Strong Reasoning Should Connect to the Evidence

Authors need strong reasoning to explain how their evidence supports their claim.

Strong reasoning does not ignore the evidence. Instead, it draws a conclusion from the evidence, and that conclusion supports the claim.

Example

Claim: Smartphones make it almost impossible for workers to disconnect from their jobs and de-stress.

Fact: Approximately eighty percent of smartphone owners have their phones near them throughout each day.

Weak Reasoning: Not Connected to the Evidence

Smartphones can therefore damage users’ relationships with friends and family.

This reasoning is weak. Although it may be true that smartphone use can negatively affect relationships, this idea has nothing to do with the fact presented as evidence.

Strong Reasoning

Even when not at work, many employees have their phones close by, making it difficult to ignore stressful job-related communications.

This reasoning is strong because it explains why having a smartphone nearby at all times can make it hard for workers to relax.