Welcome to the Essay 2 (Argument of Evaluation) Module!
For Essay 2, we will be working with arguments of evaluation. This approach involves measuring a subject according to a set of criteria to see if your subject makes the grade. Arguments of evaluation can be used to make value assessments of subjects that lend themselves to precise objective measurement. Other subjects resist this sort of quantification, requiring a different approach to assessing value. In these instances, the criteria may involve ethical values like goodness and nobility or aesthetic values such as beauty. Assessments that dont involve precise measurement are not necessarily meaningless. While the distinction between chocolate and vanilla ice cream may not mean much in the larger scheme of things, the distinction between Shakespeares Hamlet and Stephenie Meyers Twilight certainly does. Here experts in literature agree upon the criteria that constitute an excellent literary work and what constitutes a mediocre work. The value comes in the mutual agreement or consensus. If an entire society values something, then you must take the assessment seriously even though it is possible for a large group to be wrong. Even with the possibility of error, evaluative arguments that dont involve scientific measurement can still be taken seriously because they often lead to serious consequences. For example, because Shakespeares work has been designated excellent literature by experts in the field, it is difficult to graduate from high school in America without having read some Shakespeare.
In this module, we will view two arguments from YouTube that involve both quantitative and qualitative evaluations. I have also included a musical performance that lends support to the demonstration argument of evaluation I have provided for you in the Argument of Evaluation Paper Guidelines.
Learning Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative research processes.
Develop ideas and synthesize primary and secondary sources within focused academic arguments, including one or more research-based essays.
Analyze, interpret, and evaluate a variety of texts for the ethical and logical uses of evidence.
Write in a style that clearly communicates meaning, builds credibility, and inspires belief or action.
Apply the conventions of style manuals for specific academic disciplines (e.g., APA, CMS, MLA, etc.).
Argument of Evaluation Paper Guidelines
Open your paper by presenting an evaluative claim that makes a judgment about a person, idea, or object.
Example: Al Di Meola is one of the better jazz guitarists playing today.
Early in your paper, perhaps in the second paragraph, present and explain your criteria of evaluation. You need at least three criteria. Example:
A good guitarist is determined by the level of his/her virtuosity (a virtuoso is someone who brings an overflow of ability to a musical instrument or singing voice, in other words a master of an art),
cosmopolitan sensitivity (cosmopolitan means worldly, well traveled, or sophisticated),
compositional skill,
level of innovation in the art,
sensitivity within an ensemble setting,
and ability within a solo situation.
Then present evidence in support of a particular subject meeting or falling short of the stated criteria. Example:
On one of his more recent albums, Diabolic Inventions and Seduction for Solo Guitar,Di Meola displays the heights of guitar virtuosity.
In these songs, the guitarist presents a rhythmic sensibility that is remarkably acute,
but what is truly uncanny is the startling blend of this sensibility with a sense of lyricism of which Di Meola commands a mastery approaching that of Apollo on the lyre.
The examples above are drawn from a qualitative argument without much quantitative support. What the argument needs to become fully effective is the support of outside, expert sources. Remember I need to see at least five sources in your paper.
For further guidance, go to Chapter 10 in your textbook.
Your paper should be about five pages in length.
Argument of Evaluation Paper Options
Evaluate a favorite sports team or your favorite sports team in a spectacular season. Attempt this only if you can gather plenty of statistics and expert testimony. Do not try this strictly from your own knowledge.
If you can find sufficient testimony, you may evaluate a favorite film or a detested film. Try Academic Search Complete for information within the NVC librarys databases or JSTOR for older films.
Evaluate a book from the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list. To gather information for this project, go to Academic Search Complete and enter the title of the book you have chosen without the authors name. Oh yes, you must read the book too.
Evaluate a work of art, an architectural design, or a piece of advanced music from the jazz or classical repertoires. If you can show me significant sources, I will allow you to evaluate a pop song or band.
With my approval you may choose your own topic.
The limit on internet sources is lifted for this paper.
In your paper, be sure to include a set of at least three criteria for judging your subject, then explain how your subject rates on the basis of these criteria.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyS6Bot8xhc
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