

Focus on the Thesis

The most important aspect to developing a strong line of reasoning is using the thesis to identify a set of insights into the text which helps the students to establish the complexity of the text. (Complexity in the text is usually part of the prompt.)

Throughout the year, I have students do quick exercises as warm ups to practice developing sophisticated thesis statements which in turn encourages them to develop the essay around the insights they have made.

When students have written an essay, have them highlight using several colors. Then students use one color for each insight listed in their thesis and a third (or forth) color to mark their transitions. This should allow the students to see how successful their line of reasoning is.

For quick practice, use Poem of the Week, Passage of the Week or the ones included with the Line of Reasoning AP® Lit Anchor Charts.

Write Group Essays

The group essay is a perfect way to help students focus on their line of reasoning in AP® Lit. When students work on a group essay, they formulate a thesis together and determine what each body paragraph will be about. Then they go off on their own to write one of those body paragraphs. It helps to have them do this step for homework.

When they come back together, they have to read their paragraphs outloud to the group and then work together to integrate them into a cohesive essay. They need to work to include transitions and ensure that their thesis is fully supported.

By its very nature, the group essay forces the group to focus on the organization.

A girl write an essay for AP Literature.

Listen to Poetry Unbound

Poetry Unbound is a podcast hosted by poet, Pádraig Ó Tuama. In each episode Ó Tuama presents an essay about a poem. And, his lines of reasoning are brilliant. From the moment he begins with an anecdote to his wrap up, it is clear that he has a plan for how to analyze the poem.

Allow students to explore episodes and make observations about how he organizes his essays. Print a transcript and then them highlight in the same way I described above. Or have them use this format to develop their own poetry podcasts.

Writing essays for AP Literature with a focus on the line of reasoning and other aspects of organization.

Helping Your Students Develop a Line of Reasoning

Your students can work to more fully develop their line of reasoning throughout the year by simply being aware of its existence. Encouraging your students to map their reasoning through outlines or highlighter exercises will build their confidence and understanding.