ENG Q2 Lesson 9: Formulating Evaluative Statements

Reasoning

An act of giving statements for justification and explanation. It is the ability of someone to defend something by giving out reasons (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Needed to give evaluative statements

Evaluative Statements

A way of giving a better explanation to show the strength and the weaknesses of something through writing

Presents a value judgment based on a set of criteria

used in giving a sound judgment A judgment that can be backed up or supported by valid reasons or proofs

The writer's way of explaining why a strength is a strength and a weakness a weakness based on gathered evidences

1. Begin with the positives before you point out the negatives.

2. Suggest a solution/s on how to improve the written material being evaluated and provide justification how these will work.

3. Keep your feedback concise and precise.

4. Be careful in giving your feedback. Since evaluations pass judgment onto works of authors, they must be written and expressed with care and much diligence.

Remember to do the following:

Assertions

Declarative sentences that give one's belief about something as if it is true examine which ideas are facts or opinions, make inferences or conclusions, and assess the overall quality of the text

Contains languages that expresses evaluation such as useful, significant, important, etc.

Counterclaims

Claims made to rebut a previous claim

To contradict someone's statement through a formal argument. They provide a contrasting perspective to the main argument.

The opposition you make about the claim of a writer. You must recognize the value of hedges when you state your counterclaims.

1. Formulate ASSERTIONS (about the content and properties of the text read)

2. Formulate COUNTERCLAIMS (in response to claims made in the text read)

Two Effective Steps in Composing Evaluative Statements:

Hedges

Words that minimizes negative impact of a criticism

used to give a courteous tone in your writing

It comes in different forms such as:

1. Modals may, could, would, etc. -

2. Frequency adverbs - usually, commonly, etc.

3. Probability adverbs - probably, possibly, etc.