ENG 333 Communication for Science and Research

Jamie Larsen, Instructor

Assignment 5B - Formal Proposal Evaluation Criteria

LOGOS - State your claim clearly in the abstract (executive summary). Also, restate this claim within the body of your proposal. The reasons supporting your claim(s) should be specific and clear. Your argument's effectiveness is determined by the evidence (grounds) that you use for support.

ETHOS - Your ethos (credibility) should be addressed from the beginning, and developed throughout. The task portion of your problem/purpose statement, which is your first paragraph of your introduction, is the first place you begin to build your ethos in the text. Your consideration of the reader's needs is also part of your ethos, and you should stress the benefits to the reader for accepting your judgment/recommendation.

PATHOS - Your emotional appeal is enhanced by how effectively you use audience-based reasons. Pathos involves word choice, concrete (applicable) language, and optionally analogies.

REBUTTALS - Consider counter arguments to your proposal. Anticipate readers' questions, and your argument will be enhanced if you defend your ideas.

OVERALL - The formal report should have all eight required parts: cover, title page, abstract, table of contents, list of tables and figures, report content, bibliography, and at least one attachment (e.g., your brochure for the organ donor proposal). The readability and usability of the report is important since you want to keep your reader(s) reading. Pay attention to details (e.g., page numbers), and proofread carefully. These errors detract from your ethos, and ultimately from your argument.