Evaluating how two non-fiction writers express their opinions | English

Starter quiz

Which of the following are synonyms for "taking a stand"?
- asserting ✓
- protesting ✓
- denying
- spoiling
What word begining with C means to examine similarities and differences?
- 'compare ' ✓
Match the elements on the left with the correct examples on the right.
- personal experience
  
  ⇔
  
  an anecdote from your childhood or a story about your family. ✓
- expert opinions
  
  ⇔
  
  an interview with an engineer or town planner ✓
- formal politics
  
  ⇔
  
  a debate in the House of Commons ✓
Who was Aristotle?
- a Roman philosopher ✓
- a Greek philosopher
- an English philosopher
What word beginning with "M" refers to an image or idea that is repeated across a text?
- motif ✓
- metaphor
- extended metaphor
- murmur
What does it mean to say something is symbolic?
- that it is different to something else
- that it is the same as something else
- that it represents a deeper thought or feeling ✓
- that it is controversial and causes lots of arguments

Match the words on the left with their synonyms on the right.
- empathy
  
  ⇔
  
  understanding ✓
- authority
  
  ⇔
  
  expertise ✓
- contentious
  
  ⇔
  
  controversial ✓
- strategy
  
  ⇔
  
  plan ✓
- tactics
  
  ⇔
  
  methods ✓
If something is significant it is...
- irritating
- important ✓
- confusing
- controversial
Aristotle's rhetorical triad consists of logos, pathos and...
- 'ethos' ✓
Which of the following is the best definition of "to evaluate"?
- to criticise or find fault with something
- to examine and asses the quality or value of something ✓
- to persuade or convince someone of a particular view
- to summarise or provide a brief overview of a text
Which of the following uses formal politics to make a point?
- Many people feel strongly about this issue becuase it affects thier daily lives.
- According to a recent law passed, this policy is the most effective. ✓
- Statistics show that countries with stricter rules have solved the problem.
- The approach has been used for generations and has usually been successful.
Which of the following does not use ethos effectively?
- A famous chef said the product is the best kitchen appliance on the market.
- An Olympic athlete promotes a specific brand of trainers.
- A dermatologist recommended a skincare product.
- An economist declared the toothpaste the best for whitening teeth. ✓

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When writers take a stand, they often include elements such as personal anecdote, experts and politics.
Using Aristotle’s triad of logos, ethos and pathos can help strengthen a point of view.
When we evaluate texts, we need to measure them against specific criteria.
Evaluation means looking at the validity of the content and the quality of the writing.

Students often think that to evaluate something is to say whether or not you like it.

Keep reminding them of the criteria. Does a text measure up to a standard being set?

Empathy - the ability to share someone else’s feelings as if they are your own
Authority - the power to influence others through specialised knowledge or status
Contentious - likely to cause disagreement or argument
Strategy - a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim
Tactics - action carefully planned to achieve a specific end