- 1). Split the text into individual propositions or statements. Think small scale--each sentence may have more than one proposition.
Using Romans 3:24-25 as an example, the text would break down into four sections with an arc over each line:
"... and are justified freely by his grace"
"through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
"God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,"
"through faith in his blood." - 2). Connect related propositions and define the relationship between them. The propositions may explain each other or contrast with each other.
Using our example text, the last two lines are connected because the last line explains the next to last line:
"God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,
through faith in his blood."
A larger arc would be placed to connect these two lines.
In the same way, the last three lines explain the manner in which God justifies. These lines would have a larger arc placed over them:
"through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,
through faith in his blood."
Our whole example section serves as a description of God's action. God's purpose for the action is described in what follows in the text. Therefore, a larger arc would be placed over the whole section. - 3). Use the resulting arc chart to define units in the text. When you have connected the ideas in this manner, you will be able to see the way an author has structured the work.