When an author makes a claim without sufficient evidence, what type of reasoning are they utilizing?

The correct answer identifies a type of reasoning characterized by a lack of strong support for the claims being made. When an author asserts a claim without providing adequate evidence, it leads to a form of argumentation that fails to meet the standards of robust or logical reasoning. Weak argumentation typically occurs when the premises of an argument do not convincingly lead to the conclusion, often leaving the claim unsubstantiated.

This is particularly important in evaluating the quality of writing, as strong arguments require credible evidence and reliable reasoning to persuade an audience effectively. In contrast, logical reasoning entails making sound arguments based on well-supported premises, and sound reasoning specifically refers to arguments that are both valid and have true premises. Inductive reasoning involves making generalized conclusions based on specific observations but still requires a certain level of evidence to be considered strong. In this case, the absence of sufficient evidence clearly aligns with weak argumentation as the most appropriate classification of the reasoning used.