how to evaluate in an essay

7 Steps for How to Write an Evaluation Essay (Example & Template)

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

In this ultimate guide, I will explain to you exactly how to write an evaluation essay.

1. What is an Evaluation Essay?

An evaluation essay should provide a critical analysis of something.

You’re literally ‘evaluating’ the thing you’re looking up.

Here’s a couple of quick definitions of what we mean by ‘evaluate’:

Merriam-Webster defines evaluation as: “to determine the significance, worth, or condition of usually by careful appraisal and study”
Collins Dictionary says: “If you evaluate something or someone, you consider them in order to make a judgment about them, for example about how good or bad they are.”

Here’s some synonyms for ‘evaluate’:

So, we could say that an evaluation essay should carefully examine the ‘thing’ and provide an overall judgement of it.

Here’s some common things you may be asked to write an evaluation essay on:

This is by no means an exhaustive list. Really, you can evaluate just about anything!

Get a Pdf of this article for class

Enjoy subscriber-only access to this article’s pdf

2. How to write an Evaluation Essay

There are two secrets to writing a strong evaluation essay. The first is to aim for objective analysis before forming an opinion. The second is to use an evaluation criteria.

Aim to Appear Objective before giving an Evaluation Argument

Your evaluation will eventually need an argument.

The evaluation argument will show your reader what you have decided is the final value of the ‘thing’ you’re evaluating.

But in order to convince your reader that your evaluative argument is sound, you need to do some leg work.

The aim will be to show that you have provided a balanced and fair assessment before coming to your conclusion.

In order to appear balanced you should:

Discuss both the pros and cons of the thing
Discuss both the strengths and weaknesses of the thing
Look at the thing from multiple different perspectives
Be both positive and critical. Don’t make it look like you’re biased towards one perspective.

In other words, give every perspective a fair hearing.

You don’t want to sound like a propagandist. You want to be seen as a fair and balanced adjudicator.

Use an Evaluation Criteria

One way to appear balanced is to use an evaluation criteria.

An evaluation criteria helps to show that you have assessed the ‘thing’ based on an objective measure.

Here’s some examples of evaluation criteria:

Strength under pressure
Longevity (ability to survive for a long time)
Ease of use
Ability to get the job done
Friendliness
Punctuality
Ability to predict my needs
Calmness under pressure
Attentiveness

A Bed and Breakfast

Breakfast options
Taste of food
Comfort of bed
Local attractions
Service from owner
Cleanliness

We can use evaluation criteria to frame out ability to conduct the analysis fairly.

This is especially true for if you have to evaluate multiple different ‘things’. For example, if you’re evaluating three novels, you want to be able to show that you applied the same ‘test’ on all three books!

This will show that you gave each ‘thing’ a fair chance and looked at the same elements for each.

3. How to come up with an Evaluation Argument

After you have:

Looked at both good and bad elements of the ‘thing’, and
Used an evaluation criteria

You’ll then need to develop an evaluative argument. This argument shows your own overall perspective on the ‘thing’.

Remember, you will need to show your final evaluative argument is backed by objective analysis. You need to do it in order!

Analyze first. Evaluate second.

Here’s an example.

Let’s say you’re evaluating the quality of a meal.

You might say:

A strength of the meal was its presentation. It was well presented and looked enticing to eat.
A weakness of the meal was that it was overcooked. This decreased its flavor.
The meal was given a low rating on ‘cost’ because it was more expensive than the other comparative meals on the menu.
The meal was given a high rating on ‘creativity’. It was a meal that involved a thoughtful and inventive mix of ingredients.

Now that you’ve looked at some pros and cons and measured the meal based on a few criteria points (like cost and creativity), you’ll be able to come up with a final argument:

Overall, the meal was good enough for a middle-tier restaurant but would not be considered a high-class meal. There is a lot of room for improvement if the chef wants to win any local cooking awards.

Evaluative terms that you might want to use for this final evaluation argument might include:

All things considered
With all key points in mind

4. Evaluation Essay Outline (with Examples)

Okay, so now you know what to do, let’s have a go at creating an outline for your evaluation essay!

Here’s what I recommend:

4.1 How to Write your Introduction

In the introduction, feel free to use my 5-Step INTRO method . It’ll be an introduction just like any other essay introduction .

And yes, feel free to explain what the final evaluation will be.

So, here it is laid out nice and simple.

Write one sentence for each point to make a 5-sentence introduction:

Interest: Make a statement about the ‘thing’ you’re evaluating that you think will be of interest to the reader. Make it a catchy, engaging point that draws the reader in!
Notify: Notify the reader of any background info on the thing you’re evaluating. This is your chance to show your depth of knowledge. What is a historical fact about the ‘thing’?
Translate: Re-state the essay question. For an evaluative essay, you can re-state it something like: “This essay evaluates the book/ product/ article/ etc. by looking at its strengths and weaknesses and compares it against a marking criteria”.
Report: Say what your final evaluation will be. For example you can say “While there are some weaknesses in this book, overall this evaluative essay will show that it helps progress knowledge about Dinosaurs.”
Outline: Simply give a clear overview of what will be discussed. For example, you can say: “Firstly, the essay will evaluate the product based on an objective criteria. This criteria will include its value for money, fit for purpose and ease of use. Next, the essay will show the main strengths and weaknesses of the product. Lastly, the essay will provide a final evaluative statement about the product’s overall value and worth.”

If you want more depth on how to use the INTRO method, you’ll need to go and check out our blog post on writing quality introductions.

4.2 Example Introduction

This example introduction is for the essay question: Write an Evaluation Essay on Facebook’s Impact on Society.

“Facebook is the third most visited website in the world. It was founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg in his college dorm. This essay evaluates the impact of Facebook on society and makes an objective judgement on its value. The essay will argue that Facebook has changed the world both for the better and worse. Firstly, it will give an overview of what Facebook is and its history. Then, it will examine Facebook on the criteria of: impact on social interactions, impact on the media landscape, and impact on politics.”

You’ll notice that each sentence in this introduction follows my 5-Step INTRO formula to create a clear, coherent 5-Step introduction.

4.3 How to Write your Body Paragraphs

The first body paragraph should give an overview of the ‘thing’ being evaluated.

Then, you should evaluate the pros and cons of the ‘thing’ being evaluated based upon the criteria you have developed for evaluating it.

Let’s take a look below.

4.4 First Body Paragraph: Overview of your Subject

This first paragraph should provide objective overview of your subject’s properties and history. You should not be doing any evaluating just yet.

The goal for this first paragraph is to ensure your reader knows what it is you’re evaluating. Secondarily, it should show your marker that you have developed some good knowledge about it.

If you need to use more than one paragraph to give an overview of the subject, that’s fine.

Similarly, if your essay word length needs to be quite long, feel free to spend several paragraphs exploring the subject’s background and objective details to show off your depth of knowledge for the marker.

4.5 First Body Paragraph Example

Sticking with the essay question: Write an Evaluation Essay on Facebook’s Impact on Society , this might be your paragraph:

“Facebook has been one of the most successful websites of all time. It is the website that dominated the ‘Web 2.0’ revolution, which was characterized by user two-way interaction with the web. Facebook allowed users to create their own personal profiles and invite their friends to follow along. Since 2004, Facebook has attracted more than one billion people to create profiles in order to share their opinions and keep in touch with their friends.”

Notice here that I haven’t yet made any evaluations of Facebook’s merits?

This first paragraph (or, if need be, several of them) should be all about showing the reader exactly what your subject is – no more, no less.

4.6 Evaluation Paragraphs: Second, Third, Forth and Fifth Body Paragraphs

Once you’re confident your reader will know what the subject that you’re evaluating is, you’ll need to move on to the actual evaluation.

For this step, you’ll need to dig up that evaluation criteria we talked about in Point 2.

For example, let’s say you’re evaluating a President of the United States.

Your evaluation criteria might be:

Impact on world history
Ability to pass legislation
Popularity with voters
Morals and ethics
Ability to change lives for the better

Really, you could make up any evaluation criteria you want!

Once you’ve made up the evaluation criteria, you’ve got your evaluation paragraph ideas!

Simply turn each point in your evaluation criteria into a full paragraph.

How do you do this?

Well, start with a topic sentence.

For the criteria point ‘Impact on world history’ you can say something like: “Barack Obama’s impact on world history is mixed.”

This topic sentence will show that you’ll evaluate both pros and cons of Obama’s impact on world history in the paragraph.

Then, follow it up with explanations.

“While Obama campaigned to withdraw troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, he was unable to completely achieve this objective. This is an obvious negative for his impact on the world. However, as the first black man to lead the most powerful nation on earth, he will forever be remembered as a living milestone for civil rights and progress.”

Keep going, turning each evaluation criteria into a full paragraph.

4.7 Evaluation Paragraph Example

Let’s go back to our essay question: Write an Evaluation Essay on Facebook’s Impact on Society .

I’ve decided to use the evaluation criteria below:

impact on social interactions;
impact on the media landscape;
impact on politics

Naturally, I’m going to write one paragraph for each point.

If you’re expected to write a longer piece, you could write two paragraphs on each point (one for pros and one for cons).

Here’s what my first evaluation paragraph might look like:

“Facebook has had a profound impact on social interactions. It has helped people to stay in touch with one another from long distances and after they have left school and college. This is obviously a great positive. However, it can also be seen as having a negative impact. For example, people may be less likely to interact face-to-face because they are ‘hanging out’ online instead. This can have negative impact on genuine one-to-one relationships.”

You might notice that this paragraph has a topic sentence, explanations and examples. It follows my perfect paragraph formula which you’re more than welcome to check out!

4.8 How to write your Conclusion

To conclude, you’ll need to come up with one final evaluative argument.

This evaluation argument provides an overall assessment. You can start with “Overall, Facebook has been…” and continue by saying that (all things considered) he was a good or bad president!

Remember, you can only come up with an overall evaluation after you’ve looked at the subject’s pros and cons based upon your evaluation criteria.

In the example below, I’m going to use my 5 C’s conclusion paragraph method . This will make sure my conclusion covers all the things a good conclusion should cover!

Like the INTRO method, the 5 C’s conclusion method should have one sentence for each point to create a 5 sentence conclusion paragraph.

