Starting Points: Justifying an Evaluation

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A Well-Presented Subject

How do I come up with a subject to write about?

  • Consider possible topics. (pp. 368, 374, 381)
  • Choose a subject to evaluate. (p. 385)
  • Test Your Choice (pp. 385–86)
  • Assess your subject, and consider how to present it to your readers. (pp. 386–87)

How can I present my subject clearly and convincingly?

  • Determine the writer’s purpose and audience. (p. 353)
  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A well-presented subject (pp. 353–54)
  • A Well-Presented Subject: Deciding How Much To Tell Readers (p. 366)
  • A Well-Presented Subject: Introducing a Complicated Subject (p. 372)
  • A Well-Presented Subject: Using Definitions and Examples to Reframe the Subject (pp. 378–79)
  • Assess your subject, and consider how to present it to your readers. (pp. 386–87)
Table 8.13: STARTING POINTS: JUSTIFYING AN EVALUATION
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A Well-Supported Judgment

How do I come up with a thesis statment?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A well-supported judgment. (pp. 354–56)
  • Formulate a working thesis stating your overall judgment. (pp. 387–88)

How do I construct an argument supporting my judgment?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A well-supported judgment (pp. 354–56)
  • A Well-Supported Judgment: Basing Judgments on Criteria (pp. 366–67)
  • A Well-Supported Judgment: Defining Criteria (pp. 372–73)
  • A Well-Supported Judgment: Using Authorities and Research Studies (pp. 379–80)
  • Develop the reasons and evidence supporting your judgment. (pp. 388–89)
  • Research your evaluation. (p. 389)
  • Think about design. (pp. 396–97)
An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Judgments

How do I respond to possible objections and alternative judgments?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: An effective response to objections and alternative judgments (p. 356)
  • An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Judgments: Anticipating Readers’ Concerns (p. 367)
  • An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Judgments: Singling Out a Comment for Response (p. 373)
  • An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Judgments: Using Contrast (pp. 380–81)
  • Respond to a likely objection or alternative judgment. (pp. 389–91)
A Clear, Logical Organization

How can I help my readers follow my arguments?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A clear, logical organization (pp. 356–57)
  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Visuals and Headings (pp. 367–68)
  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Comparison and Contrast (pp. 373–74)
  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Cueing Readers (p. 381)
  • Organize your draft to appeal to your readers. (pp. 391–92)