Evaluative Sentences and Argument Structure

Evaluative Sentences

Sentence Structure

• An evaluative sentence typically follows a specific structure:
  • Claim (main argument or point)
  • Evidence (supporting detail or fact)
  • Reasoning (explanation or justification)
• This structure helps to build a clear and convincing argument.

Claim Evidence Reasoning

• Claim: a statement that expresses a judgment or opinion
• Evidence: a fact, statistic, or expert opinion that supports the claim
• Reasoning: an explanation of how the evidence supports the claim
• Effective use of claim, evidence, and reasoning helps to build a persuasive argument.

Evaluative Language

• Evaluative language is used to express judgments or opinions
• It involves using words or phrases that convey a positive or negative tone
• Examples of evaluative language:
  • Positive: excellent, outstanding, impressive
  • Negative: poor, inadequate, disappointing
• Effective use of evaluative language helps to convey a clear opinion or judgment.

Analysis Techniques

• Analysis involves breaking down information into smaller parts to understand it better
• Techniques used in analysis include:
  • Identification: identifying key points or features
  • Classification: grouping information into categories
  • Comparison: comparing and contrasting information
  • Causal analysis: identifying cause-and-effect relationships
• Effective analysis helps to identify patterns, relationships, and themes in information.

Evaluation Criteria

• Evaluation criteria are the standards or benchmarks used to make judgments or assessments
• Criteria can be explicit (clearly stated) or implicit (implied)
• Examples of evaluation criteria:
  • Quality: effectiveness, efficiency, reliability
  • Impact: significance, influence, consequence
  • Value: importance, relevance, usefulness
• Clear evaluation criteria help to ensure that judgments or assessments are fair and consistent.