Evaluation Argument

In the book, Taking Sides, the argument that is being presented is whether or not homework is right for students. The essay that I have chosen reflects on how homework is unnecessary and it rather hurts them then is does benefit them. The essay entitled, End Homework Now, talks of three myths of homework. This essay is an evaluation argument because it reflects on the value of the homework to the students. The writers of the essay, Kravolec and Buell, go on to state how in actuality homework has nothing to do with test scores and how it really wounds the progress of the students because teachers are not able to see the students progress or even know if the work is his/her own (Kravolec and Buell, 5-7). The essay evaluates the students progress with and without homework and came up with the conclusion that students would be better off without homework in their academic career.

Another form of an evaluation argument is from The Wall Street Journal. In the journal is an article about whether cell phone usage in an Amish community is useful or not. The article, called For Montana Sect, Cellphones Send Mixed Message , shows the values and disadvantages of cell phones in these Amish communities. The question that the newspaper gives the reader is how I knew it was a evaluation argument. The question asked was, "Are cellphones useful (The Wall Street Journal)?" This questions just leads to the readers knowing that the argument being presented is an evaluation because they must evaluate the facts to come to some conclusion on the problem at hand.

Although the arguments are different they have a common similarity. The similarity between the arguments is the use of an institution and a way of life being picked apart by there values in order to come to a final conclusion on the matter at hand. Both arguments are taking the statistics of people using the material and applying their usage and the outcome of that usage to the way they feel the outcome should be. I am not sure if either of the writings are right in concluding what they have found. But, I will say that if it was possible I would have to agree with the no homework rule!