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Master the art of explaining 'why' your evidence proves your point.
Imagine telling your parents you need a new phone because 'it is made of aluminum.' They would be confused! A fact without an explanation is like a bridge that stops halfway across a river—it doesn't get you to your destination. How do you turn a random detail into a winning argument?
Quick Check
If you provide a statistic about rising ocean temperatures in an essay about climate change, is that 'Evidence' or 'Reasoning'?
Answer
It is Evidence.
To connect evidence to a claim, you need a Bridge Sentence. This sentence often starts with 'connector' phrases that signal you are about to explain the logic. Common phrases include: 'This proves that...', 'Because of this...', or 'This is significant because...'. The goal is to show the reader exactly how the fact supports your point. You are essentially showing your work, just like in a math problem where .
1. Claim: Our school should offer more vegetarian options. 2. Evidence: 30% of students surveyed said they do not eat meat. 3. Reasoning (The Bridge): This shows that nearly one-third of the student body is currently underserved by the cafeteria menu, and adding meat-free meals would ensure everyone has something healthy to eat.
Quick Check
What is the purpose of a 'Bridge Sentence'?
Answer
To explicitly explain the logical connection between a fact and the main argument.
1. Claim: In the story, the protagonist is feeling isolated. 2. Evidence: The author describes the character standing 'on the far edge of the playground, watching the other children play tag.' 3. Reasoning: By placing the character on the 'far edge' and using the verb 'watching' rather than 'participating,' the author emphasizes a physical and emotional distance. This gap suggests that the character feels like an outsider who cannot find a way to join the group.
Review this weak draft: 'The city should build more bike lanes. 500 people ride bikes daily. It would be better.'
Revised for Logic: 1. Evidence: Data shows 500 citizens commute by bicycle daily. 2. Reasoning: Currently, these 500 people must share narrow roads with cars, which increases the risk of accidents. Therefore, dedicated bike lanes would not only protect these commuters but also encourage more people to cycle, eventually reducing overall traffic congestion.
Which of these is a 'Reasoning' statement?
What happens when a writer includes evidence but no reasoning?
True or False: A good bridge sentence often uses phrases like 'This shows that' or 'Because of this.'
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to explain the 'Bridge Metaphor' to a friend or family member without looking at this guide.
Practice Activity
Find a news article or an opinion piece. Highlight the evidence in one color and the reasoning in another. If you find evidence without reasoning, try to write a bridge sentence for it!