EVALUATION (Putting the E in PEEEL)

Rationale: You may be familiar with the PEEL framework but how can you further enhance your arguments without necessarily becoming a critical deconstructionist overnight? Perhaps these ideas on evaluation might help (assuming you already have relevant points with adequate evidence) to reinforce your normal PEEL structure with an additional E before your link.

Step I: Using a rebuttal or qualification (or a combination of both)

Basically you have to imagine that some opponent is always opposite you when youre writing your essay and you need to make sure your argument will be able to defeat this sorry brute who has chosen to stand in your way! Rebuttal: A refutation of a reasonable opposing argument E.g. Some people might claim that women today are educated enough to not be negatively influenced by the contest mages. However, that argument simply sidesteps the issue of moral responsibility, which is important for any organization with massive influence. Qualification: Refining your point by acknowledging certain conditions E.g. Although we cannot say that all girls are negatively affected by the beauty contests, but given how such contest news and images are getting more pervasive and accessible, it is hard to deny its psychological impact on a majority of them.

Step II: Using possible BASES for making a rebuttal or qualification 1

Sample question: Are beauty contests harmful? Sample argument: Yes they are because they perpetuate a stereotypical and narrow definition of beauty. Example SPACE: Number of However, some may argue that pageants are beneficial as newly-crowned people impacted winners often use their fame to do goodwill acts for the local and international community. Although such acts of goodwill cannot be disparaged, the actual tangible help rendered is relatively insignificant when compared to more the more widespread social, psychological and health effects of the kind of harmful messages these contests perpetuate. (Similar to above qualification point too) MORAL or ETHICAL Refer again to rebuttal example above. value basis (especially human rights) ASSUMPTIONS: What Beauty contest supporters might claim that holding such events help to might the opposing recognize and celebrate beauty but they often assume that all people share argument be taking for this similar notion of beauty. This is untrue as different cultures have granted? different ideas of beauty and such contests often do not encourage this diversity. REASONING Refer to the rebuttal example above where the logic of the opposing Is the logic sound? What argument is refuted for avoiding the issue (i.e. red herring fallacy). is the premise? *Note: One good way to point out faulty reasoning is by looking at possible (especially useful for fallacies (E.g. ad hominem/against the person, non sequitur, post hoc/false rebuttals) cause, red herring, false dilemma, false premise, guilt by association, slippery slope2 etc.) TIME: Long vs. short Although some may say beauty contests pose no risk because they are only term impact competitive short events with little prolonged influence, it is hard to deny how the longer-term psychological impact on younger impressionable girls. ROOT CAUSE or Refer to example on space above. If we compare economic help from IMPACT pageant winners with their negative psychological impact, we can observe one has more deep seated impact. IMPLICATIONS: What Some might argue that such contests are merely celebrating beauty. might happen if this is However, if we look at look at how pet and even baby beauty contests are not addressed spawning all over America and other developed countries, we see how beauty contests nurture an unfettered obsession with holding competition over appearance and who knows what else might be measured in the future if such beauty contests today are not critically evaluated. CASE STUDIES: Although some it might be true that these contests are trying to judge its
1

List is not exhaustive and the bases are not mutually exclusive (i.e. notice how the examples above actually utilize them in combination) 2 Can refer to http://blog.geekpress.com/2006/09/excellent-list-of-logical-fallaciesad.html

Analyzing recent cases/trends

contestants based on wider criteria such as intellect and creativity, a simple visual survey of recent contests reveal how most contestants still possess a similar slim body, adorned with the prettiest dresses and elaborate make up and glitter. HUMAN NATURE and Refer to how example on implications also considers human nature and PSYCHOLOGY how beauty contests might over indulge our inherent need to compete and compare. Mnemonic acronym: SMART RICH