Constructing an Evaluation Argument: Examples & Sample Essay

1. Subject: Clearly identify the specific subject or topic under evaluation.
2. Criteria: Establish the criteria or standards that will be used to evaluate the subject. These criteria should be relevant, objective, and appropriate for the specific context.
3. Judgment: Present your judgment or assessment of the subject based on the established criteria. This can be a positive evaluation, a negative evaluation, or a combination of both.
4. Evidence: Provide evidence to support your judgment. Use facts, examples, research findings, and logical reasoning to demonstrate why your evaluation is valid and reliable.
5. Counterarguments: Address potential counterarguments or opposing viewpoints. Acknowledge alternative perspectives and explain why your evaluation is more compelling or accurate.
6. Conclusion: Summarize your evaluation and restate your main points. Reinforce the strength of your argument and emphasize its significance.

It’s important to maintain a balanced and fair approach in an evaluation argument, considering different perspectives and evidence. Additionally, clarity, coherence, and logical consistency are crucial for effectively conveying your evaluation and persuading your audience.

1. Choose Your Topic: Select a subject, object, or concept to evaluate. It could be a specific work (e.g., a book, movie, or restaurant), a policy, a product, a service, or any topic that warrants an evaluation.
2. Establish Clear Criteria: Define the criteria by which you will evaluate the subject. What aspects or features are most relevant to your evaluation? These criteria should serve as the basis for your argument.
3. Provide Context: In your introduction, briefly introduce the subject you’re evaluating and explain its significance or relevance. Provide some context for your evaluation to help readers understand the topic.
4. Present Your Thesis Statement: In your thesis statement, express your overall evaluation or judgment of the subject based on the criteria you’ve established. Make sure your thesis is clear and arguable.
5. Evaluate Based on Criteria: Dedicate one or more body paragraphs to each of the criteria you’ve established. For each criterion, provide evidence and examples to support your evaluation. Discuss how the subject meets or doesn’t meet the criteria.
6. Use Specific Examples: Use specific examples, data, and evidence to support your evaluations. Provide detailed descriptions, comparisons, and relevant facts that justify your assessments.
7. Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge potential objections or differing opinions by addressing counterarguments. Show that you’ve considered other perspectives, but explain why your evaluation is more valid or compelling.
8. Provide a Balanced Evaluation: Offer a balanced evaluation that highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of the subject. Avoid overly positive or negative biases. Be fair and objective.
9. Offer Recommendations or Conclusions: Depending on the nature of your evaluation, you may want to provide recommendations or a conclusion. These could include suggestions for improvement, a summary of your evaluation, or a call to action if it’s applicable.
10. Revise and Edit: Carefully revise your essay for clarity, coherence, and organization. Ensure that each body paragraph focuses on a specific criterion and that the essay flows logically.
11. Finalize Your Essay: Check for proper formatting and citation style, if required by your instructor or publication guidelines.

Writing an evaluation argument requires critical thinking and the ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a subject while providing clear and convincing evidence. Your goal is to present a well-reasoned evaluation that guides your readers’ understanding of the subject and helps them form their own opinions.

1. Ad Hominem Fallacy: This fallacy involves attacking the person making the argument rather than addressing the substance of the argument itself. Avoid personal attacks or irrelevant criticisms of the individual’s character, appearance, or background. Focus on evaluating the argument based on its merits.
2. Straw Man Fallacy: This fallacy occurs when you misrepresent or exaggerate your opponent’s argument in order to make it easier to refute. Ensure that you accurately represent the argument you are evaluating and respond to the actual points made.
3. Appeal to Authority Fallacy: Relying solely on the authority or expertise of a person without providing substantive evidence can weaken your evaluation. While expert opinions can be valuable, it is important to critically examine the evidence and reasoning behind their claims.
4. Circular Reasoning: This fallacy involves using the conclusion of your argument as one of the premises to support the conclusion. It creates a circular or tautological reasoning that does not provide substantive support. Ensure that your reasoning is logically sound and does not rely on circularity.
5. False Dilemma Fallacy: Presenting only two extreme options as if they are the only possibilities, ignoring potential alternatives, is a false dilemma fallacy. Evaluate the argument in a way that considers a range of possible options and nuances, rather than falling into an oversimplified dichotomy.
6. Hasty Generalization: Drawing broad conclusions based on limited or insufficient evidence can lead to hasty generalizations. Ensure that your evaluation is based on a representative sample or comprehensive evidence to avoid overgeneralizing.
7. Confirmation Bias: Be aware of your own biases and strive to evaluate arguments objectively. Confirmation bias occurs when you selectively focus on evidence that supports your preconceived notions while ignoring contradictory evidence. Consider a range of perspectives and evidence to ensure a balanced evaluation.
8. Post hoc Fallacy: Assuming that because one event follows another, the first event must be the cause of the second is a post hoc fallacy. Avoid making causal claims based solely on temporal sequence without considering other possible explanations or evidence.

