evaluation essay for wr222

Essay Two: Criteria-Match Argument

We are constantly defining, classifying, and evaluating the world around us. However, in this process,

debates arise over what can or cannot have a certain label: Is my food truly organic? Is this film

Oscar-worthy? Was that an instance of police brutality? etc.

For your second essay (3 -6 full pages), you will enter this kind of debate by creating a Criteria-Match

argument. This is a common argument type: definition arguments and evaluation arguments are both

sub-types. Your argument will focus on a specific example and whether it deserves to be in a particular

category or not. To illustrate, a thesis for this argument type looks like this:

X (specific example) is/is not a Y (term/category or value term + category) because Z (reasoning).

As I showed in class, you can take either a definitional or evaluative approach. Some topics may

combine both. When planning your topic, be sure to set yourself up for success by picking a topic that

has some controversy. Who needs to be convinced? Remember, you could pick topics with a social

focus (critiques of social norms, debates about behaviors, etc.), political focus (policy evaluations),

popular culture focus (debates about products, movies, music, experiences, places, etc.), and more.

Refer to the assigned reading, this assignment sheet, Canvas resources, and lecture to expand your

understanding of the task.

General Requirements:

Pick an example. Make sure it is something you can place into a category. For instance, if you were

assessing a particular movie, you might place it in the “comedy” category or “good comedy”. Define

the category by brainstorming and researching criteria: What makes something a comedy or a good

comedy? Find credible sources that agree and disagree with you.

Your essay must include the following:

 An engaging title, introduction, conclusion AND overall style appropriate for your target audience

o Audience: Think of stakeholders. What audience(s) are you trying to convince? Why does the debate matter? For this essay, you must have a specific audience in mind

(movie-goers, parents, voters, etc.—get more detailed than that, of course). However,

make sure your audience needs to be convinced, and aim to reach the skeptical

members of your audience. Tailoring evidence and reasoning for your chosen audience

will be essential.

 When you submit your final portfolio, I will ask you to include a note explaining your audience, why you chose that audience, and how you made writing choices

with that audience in mind. You can also include footnotes if you need to

explain any jargon, references, etc. that I may need to understand as I grade your

final draft. Remember, a target audience cannot be “everyone.”

 A clear thesis

o You can use the template or create your own version that accomplishes the same goals: “X (example) is/is not a Y(term/category) because Z(reasoning/criteria)”

o Make sure the thesis is arguable (versus fact or a claim widely accepted). Make sure the debate is a criteria-match controversy, and not another argument type (causal, proposal,

etc.). Consider whether you need to qualify your thesis (Ex. specifying criteria for a

“family-friendly restaurant” instead of “restaurant” in general; determining the quality

of an example as “good” or “exciting” versus “the best”).

o As a general rule, avoid abstract and highly subjective terms like love, art, friendship, beauty, etc. Other topics I’d like you to avoid: marriage, abortion (life), death penalty,

addiction, sport, poetry. I may reject other topics that are too prolific or subjective.

 An explanation and defense of your criteria

o What criteria are you using to make your judgment? Can you justify these criteria?  Ex. What features make a film a classic? (quotability? plot? reviews? money

made at box office?)

o Remember it is important to assess if a criterion is something the audience can accept as a “standard” versus just personal preference. You’ll likely also need to provide

background, use an appropriate balance of rhetorical appeals, etc.

 Evidence and alternative views

o Provide evidence that your subject meets or fails to meet the criteria of this category. What evidence will your audience want, need, and accept? Think about types of

evidence available, as well as whether your evidence truly aligns with your

reasoning/criteria.

o Do not neglect audience members or critics who would disagree with your criteria. What would those who oppose you say? How can you refute, concede, or find

compromise with their argument?

o You must include a variety of criteria/evidence (look for quantitative and qualitative factors) and at least three credible, secondary sources (one source must help support

your argument; one source must act as opposition). You must incorporate ideas from

those sources into your essay, so make sure to introduce the author or website and state

why he/she/it is relevant to your argument.

 MLA format and documentation o You are welcome to include an image, but you must cite any use of sources. o Don't forget to include url links in your Work Cited page for all of your secondary web-

based sources.

o Reminder: Min./max. length does not include heading, images, or works cited information

 I am happy to review any aspect of format or citation, so let me know if that is needed.

*You will be required to submit electronic and hard copy materials, so pay attention to

deadlines as well as emails and announcements.