Reflecting
on Visual Arguments
Please address
the following questions about your writing process and the final draft of
your paper. You may respond in the form of a letter, an essay, or by addressing
each question by number. Be sure to put your name on this document and hand
it in with your final draft.
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How
did you go about selecting your website/images? Why did you choose the one(s)
you chose? That is, what about it appealed to you? What is the issue at
stake?
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How
did you determine your “paper's” structure? Are you pleased
with the result? Why or why not?
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In
what ways have you analyzed the appeals made by the image(s) and its corresponding
written arguments?
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In what ways have you arrived illustrated an understanding of (1) the argument
of the visual representation of the issue, (2) the argument of the written
representation of the issue, and (3) how these arguments relate to each
other? Be specific.
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In what ways have you shown the ways in which the image and text succeed
in communicating the argument to the reader? Be specific.
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How have you demonstrated both a consideration of the words in a text—its
linguistic content—and how its visual elements, such as graphics,
typography, color, and placement, contribute to meaning?
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In
what ways have you carefully and thoroughly considered the conjectures and
values at stake?
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What
is the aim or purpose of the paper?
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How
did you go about establishing your credibility and authority as a writer?
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In
what ways have you sought to connect with your audience?
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Using
the grading criteria detailed in the handout "Some
Thoughts on Grading," as well as your own working definitions of what
makes a paper an "A," "B," "C," etc. grade your paper, presenting a clearly
supported argument that demonstrates your reasons for assigning the grade
you'd place on your paper. I'm not looking for "I deserve an "A"
because I worked hard." Remember, hard work is a minimal expectation and
does not guarantee a good grade. You're being graded at this stage on the
final product and not on your effort during the writing process.
Rather, I want you to consider the overall quality of your paper
as a basis for the grade. This is an opportunity for you to evaluate your
work and to make a case for a particular grade; I reserve the right to override
your evaluation, but if you present a strong and well-supported argument
I may be persuaded.