By being mindful of these logical fallacies and avoiding them in your evaluation argument, you can strengthen the validity and persuasiveness of your evaluation. Employ your critical thinking skills; which involves engaging in a fair, logical, and evidence-based assessment of arguments.

1. Relevance: Determine if the argument directly addresses the issue or question at hand. Assess whether the evidence and reasoning provided are directly related to the central claim.
2. Coherence: Evaluate the internal consistency and logical coherence of the argument. Assess if the premises logically support the conclusion and if there are any contradictions or inconsistencies within the reasoning.
3. Sufficiency: Determine if the evidence provided is sufficient to support the main claim. Assess if the evidence is robust, substantial, and comprehensive enough to make a compelling case.
4. Credibility: Assess the credibility and reliability of the sources and evidence used in the argument. Consider the reputation, expertise, and objectivity of the sources cited.
5. Validity: Evaluate the logical validity of the argument. Assess if the reasoning follows sound logical principles, such as deductive or inductive reasoning, and if the argument avoids fallacies and faulty reasoning.
6. Context: Consider the specific context in which the argument is presented. Assess if the argument takes into account relevant factors, such as cultural, historical, or situational considerations.
7. Counterarguments: Evaluate how well the argument anticipates and responds to potential counterarguments. Assess if the argument addresses opposing viewpoints and provides compelling rebuttals or counter-evidence.

Defining clear evaluation criteria helps ensure that your evaluation of arguments is consistent, objective, and focused. It provides a framework for systematically assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the argument and helps you make reasoned judgments based on specific standards.

1. Practical criteria:
   • These criteria focus on the functional aspects and practical considerations of the subject being evaluated. They assess how well the subject meets its intended purpose or achieves its goals. An evaluation applying practical criteria could include:
     • Efficiency and effectiveness
     • Reliability and performance
     • User-friendliness and ease of use
     • Safety and security
     • Cost-effectiveness
   • For example, when evaluating a car, practical criteria might include fuel efficiency, reliability, and safety features.
2. Aesthetic criteria:
   • These criteria pertain to the subjective qualities related to beauty, creativity, and artistic expression. They evaluate the sensory or visual appeal of the subject being evaluated. An evaluation applying aesthetic criteria could include:
     • Visual design and aesthetics
     • Use of color, form, and composition
     • Expressiveness and emotional impact
     • Originality and innovation
     • Overall artistic quality
   • For instance, when evaluating a piece of art, aesthetics might involve the use of color, composition, and emotional impact.
3. Ethical criteria:
   • These criteria assess the ethical or moral implications and considerations associated with the subject being evaluated. They evaluate whether the subject aligns with ethical principles, social values, or legal standards. An evaluation applying an ethical criteria could include:
     • Fairness and equity
     • Environmental sustainability
     • Respect for human rights
     • Transparency and accountability
     • Compliance with laws and regulations
   • For example, when evaluating a business’s practices, ethical criteria may consider fair labor practices, environmental responsibility, and honesty in marketing.

By incorporating these three types of criteria into an evaluation, one can provide a more comprehensive assessment of the subject, considering its practical functionality, aesthetic qualities, and ethical implications.

Other Types of Evaluation Criteria

In addition to the practical, aesthetic, and ethical criteria mentioned above, there are several other types of evaluation criteria that can be used to assess and evaluate various subjects. Some additional types of evaluation criteria include:

