In this paper, you will evaluate some thing or concept using the structure of an evaluative argument. Your thesis will follow the format: X is / not a [adjective] Y because of A, B, & C.
X = the X term, or species
Y = the Y term, or genus
A = 1st criterion
B = 2nd criterion
C = 3rd criterion
Thus, "The [X] Kyoto Accord is a [Y] beneficial international treaty because it [A] promotes international cooperation, [B] provides clear and specific steps for solving a problem, and [C] allows for international oversight."
Note that the A, B, and C are arguably essential criteria for any beneficial international treaty. Remember that your criteria need to define all the members of your genus, the Y term.
You can select a subject of greater or lesser gravitas, but bear in mind that it is easier to write 6 paragraphs on the criteria for complex subjects than for simple ones. Remember, too, that the best way you can build your own ethos is to use a lot of logos. If your subject is unfamiliar to the average reader, be sure to explain it in a way that makes it accessible. In that case, a good dose of pathos, especially in the form of loaded or powerful language, is essential.
1. Introduction / Background
2. Exegesis (a claim for the importance of your subject)Criterion A
3. Criteria Defense for Criterion A & the Y-term (i.e. prove that this criterion is an essential characteristic of all members of your Y-Term category)
4. Criteria Match for Criterion A & the X-term (i.e. prove that your X-Term meets this criterion)Criterion B
5. Criteria Defense for Criterion B & the Y-term
6. Criteria Match for Criterion B & the X-termCriterion C
7. Criteria Defense for Criterion C & the Y-term
8. Criteria Match for Criterion C & the X-term
9. Rebuttal (potential objections & refutation)
10. ConclusionSummary
You need a Y-term that includes an adjective
You need to defend your choice of criteria, which should be chosen from the criteria discussed in class.
Prove with evidence that your X-term does (or does not) match the criteria
Consider potential objections and disarm them
Provide some sort of statement of the subject's importance.Additional Requirements
Your paper should be 3 to 5 pages long, typed, double-spaced & carefully proofread. Use MLA guidelines for formatting and include a Works Cited page. Attach photocopies of your 2+ sources to your final draft.
Use must use at least 2 sources for this paper - interviews do count as a source - be sure to note the time, date, location, and name of interviewee.Sample Outline
1. Intro: Ghiradelli chocolate chips are the best brand of chocolate chips because they use a higher proportion of cocoa in their recipe, contain no paraffin, and have the richest chocolate flavor.
2. Exegesis: This subject is import because chocolate chips cookies are the unofficial cookies of America, superceding apple pies as emblems of home cooking and nurturing. Millions of Americans bake their own chocolate chip cookies every year, but they fail to achieve the rapturously dark, brooding, yet buttery flavor that only results from the use of top-quality chocolate chips...
3. Criterion-Defense A: The best brands of chocolate chips must contain a high proportion of cocoa in order to yield the intense, rich flavor that is the Platonic Ideal of chocolateness. Brands with higher proportions of fillers are comparatively bland and release fewer endorphins when they hit your bloodstream, yielding an overall less satisfying experience.
4. Criterion-Match A: Ghiradelli uses the highest ratio of cocoa within its recipes of all major brands, a fact that helps to qualify these chips as the best chocolate chips on the market.
5. Criterion-Defense B: A really superior chocolate chip must contain little to no paraffin. Paraffin is a filler that is used to make the chocolate harder. It also gives chocolate a waxy consistency and a bland taste. For these reasons, good chocolate chips rely on the natural hardening agents in cocoa butter, which imparts a richer flavor and a smoother texture.
6. Criterion-Match B: Ghiradelli chocolate has never used any paraffin in their recipes. An examination of the ingredients list on the back of their chip bags shows that they contain no wax products at all, instead relying on cocoa butter. Moreover, their mission statement on their website specifically pledges never to use paraffin or other waxes in their chocolates.
7. Criterion-Defense C: A rich chocolate flavor is an essential quality of a really superior chocolate chip because the very essence of chocolate is its dense richness. Other factors, such as sweetness and creaminess, vary depending on the variety of chocolate, but among all the brands of chocolate recognized as superior, including _______, _________, and _________, richness is the common denominator. In addition, taste tests reveal that 90% of consumers prefer a rich chocolate to an insipid one.
8. Criterion-Match C: Ghiradelli chocolate chips are the richest and most complex chip available. Taste tests support this contention. Chemical analyses back up this common perception. And anecdotal evidence from my last bake sale reinforce this argument [provide data for all]
9. Rebuttal
10. Conclusion