Argument of Evaluation Paper Guidelines
1. Open your paper by presenting an evaluative claim that makes a judgment about a person, idea, or object.
2. Example: Berndnaut Smilde is one of the more accomplished visual artists working today.
3. Early in your paper, perhaps in the second paragraph, present and explain your criteria of evaluation. You need at least three criteria. Example:
a. A good artist is determined by their level of originality,
b. creativity/innovation in the art,
c. visual interest/compositional organization,
d. the meaning behind their imagery,
e. technical virtuosity (how they handle the materials),
f. and ability to engage the viewer.
4. Then present evidence in support of a particular subject meeting or falling short of the stated criteria. Example:
In terms of meaning, what comes through Berndnaut Smilde’s Nimbus Series is nothing less than sublime. His work involves the ingenious creation of small atmospheric clouds in uncharacteristic spaces like a gothic church or a baroque palace. The clouds coopt the seeming permanence of the background structures in which they appear, showing us that humanity’s most iconic productions and nature’s most bold creations are ephemeral or temporary that in the broader context of universal time will come to be for a brief moment of glory, then dissolve like a cloud.
5. The example above is drawn from a qualitative argument without much quantitative support. What the argument needs to become fully effective is the support of outside, expert sources. Remember I need to see at least five sources in your paper.
6. For further guidance, go to Chapter 10 in your textbook.
7. Your paper should be about five pages in length.

Argument of Evaluation Paper Options
1. Evaluate a favorite sports team or your favorite sports team in a spectacular season. Attempt this only if you can gather plenty of statistics and expert testimony. Do not try this strictly from your own knowledge.
2. If you can find sufficient testimony, you may evaluate a favorite film or a detested film. Try Academic Search Complete for information within the NVC library’s databases or JSTOR for older films.
3. Evaluate a book from the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list. To gather information for this project, go to Academic Search Complete and enter the title of the book you have chosen without the author’s name. Oh yes, you must read the book too.
4. Evaluate a work of art, an architectural design, or a piece of advanced music from the jazz or classical repertoires. If you can show me significant sources, I will allow you to evaluate a pop song or band.
5. With my approval you may choose your own topic.
6. The limit on internet sources is lifted for this paper.
7. In your paper, be sure to include a set of at least three criteria for judging your subject, then explain how your subject rates on the basis of these criteria.