The 5 C’s conclusion method is:

Close the loop: Return to a statement you made in the introduction.
Conclude: Show what your final position is.
Clarify: Clarify how your final position is relevant to the Essay Question.
Concern: Explain who should be concerned by your findings.
Consequences: End by noting in one final, engaging sentence why this topic is of such importance. The ‘concern’ and ‘consequences’ sentences can be combined

4.9 Concluding Argument Example Paragraph

Here’s a possible concluding argument for our essay question: Write an Evaluation Essay on Facebook’s Impact on Society .

“The introduction of this essay highlighted that Facebook has had a profound impact on society. This evaluation essay has shown that this impact has been both positive and negative. Thus, it is too soon to say whether Facebook has been an overall positive or negative for society. However, people should pay close attention to this issue because it is possible that Facebook is contributing to the undermining of truth in media and positive interpersonal relationships.”

Note here that I’ve followed the 5 C’s conclusion method for my concluding evaluative argument paragraph.

5. Evaluation Essay Example Template

Below is a template you can use for your evaluation essay , based upon the advice I gave in Section 4:

Introduction	Use the to write an introduction. This introduction should clearly state what you are evaluating, the criteria that you will be using to evaluate it, and what will be.
Body Paragraph 1: Outline of the Subject	Before evaluating the subject or ‘thing’, make sure you use a paragraph or two to clearly explain what it is to the reader. This is your chance to show your depth of knowledge about the topic.
Body Paragraphs 2 – 5: Evaluate the Subject	Use the evaluation criteria you have decided upon to evaluate the subject. For each element of the criteria, write one paragraph looking at the pros and cons of the subject. You might want to use my to write your paragraphs.
Conclusion	Use my to write a 5-sentence conclusion. Make sure you show your final evaluative argument in the conclusion so your reader knows your final position on the issue.

6. 23+ Good Evaluation Essay Topics

Okay now that you know how to write an evaluation essay, let’s look at a few examples.

For each example I’m going to give you an evaluation essay title idea, plus a list of criteria you might want to use in your evaluation essay.

6.1 Evaluation of Impact

Evaluate the impact of global warming on the great barrier reef. Recommended evaluation criteria: Level of bleaching; Impact on tourism; Economic impact; Impact on lifestyles; Impact on sealife
Evaluate the impact of the Global Financial Crisis on poverty. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on jobs; Impact on childhood poverty; Impact on mental health rates; Impact on economic growth; Impact on the wealthy; Global impact
Evaluate the impact of having children on your lifestyle. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on spare time; Impact on finances; Impact on happiness; Impact on sense of wellbeing
Evaluate the impact of the internet on the world. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on connectedness; Impact on dating; Impact on business integration; Impact on globalization; Impact on media
Evaluate the impact of public transportation on cities. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on cost of living; Impact on congestion; Impact on quality of life; Impact on health; Impact on economy
Evaluate the impact of universal healthcare on quality of life. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on reducing disease rates; Impact on the poorest in society; Impact on life expectancy; Impact on happiness
Evaluate the impact of getting a college degree on a person’s life. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on debt levels; Impact on career prospects; Impact on life perspectives; Impact on relationships

6.2 Evaluation of a Scholarly Text or Theory

Evaluate a Textbook. Recommended evaluation criteria: clarity of explanations; relevance to a course; value for money; practical advice; depth and detail; breadth of information
Evaluate a Lecture Series, Podcast or Guest Lecture. Recommended evaluation criteria: clarity of speaker; engagement of attendees; appropriateness of content; value for monet
Evaluate a journal article. Recommended evaluation criteria: length; clarity; quality of methodology; quality of literature review ; relevance of findings for real life
Evaluate a Famous Scientists. Recommended evaluation criteria: contribution to scientific knowledge; impact on health and prosperity of humankind; controversies and disagreements with other scientists.
Evaluate a Theory. Recommended evaluation criteria: contribution to knowledge; reliability or accuracy; impact on the lives of ordinary people; controversies and contradictions with other theories.

6.3 Evaluation of Art and Literature

Evaluate a Novel. Recommended evaluation criteria: plot complexity; moral or social value of the message; character development; relevance to modern life
Evaluate a Play. Recommended evaluation criteria: plot complexity; quality of acting; moral or social value of the message; character development; relevance to modern life
Evaluate a Film. Recommended evaluation criteria: plot complexity; quality of acting; moral or social value of the message; character development; relevance to modern life
Evaluate an Artwork. Recommended evaluation criteria: impact on art theory; moral or social message; complexity or quality of composition

6.4 Evaluation of a Product or Service

Evaluate a Hotel or Bed and Breakfast. Recommended evaluation criteria: quality of service; flexibility of check-in and check-out times; cleanliness; location; value for money; wi-fi strength; noise levels at night; quality of meals; value for money
Evaluate a Restaurant. Recommended evaluation criteria: quality of service; menu choices; cleanliness; atmosphere; taste; value for money.
Evaluate a Car. Recommended evaluation criteria: fuel efficiency; value for money; build quality; likelihood to break down; comfort.
Evaluate a House. Recommended evaluation criteria: value for money; build quality; roominess; location; access to public transport; quality of neighbourhood
Evaluate a Doctor. Recommended evaluation criteria: Quality of service; knowledge; quality of equipment; reputation; value for money.
Evaluate a Course. Recommended evaluation criteria: value for money; practical advice; quality of teaching; quality of resources provided.

7. Concluding Advice

Evaluation essays are common in high school, college and university.

The trick for getting good marks in an evaluation essay is to show you have looked at both the pros and cons before making a final evaluation analysis statement.

You don’t want to look biased.

That’s why it’s a good idea to use an objective evaluation criteria, and to be generous in looking at both positives and negatives of your subject.

Read Also: 39 Better Ways to Write ‘In Conclusion’ in an Essay

I recommend you use the evaluation template provided in this post to write your evaluation essay. However, if your teacher has given you a template, of course use theirs instead! You always want to follow your teacher’s advice because they’re the person who will be marking your work.

Good luck with your evaluation essay!

Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

2 thoughts on “7 Steps for How to Write an Evaluation Essay (Example & Template)”

What an amazing article. I am returning to studying after several years and was struggling with how to present an evaluative essay. This article has simplified the process and provided me with the confidence to tackle my subject (theoretical approaches to development and management of teams).

I just wanted to ask whether the evaluation criteria has to be supported by evidence or can it just be a list of criteria that you think of yourself to objectively measure?

Many many thanks for writing this!

Usually we would want to see evidence, but ask your teacher for what they’re looking for as they may allow you, depending on the situation.

Essay Papers Writing Online

Ultimate guide on writing an effective evaluation essay – tips, examples, and guidelines.

Are you puzzled when it comes to writing an evaluation essay? In this guide, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to master the art of crafting a compelling appraisal composition. Whether you are new to this type of writing or just looking to refine your skills, this comprehensive manual will equip you with the necessary tools and techniques to excel. From understanding the purpose and structure of an evaluation essay to exploring various tips and examples, this guide has got you covered.

An evaluation essay is a piece of writing that aims to assess the value or quality of a particular subject or phenomenon. It involves analyzing a topic, presenting your judgment or opinion on it, and providing evidence or examples to support your claims. This type of essay requires critical thinking, research, and effective communication skills to present a well-balanced evaluation.

Throughout this guide, we will delve into the nitty-gritty of writing an evaluation essay. We will start by discussing the key elements that make up a successful evaluation essay, such as establishing clear criteria, conducting thorough research, and adopting a structured approach. Additionally, we will explore practical tips and strategies to help you gather relevant information, organize your thoughts, and present a persuasive argument. To illustrate these concepts, we will provide you with a range of examples covering various topics and subjects.

Tips for Writing a Top-Notch Evaluation Essay

When it comes to crafting a high-quality evaluation essay, there are several key tips to keep in mind. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your essay stands out and effectively evaluates the subject matter at hand.

1. Be objective and unbiased: A top-notch evaluation essay should approach the topic with an unbiased and objective perspective. Avoid personal bias or overly emotional language, and instead focus on presenting an honest and well-balanced evaluation of the subject.

2. Provide clear criteria: To effectively evaluate something, it’s important to establish clear criteria or standards by which to assess it. Clearly define the criteria you will be using and explain why these specific factors are essential in evaluating the subject. This will help provide structure to your essay and ensure that your evaluation is thorough and comprehensive.

3. Support your evaluation with evidence: In order to make a convincing argument, it’s crucial to support your evaluation with solid evidence. This can include examples, statistics, expert opinions, or any other relevant information that strengthens your claims. By providing strong evidence, you can enhance the credibility of your evaluation and make it more persuasive.

4. Consider multiple perspectives: A well-rounded evaluation takes into account multiple perspectives on the subject matter. Acknowledge and address counterarguments or differing opinions, and provide thoughtful analysis and reasoning for your stance. This demonstrates critical thinking and a comprehensive evaluation of the topic.

5. Use clear and concise language: Clarity is vital in an evaluation essay. Use clear and concise language to express your thoughts and ideas, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complex vocabulary. Your essay should be accessible to a wide audience and easy to understand, allowing your evaluation to be conveyed effectively.

6. Revise and edit: Don’t neglect the importance of revising and editing your essay. Take the time to review your work and ensure that your evaluation is well-structured, coherent, and error-free. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as these details can greatly impact the overall quality of your essay.

7. Conclude with a strong summary: For a top-notch evaluation essay, it’s important to conclude with a strong and concise summary of your evaluation. Restate your main points and findings, providing a clear and memorable conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

By following these tips, you can enhance your writing skills and create a top-notch evaluation essay that effectively assesses and evaluates the subject matter at hand.

Choose a Relevant and Engaging Topic

When it comes to writing an evaluation essay, one of the most important aspects is selecting a topic that is both relevant and engaging. The topic you choose will determine the focus of your essay and greatly impact the overall quality of your writing. It is crucial to choose a topic that not only interests you but also captivates your audience.

When selecting a topic, consider the subject matter that you are knowledgeable or passionate about. This will enable you to provide a well-informed evaluation and maintain your readers’ interest throughout your essay. Additionally, choose a topic that is relevant in today’s society or has a direct impact on your target audience. This will ensure that your evaluation essay has a practical and meaningful purpose.

