Fall 2005: ENC 1102: Argument & Persuasion: Invoking the Professional Voice
Editorial Analysis
For the Editorial Assignment you will make an evaluative claim based on the Steps in Writing an Evaluation Argument in Penguin 166-167. You can choose to evaluate anything you want as long you choose a stance that might provoke some disagreement. Successful topics might include (but are not limited to):
- A particular restaurant in Gainesville provides the best value in town.
- The University of Florida makes the best choice for college.
- Curfews for minors work successfully to curb juvenile misconduct.
- Music-sharing sites benefit artists.
- (You might to choose to argue the opposite of any of the above topics.)
- Do you have a particular piece of music, music artist, book, movie, video game, sporting event that you would evaluate as better than other forms? (Be careful with this one because you should write something fair and balanced--offering concessions to those that might disagree with you. So, if you pick something that you think is the best piece ever and you say so, you risk alienating your audience or seeming hyperbolic.)
Write your evaluative argument in the form of an editorial for a “popular”
medium, such as a magazine or newspaper. (You don't need to choose a particular
one.) In other words, assume that you're writing for a general audience, and
use an appropriate writing “voice.”
You'll need to establish the criteria on which you base your judgement. Do you
base your judgement on aesthetic, practical, or moral criteria? Also, make sure
that you make a realistic argument, and confine the scope of your argument.
In other words, you'll find it easier to argue that your favorite restaurant
is best in town than that it's best in the world. If you argue that something
is bad or unsuccessful, be sure to suggest something that fulfills your criteria
better.
What's at stake in your topic? That is, is there any reason why your readers
should care? In this regard, make sure you take into account the oppositional
point of view. On what points or basis might people disagree with you? You should
address these points in your essay.
You should write no less than 1 page (approx. 250-300 words), double-spaced, Times New Roman font (12 pt.), with 1” margins. Make sure you include your name on your first page. [RECOMMENDED: Use MLA formatting guidelines –.]
Your work will be evaluated on argumentation (originality, depth of critical
thought), organization, evidence, and grammar/mechanics.