Evaluation Essay

ENGL 212 – Winter 2024

Due date: Sunday, April 27 Monday, April 29 on Canvas by 11:59 p.m.

Essay Length: 1,200-1,500
Percentage of final grade: 9%
Number of sources in essay: 5
Citation Style: APA
Document design: 12-point Times New Roman or Calibri, 1” margins
Acceptable file types: .doc, .docx, .rtf, .pdf

Assignment Details
For this assignment, you will select an idea that we’ve been discussing this semester, create criteria on
which to perform a rhetorical analysis (ethos, pathos, and logos), and effectively argue whether this idea
is valid. For example, if I were writing this paper, I might choose the idea of driverless vehicles. Ethically,
or using ethos, I might argue that I support the idea because I think driverless vehicles are able to
remove the human factor of guesswork from operating a vehicle. Emotionally, or using pathos, I might
argue that I am enthusiastic about the possibility of their development. Logic, or using logos, I might
interrogate the possibility of my kids never having to learn to drive and what that means for an entire
generation of “drivers.”

In order to make each of these arguments, you will need to support them with well researched articles
and other sources. You will need to incorporate a minimum of five academically valid sources. These do
not all have to be academic journal articles, but they should be ones we might use in class discussions.
You cannot use sources we’ve read/viewed for class. You cannot use Wikipedia, blogs, or unvalidated
websites. Use your previous knowledge about how to spot accurate and valid source material. If you
have a question about whether you should use the source, don’t hesitate to ask me.

In effective arguments, you will also need to present an opposing argument. This type of presentation
demonstrates you are a responsible writer. You should use at least two sources for this aspect of your
paper.

Framework1
Introduction • Identifies the subject of your analysis
• States your purpose and main point
• Offers background information on the subject
• Stresses its importance
Argument • Explanation of rhetorical concepts
• Analysis of logos related proofs (you can reorganize these proofs however
you’d like)
• Analysis of ethos related proofs
• Analysis of pathos related proofs
• Counterargument can be included at the end of this section or interspersed
throughout
Conclusion • Restates your main point and looks towards the future

1 Framework adapted from Writing Today, 4th Edition

Grading
As with all writing this semester, I will be using the ENGL 212 rubric. For this paper specifically, I will look
closely at your effective use of sources, the use of the framework, and how clearly you articulate your
arguments.