CMP 1020 Essay #2

What is it?

We are calling this essay the “Critical Evaluation of an Argument.”

This essay is an evaluative essay. What that means is that you will focus on the credibility of the author’s claims. This is different from the agree/disagree summary because you are not only summarizing and stating your stance. Instead, you will evaluate how persuasive the author’s arguments are whether you agree with them or not. 

How do I do it?

You will choose one of the essays listed below and write a critical analysis of the argument presented in the essay. 

Please use the checklist on page 191 of your textbook, my rubrics, and your class notes to help you. Remember, a critical analysis is more than a summary of the essay’s contents. You are also writing your own argument. You should make an assertion and offer support for it. For example, does the author make a strong argument or not? Do the reasons offered in support of their argument seem reasonable and believable? Why or why not? You must prove, explain, and/or illustrate all of your critical comments with examples from the text. 

Now, it is important to understand that “criticism” is not limited to pointing out all of the problems with an author’s work. Criticism also involves identifying the valuable contributions and good work of the author. Ultimately, you are evaluating the success of the essay’s argument. How effective or ineffective is it? 

Skim all four of these essays and read two closely before deciding which one you would like to evaluate. (Hint: I recommend choosing either the topic that makes you think and say “hmm” when you read it or the essay that offers you the most talking points. Choosing an essay that you completely agree or completely disagree with may actually be harder to write about!)

“Eat, Pray, Post” by Navneet Alang CIEQ p. 533

https://newrepublic.com/article/122455/eat-pray-post-how-virality-westernizing-entire-world

“Cyberslacking in Shanghai: What My Students Taught Me” by Ruth Starkman CIEQ p. 430

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cyberslacking-in-shanghai_1_b_7820796

“The Refugee Crisis is a Test of our Collective Conscience” by Ban Ki-Moon (link to PDF) Opinion _ The Refugee Crisis Is a Test of Our Collective Conscience – The New York Times.pdf – Google Drive

“It is Time to Prioritize Education for Recovery” by Alice Albright and Stefania Giannini (link to article)  It is time to prioritise education for recovery | Education | Al Jazeera