EVALUATION ESSAYObjectives

 Write a persuasive evaluation

 Use and cite a source in the essay

 Essay length–minimum 500 wordsAssignmentApply evaluation elements to a subject you like or dislike. Subjects may include something related to your major, a form of entertainment (a movie, book, magazine, sports team, vacation destination, etc.), a practical topic (a computer, car, newspaper, etc.), or a creative topic that meets the definition of an evaluation and uses evaluation techniques properly.Evaluation topics need to be objects/things, such as movies or others listed above. Avoid evaluating controversial issues such as gun control, etc., because those topics turn out to be proposal, not evaluation. An evaluation includes the following four elements:

1. Description of the subject (physical description or plot)

2. Judgment (your opinion of the subject)

3. Criteria (also called “standards”–that is, what you look for in the subject–what makes a good or bad movie, for example)

4. Evidence (examples or explanation to support your judgment)These elements often blend together. An example from a movie’s plot could provide evidence that the film is entertaining and engaging, as well as support the judgment.If you choose to evaluate a movie, don’t simply summarize the plot and mention criteria in the conclusion. In fact, just one short paragraph of plot summary is necessary. The essay should instead focus on criteria such as character development, theme, music, special effects, etc. and give evidence/examples from the plot. The best way to organize a movie evaluation is through criteria, not plot summary. For example, start with an intro paragraph that states your judgment, then a paragraph that briefly summarizes the plot without giving away the ending. Write a paragraph for each criteria, providing evidence for how the movie meets the criteria. End with a conclusion paragraph that summarizes judgment and criteria.SourceUse one source to back up your judgment or serve as a counterargument. If you evaluate a movie, you could use a movie review written by a professional movie critic, for example. Avoid websites that allow anyone to post a review, because those are not professional, credible sources.
A Works Cited page is optional, but be sure that you clearly and thoroughly credit the source in your essay. Ask if you are not sure how to do that.Reading Audience and Purpose Write as though the reading audience includes readers who are familiar with the subject, as well as those who want to know more about it (in other words, explain information thoroughly). Consider the relationship between writer, audience/reader, and purpose. Who are you as a writer? A fan of the topic? Someone involved in the topic? Who would be interested in reading this topic, or in knowing about it? What is your evaluation’s purpose? Do you want readers to see this movie? If readers are in the market for a used car, do you recommend the car you are evaluating? Rough and final draftsPost your ROUGH DRAFT in the rough draft forum.After receiving feedback in the rough draft forum and revising the essay, post your FINAL DRAFT into turnitin.com