Unit 8 Lesson 4: Evaluation Flashcards
(22 cards)
central idea
the most important idea in a text; the key point the author wants to communicate
details
facts, statements, and examples that add information
evaluate
to judge the quality or value of something
evidence
the facts and information that support an idea or analysis
text structure
how a text is organized
Part of a book review writer’s work is to evaluate, or judge the quality and effectiveness of, different elements of a book. What does this mean
This doesn’t just mean providing a list of likes and dislikes—an evaluation involves giving reasons and examples to support your judgments.
In a book review for an informational text, the writer identifies the author’s central idea or argument. What id the next step
Then, the reviewer judges how well the author supports it. The central idea is not the same as the topic. Instead of being the subject matter of the text, the central idea is the author’s message—the most important point the author wants to make.
central ideas in informational texts
An informational text may have more than one central idea, and the central idea or ideas may be stated directly or implied.
How does an author evualute a writers central idea
The reviewer decides if the author provides enough evidence in support of their central idea. The writer of a book review looks for details in the text that point to the central idea or argument.
When evaluating the development of a central idea or argument, it is important to notice how the author presents the information.
Authors might divide certain nonfiction texts into sections to help readers follow their arguments. A short text may separate ideas into sections with subheadings. A longer text may use chapters to subdivide content.
What are things to pay attention to when evaluthing a text for a book review
Also, pay attention to the author’s choice of words when evaluating. Notice how ideas are organized to support the key points. An author chooses a text structure that helps to develop the central idea over the course of a text. By analyzing the text structure and the details included, a book review writer can trace the development of the author’s central idea or argument.
Some questions to ask in evaluating a book’s central idea or main argument include:
- How does the author use details and evidence to clarify the central idea? In a scientific work, evidence might include experiments or case studies. In a text about politics or history, they might include interviews or primary sources.
- Is the author’s reasoning easy or difficult to follow, and why?
- Does the author offer enough evidence and is it credible for the conclusion they reach? For instance, if an author is recommending a policy to help solve an environmental problem, a book review writer might question whether they give sufficient evidence to show that the problem is serious and whether they give good reasons to believe that their recommended policy will work.
rhetoric
the use of language to make writing or speaking more persuasive
syntax
the arrangement of words and phrases
tone
the author’s attitude toward a subject
An author uses rhetoric to advance their ideas. An author carefully chooses words to make their points clear and convincing. Give an example
For example, describing technology such as artificial intelligence as toxic or malevolent is very different from choosing to describe it as genius or beneficial to humanity.
. In addition, syntax, or the arrangement of words and phrases, can contribute to a work’s emotional impact on an audience. Syntax also helps an author convey ideas in a deliberate way. For example
For example, an author may arrange a powerful claim or idea at the end of a sentence instead of the beginning to make it more memorable or to provide an emotional punch.
Both word choice and syntax are rhetorical strategies that can impact the
mood or tone.
An author considers questions such as these regarding the use of rhetoric in a text or speech:
- To whom am I addressing my remarks?
- What arguments will I set forth?
- What evidence best supports my arguments?
- How will I organize my arguments and evidence?
- What words will I choose to make my points convincing to the reader or listener?
- How will I organize words so that they have the most impact?
Rhetoric does not operate in isolation—
Rhetoric does not operate in isolation—it always serves some purpose, such as supporting an argument, explaining a process, or cultivating sympathy for a certain point of view.
explanatory
serving to explain how or why something happens
Part of a book review writer’s task is to evaluate, or judge, the quality and effectiveness of how the author organizes
ideas
