Evaluative writing is an enormously practical form, relevant in all sorts of situations in and out of school. Quite simply, we turn to it when we are asked to make a judgment of value, and then develop that judgment into something that goes beyond a gut reaction and unstated assumptions” (Bruce Ballenger, Curious Writer).

Choose a book or film that focuses on farm as a major theme. (You may NOT choose Dirt: The Movie or Fresh because we have watched or may watch some or all of those in class.) Read the book or view the film, and then write a review of the book or film. You may follow the format on page 286-7 in the textbook (although this is an abbreviated example), but it should, at minimum, provide:

1)Important production information as at the beginning of the samples. (book pp 233-4, film pp 286-7)

Summary from the viewpoint of the author / producer. No value judgments in this section. 1 to 1 1/2 pages.

Analysis. No summary in this section. ONLY analysis. You decide on evaluation criteria and make evaluations, using specific examples from the text you read or viewed as evidence. (Twice as long as the summary. 2 to 3 pages.)

Proper MLA citation at the end. (The sample in the text does NOT show this, but I expect you to include it.)

NOTE: YOU MAY PROPOSE A TITLE NOT INCLUDED ON THE LISTS IF YOU MAKE A GOOD ARGUMENT FOR IT AND GET MY APPROVAL PRIOR TO SUBMITTING PROPOSAL.

Purposes:

Analyze text through the lens of agriculture

Identify agricultural and literary themes that cut across human history and culture

Practice evaluation as a method of inquiry

Articulate your knowledge of agriculture using correct agricultural, literary, or film terminology that creates or joins in on a conversation about your chosen book or film. NOTE: Reviews for an academic audience are different than, say, the film review you read in a newspaper or Rotten Tomatoes. Your audience consists of class members, educated and interested peers, and your instructor.

Requirements:

Chosen book must be at least 200 pages in length. If you choose children’s literature, you might read two shorter books or a series to meet the page requirements. A film must be at least 90 minutes running time.

Proposal will be turned in hard copy, and only a paragraph or two is needed for the proposal.

Review itself: 3- 4 1/2 pages, double spaced.

If other sources are used, include references at the bottom of the page in MLA format.

A few evaluation elements for film (there are many more):

Cinematography, Directing, Acting, Misc-en-Scene (costumes, props, set), Lighting, Editing, Musical score, Character development and plausibility, Plot development and plausibility, Credibility, Impact on viewers. Do you recommend it or not? Why?

A few evaluation elements for books (there are many more):

Genre, Themes, Writing style (Showing, telling, or combination? Active or passive voice?), Sensory imagery, Dialogue, Character development and plausibility, Plot development and plausibility, Credibility, Impact on readers. Do you recommend it or not? Why?

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