1. Economic criteria: These criteria focus on the financial aspects and economic impact of the subject being evaluated. They assess factors such as cost-effectiveness, return on investment, market demand, and potential economic benefits.
2. Social criteria: These criteria pertain to the social impact and implications of the subject being evaluated. They assess factors such as social equity, inclusivity, community engagement, cultural significance, and contributions to social well-being.
3. Environmental criteria: These criteria evaluate the environmental impact and sustainability of the subject being evaluated. They assess factors such as resource conservation, carbon footprint, pollution prevention, waste management, and adherence to environmental regulations.
4. Performance criteria: These criteria assess the performance and efficiency of the subject being evaluated. They can include factors such as speed, accuracy, reliability, productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency.
5. User experience criteria: These criteria focus on the user’s experience and satisfaction with the subject being evaluated. They assess factors such as usability, accessibility, intuitiveness, convenience, and overall user satisfaction.
6. Safety criteria: These criteria evaluate the safety and security aspects of the subject being evaluated. They assess factors such as compliance with safety standards, risk mitigation measures, user protection, and potential hazards.
7. Health criteria: These criteria assess the impact of the subject on individual or public health. They can include factors such as health benefits, potential risks, adherence to health regulations, and contributions to overall well-being.
8. Cultural criteria: These criteria evaluate the cultural significance and impact of the subject being evaluated. They assess factors such as artistic value, preservation of cultural heritage, promotion of diversity, and contributions to cultural expression.

Here’s a template for an evaluation argument thesis statement:

“[Subject] is [positive/negative] because it [key criteria or characteristics], which makes it [evaluation judgment].”

Let’s break down this template:

1. Start with the subject: Clearly identify the specific subject or concept you are evaluating. This can be a policy, practice, product, idea, or any topic of evaluation.
2. Express your evaluation: State whether you view the subject as positive or negative in terms of its value or quality.
3. Provide key criteria or characteristics: Mention the main criteria or characteristics that you will use to justify your evaluation. These criteria should be specific and measurable.
4. State your evaluation judgment: Offer your overall assessment or opinion based on the criteria you’ve mentioned.

Here’s an example using the template:

“Online education is a positive development because it offers flexibility in scheduling, accessibility to a wider audience, and cost-effectiveness, making it an excellent alternative to traditional classroom learning.”

This thesis statement evaluates online education as a positive development and provides specific criteria (flexibility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness) to support this evaluation. It sets the stage for an essay that will delve into these criteria and explain why online education is considered valuable.

