The Definitive Application Question

GUIDE TO EVALUATION
Perspective
What stand does the writer take? What is the writers attitude?
You should identify the writers perspectives in your focus paragraph and when you subsequently discuss the writers ideas.

Positive stance Negative stance

Goh makes a case for.. Cutter dismisses..

To make a case for is to argue for or recommend something To dismiss is to disregard or to treat as unwrothy / wrong

Goh proposes that we should.. Cutter undermines the need for..

To propose for something is to suggest an action or initiative To undermine is to reduce or diminish in significance

Goh propounds the idea that.. Cutter rejects the notion that..
To propound something is to put forward an idea or theory To reject a concept is to be against its implementation or validity

Goh embraces the phenomena of.. Cutter has qualms about..

To embrace something is to accept it strongly This means to be doubtful of or to question a belief or argument

Gohs idealisation of.. Cutters denouncement of..

To idealise is to represent as perfect or near-perfect To denounce is to condemn or show strong disapproval

Goh takes a moderate / reasoned approach to.. Cutter takes a polemical / radical standpoint on..
A moderate or reasoned approach is usually logical and neutral A polemical or radical view is extreme, one-sided and intense

argues, asserts, believes, claims, posits, postulates, puts forward, supposes that
Neutral, less evaluative verbs that you can use

Argumentation
How does the writer argue his case? How valid, convincing or balanced is it?
You should identify, challenge or reinforce one of the writers views / ideas in every body paragraph.

Reinforce Challenge

Goh eectively asserts that.. Cutter mistakenly claims that..

A more subtle judgement of a writers argument An unsubtle means of showing that you disagree

Goh astutely argues that.. Cutter myopically argues that..

A less subtle judgement of a writers argument A harsh indictment of a writers stand as lacking insight or foresight

Goh acknowledges that.. Cutter fails to take into account..

A writers argument should be supported by apt considerations Point out an area the writer does not address (that the other does)

..thus presenting a more balanced argument ..is based on the singular assumption that
Balance is a key measure of a thesiss strength A writer may not have adequately considered other factors / views

Goh refutes the claim that.. Cutter neglects the issue of..
A writer may address the claims made in the other passage or by others A writer may miss a pertinent consideration that would alter his thesis

Goh recognises the fact that.. Cutter makes the false assumption that..
A useful phrase to frame the writers idea as valid and applicable The basis of a writers argument may be fallacious or just.. wrong

Goh is measured in his assertion that.. Cutter exaggerates the seriousness of..
To be measured is to be carefully considered and weighted A writer may overstate consequences to make his point

Gohs case is backed by concrete evidence.. Cutters proposition is not substantiated by..
Strength of a writers arguments is determined by substantiation Arguments may lack concrete evidence or just elaboration

While there is some truth to Gohs claims.. While Cutter explores several valid points..
A useful phrase to establish balance - agreeing to some extent A useful phrase to establish balance - agreeing to some extent
 Application
How relevant are the writers arguments to your context?
You should assess, where required, how relevant or reflective the writers views / ideas are to your society in every paragraph.

Relevant / reflective Not relevant / reflective

Gohs argument is more relevant to.. Cutters thesis is less applicable to..
Explicitly analyse the applicability of the writers ideas Explicitly analyse the applicability of the writers ideas

Gohs supposition is well-evidenced in.. My context contradicts Cutters belief..

Evaluate your context to show the relevance of the claim Evaluate your context to show the irrelevance of the claim

The cogency of Gohs claim is evinced by.. Cutters claim is inappropriate to Singapore..
Present examples to show the relevance of the claim Justify why you think the writers claim is not applicable

Gohs stand is reinforced by.. Cutters stand is undermined by..

Present examples that further or strengthen the writers thesis Use examples to argue against the writers thesis

..lends credence to Gohs assertion Cutters claim is questionable in light of..

Present examples that further or strengthen the writers thesis Use examples to argue against the writers thesis

..is a common sight / practice

.. is prevalent / abundant / highly evident
there is a shared belief that..
Evaluate your context by identifying trends, patterns and commonalities

Responding to an AQ
Requirements, Evaluation, Explanation and Coherence

Focus Paragraph

EX Summarise perspectives or arguments

FS Answer all questions (your stand)
EV Justify your stand
EV Assess your society

Body Paragraphs

EX Refer to one idea from the passage

R Answer the question
EV Provide ample, detailed examples
EV Assess your society
EV Assess the authors ideas
R Tie your elaboration and evidence to your stand

Conclusion

C Reiterate your stand to all the questions

EV Evaluate your context with reference to stand