Writing 10: Academic Writing

Chao / Fall 2011

Essay 1, Evaluation

Writing Goals: 

You will be evaluating a one version/adaptation of a fairytale of your choice based on a specific list of criteria (characters, plot, setting, entertainment value, moral value, etc.) created by you. Your thesis sentence should make a claim that evaluates the story/adaptation, and your claim should be backed up by evidence that addresses the criteria, using details and examples, possibly comparisons to other version(s) of the fairytale as well.

Some Questions to Consider: 

1. What does one look for in a fairytale in terms of character, plot, setting, entertainment value, moral value, readability, etc.?

2. What do you think this fairytale teaches us? Do you agree with/approve of the moral/lesson?

3. Are there elements of the fairytale that seem unnecessarily cruel, sexual, violent, or gory?

4. Are there elements of the fairytale that would particularly capture an audience? Who would you recommend the fairytale to?

5. What other version(s) can this version/adaptation of the fairytale be compared to?

Process: 

Pick a version/adaptation of the fairytale you will be evaluating. Write down a list of (the more objective the better) criteria that may be used to assess the fairytale, and express your subjective opinion of how this version/adaptation meets (or doesn’t meet) your criteria. Formulate your claim and the main evidence for your claim.

Audience:  Assume that your evaluation will be read by interested colleagues who are trying to decide whether to read/watch this adaptation of a fairytale. Is there anything in the fairytale that is not appropriate for children? Try your best to convince the audience that your opinions about the fairytale are valid and credible, using outside sources (with in-line citation and Works Cited) if necessary.

Deadlines and Page Lengths:

Initial Draft: Mon. 9/12 (at least 3 pages, submitted to turnitin.com.) The instructor and 2 of your peers will provide feedback on your draft on turnitin.com.

Final Draft: Mon. 9/19 (about 1000 words, which would be 4-5 pages, submitted online at turnitin.com)