How Can I Help Readers Follow My Arguments?

As you draft your document, think about how you’ll help your readers follow your line of argument. Surprises can be pleasant, but few readers will be able — or willing — to follow a complex argument without at least a general sense of where you plan to lead them. Clue your readers in right from the start and provide useful guidance throughout your document about its overall organization. A well-organized document will provide an introduction that states or suggests your purpose, gives enough organizational cues to help your readers follow your argument, makes them want to keep reading, and does so as concisely as possible.