This document provides guidance on writing an effective evaluative essay. It explains that an evaluative essay evaluates a subject based on clearly defined criteria. The introduction should state what is being evaluated and the criteria. The body should thoroughly describe the subject based on the criteria using evidence and examples. The conclusion should summarize the main points and make an overall judgment on the subject.

1. Writing to Evaluate Chapter 9 Page 267

2. Evaluations Part of everyday life Movies/TV shows Computers/Electronics Political candidates Restaurants Arguments

3. School connections Every major involves students in evaluations Political campaign Business proposal or location Effectiveness of nursing technique Some other examples?

4. Keys to a good evaluation p275 Clearly defined and explained criteria Shared criteria Proven criteria Criteria can be defined by… Respected Authorities Logical argument (Data, studies, etc.) Traditional purpose Comparison (Tires)

5. A Good Evaluation (cont) Comparisons based on Criteria Evidence that supports your claim Testimony Statistics Detailed Description Personal Experience and Anecdotes (Sould limit Clearly stated judgment

6. Introduction In the introduction of your evaluative essay, you should clearly state the following: - what you are evaluating (the subject -- like a 2009 Toyota Prius) - the purpose of your evaluation - what criteria you are evaluating your subject on (mileage, price, performance, etc.) For example, you should not just write that you are judging the taste of an apple. You should explain that you are judging the sweetness, bitterness, and crispness of the apple.

7. Body Unlike some types of essays, the introduction is not the most important part of an evaluative essay. Most readers already want to read about the subject that you are writing on, so you don't need to draw them in with a fancy intro. Your audience just wants the information!

8. Body (Cont.) Be sure to be very descriptive and thorough when evaluating your subject. The more you leave out of the essay, the more unanswered questions your readers are left with. Your goal should be to cover all aspects of the subject and to tell the audience how good or bad it is. Consider, for example, not only what quality the subject possesses, but what is missing. Good evaluations measure the quality or value of a subject by considering what it has and what it lacks.

9. Conclusion The conclusion for an evaluative essay is pretty straightforward. Simply go over the main points from the body of your essay. After that, make an overall evaluation of the subject. Tell the audience if they should buy it, eat it, use it, wear it, etc. and why. After that is done, your essay is over. Good job!

10. In Class Exercise In a group choose one of the following categories. Then choose 2 similar objects to compare and evaluate. Hamburgers Cars Television Show Music Restaurant Electronics Be prepared to share and defend your criteria and evaluation Product: sheet with criteria and evaluation