Compose an argument of evaluation in your favorite genre (my favorite genre are technology, working out. family, and sell improvement.) : make and defend a claim about the quality of some object, item, work, person, or place within your area of interest or special knowledge. Let your argument demonstrate an interest you hold, as well as an expert you gain through research for this writing project. Integrate at least two visuals into your paper. These visuals should support and develop your claims and must be formatted using the following guidelines, as part of your grade will rely on proper formatting of your visuals:
“MLA Format – Visual Aids – MLA Style” from Rutgers University
(Links to an external site.)
“Using Figures in MLA Format” from Sierra College
(Links to an external site.)
You should also integrate at least three outside sources to support your and develop evaluative claim. These sources do not include your visuals–they are separate.
STEPS TO COMPLETE THIS PROJECT:
1. Research Your Topic
You can research issues of evaluation by using the following sources:
journals, reviews, and magazines (for current political and social issues)
books (for assessing judgments about history, policy, etc.)
biographies (for assessing people)
research reports and scientific studies
books, magazines, and websites for consumers
periodicals and websites that cover entertainment and sports
blogs and social media sites that explore current topics
2. Formulate a Claim
After exploring your subject, try to draw up a full and specific claim that lets readers know where you stand and on what criteria you’ll base your judgments. Come up with a thesis that’s challenging enough to attract readers’ attention. In developing a thesis, you might begin with questions like these:
What exactly is my opinion? Where do I stand?
Can I make my judgment more clear-cut?
Do I need to narrow or qualify my claim?
By what standards will I make my judgment?
Will readers or viewers accept my criteria, or will I have to defend them, too? What criteria might others offer?
What evidence or major reasons can I offer in support of my evaluation?
3. Articulate a Thesis
For a conventional evaluation, such as a book or restaurant review, your thesis should be a complete statement. In one sentence, make a claim of evaluation and state the reasons that support it. Be sure your claim is specific. Anticipate the questions the readers might have: Who? What? Where? Under what conditions? With what exceptions? In all cases? Don’t expect readers to guess where you stand.
For a more exploratory argument, you might begin (and even end) with questions about the process of evaluation itself. What are the qualities we seek–or ought to–in our political leaders? What does it say about our cultural values when we find so many viewers enthralled by so-called reality shows on television? What might be the criteria for collegiate athletic programs consistent with the values of higher education? Projects that explore topics like these might not begin with straightforward theses or have the intention to persuade readers.
Examples of Evaluative Claims (Thesis Statements)
Though they may never receive Oscars for their work, Tom Cruise and Angela Bassett deserve credit as actors who have succeeded in a wider range or film roles than most of their contemporaries.
The much-vaunted population shift back to urban areas in the United States has really been mostly among rich, educated, and childless people who can afford the high costs of living there.
The most remarkable aspect of Elon Musk as an entrepreneur is the way he blatantly uses public money to build his companies–from Tesla to SpaceX.
Jimmy Carter has been praised for his work as a former president of the United States, but history may show that even his much-derided term in office laid the groundwork for the foreign policy and economic successes now attributed to later administrations.
Young adults today are shying away from diving into the housing market because they no longer believe that homeownership is a key element in economic success.
4. Organize Your Argument
Your evaluation should include each of the following elements:
a clear evaluative claim that makes a judgment about a person, idea, or subject
the criterion or criteria by which you’ll measure your subject
an explanation or justification of the criteria (if necessary)
evidence that the particular subject meets or falls short of the stated criteria
consideration of alternative views and counterarguments
All these elements are present in strong arguments of evaluation, but they don’t follow a specific order. In addition, you’ll need an opening/introductory paragraph to explain what you’re evaluating and why. Tell readers why they should care about this subject and take this claim seriously.
5. Revise and Edit
Consider carefully the organization and coherence of your piece. Develop clear paragraphs that support your thesis organized around a definite topic.
6. Format Properly
Your final draft should be 3-4 pages (double-spaced, TNR font, 1” margins). This length requirement does not include your images, so plan accordingly. When citing your outside source(s), follow MLA format–see https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
(Links to an external site.)
for an excellent resource on MLA. Don’t forget to include your visual aid and format it properly (see the resources listed above).
Grading Criteria: Your essay should
(1) make an evaluative claim (a thesis) about a person, idea, or subject;
(2) identify the criterion or criteria by which you’ll measure your subject and offer an explanation or justification of the criteria (if necessary);
(3) provide sufficient evidence and analysis that the particular subject meets or falls short of the stated criteria;
(4) offer consideration of alternative views and counterarguments; and
(5) integrate at least two visual aids AND at least three additional outside sources using correct MLA format to support your evaluation.
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