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creates unity and coherence for readers. Several methods of development can be used 2
to showcase an argument’s line of reasoning. While the thesis of a text (the overarching
claim that clearly states the writer’s position) can suggest a specific argument structure,
keep in mind that writers often modify or blend these structures as needed. The essential
point to remember is that the organization should fit the ideas rather than forcing ideas
into a prescribed organizational pattern. The sequence of paragraphs in an argument
and the sequence of sentences in a paragraph, no matter how they are arranged, reveal
the writer’s line of reasoning. Your job as a reader is to trace that line of reasoning and
determine how — and how well — it supports the central claims of the argument. Your job
as a writer, of course, is to do the same; create a line of reasoning that supports the
central claims of the argument. But we’ll get to that later.
Induction Section 1 / Logical Reasoning and Organization: Shaping an Argument

Induction and deduction are two of the most basic ways to structure a logical line of rea-
soning in an argument. Induction (from the Latin inducere, “to lead into”) means arrang-
ing an argument so that it leads from particulars to universals, using specific cases to
draw a conclusion. For instance, suppose you are citing the following evidence:

Regular exercise promotes weight loss.
Exercise lowers stress levels.
Exercise improves mood and outlook.

Based on this evidence, you could develop a general conclusion:
GENERALIZATION Exercise contributes to better health.

We use induction in our everyday lives. For instance, if your family and friends have
owned several cars made by Subaru that have held up well, then you are likely to con-
clude inductively that Subaru makes good cars. Induction is also used in more technical
situations. Even the scientific method is founded on inductive reasoning. Scientists con-
duct experiments to determine the effects in certain cases, and from there they might
infer a universal scientific principle. For instance, if bases neutralize acids in every exper-
iment conducted, then it can reasonably be inferred that all bases neutralize acids. The
process of induction involves collecting evidence and then drawing an inference based
on that evidence in order to reach a conclusion.
When you write a full essay developed entirely by reasons, one after another sup-
porting the main point, then your entire argument is inductive. For instance, suppose you
are asked to take a position on whether the American Dream is alive and well today. As
you examine the issue, you might think of examples from your own community that
demonstrate that the Dream is not a reality for the average citizen; you might study
current events and think about the way societal expectations have changed. All of this
evidence together supports the inference that the American Dream no longer exists for
the average person. To write that argument, you would support your claim with a series
of reasons explained through concrete examples: you would argue inductively.
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