Evaluation Argument

Evaluation Argument.

Prompt: An evaluation argument assesses the quality of a subject according to a set of criteria and supports that assessment through evidence gathered from reliable sources. In other words, an evaluation develops criteria, makes a judgment according to those criteria, and presents this judgment to inform a rhetorical audience.

Process: An evaluation argument must include a category, a set of criteria relevant to the audience’s purpose, and a subject. For brainstorming, think about categories (dogs, cars, romcoms, coffee shops, etc.) and an audience that needs to make a decision about that category (a child-friendly dog, a café in which to study). Next, identify criteria that help fulfill that purpose (a child-friendly dog does not bite, does not play rough, and helps protect the child from danger). Then, choose a subject within the category (e.g., a specific dog breed). Your role is to shape your rhetorical audience’s ideas of how the subject measures up for the audience’s purpose by applying your criteria to the subject.

For your proposal, describe your chosen subject and its category. Identify a rhetorical audience that can make use of this judgment and for what purpose. Define and explain four criteria that describe the quality of your subject within its category for the audience’s purpose

As you are drafting, consider what persuasive arguments, examples, reasoning, and rhetorical appeals will best illustrate the subject’s relationship to your criteria. Support your position with sufficient evidence (from credible sources) that is introduced, quoted or paraphrased, and explained. Your sources should be properly cited and documented. You will then switch drafts with a classmate and conduct a peer evaluation; their feedback will inform your revisions. Edit and proofread your work before submitting the final draft.

Format: Your final draft should be 4-5 pages (double-spaced, TNR font, 1” margins). When citing outside sources, follow MLA format.

Grading Criteria: Your essay should;

clearly state your subject and its category;

define and defend the criteria applied to that category in relation to your audience’s purpose;

make a case for how your subject meets or does not meet those criteria and support your case with examples, details, and reasoning;

use research that is credible, appropriate, and properly cited following MLA guidelines;

employ at least one correctly used introductory or parenthetical expression set off by commas as well as a correctly integrated and punctuated quotation.