PointReasonsEvaluationWriting

PRE is an acronym from the words Point, Reasons, and Evaluation.  Thus, there are three sections to this assignment.  Label each section with the capital letter P, R, or E.  The PRE should be in your own words, quote very sparingly.

P: First, identify the main point (as in, "What's your point?") thesis, or conclusion of the essay.  In order to identify the point it may help to ask yourself such questions as: What nontrivial position does the author try to defend?  What claim is the author trying to get me to accept?

R: Second, identify the reasons, support, or premises that the author gives in support of this point.  In order to identify the reasons it may help to ask yourself such questions as: How does the author defend his or her point?  What examples or evidence does the author give in support of his or her point?

E: Third, write your evaluation of the author's point and the supporting reasons. It may help to ask yourself such questions as: Do I agree with the author's point? Why or why not? Are the reasons that the author gives adequate to prove his or her point? Why or why not? Are there any examples or evidence that either supports or refutes the author's point or reasons?  What questions would I like to ask the author?  See below.

IMPORTANT
When writing the E, keep the following rules in mind.

1) Do not comment on the writing style of the author.  You are supposed to be evaluating the ideas that the author is presenting, not the way that he or she presents them.
2) Do not comment on the difficulty of the reading.   If you have a very hard time understanding the reading, read it again.  If you still do not get it all, then just pick the part that you do understand and comment on it.  If you are consistently having difficulty understanding the reading sufficiently to write a PRE, come see me in office hours for help.
3) Do not give empty praise or groundless criticism.  In other words, be sure to explain the reasons for your evaluation. For example, do not say that the argument is "logical" or "makes sense" unless you say precisely what is logical or makes sense about it.  Similarly, do not say that the argument is "illogical" or "makes no sense," unless you say precisely what is illogical or does not make sense about it.  Remember, your evaluation is a philosophical argument too; thus, it must have reasons that support your point.

The PRE should be approximately 1 page. It must be typed.