1. Evaluation argument on a movie:
   • Argument: The film “Inception” is a masterpiece due to its innovative storytelling, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes, making it a must-watch for cinephiles.
   • Evaluation criteria: Aesthetic (innovative storytelling, stunning visuals), Practical (entertainment value), Ethical (exploration of thought-provoking themes)
2. Evaluation argument on a product:
   • Argument: The XYZ smartphone is the best choice for consumers seeking a high-performance device with its fast processing speed, exceptional camera quality, long battery life, and user-friendly interface.
   • Evaluation criteria: Practical (fast processing speed, exceptional camera quality, long battery life, user-friendly interface)
3. Evaluation argument on a book:
   • Argument: Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a literary gem, showcasing compelling characters, a poignant exploration of racial injustice, and timeless lessons on empathy and tolerance.
   • Evaluation criteria: Aesthetic (compelling characters), Ethical (exploration of racial injustice, lessons on empathy and tolerance)
4. Evaluation argument on a restaurant:
   • Argument: The restaurant “Gourmet Delights” deserves recognition as an exceptional dining experience with its delectable cuisine, attentive service, charming ambiance, and attention to detail.
   • Evaluation criteria: Aesthetic (delectable cuisine, charming ambiance), Practical (attentive service, attention to detail)
5. Evaluation argument on a policy:
   • Argument: The implementation of a universal healthcare system would greatly benefit society by ensuring equal access to medical care, reducing financial burdens on individuals, and improving overall public health outcomes.
   • Evaluation criteria: Practical (equal access to medical care, reducing financial burdens), Ethical (improving public health outcomes)
6. Evaluation argument on a video game:
   • Argument: “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is a gaming masterpiece, excelling in its immersive open-world design, engaging gameplay mechanics, captivating storyline, and stunning visual aesthetics.
   • Evaluation criteria: Aesthetic (visual aesthetics), Practical (gameplay mechanics, open-world design), Ethical (storyline)
7. Evaluation argument on a car:
   • Argument: The electric vehicle model “Tesla Model 3” is a game-changer in the automotive industry with its exceptional range, cutting-edge technology, impressive acceleration, and commitment to sustainability.
   • Evaluation criteria: Practical (range, technology, acceleration), Ethical (sustainability)
8. Evaluation argument on a piece of artwork:
   • Argument: Vincent van Gogh’s painting “Starry Night” is a timeless masterpiece, renowned for its expressive brushwork, captivating use of color, and its ability to evoke emotions in viewers.
   • Evaluation criteria: Aesthetic (expressive brushwork, use of color), Ethical (emotional impact)
9. Evaluation argument on a university:
   • Argument: XYZ University offers an outstanding education with its knowledgeable faculty, diverse range of programs, state-of-the-art facilities, robust support services, and strong career placement record.
   • Evaluation criteria: Practical (knowledgeable faculty, programs, facilities, support services, career placement record)
10. Evaluation argument on a fitness app:
    • Argument: The fitness app “FitTrack” stands out as a top choice for fitness enthusiasts, thanks to its accurate tracking features, user-friendly interface, customizable workout plans, and informative health insights.
    • Evaluation criteria: Practical (tracking features, user-friendly interface, workout plans), Ethical (health insights)
11. Evaluation argument on a vacation destination:
    • Argument: The city of Barcelona is an exceptional vacation destination, offering a vibrant cultural scene, stunning architecture, world-class cuisine, beautiful beaches, and a rich history.
    • Evaluation criteria: Aesthetic (architecture, cuisine, beaches), Practical (cultural scene, history)
12. Evaluation argument on a music album:
    • Argument: The album “Blonde” by Frank Ocean is a groundbreaking musical achievement, featuring introspective lyrics, innovative production, unique soundscapes, and a seamless blend of genres.
    • Evaluation criteria: Aesthetic (lyrics, production, soundscapes), Practical (genre blending)
13. Evaluation argument on a sports team:
    • Argument: The basketball team “Golden State Warriors” has established itself as a dominant force in the NBA, showcasing exceptional teamwork, skilled players, strategic coaching, and a winning culture.
    • Evaluation criteria: Practical (teamwork, player skills, coaching), Ethical (winning culture)
14. Evaluation argument on a mobile app:
    • Argument: The productivity app “Todoist” is an indispensable tool for task management, offering a user-friendly interface, cross-platform compatibility, intuitive features, and seamless synchronization.
    • Evaluation criteria: Practical (user-friendly interface, cross-platform compatibility, features), Ethical (synchronization)
15. Evaluation argument on a social media platform:
    • Argument: Instagram is a leading social media platform, known for its visually appealing content, extensive user base, user-friendly interface, innovative features, and its ability to connect people globally.
    • Evaluation criteria: Aesthetic (visually appealing content), Practical (user base, interface, features), Ethical (global connectivity)
16. Evaluation argument on a restaurant chain:
    • Argument: The restaurant chain “Chez Cuisine” excels in providing a memorable dining experience with its high-quality ingredients, diverse menu options, exceptional service, inviting ambiance, and commitment to sustainability.
    • Evaluation criteria: Practical (high-quality ingredients, menu options, service), Aesthetic (ambiance), Ethical (sustainability)
17. Evaluation argument on a documentary:
    • Argument: The documentary “Blackfish” is a powerful and impactful film that sheds light on the ethical concerns surrounding captive killer whales, featuring compelling storytelling, compelling interviews, thorough research, and a call to action.
    • Evaluation criteria: Aesthetic (storytelling), Practical (interviews, research), Ethical (raising awareness)
18. Evaluation argument on a software application:
    • Argument: The graphic design software “Adobe Photoshop” is an industry-standard tool, known for its extensive features, intuitive interface, powerful editing capabilities, versatility, and compatibility with other design software.
    • Evaluation criteria: Practical (features, interface, editing capabilities), Aesthetic (versatility), Ethical (compatibility)
19. Evaluation argument on a historical event:
    • Argument: The Civil Rights Movement was a monumental event in American history, marked by courageous activism, significant legislative changes, influential leaders, a shift in societal attitudes, and lasting impact on civil rights.
    • Evaluation criteria: Practical (activism, legislative changes), Ethical (leadership, societal impact)
20. Evaluation argument on a fashion brand:
    • Argument: The fashion brand “Stella McCartney” stands out for its commitment to sustainable and ethical fashion practices, innovative designs, high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and influence on the industry.
    • Evaluation criteria: Practical (sustainable practices, craftsmanship), Aesthetic (designs, attention to detail), Ethical (ethical practices, industry influence)

These examples demonstrate that evaluation criteria can encompass various aspects, including performance, quality, value, impact, and compliance, depending on the subject being evaluated. It’s important to choose criteria that are relevant, specific, and measurable for a comprehensive evaluation. Remember, the key to writing a successful evaluation argument is to establish clear criteria for assessment, provide specific evidence and examples that support your evaluation, and present a balanced, fair, and well-reasoned judgment of the subject while addressing potential counterarguments.