eng 108

Essay Map – Critical Evaluation Essay

Introduction

As discussed in class, the critical evaluation of a technology begins by introducing that

technology and its impact on one or more literacy practices.

• Describe (briefly) the technology you are writing about

• Explain the literacy practice(s) impacted by the technology

• List the set of criteria (3-5) you will use to evaluate the technology (purpose statement)

A completed purpose statement and/or thesis statement should come at the end of your

introduction. We will discuss how to write both a thesis and a purpose statement for a critical

evaluation essay in class.

Body Paragraph #1

• Write 5-7 sentences of background information (i.e., where the technology came from,

who created it, when, and for what purpose)

• Include current uses and popularity of the technology, including any benefits or

potentially negative effects

Body Paragraph #2

• Write a strong topic sentence that names the first criteria on your list (above) and

includes a brief judgement of how the technology measures up

• Give one example from personal experience and/or outside research to support your

evaluation

• Explain how this example supports your claim

• Give a second example from personal experience and/or outside research to support

your evaluation

• Explain how this example also supports your claim

• Conclude with a brief statement that restates the main findings in this paragraph

Body Paragraph #3 - 6

• Write a combination transition and strong topic sentence that a) connects your last

paragraph to this new one and b) names the second (third, fourth, fifth) criteria on your

list (above) and includes a brief judgement of how the technology measures up

• Give one example from personal experience and/or outside research to support your

evaluation

• Explain how this example supports your claim

• Give a second example from personal experience and/or outside research to support

your evaluation

• Explain how this example also supports your claim

• Conclude with a brief statement that restates the main findings in this paragraph

Conclusion

Use your conclusion to provide a) an overall assessment of your findings and b) a

contemplation on the future of your technology, in terms of its continued, increasing or

decreasing popularity or utility or changes to current applications.

Works Cited

Use MLA format to cite your editorial.

Example citation:

Last Name, First Name. “Title.” Publication. Date of Publication. Format (Web or Print). Date

Accessed. URL (if online).