Demystifying LOR for AP English: Relax, They've Got This!!!

 AP LIT: So much is so hard already--let's make LOR a little easier!

(Jump to LOR recipe--it's at the bottom)

Brian S. runs our AP Lit facebook page! I love that site! This week he posted a query about how to help his kids understand Line of Reasoning. I saw lots of what I thought were on point responses to his question as is always the case with that group. 

But I think it's just so much easier than the College Board makes it seem.  I would love to get feedback on this from people. I am maybe oversimplifying things?

Here's my thought.... line of reasoning = logical organization.

Since middle school for sure,  I think most students have been exposed to the five-paragraph essay. That set up is just a classical (Aristotelian) argument which is an LOR. (see below)

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Classical Argument Structure (simple terms)

Introduction with a thesis (in AP Lit--an assertion addressing the prompt)

Support (in a standard format maybe three body paragraphs sharing reasons with evidence)

Conclusion (In AP Land, I say, "keep it short." If my kids are running out of time I tell them to write a quick paragraph discussing the final 2-3 sentences 
(if a Q2) and they can address 1 of 2 things:  do these sentences add new information that enhances the piece or how do these last sentences differ from the opening of the piece.  Then I tell them if they want a quick kinda cheesy way to end they can just tag on, "The author leaves us to contemplate....." and they can make a comment about the character or the universal condition.

THERE,  I also made it harder than it is!!!  See the formula below for an always win LOR.

THE LOR RECIPE (no AP reader can logically dispute this)

A. Intro with thesis (try to "answer" the question)

 B.  Body paragraphs that each begin with a topic sentence that includes a transition. "In the following paragraph the tone shifts from _____________ to _____________." or "Nearing the conclusion of the selection, ..."

 C. Conclusion if time (maybe not as important in an LOR?)

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GOOD LUCK!  I seriously tell them the LOR will come naturally if they discuss the passage chronologically; otherwise, if they make sure they use transitions in their topic sentences they're golden. Stay golden.