Ethical Evaluation

ENGL 212 – Fall 2018

Due date: Sunday, November 11 on Canvas by 11:59 p.m.

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

Assignment Details
When you evaluate anything, you run it through a mental checklist of pre-determined criteria.
Sometimes the object, event, or even person you’re evaluating meets or exceeds the criteria you had in
mind. Other times, it falls short. 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 son 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 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 in this section of your
paper.

Framework for an Evaluation Argument1

Introduction  Presents your issue
 Shows why evaluating X is problematic or controversial
 Presents your evaluation claim and your criteria
Argument  States Criterion 1 and defends it if necessary
 Shows that X meets/does not meet Criterion 1
 States Criterion 2 and defends it if necessary
 Shows that X meets/does not meet Criterion 2
 Continues with additional Criterion and match arguments

1
Framework adapted from Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing, 8th Edition
 Treatment of  Summarizes objections to your criteria or your match
alternative or  Responds to these objections
opposing views
Conclusion  Sums up your evaluation

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.