Furthermore, it is essential to select a topic that is controversial or debatable. This will allow you to present different perspectives and arguments to support your evaluation. By choosing a topic that sparks discussions and debates, you can engage your readers and encourage them to think critically about the subject matter.

In conclusion, choosing a relevant and engaging topic is crucial for writing an effective evaluation essay. By selecting a topic that interests you, appeals to your readers, and is relevant to society, you can ensure that your essay is engaging and impactful. Remember to choose a topic that is controversial or debatable to provide a comprehensive evaluation and encourage critical thinking among your audience.

Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

Crafting an impactful thesis statement is an essential aspect of writing an evaluation essay. The thesis statement serves as the main argument or claim that you will be supporting throughout your essay. It encapsulates the central idea and sets the tone for the rest of the paper.

When developing your thesis statement, it is crucial to be clear, concise, and specific. It should provide a clear indication of your stance on the subject matter being evaluated while also highlighting the main criteria and evidence that will be discussed in the body paragraphs. A strong thesis statement should be thought-provoking and hook the reader’s attention, compelling them to continue reading.

To build a strong thesis statement, you need to engage in a careful analysis of the topic or subject being evaluated. Consider the various aspects that you will be assessing and select the most significant ones to include in your argument. Your thesis statement should be focused and arguable, allowing for a clear position on the matter.

Additionally, it is crucial to avoid vague or general statements in your thesis. Instead, aim for specificity and clarity. By clearly stating your evaluation criteria, you provide a roadmap for the reader to understand what aspects you will be analyzing and what conclusions you intend to make.

Furthermore, a strong thesis statement should be supported by evidence and examples. You should be able to provide concrete support for your evaluation through relevant facts, statistics, or expert opinions. This strengthens the credibility and persuasiveness of your argument, making your thesis statement more compelling.

In summary, developing a strong thesis statement is a critical step in writing an evaluation essay. It sets the foundation for your argument, guiding your analysis and providing a clear direction for the reader. By being clear, concise, specific, and well-supported, your thesis statement helps you create a persuasive and impactful evaluation essay.

Provide Clear and Concise Criteria for Evaluation

One of the most important aspects of writing an evaluation essay is providing clear and concise criteria for evaluation. In order to effectively evaluate a subject or topic, it is essential to establish specific standards or benchmarks that will be used to assess its performance or quality.

When establishing criteria for evaluation, it is crucial to be thorough yet succinct. Clear criteria enable the reader to understand the basis upon which the evaluation is made, while concise criteria ensure that the evaluation remains focused and impactful.

There are several strategies you can employ to provide clear and concise criteria for evaluation. One approach is to define specific attributes or characteristics that are relevant to the subject being evaluated. For example, if you are evaluating a restaurant, you might establish criteria such as the quality of the food, the level of service, and the ambience of the establishment.

Another strategy is to utilize a scoring system or rating scale to assess the subject. This can help provide a more quantitative evaluation by assigning numerical values to different aspects of the subject. For instance, a movie review might use a rating scale of 1 to 5 to evaluate the acting, plot, and cinematography of the film.

In addition to defining specific attributes or using a scoring system, it is important to provide examples or evidence to support your evaluation. This can help make your criteria more concrete and relatable to the reader. For instance, if you are evaluating a car, you could provide examples of its fuel efficiency, handling performance, and safety features.

Clear Criteria	Concise Criteria
Define specific attributes	Utilize a scoring system
Provide examples or evidence	Ensure focus and impact

By providing clear and concise criteria for evaluation, you can effectively communicate your assessment to the reader and support your conclusions. This will help ensure that your evaluation essay is well-structured, informative, and persuasive.

Support Your Evaluation with Solid Evidence

When writing an evaluation essay, it is crucial to support your evaluations with solid evidence. Without proper evidence, your evaluation may appear weak and unsubstantiated. By providing strong evidence, you can convince your readers of the validity of your evaluation and make a compelling argument.

One effective way to support your evaluation is by using concrete examples. These examples can be specific instances or cases that illustrate the strengths or weaknesses of the subject being evaluated. By presenting real-life examples, you can provide tangible evidence and make your evaluation more persuasive.

Another way to support your evaluation is by referring to expert opinions or research studies. These external sources can add credibility to your evaluation and demonstrate that your assessment is based on sound knowledge and expertise. Citing respected experts or referencing reputable studies can enhance the validity of your evaluation and make it more convincing.

In addition to concrete examples and expert opinions, statistical data can also be a powerful tool for supporting your evaluation. Numbers and statistics can provide objective evidence and strengthen your evaluation by adding a quantitative dimension to your argument. By citing relevant statistics, you can add weight to your evaluations and demonstrate the magnitude of the subject’s strengths or weaknesses.

Furthermore, it is important to consider counterarguments and address them in your evaluation. By acknowledging opposing viewpoints and addressing them effectively, you can strengthen your own evaluation and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject. This approach shows that you have considered different perspectives and have arrived at a well-rounded evaluation.

In conclusion, supporting your evaluation with solid evidence is essential to writing a persuasive evaluation essay. By using concrete examples, expert opinions, statistical data, and addressing counterarguments, you can bolster the validity and strength of your evaluation. Remember to present your evidence clearly and logically, making your evaluation more compelling and convincing to your readers.

Use a Structured Format to Organize Your Essay

When writing an evaluation essay, it is important to use a structured format to organize your thoughts and arguments. This will help you present your ideas in a clear and logical manner, making it easier for your reader to follow along and understand your points. By using a structured format, you can ensure that your essay flows smoothly and effectively communicates your evaluation.

One effective way to structure your evaluation essay is to use a table format. This allows you to present your evaluation criteria and supporting evidence in a concise and organized manner. By using a table, you can easily compare and contrast different aspects of the subject being evaluated, making it easier for your reader to grasp the overall evaluation.

Aspect	Evaluation Criteria	Supporting Evidence
Plot	Engaging and well-developed storyline	Strong character development and unexpected plot twists
Acting	Convincing and compelling performances	Emotional depth and believable portrayal of characters
Visuals	Stunning cinematography and visually appealing scenes	Beautiful set designs and attention to detail

In addition to using a table format, you should also follow a logical structure within each section of your essay. Start with a clear introduction, where you introduce the subject you are evaluating and provide some background information. Then, present your evaluation criteria and explain why these criteria are important for assessing the subject. Next, provide specific examples and evidence to support your evaluation, using the table format as a guide. Finally, end your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes your evaluation and reinforces your main points.

By using a structured format, you can effectively organize your evaluation essay and present your ideas in a clear and concise manner. This will make your essay more engaging and persuasive, and help your reader understand and appreciate your evaluation.

How to master the art of writing expository essays and captivate your audience, convenient and reliable source to purchase college essays online, step-by-step guide to crafting a powerful literary analysis essay, unlock success with a comprehensive business research paper example guide, unlock your writing potential with writers college – transform your passion into profession, “unlocking the secrets of academic success – navigating the world of research papers in college”, master the art of sociological expression – elevate your writing skills in sociology.

Crafting Insightful Evaluation Essay: Tips and Techniques

Table of contents

1 Defining Evaluation Essays
2 Choose a Subject for Evaluation
3 Develop a Clear Thesis Statement
4 Gather Information and Evidence
5 Establish Evaluation Criteria
6 Organize Your Essay
7 Write the Introduction
8 Write the Body of The Essay
9 Present Evidence and Examples
10 Address Counterarguments
11 Write The Conclusion
12 Revise and Edit
13.1 Easy Evaluation Essay Topics
13.2 Evaluation Essay Topics on History
13.3 Evaluation Essay Topics on Government and Law
13.4 Evaluation Essay Topics on Technology
14 Final Words & Expert Thoughts

Many students are required to write an evaluation essay during their academic career. While this task is challenging, it provides an opportunity for deeper learning. We believe that every student should understand how to write an evaluation essay to succeed with their coursework.

We’ll start by demystifying what an evaluation essay is. We’ll outline its purpose in academic settings, highlighting how it differs from other essay types and why it’s a valuable tool for critical thinking and analysis.
We’ll provide insights on how to choose a subject that is both interesting and suitable for evaluation.
A well-organized essay is the key to success. In our article, we will break down the structure of an evaluation essay.

Examples for Clarity: Finally, we’ll provide examples of successful evaluation essays. These samples will illustrate the principles discussed and offer practical insights into what makes an effective evaluation essay.

Defining Evaluation Essays

Evaluation essays are a type of academic writing that provides value, quality, and effectiveness of a given topic. Every student must follow set criteria and provide evidence supporting their opinion.

Furthermore, an evaluation essay should always present facts and opinions in a clear and formal tone. Of course, any student can buy a custom essay , but every student should know how to plan and write one correctly for success. The first step is to choose a subject.

When it comes to choosing a subject for an evaluation paper, students have many options to choose from.

This includes:

Movies & television shows
Performance of sports teams
Restaurant review
Comparisons

Choose a Subject for Evaluation

If you’re looking for ideas, consider pulling inspiration from your experiences or interests. You can also get ideas from current events and media.

Moreover, once you begin brainstorming ideas, you should narrow your options to choose the best topic. Ideally, you should choose a subject that’s equally interesting and suitable for evaluation. Start by reviewing topic ideas related to your main area of study.

Compare different ideas that interest you. Start asking questions that your target audience would have on your subject. Narrow your choice to what you believe would be the most interesting to study and write about.

In addition, some examples that would make an interesting evaluation subject include:

Learning on campus vs online learning
Your evaluation of the most recent movie or television show you’ve watched
How social media affects modern relationships
Availability of athletic programs in your area
Comparison of restaurants or coffee shops in your area

Develop a Clear Thesis Statement

Every evaluation essay needs a thesis statement. In this statement, the writer will cover evaluation criteria and an overall judgment. It’s essential that the purpose of the evaluation is clearly stated.

First, be specific by keeping the thesis statement short and sweet. It doesn’t need to be a paragraph filled with real-life information. Instead, it should be a concise sentence encouraging the reader to continue reading. Here are some excellent examples of thesis statements:

“This cafe brews coffee beans provided by a local source, and they became popular for having the largest selection of latte flavors in the city.”
“The gore and effects in the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie may be outdated, but the tension and horror in the film still hold up for today’s audience.”
“Minecraft continues to be one of the best-selling video games because players enjoy the creative freedom they have in the open world and connecting with other players online.”

Gather Information and Evidence

An important step of evaluation essays is to gather information and evidence. You will want as much information and relevant examples as possible to support your essay.

In any case, experienced writers will provide as many sources as they can find to support their argument. This helps the writer establish credibility and also helps the reader discover where they can find more information on the topic.

So, you might be wondering what type of sources you can use for crafting an evaluation paper. Students may use any of the following sources to provide evidence for their evaluation:

Books: choose books that have been written by experts on the subject that you’re evaluating.
Online resources: students can find credible information online from reputable sources and government websites.
Magazines and newspapers — print media is an excellent source to use for current events and opinions.
Interviews: you can interview an expert in the field your essay is in. This includes in-person, over-the-phone, email, or live chat interviews.
Opinions from credible sources: these opinions can be accessed using any of the sources listed above.

Establish Evaluation Criteria

Every writer must follow set criteria to write an interesting and well-structured essay. As mentioned above, the thesis statement is significant. This is because it’s a clear and descriptive way to present the topic.

Finally, every good evaluation essay must include the following specific criteria:

Assertion of the writer’s overall judgment based on supporting evidence.
Responses to counterarguments that a reader could make on the evaluation. The writer should introduce a balanced argument so their judgment makes sense to readers.

Organize Your Essay

Another crucial aspect of evaluation criteria is to display a well-structured essay. Before writing an evaluation essay, you should always plan the organization.

The entire outline for the essay should remain focused. Once complete, the final evaluation paper should be organized, developed, and maintained a specific style. Every paper should include the following in a detailed evaluation essay outline:

Introduction: introduce your subject with a topic sentence that grabs readers’ attention and inspires them to keep reading.
Body: this will contain all of the key information that supports your evaluative argument and counterarguments.

Conclusion: this is where you can summarize the key points made throughout the evaluation essay and add any other relevant points.

Write the Introduction

The introduction is the first impression of your essay. Every paragraph of the essay should start with a topic sentence that introduces what the essay will be about. Always aim to write a topic sentence that’s engaging so the reader immediately establishes interest.

Basically, every student should aim to craft an attention-grabbing hook that sparks the reader’s interest. Here are a few good evaluation essay introduction example topic sentences for your evaluative essay:

One of the growing concerns of parents in recent years is the effects of social media on their teen’s mental health.
The quality of customer service a patron receives in restaurants and retail establishments is a crucial factor in their experience.
Older films get lost on the younger generation for outdated graphics and dialogue, but many of them address topics that are very relevant to today’s society.

Evidently, we understand that crafting a good introduction can be intimidating. The intro can make or break the reader’s interest. Some ways to make your introduction effective are by stating an exciting or unknown fact, asking a rhetorical question, or mentioning an interesting story about the subject.

Write the Body of The Essay

The body paragraphs of your evaluative essay hold the most weight. After all, this is where you will present your opinions and facts. All the information you provide in this section must be relevant to your topic.

Basically, it must be presented in a structured manner. The main body should always include proper sentence structure, have a readable flow, and include all information and examples necessary to support your final judgment. It’s also important to use language that will convey your point formally and professionally.

Present Evidence and Examples

Anyone can write an evaluated essay. If you want people to take your evaluation essay seriously, you must demonstrate evidence for every point. You can use example quotes from reputable sources or citations to reference where you found the information for your analysis.

Additionally, you must cite sources for evaluation criteria to avoid accusations of plagiarism. An excellent tip for writing essays is to create a body paragraph that’s a block quote.

By directly quoting the author (or source), you avoid any errors that could be mistaken for plagiarism. A direct quote can also give your evaluation more value in the middle of a body paragraph, and also be used to support the writer’s opinion.

Address Counterarguments

An evaluation essay is different from an argumentative essay . When you’re writing an evaluation essay, you will not be required to include counterarguments in the evaluative thesis of the essay. However, it is a good idea for students to acknowledge different perspectives or criticisms of their topic.

In any case, one of the best ways to approach a counterargument is to provide an example of a common critic. Then, explain why that perspective is or isn’t valid to the opinion the student covered in their essay.

Write The Conclusion

The conclusion is the final area of the evaluation essay, where students can summarize their analysis and provide additional facts supporting their judgment.

Every good evaluation argument essay will answer all the reader’s questions on the subject before they reach the final sentence. The best way to do this is to make the conclusion restate the main ideas by presenting the key takeaways and wrapping the concluding paragraph with a secure closure on the research subject.

Revise and Edit

Once you have completed the evaluative writing process, you must revise and edit it before submitting it. This is how you can ensure your paper is of good quality and your opinion is clearly stated and backed up.

But before you review your work, it’s always good to give yourself a break. If you review the paper immediately after writing it, your brain might not pick up on typos and mistakes. By giving yourself a break, you can return and proofread it in a clear frame of mind.

When you proofread the evaluation essay, there are a few aspects that are critical for revision. You should always review the sentence structure, spelling, grammar, and punctuation usage in your essay. You should also check to ensure you used appropriate font, and headers and the essay is double-spaced.

Good Evaluation Essay Topics List

These subjects will encourage college and high school students, as well as professional writers, to critically evaluate present culture. These themes not only teach students important critical thinking skills, but also demonstrate how students influence and contribute to general knowledge.

Race and Ethnicity in the United States
Hitler was influential, determined, and strategic
Importance of Sex Education
Brown v. Board: Lgal Changes in Respect to Segregation
Martin Luther King and the fight against racism in the US
Industrialization and imperialism
Starbucks Found in a Crisis
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
The Apparel Industry in the U.S.
France: New Gender Equality Obligations Established

Easy Evaluation Essay Topics

Here is a list of handpicked good literature topics that will ignite your curiosity and engage your critical thinking skills. These easy topics cover a wide range of subjects and are just a few clicks away from inspiring your next masterpiece.

How Do You Define Racism?
Homeschooling vs Public School
The Book is Composed of Two Sections
Edgar Allan Poe in Romantic Literature
Gerard Jones’ Biased Evaluation of Violence in Media
Self Evaluation and Supervision
Marriage in a World
Climate Change Training Course
The Importance of Evaluation in Counseling
Animal Welfare, Chickens: Factory or Field

Evaluation Essay Topics on History

There are several historical evaluation essay ideas to consider. They vary from major events that affected our global culture to examining the historical veracity of “saving private Ryan.” These topics will intrigue you and give plenty of writing possibilities:

John F. Kennedy’s Legacy
Barack Obama’s Inaugural Speech
Main Issues Of Border Wall
After Civil Rights: Racial Realism in the New American Workplace
Cold War in China, Cold War in Cuba, and Space Race
Progressing the Civil Rights Movement with Aristotle’s Artistic Appeals
China-Australia Free Trade Agreement
What was the Harlem Renaissance?
Aftershock: Beyond the Civil War Summary
Mark Antony’s Described Julius Caesar

Evaluation Essay Topics on Government and Law

These topics cover the key characteristics of how we interact with society and the law. They also explore government and law by examining political marketing strategies on how some particular laws affect social behavior.

Brown V. Board of Education and Civil Rights
Criminal Profiling
The Significance of the Gettysburg Address
Race Relations have Improved in America
Temporary Labor Migrants
The Electoral College and How Popular Vote Doesn’t Matter
Jeffersonian Democracy
Granada Hills Charter High School
Transgender Individuals in the Military
The Segregation of Schools in the United States

Evaluation Essay Topics on Technology

As we delve into technological evaluation essay topics, you can choose to examine the merits, drawbacks, and overall impact of technological advancements. From artificial intelligence to social media, we have a plethora of ideas to explore.

Social Media Marketing As A Way To Promote Business
Pros And Cons Of Virtual Reality Gaming.
Assessing Online Clothes Shop For Its Contribution To The Fashion Sector
Evaluation of the Process of Creating Computer-Generated Graphics In Contemporary Art.
Technology’s Role In Healthcare.
Cybersecurity Measures’ Effectiveness.
The Culture Wars in the Digital Age: Impact of Technology on Cultural Values.
Ai’s Role In Job Automation.
Impact Of Biometric Technology On Privacy.
How The Internet Changed Communication Patterns In Online Interactions.

Final Words & Expert Thoughts

This covers everything you need to know about writing an evaluation essay. The format we discussed today can help students create a detailed analysis of the subject they’re researching while providing an educated opinion. Following proper instructions for evaluation essay criteria can help you write a detailed paper that will impress your instructor (and yourself).

Additionally, if you’re not 100% sure how to start or finish your paper, look at an evaluation argument essay example online. Don’t copy the examples, but use them for inspiration to get your thoughts flowing.

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

How to Order

Evaluation Essay

Evaluation Essay - Definition, Examples, and Writing Tips

13 min read

What is an Evaluation Essay?

Let’s first understand the evaluation essay meaning, here is the standard definition:

An evaluation essay offers a value judgment or an opinion of something. It presents an overall view of a particular subject’s quality. Moreover, it provides a critical analysis and a complete evaluation of something.

What is the Purpose of an Evaluation Essay?

The main purpose of an evaluation essay is to present an opinion and evaluate a topic critically. This type of writing determines the condition, worth, or significance by careful appraisal and study.

This essay features the writer’s opinion, but when done correctly, it does not sound opinionated. Instead, it provides the facts and evidence to justify the opinions about the essay’s subject.

To write a good evaluation essay, you need to master critical evaluation and present the evaluation in an unbiased manner. You may also discuss both the pros and cons of the subject.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job

Evaluation Essay Structure

The four different ways to format and organize the evaluation essay are as follows.

1. Chronological Structure

It is a sequential organization that could be used for evaluating historical or current events. It tells how something works and assesses the effectiveness of a mechanism, procedure, or process.

2. Spatial Structure

The spatial organization structure is used for evaluating or describing art or architecture. Here, you will define one element of the artifact and spatially move to the next.

3. Compare and Contrast Structure

The compare and contrast structure is used to evaluate or review the culinary or music genre. Here the writer evaluates a subject by comprising and contrasting it with the known subject.

4. Point-by-Point Structure

The point-by-point structure is also used for culinary and music reviews. But, in this structure, you describe one element and then evaluate it, describe the second element and evaluate it, and so on.

After setting the criteria and collecting evidence for strengthening your judgment, you’ll start your evaluation essay. Let’s see what are the steps involved in starting an evaluation essay.

How to Start an Evaluation Essay?

When you start writing an evaluation essay, grabbing the reader’s attention is essential. For this, hook the reader from the beginning until the end to ensure that your essay’s opening follows an engaging tone.

Step 1. Choose an Interesting Topic

Deciding the topic and evaluation essay criteria is important. Make sure it's not just compelling and interesting, but also informative so that you can find enough material for a detailed evaluation.

Step 2. Set the Evaluation Essay Criteria

For an evaluation essay, you have to set the criteria for evaluation first. Criteria are the standards or measures by which someone assesses the quality or value of the subject.

Some key points to establish the criteria are:

Identifying relevant aspects that relate to the subject
Defining the criteria clearly so that it is specific and understandable for readers
Your criteria should be directly relevant to the nature of the subject
Always consider the audience’s expectations and standards while setting the criteria
Your thesis statement should always align with your evaluation criteria

Step 3. Collect Evidence for Your Judgment

The author’s judgment of the subject states whether the subject is good or bad. It is an overall assessment or the opinion supported by the evidence. The judgment corresponds to the benchmarks set by the author in the essay criteria.

The evidence is a combination of supporting data and facts. Using the evidence, the author demonstrates how well the subject meets the judgment. The evidence serves as the foundation of your evaluation.

Without providing strong and accurate evidence, you will not be able to convince the readers of your judgment.

Step 4. Decide the Essay Structure

After that, decide on the structure that you want to follow. It can be a chronological or point-by-point structure

Step 5. Craft the Essay Outline

When you create an essay outline , evaluate what should be added and removed. If you skip this step before writing, you may lose track of what to include in your essay while you write.

So, writing an outline for your evaluation essay is a critical step that eases your writing journey.

Here is a sample evaluation essay outline:

Step 6. Declare Your Thesis Statement

For an evaluation essay that keeps the reader hooked from the start, opt for a catchy thesis statement . The thesis should state the main point of the evaluation.

In the thesis statement, you should always express your stance on the subject clearly. In doing so, the readers will have a clear idea about the purpose and direction of your essay.

Now, understand how to write an evaluation essay by following the detailed procedure mentioned below.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

How to Write an Evaluation Essay?

Here is a step-by-step guide for you to write an evaluation essay.

Step 1. Write the Introduction

The introduction is the first impression your readers will have of you, so it's crucial to make a good one. It should capture attention and excite readers, drawing them into what you have to say about this topic.

The following are the elements that you should consider while writing the introduction:

Start with an interesting hook statement so that you can get the reader’s attention.
Provide background information about the topic for the reader to understand the subject
Establish the evaluation essay thesis statement. It sets out the overall purpose of the evaluation, so make sure it is apparent and to the point

Read this evaluation essay introduction example, and you’ll understand exactly what to pen down in yours:

Step 2. Draft the Body Section

The body of the essay consists of three paragraphs. Each paragraph holds different ideas related to one another and flows smoothly from start to finish, just like how a good story should be told.

Here are the important points that must be included in the body paragraphs.

Start with the topic sentence that presents your judgment about the topic
Present the supporting evidence to back up the topic sentence and your viewpoint.
Present a balanced evaluative argument to show impartiality
Compare and contrast the subject to another subject to show the strengths and weaknesses
Present the evaluation from multiple perspectives, while being both positive and critical
Always use transition words between your paragraphs to ensure a smooth and coherent flow for the reader.

Step 3. Write the Conclusion

It is the final chance to convince your reader to agree with your point of view. You’re supposed to summarize and conclude the essay. In the conclusion , you present your final evaluation of the essay.

Keep in mind the following aspects while writing a closing paragraph of an evaluation essay.

Summarize the points and evaluative arguments that you made in the body section.
Justify your thesis statement.
Provide a concrete and secure conclusion to your argument by ultimately leaving the reader convinced by your evaluation.

Step 4. Proofread, Revise, and Edit

The final step is proofreading and editing. Always spend enough time reading your essay carefully. It will help you catch the unintentional mistakes you have made and recover them. If needed, you can also revise your essay 2–3 times.

How to Format Your Evaluation Essay?

For formatting your evaluation essay, follow the standard academic writing guidelines. You can opt for different formatting styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago.

In general, you should stick to the below formatting guidelines:

Font and Size:

Use a legible font such as Times New Roman or Arial.
Choose a standard font size, often 12-point.
Set one-inch margins on all sides of the paper.
Double-space the entire essay, including the title, headings, and body paragraphs.
Create a title for your essay that reflects the subject and purpose of the evaluation.
Center the title on the page.
Use title case (capitalize the first letter of each major word).
Include a header with your last name and page number in the top right corner.
Follow the format “Last Name Page Number” (e.g., “Smith 1”).

Citations (if applicable):

Include citations for any sources used in your evaluation.
Follow the citation style specified by your instructor or the required style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago).

Counterargument (if included):

Clearly label and present any counterargument.
Provide a well-reasoned response to the counterargument.

References or Works Cited Page (if applicable):

Include a separate page for references or a works cited page if your essay includes citations.
List all sources in the appropriate citation style.

Well, the time has come to look at some great evaluation essay examples. Getting help from sample essays is always a great way to perfect your evaluation papers.

Evaluation Essay Examples

Evaluation can be written on any topic, i.e., book, movie, music, etc. Below, we have given some evaluation essay examples for students:

Evaluation Essay Sample PDF

Movie Evaluation Essay Example

Critical evaluation Essay Example PDF

Product Evaluation Essay PDF

Source Evaluation Essay Example PDF

Employee Self-Evaluation Essay Example

How to Start A Self-Evaluation Essay Example PDF

Evaluation Essay Topics For College Students

For writing an amazing evaluation essay, the first thing that you require is an essay topic. Here are some incredible topic ideas for college students. You can use or mold them according to your preference.

Artificial intelligence's impact on society: A double-edged sword?
Evaluate the online teaching and on-campus teaching styles
Analyze and evaluate the Real Madrid football team and their performance
Is media a threat to cultural cohesion or a source of enrichment?
Compare and evaluate recorded music and live performance
Evaluate how a university's football team impacts students' personalities
Critically evaluate a remake of an original movie you have watched recently
Analyze how the roles of females and males changed in recent romantic movies
Evaluate your favorite restaurant, its food, aroma, and everything
Critically evaluate gender disparities in college majors and career choices.

Evaluation Essay vs. Review

At first glance, an evaluation essay might look like a review. But, there are some notable differences between them. See this table to see how both pieces of writing differ from each other.


	Assess and judge based on criteria.	Inform and express personal opinions.
	Analysis, assessment, and judgment.	Personal opinions and subjective responses.
	Formal and objective.	Informal and subjective.
	Specific criteria for assessment.	May include personal preferences.
	Concrete evidence and examples.	Personal anecdotes and impressions.
	Structured with clear organization.	Can be more flexible.
	Persuade based on objective analysis.	Persuade through personal opinions.
	Summarize key points and overall judgment.	Summarize opinions and recommendations.
	May include academic sources.	Primarily reflects personal experiences.
	Varies based on subject complexity.	Varies, from short to longer, based on the platform.

To conclude,

After reading the step-by-step guide and examples, you must have learned the art of writing a good evaluation essay. We’re confident that you’re now able to provide a balanced and effective evaluation of the topics you choose for your essay.

But writing a perfect essay is not that simple; you require a lot of practice and experience to become a good writer. That's why you should trust us to ' do my essay ' as perfectly as possible!

MyPerfectWords.com is a writing service that offers help for all academic writing assignments. We have a team of professional writers who are experts in writing all types of essays and evaluation papers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are the four components of an evaluation essay.

The four components of an evaluation essay are:

Introduction
Background information

2. What are the 4 types of evaluation?

The four types of evaluation are:

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Essay Guides
Main Academic Essays
Evaluation Essay: Writing Guide, Outline & Free Samples
Speech Topics
Basics of Essay Writing
Essay Topics
Other Essays
Research Paper Topics
Basics of Research Paper Writing
Miscellaneous
Chicago/ Turabian
Data & Statistics
Methodology
Admission Writing Tips
Admission Advice
Other Guides
Student Life
Studying Tips
Understanding Plagiarism
Academic Writing Tips
Basics of Dissertation & Thesis Writing

Research Paper Guides
Formatting Guides
Basics of Research Process
Admission Guides
Dissertation & Thesis Guides

Evaluation Essay: Writing Guide, Outline & Free Samples

Table of contents

Use our free Readability checker

Are you wondering how to write an evaluation essay? We are here to inspire and let you know all the essential steps to get started. This blog post will describe what is an evaluative essay, including its purpose and elements. In addition, you will be enlightened on how to actually write evaluations - all the necessary factors and steps will be elaborated on. These steps are: deciding what to appraise, what criteria to apply, and how to develop arguments and outlines. Toward the end, you will be provided with evaluation essay samples that will enable you to put theoretical guidelines into practice. Strictly follow this blog post from our essay writer services to the end.

What Is an Evaluation Essay: Definition

The starting point of being well-versed in this from of writing is understanding its definition and purpose, as it will lay a good foundation for further work. Evaluation essay is a paper that offers evidence that helps to justify writer's opinion on different subjects by providing enough facts to convince readers. Such type of writing requires critical thinking skills when analyzing, synthesizing, and assessing given topics to avoid misleading your audience. The main purpose of this type of paper is to provide objective criticism oт various subjects and make conclusions about them. As a result, the latter helps readers to take a stance about a topic. In addition, there is an exhaustive review of fundamental characteristics, styles, and quality of subjects under discussion. The value of a particular topic is obtained through supportive and factual evidence provided. Finally, this paper helps present well-reasoned and informed judgment on particular standards, hence clearing concerning issues about a given subject.

Things You Can Write an Evaluation About

Preparing evaluative essay is a broad topic, and you need to be well-organized, or else the text will quickly lose meaning and purpose. There are various abstract categories and exact things that you can assess in writing. When you write evaluations, ensure you deeply understand your topic of discussion. Reading through an evaluation example will help you know what to do. Some evaluation essay topics and objects suitable for assessment include:

Experience: gaming, traveling, and shopping.
Music: its content, the impact, instruments played, and comparison to other works by artists.
Furniture: chair, desk, stool, table, etc.
Fruits: guava, mangoes, oranges, pineapples.
Trees: oak, teak, pine.
Sports: volleyball, table tennis, golf.
Clothes: casual wear, sportswear, formalwear.
Class: methods of teaching , challenges, type of assessments, etc.
Social trend: origin, overall influence, and objectives.
Courses: journalism, mathematics, business, and history.

Elements of an Evaluation Essay

Understanding all components of evaluation papers - three in total - is important during writing. They include:

Criteria In order to determine aspects you will assess about certain brands, services, or products, a proper set of standards is required. Standard helps in demonstrating expectations. During evaluative writing, it is essential to think about some good samples of similar brands, services, or products. Also, contemplate on related significant features. For instance, a house can be well-ventilated, secure, and clean, which are quite helpful benchmarks.
Judgment A second element in essay evaluation is judgment. This aspect helps to establish if stated standards were met. Considering the previous example of a house discussed under this criteria, you may first assess if the house is secure or not. Find out if the house meets, exceeds, or falls short of your anticipated security standards, then move on to other criteria.
Evidence This component focuses on providing facts supporting the judgment. For instance, in the house example, if you conclude that security level does not meet the expected standards, provide evidence to prove this judgment. When you structure an evaluation essay, ensure each paragraph discusses a different criterion. It helps you to make judgments and provide evidence under each paragraph.

What to Consider Before Writing an Evaluation

There are two factors to put into consideration before writing evaluations. One of them is ensuring that evaluation argument remains objective. Objectivity is achieved by not including personal opinions in disputes. Besides, one remains objective by supporting claims with relevant facts. Also, included references need to fully support your stand. You should know that a discourse must be balanced and fair. Secondly, deciding on evaluative standards is another important factor to consider. You need to have a deeper understanding of subjects before deciding on measures to use during this analysis. Chosen standards must adequately and appropriately represent particular subjects' features, qualities, and values. Besides, when deciding on evaluation essay criteria, ensure that you focus on defending your stated thesis. In addition, have enough evidence and details to support the chosen criterion. Finally, appropriately organize your facts and make sure you have imperative and unbiased information concerning your subjects of discussion.

Evaluation Essay Outline

A clear outline provides a map of organizing ideas when you write evaluation essay. An evaluation essay outline covers at least five structured paragraphs. The first is an introductory paragraph followed by three or more body paragraphs, and finally, an essay conclusion . Below is an evaluation paper outline example under the topic of practicing vaping.

Introduction

An introduction presents subjects, hooks readers, and elaborates on topic of evaluation.
The last part of your introduction is a thesis statement, which asserts arguments, determines focus, and helps understand essays’ gist.
The body must contain a minimum three paragraphs.
Each body paragraph needs to have a criterion followed by judgment.
Support judgments with relevant evidence.
When concluding, summarize main points.
Give some food for thought.

Here’s how your evaluation essay outline look:

Introductory paragraph

Do you know that vaping is a better alternative to smoking? How is it rated?
Some notable issues with vaping include its safety, cost, and utility.
This essay discusses vaping while focusing on safety issues, incurred costs, and utility to prove how it is preferred compared to traditional smoking.

Body part

Safety: According to the British government, vaping is 95% safer when compared to cigarette smoking. Vaping is less harmful. No second-hand smoke is produced during vaping, hence the best smoking alternative.
Cost: Vaping is cheaper when compared to smoking. The price for a vape pen is almost $20. Coils and E-juice are inexpensive, unlike a cigarette carton, and can last twice longer.
Utility: From environmental health, vaping has high utility. Many places have banned cigarette smoking; thus, vaping is the best alternative. Indoors and outdoor vaping is allowed, unlike cigarette smoking, which is banned indoors.

Concluding paragraph

Vaping offers the best smoking alternative. It is of high quality, and people need to embrace it. Also, it is less costly, practical, and safer.

How to Start an Evaluation Essay

There are various steps that one can follow when writing an evaluation essay. These steps include:

Choosing a topic A topic provides credibility for opinions and gives room for a thorough analysis of essential issues. Always start an evaluation essay by choosing an appropriate subject. You must be familiar with and have in-depth knowledge of a chosen theme to avoid misleading and losing readers. Ensure it is well-engaging for both the readers and you.
Thesis statement development Coming up with a thesis statement is the second step, actual writing starts here. Thesis statements define main purposes of evaluative essays. Besides, they offer directions for distinguishing criteria from the examples provided. Use only relevant information when writing thesis statements.
Criteria determination A third step to consider when preparing evaluation is thinking about criteria. Assess if evaluating a chosen topic is difficult or easy. In case of problematic topics, subdivide them into various points to make it easier.
Conduct research and obtain supportive evidence You need to support your opinion with logical and physical facts, or else it will remain invalid. Your readers must make sense of your proof and have opportunities to use those facts to make their assumptions. After this step, you can start composing your essay.

How to Write an Evaluation Essay

Several steps exist that one can follow during evaluative writing. The first step in how to write an evaluation is to decide on a particular subject you wish to assess, followed by coming up with criteria you will use. Besides, develop solid arguments backed up with evidence. Also, create an outline, and start writing. Once you complete your writing, proofread your work. The steps below describe the chronological order of writing your essay.

1. Decide on What You Want to Evaluate

The first step when writing this essay is deciding on a topic you will assess. During writing to evaluate, choose a subject you understand better so that you have enough facts to support or oppose it. The chosen issue needs to be engaging to your readers, otherwise yo may lose your audience. Besides, when selecting a theme, ensure it is interesting in general to avoid boredom. Also, a chosen subject needs to be relevant to keep the readers informed about current trends and new developments. The majority of your audience must be aware of the concept. Always ensure that chosen topics are specific and not generic.

2. Find Criteria for Evaluation Essay

Once you discuss a subject, you must come up with criteria for essay evaluation. At this point, turn your opinions into assessments to help you define a chosen subject. You may use different ways to find criteria on how to do an evaluation paper. For instance, you can focus on a chosen characteristics of a topic to help you develop standards. Besides, you might assess the relevance of that topic and decide whether it is good or bad for your readers. Also, focusing on the impacts of subjects helps find standards when evaluating. Researching positive or negative impacts of the topic helps in mastering what and how to evaluate in an essay. Also, you may find criteria by focusing on the effectiveness of that subject, whether it is successful or not. Apart from that, one may focus on the morals or aesthetic standards of a particular subject to develop measures to discuss.

3. Come Up With an Evaluation Argument

Reader understands your decision by following the argument. Evaluative arguments refer to claims concerning the quality of particular subjects being assessed. This argument will always rate subjects as either negative or positive. With this rating, one can think of subjects as harmful or helpful, bad or good. An argument in evaluation essay defines and supports criteria. A judgment always elaborates and explains reasons for choosing particular standards despite controversy. Evaluation argument essay assesses subjects depending on chosen measures. Considered factors include practicability, aesthetics, and ethics. Make sure to determine which standards will convince your audience. Effective development of arguments starts by creating an evaluative thesis statement: take position, develop criteria, and find out if topic meets standards. For instance, when evaluating meal’s quality, you may say:

Meal’s strength depended on its presentation, it was enticing, and its outlook was appropriate.

Another example could be:

Meal’s weakness was in overcooking, as its flavor became less pronounced.

Additionally, another example of a subject could be practicing vaping. In such case, an evaluation argument example will be:

Vaping is safe, inexpensive, and highly practical when compared to cigarette smoking, and due to these reasons, it is a recommendable practice for traditional smokers who wish to break old habits.

4. Create an Evaluative Essay Outline

After choosing a discussion topic, one can create an outline for essay . Outlines start with the development of thesis statements, followed by a list of main ideas and a conclusion. For this essay type, outlines require a minimum of five paragraphs. The first paragraph of the evaluation in writing is introduction that ends with a thesis statement. An introduction is followed by at least three body paragraphs and a conclusion. Outlines are important as they form a basis for thoughtfully constructing ideas. Also, they help in organizing your points sequentially for them to remain orderly. In addition, they are useful in picking relevant information, providing steady foundation when starting to write. Thus, it is worth noting that outlines form a crucial part of these essays, and they give a sketch of writing.

5. Write an Evaluation Paper

When you write evaluative papers, ensure you follow everything stated in your outline. The sections discussed below will help you understand how to write evaluation:

Introduction When writing your introductory paragraph, ensure it engages you and your readers. Introduce subjects by capturing the reader’s attention. Elaborate on selected subjects, their influence, and reasons for assessing those topics. Be clear with chosen criteria you will be discussing. Generally, when writing your introductory paragraph, provide your entire subject overview.
Thesis statement The last sentence of an introduction is a thesis statement. It tells your readers what they should expect from evaluation essay and its purpose. Include evaluative arguments that rate subjects either positive or negative with supportive facts. A good evaluation thesis example must include all the stated parts.
Body A body is commonly the lengthiest part in this type of writing. You must develop a minimum of three body paragraphs in your evaluation paper. When writing body paragraphs, always use transition words while moving from a thesis statement to the first reason and other successive reasons. During evaluate writing, all body paragraphs must start with topic sentences, which inform your reader about your opinion. After stating topic sentences, write your criteria. A criterion will elaborate on the standards of a topic you are discussing. When you are done with it, provide judgments. Judgments must elaborate whether the standards of subjects were met or not. Thereafter, provide evidence supporting your argument. Following that, mention any objections about your judgment, then finalize by refuting those claims. Repeat all these steps for each body paragraph. Ensure you remain relevant in all the paragraphs to avoid losing your readers.
Conclusion A conclusion is the final evaluation paragraph. When concluding, start by restating your thesis statement and follow by summarizing and reflecting on major points.

