Can I start my evaluative essay out like this?
A good short story must have a believable plot, a strong climax, a well developed story line, an attention grabbing beginning, a good use of vocabulary, and interesting characters.
In my opinion, the short story A Christmas Memory included all of these things.
...And then tell how it included each of those things?....
Thanks
-MC
I'd leave out "In my opinion" because, since you are writing this, it's obvious that it IS your opinion unless you cite another author.
Also, be sure to put quotation marks around the title of the story.
Otherwise, it sounds OK.
Yes, you can definitely start your evaluative essay like that! It is a good introduction that sets up the criteria for evaluating a good short story and establishes your opinion on the short story "A Christmas Memory."
To continue the essay, you can provide evidence and examples from the short story to support your opinion. Here's a suggestion on how you can structure your evaluation:
1. Believable plot: Explain how the short story presents a realistic and engaging plot. Discuss specific events or details that make the plot believable and how it contributes to the overall story.
2. Strong climax: Analyze the climax of the story and its impact. Discuss how the climax builds tension, resolves conflicts, or creates emotional intensity. Provide examples of key moments in the story that demonstrate a strong climax.
3. Well-developed story line: Examine how the short story maintains a coherent and well-developed storyline. Discuss the progression of events and how they are connected, highlighting any significant subplots or narrative elements that contribute to the depth of the story.
4. Attention-grabbing beginning: Evaluate the opening of the short story and how it effectively captures the reader's attention. Explain what makes the beginning engaging, whether it be an intriguing hook, a unique perspective, or an immediate conflict.
5. Good use of vocabulary: Discuss the author's use of language and vocabulary to enhance the story. Point out any vivid imagery, metaphors, or figurative language that adds depth and richness to the narrative.
6. Interesting characters: Evaluate the characters in the short story and how they contribute to its overall appeal. Talk about their development, complexity, and relatability. Provide examples of their actions, dialogue, or interactions that make them interesting and memorable.
Remember to support each of these points with evidence from the text, using specific quotes or references to scenes from "A Christmas Memory" to back up your claims.
Good luck with your evaluative essay!