For our third essay you will present an evaluation of a specific text or object. Your essay must include the following:
1. An introduction in which you describe the topic of the essay, including the text or object you will evaluate, and a brief statement of
your overall evaluation of the text or object (this is your thesis).
2. An expository section in which you articulate and describe the three to five criteria you will use in your evaluation.
3. An argumentative section in which you carefully and systematically use your criteria to evaluate the text or object you have selected.
4. A counterargument which will likely take the form of an alternate evaluation of the text or object you are evaluating.
5. A conclusion paragraph.
Criterion/Criteria: Remember, a criterion (plural: criteria) is a principle, standard, or expectation upon which we base an evaluation or a
judgement. We use criteria in evaluating almost everything in life, include academic performance, artistic achievement, athletic endeavors, job
performance, food, and popular culture. For this essay you must develop three to five specific and unique criteria with which you will evaluate
your text or object. Criteria should be articulated as standards of evaluation. For example, we might say “a strong essay shows a strong sense
of controlling purpose and a strong organizational and argumentative structure.” Or, we could say “excellent tacos should have flavorful
tortillas, tasty filling, and a delicate balance of toppings.”
Selecting/Developing a Topic: To simplify the development of topics for this essay I am limiting you to one of THREE options for the focus of
your essay. In your essay you may present an evaluation of one of the following types of texts or objects:
A. A “print” advertisement-this can come from a magazine or the internet. It should use images and words but not sound or video.
B. Packaging for a product you might purchase-this can include packaging for food, clothes, music, books, electronics, etc.
C. A branded article of clothing or gear-this can include a school shirt, a team uniform, a school uniform, etc.
If you are hard-core committed to writing about a different kind of text or object you must first ask me for permission.
USE OF SOURCES:To simplify and speed up your work, for this assignments I will not accept essays which use outside sources.
