Answer: 1. Look for the main idea or thesis statement in the introduction or early in the essay. This will often provide a clear indication of the author's claim and the direction the essay will take.
2. Pay attention to the topic sentences in each paragraph, as they often provide a roadmap for the development of the author's claim. These sentences should connect back to the thesis and provide supporting evidence for the claim.
3. Identify the key pieces of evidence or examples the author uses to support their claim. Look for patterns or themes in these examples, and consider how they connect back to the overall argument. This will help you track the development of the claim and assess the effectiveness of the author's reasoning.
Step-by-step explanation: