conversation2e

Explore Your Needs, Interests, and Concerns

Evaluative documents are most successful when their subject matches up with readers’ needs, interests, or concerns. Readers of Skiing magazine, for instance, typically view the sport as an important part of their lives and are interested in new developments in equipment and techniques. An evaluation of the latest skis from Rossignol is likely to address the needs and interests of these readers, many of whom might be in the market for new equipment. Similarly, readers of the magazine might be interested in an evaluation of the effectiveness of conditioning techniques or energy bars.

Readers are also likely to read evaluative documents that address their concerns. Subscribers to Skiing, for example, might be concerned about the impact of climate change on skiing or about plans to allow oil shale excavation in areas near ski resorts.

Engaging and effective evaluative essays deal with subjects that address not only your readers’ needs, interests, and concerns but also your own. As you consider potential subjects for your essay, ask yourself what has caught your attention lately — or better yet, what has long been a matter of interest or concern to you. And be sure to consider your current needs. If you can write about a subject that will help you address your needs, you’ll be more invested in conducting the evaluation. To explore your needs, interests, and concerns, cast a wide net. Use idea-generating strategies such as brainstorming, freewriting, or clustering to respond to questions like these:

Products. Take an inventory of your personal interests, such as hobbies, outdoor activities, or sports. What new products have been introduced lately? Are you thinking of buying (or have you bought) any of them? Are they truly useful, or has the manufacturer overhyped them? Would you recommend them to others?
Media. What’s new and interesting in books, movies, television, music, video games, or the Web? What have you read, watched, or listened to that made you think? Have you noticed any developments that trouble you? Have you heard or read criticisms that you think are unfair?
Campus life. Are you thinking about joining a club, team, or group but can’t decide if it’s worth your time? Do your peers engage in any behaviors that seem dangerous or unhealthy to you? Have you attended a guest lecture or student performance that you felt was overrated or underappreciated? Has a new building or work of public art sparked controversy?
Ideas. Have you been worried or intrigued by a new development you read about in a professional or trade journal? Have you heard an unusual proposal for a new public policy or business incentive? How have you responded to the different teaching methods you’ve encountered in your high school and college classes? What do you make of conflicting arguments in your course readings?

You’ll find additional ideas for evaluative writing projects at the end of this chapter.