This essay is a formalized version of something that is probably already a part of your life: evaluation. We tend to regularly evaluate films, songs, public figures, politicians, restaurants, classes, relationships, and whatever else we experience in our daily lives. We are increasingly a culture of evaluation and it is important to learn how to do this thoughtfully, clearly, and effectively. You will choose something to evaluate and do so in a 3-page essay in MLA or APA format. This evaluation should include a perspective, implicitly or explicitly trying to convince the reader of something about that subject. In turn, your professor will evaluate your essay using clearly defined criteria, the following Key Features:
A concise description of the subject
Clearly defined criteria
A knowledgeable discussion of the subject
A fair and balanced assessment
Well-supported reasons
Artistic works (like books, films, albums, songs, or visual artworks) make great topics. You are free to range beyond this, however; you could evaluate a chair, as long as you make it somehow interesting to the reader!