6. Proofread Your Evaluation Essay

When you complete your evaluation writing, the last step is proofreading and revising your work. Reading through your work helps improve your paper's quality and remove mistakes. Besides, it enables you to locate and correct inconsistencies in your text. Also, when you edit your work, you ensure that the ideas of your paper are well-defined. Revising your work helps in assessing if the content was appropriately conveyed. Also, it guarantees that sentences are grammatically appropriate by correcting typing and spelling errors to avoid readers’ confusion. Finally, you should read through your work critically and develop better ways of improving clarity, good structure of sentences, and entire effectiveness.

Evaluative Essay Structure

There are various examples of evaluation essays format. These formats include:

Chronological structure It is used when describing events based on how they happened in an orderly manner, starting from the earliest to the last, like when evaluating current or historical events. Chronological essay structures are more descriptive because they are detailed.
Spatial structure In contrast to previous type, this one is used when presenting details of particular subjects depending on their location in space. A spatial essay form is used when describing an item like architecture or art depending on how they appear when observed. Something else that people need to understand is that it is easy to remember a spatial essay structure because physical location is used when describing subjects.
Compare and contrast structure Compare structure is used when exploring existing similarities between subjects, while contrast structure exists for discussing differences between items. Mostly, subjects discussed in compare and contrast papers fall under the same category; however, there may exist exceptions to this rule.
Point-by-point format structure This is a subtype of compare and contrast essay that provides a general view of individual items being analyzed. This essay type compares a set of subjects because paragraph arrangement depends on main points and not by topic. Each paragraph discusses the main point and include subjects as they relate to each main point.

Evaluation Essay Example

There are millions of evaluative essays samples posted online. These examples offer impressive descriptions of evaluative essays with all the key steps to follow and will help you polish your skills when writing this paper. However, not all of the examples posted online are reliable. Therefore, the only preferred evaluation essay sample that students can use must come from peer-reviewed sources. Essay types from scholarly sites are written by reputable authors who meet all required standards; moreover, you can easily find an excellent book on this subject with appropriate examples. Attached are evaluation essays samples from credible writers.

Tips on How to Write Evaluation Essay

For one to write perfect essays, there are some helpful tips you may follow. Following these points will help you produce impressive evaluation and your readers will enjoy. Some of those tips when writing an evaluation essay include:

Carefully read certain materials while making notes and analyzing content.
Read through each paragraph before transitioning to another section.
Avoid leaving out negative aspects, but try to discuss both pros and cons of your subjects.
When reading other’s evaluative essay, analyze each paragraph and notice the authors’ mistakes: is information helpful? what can you do better?
Avoid adding minor details with insufficient supportive evidence, as they will mislead you and your readers.
Express your thoughts concisely and clearly as you peruse the written evaluation examples.
Ensure that your evaluation essay thesis is anchored to your judgment.
Write your paper with precision and attention to details while avoiding wordiness and providing enough useful information as you keenly follow the guide.
Enable your readers to feel and agree with your assessment.

Bottom Line on Writing Evaluation Essays

Understanding the text’s definition and purpose is your first step toward knowing how to write a good evaluation. Thereafter, list categories and respective things you will assess during your writing. Master the three elements of an evaluative essay and use them effectively. Your argument must be objective and help clearly decide on what criteria to use. Besides, you need to understand all sections of an outline, how to start evaluative essay, and then, follow essential steps. In addition, get acquainted with the four types of essay structure. Remember that you always can increase your experience by reading some good evaluative writing examples. Keep all these tips in mind to ensure you write a proper essay.

Contact Studycrumb and order essays online from professional writers. From topic research to writing and formatting, our experts can do everything from A to Z.

FAQ About Evaluation Papers

1. what are the four components of an evaluation essay.

Introduction is the first component of evaluation essay that hooks readers, introduces the subject, and contains thesis statement.
Background information is the second component; it clarifies to readers your evaluation topic.
Criteria is the third component, which entails standards for evaluating subjects.
Conclusion is the fourth component; it restates your thesis statements and summarizes main points.

2. What to write in an evaluation essay?

There are numerous things that one can consider during essay evaluations. Evaluation writing examples and their respective criteria include:

Movies: A plot, relationship among actors, and scenes.
Restaurants: Quality of food, price, and cleanliness.
Websites: Type of content, its design, and ease of navigating.
House: Overall quality, accessibility, and cost.
Business: Market share, its strengths and weaknesses.
Social trend: Origin, overall influence, and objectives.
Leader: Overall achievements, style of leadership, integrity.
University: Offered programs, number of graduates per year, online or in-person, reputation.
Class: Methods of teaching, challenges, type of assessments.
Job: Nature of work, working hours, bosses, salary, demand.
Advertisement: Media used when advertising, effectiveness, level of convincing, level of engagement.
Speech: Type of audience, main purpose, compelling.

3. What is the difference between an evaluation and review?

Despite similarities existing between an evaluation essay and a review, the two differ. An evaluative essay focuses on deeper research and analysis of certain subjects, while a review provides a general outlook of particular subjects. Evaluative essays must have criteria that judge specific subjects, and reviews do not need criteria. In addition, under certain conditions, it is mandatory to cite sources used in writing evaluative essays, while reviews do not require references.

4. What is a good evaluative thesis example?

A good evaluative thesis must inform readers what to expect and its impact and determine an essay’s focus. Also, a strong thesis must state evaluative arguments. Here is a proper evaluation essay thesis example: Vaping is highly practical, inexpensive, and safe compared to cigarette smoking, and following these reasons, it is a recommendable practice for traditional smokers wishing to leave old habits.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

Writing Guides

Essay Title Generator
Essay Topic Generator
Essay Outline Generator
Flashcard Generator
Plagiarism Checker
Paraphrasing Tool
Conclusion Generator
Thesis Statement Generator
Introduction Generator
Literature Review Generator
Hypothesis Generator
Human Editing Service
Essay Hook Generator

Writing Guides / How to Write an Evaluation Essay

How to Write an Evaluation Essay

The evaluation essay is one of the more common types of advanced academic writing. While a basic research paper or essay asks a student to gather and present information, the evaluation essay goes a step further by asking students to draw conclusions from the information they have researched and present an informed opinion on a subject.

The role of opinion in the evaluation essay can be confusing to some students. While it is important for the writer to have an opinion in an evaluation essay, it is critical that the writer provide substantial supporting evidence for that opinion. In addition, it is important that the opinion or point-of-view expressed in the essay be a substantive one, which can be supported with evidence.

View 120,000+ High Quality Essay Examples

Learn-by-example to improve your academic writing

What is an Evaluation Essay?

An evaluation essay is an essay where the writer presents an opinion or viewpoint on a topic and then provides a well-reasoned argument and plenty of supporting evidence to back up that opinion.

You are probably more familiar with the evaluation essay than you realize, because you have encountered the format outside of the academic world. Reviews are a type of evaluation essay. Whether it is a published review for a book or movie, or even a review for a business or product on websites like Amazon or Yelp!, well-written reviews contain the elements of an evaluation essay.

Purpose of an Evaluation Essay

The purpose of an evaluation essay is to present an opinion or viewpoint on a subject. The subject can be a specific topic or a broader topic. In fact, for evaluation essays, the topic is often a collection of work.

Goals for an Evaluation Essay

1. State a clear position on the topic.

2. Create clearly defined criteria.

3. Evaluate the subject by said criteria.

4. Demonstrate subject-area knowledge.

5. Use evidence to support the position you have taken.

6. Show an awareness of your audience.

7. Build a persuasive argument.

8. Use correct grammar.

There is no single approach to writing an evaluation essay. In fact, the writer has a large amount of freedom to choose the approach that he or she thinks is best-suited for the topic being discussed. The writer can choose what tone to take, the format of the essay, and the type of supporting evidence to provide.

While this freedom can be great for some students, other students find it crippling because of the lack of an easy-to-adapt format. In this tutorial, we are going to provide an easy-to-use format that a student can utilize to write evaluation essays. It is important for students to realize that this format does not represent the only approach to evaluation essays, and may not even be the best approach to writing your evaluation essay, depending on your subject and your tone. However, we have found it to be the easiest format for students to use and adapt to a wide variety of topics and approaches.

The Steps to Writing an Evaluation Essay

Writing an evaluation essay can be broken down into a series of easy-to-follow steps:

1. Choose your topic.

2. Choose the criteria for judging or evaluating your topic.

3. Compare your topic to other topics in that group.

4. Develop your thesis.

5. Write your introduction.

6. Provide your supporting evidence.

7. Write your conclusion.

Choose Your Topic

Choosing your topic may be the most important part of your evaluation essay. You want a topic that you can easily compare to other similar topics. The more information you have about your topic, the better your essay will be.

Because evaluation essays are not intended to be neutral, you will write a better essay if you have a strong opinion about the topic. Whether you love it or hate it, strong feelings will help you write a better essay. If you are weighing your choice against other options, make sure you have the evidence to clearly support your judgment!

In addition, if your evaluation essay is a book, movie, or restaurant review, you want to choose something where your experience is recent. An experience that seemed amazing years ago might not have the same appeal to you, now, and you want to be able to write an evaluation essay from your current perspective.

You also want to choose a topic where you have other experience in the general area. If you have only been to one five-star restaurant, it will be impossible for you to compare that restaurant to comparable things. Likewise, if you have only seen one horror movie, traveled to one foreign country, etc. Your essay will be much easier for you to write if you are familiar with your specific topic and with other things in the same basic genre.

Formatting Your Evaluation Argument Essay

If you have read some of our other essay tutorials, then it will come as no surprise that we are going to recommend you use the five-paragraph essay format for your evaluation argument essay. Why are we so in love with this basic academic essay format? Because it works and it is easily adaptable to a wide-variety of writing approaches.

The format for a five-paragraph essay is simple. First is an introductory paragraph that: 1) introduces your topic; 2) introduces the reasoning you will use in your body paragraphs; and 3) provides your thesis statement . Next are three body paragraphs, each supporting a reasoning statement you used in your introduction. Finally, the five paragraph essay concludes with a conclusion that restates the information in your introductory paragraph.

Now, while we call this the five-paragraph format, it is important for you to realize that you are not limited to five paragraphs. The format works for four or more paragraphs. Just keep in mind that the more body paragraphs you add, the greater the support for your idea, and the longer the essay.

You may be wondering if you can choose a different format for your evaluation essay. Of course you can. One of the great things about an evaluation essay is that the writer has a substantial amount of freedom in how to approach the topic. However, we encourage you to think carefully about your format. The great thing about the five-paragraph approach is that it provides your reader with an outline of what your paper is going to say, and helps the writer provide clear and concise support for his or her positions. When you deviate from that approach, it can be easy to create a rambling essay that does not provide the type of clear support for your thesis that is necessary for a strong academic essay.

Sources and Citations

If there is one way that the evaluation essay differs from other types of academic essays, it is probably the use of sources. You may or may not need to use a variety of academically reputable sources for your essay, depending on the type of evaluation essay you are writing.

If you are writing an essay comparing a work of art of some type, whether it is a book, poem, essay, movie, painting, sculpture, etc., to other works of art in the same genre, then you are going to need to use other sources and citations in your essay. For example, if you want to make the statement that Michelangelo’s David is the best example of Renaissance sculpture, then you are going to need to compare it to other Renaissance sculptures. You may also need sources that explain why the type of stone is superior to other sculpting materials or explaining trademark elements or Renaissance sculpture.

However, you may be evaluating something like a restaurant and using your personal experiences to compare it to other similar restaurants. Under those circumstances, you will be using your personal observations, not information from source material, to make your comparisons. You may not need to use other sources, but you will want to use objective criteria to help establish your comparisons.

In our example essay, we use an evaluation that draws upon personal experience, and, therefore, does not require the use of sources. You can look at the example essay to see how you can use personal experience and still provide objective reasons to support your conclusions.

[related essays]

Evaluation Essay Topics

A wide variety of topics lend themselves easily to the evaluation essay format. One thing that these topics have in common is that they allow the writer to be subjective about the topic, because having an opinion is at the heart of the evaluation essay.

There are two ways to approach an evaluation essay. The first one is highlighted in our example, and shows why something is better or worse than comparable things. Topics for those type of evaluation essay include:

1. Evaluate which is the best fast-food restaurant chain and why it is better than the competition.

2. Evaluate whether Apple products or Microsoft products are superior.

3. Analyze a movie and describe why it is better or worse than other movies in that genre.

4. Evaluate a social media site and compare it to other social media sites.

5. Which national chain restaurant serves the best French fries, and why are they superior to other restaurants’ fries?

6. Examine long-term success in weight loss and analyze whether gastric surgeries provide better long-term results than diet and exercise alone.

7. Analyze whether dogs or cats make better pets for students.

8. Compare a cover version of a song with the original version and evaluate whether the cover is better than, worse than, or the same as the original version.

9. Compare two actors who have depicted Batman and analyze which one you feel does the best job of capturing Batman as described in the comic books.

10. Compare the depictions of Wonder Woman in the TV series and in the recent Wonder Woman movie.

As your courses get more complex, your evaluation essays will be more complex. Instead of simply drawing comparisons between your topic and other topics, you may be asked to establish criteria and use those criteria to analyze or evaluate your topic.

11. Analyze how Shakespeare’s use of women in his tragedies does or does not reflect traditional Elizabethan ideas about womanhood.

12. Choose a work of historical fiction such as Philippa Gregory’s The White Queen , and analyze whether the author’s guesses about events are likely to reflect what actually happened.

13. Examine the role of adult-humor in the children’s movie Shrek and explain how this humor helps or hinders the movie’s overall appeal.

14. Analyze the sexual relationship between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in 50 Shades of Grey and examine how the relationship does and does not differs from a domestic violence situation.

15. Read several “new adult” fantasies and analyze the role that wealth plays in modern romantic fantasy.

16. Watch the first season of the series This is Us and describe how the series does or does not capture the reality of modern romantic relationships.

17. Describe how the TV series The Walking Dead examines everyday human fears within the context of a zombie apocalypse.

18. Analyze how the use of zombies in popular culture, such as books and movies, reflects changes in the political spectrum; do zombies become more popular as a culture grows more conservative?

19. Choose a father from a modern situation comedy and explain why he is the best example of modern fatherhood.

20. Evaluate the use of humor in noir-style detective fiction.

21. Select a superhero movie and analyze how the superhero depicted in the movie does or does not exemplify the superhero genre.

22. Select a villain from a superhero movie. Analyze the villain’s motives and evaluate whether you believe the villain is evil.

23. Analyze the Harry Potter series and evaluate whether Severus Snape is a hero or a villain, taken within the context of his behavior throughout the series.

24. Evaluate different teaching approaches and determine which one is the best approach for large groups of students.

25. Analyze how the needs of students on the Autism spectrum differ from the needs of the average student.

Evaluation Essay Outline

Writing an outline can be an important pre-writing tool to help you organize your thoughts and eliminate material that does not directly support your thesis statement.

The basic outline format, based on a five-paragraph structure is:

I. Introduction

A. Support A

B. Support B

C. Support C

D. Thesis statement

II. Support A

A. Evidence

B. Evidence

C. Evidence

III. Support B

A. Evidence

B. Evidence

C. Evidence

IV. Support C

V. Conclusion

A. Restate thesis statement

B. Restate support A

C. Restate support B

D. Restate support C

Evaluation Essay Outline Example

A. They offer more privacy.

B. They are cleaner.

C. They are always well-stocked.

D. The restrooms at Buc- ee’s gas stations are the best restrooms to stop at when you are on a road trip.

II. They offer more privacy.

A. They have full-sized doors.

B. They have locks that indicate whether they are occupied or unoccupied from the outside.

C. Their locks and doors are maintained in working-order.

III. They are cleaner.

A. They are regularly cleaned.

B. All stalls contain seat cleaner.

C. All stalls contain hand-sanitizer

IV. They are always well-stocked.

A. The stalls always have toilet paper.

B. The sinks have soap.

C. The sinks have paper towels

V. The restrooms at Buc-ee’s gas stations are the best restrooms to stop at when you are on a road trip.

A. They are private.

B. They are clean.

C. They are well-stocked.

Evaluation Essay Example

Even if you are a fan of road trips, one thing that most road trippers dread is the gas station potty break. The suitability of bathroom facilities can vary wildly from location-to-location, even for gas stations in the same chain. However, there is one place that weary travelers can rely upon for a decent potty-break experience: Buc-ee’s. A Texas-based gas-station chain, Buc-ee’s has built part of its reputation on providing clean, family-friendly restrooms for travelers. What makes their restrooms stand out from other travel stops? They are private, clean, and well-stocked. Taken together, these factors mean that the restrooms at Buc-ee’s are the best restrooms to visit when you are on a road trip.

Generally, when traveling, gas-station restrooms are not private. In fact, at most places, if a restroom does offer privacy, that means it offers a single room or stall for each gender, which can mean waiting for your turn to go to the bathroom. Stall-style bathrooms usually have short doors and an opening around the perimeter of the door, which allows people to peep in at the people in the stalls. Furthermore, the open-air concept of the stall means that any noises made in the stall are broadcast throughout the bathroom. In contrast, Buc-ee’s bathroom stalls are designed to be private. They have full-sized doors, so that they are actually small toilet rooms, not stalls. They have locks that indicate whether they are occupied or unoccupied from the outside. Finally, their locks and doors are maintained in working-order.

Buc-ee’s restrooms are also cleaner than almost all other travel-stop bathrooms. Buc-ee’s places an emphasis on their clean restrooms, so that all of their restrooms are regularly cleaned, multiple times per day. In addition, all stalls have seat-cleaner available in the stall, so that users can clean their seats before or after use. Furthermore, all stalls contain hand sanitizer, so that people can sanitize their hands before touching knobs or levers. This keeps the restrooms cleaner than ones you find in other travel stops.

The final factor that makes Buc-ee’s restrooms superior to their competition is that the restrooms are well-stocked. Part of the regular inspection and cleaning of the bathrooms is keeping them adequately stocked for users. The stalls always have toilet paper, so that you never find yourself in a stall, scrambling to find something to use instead of toilet paper. The sinks always have soap. Finally, the sinks have paper towels to dry your hands.

While it might be a stretch to call a travel stop bathroom luxurious, the bathrooms at Buc-ee’s are certainly a step above the average travel stop bathroom. They are well-designed for privacy. They are regularly cleaned and inspected, so that they are for users. Finally, they are kept well-stocked with toilet paper, soap, and paper towels. Because these factors are consistent at all Buc-ee’s locations, Buc-ee’s restrooms are superior to other gas station restrooms.

Grading Rubric

While each professor uses his or her own criteria to score evaluation essays, we have found that they often follow a pretty standard grading rubric. An example of a typical evaluation essay grading rubric is below:

Thesis statement/Argument (40 points) – Evaluative thesis statement, use of rhetorical strategies, and integration of evidence to support evaluative position.

Criteria (40 points) – Establishment and support of criteria used to evaluate subject.

Evidence/Support (30 points) – Integration of evidence, in-text citations, works Cited page.

Organization (20 points) – Intro/conclusion, transitions, ordering of information.

Word Choice/Language (10 points) – Appropriate tone and attention to audience.

Grammar/Mechanics (10 points) – Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence fluency

While your opinion is important in an evaluation essay, a good evaluation essay requires measuring things with objective criteria to support your position. While there is no right answer or single position to take in an evaluation essay, it is important that you are able to clearly state reasons why you have reached your conclusion. If you are able to do this, whether you are writing a simple evaluation essay on which fast-food chain has the best French fries or a complex essay involving an internal analysis of a work of literature, you will be able to write a persuasive evaluation essay.

Take the first step to becoming a better academic writer.

Writing tools.

How to write a research proposal 2021 guide
Guide to citing in MLA
Guide to citing in APA format
Chicago style citation guide
Harvard referencing and citing guide
How to complete an informative essay outline

Unlock Your Writing Potential with Our AI Essay Writing Assistant

The Negative Impacts of Artificial Intelligence on Tactile Learning

Overcome Your Writer’s Block: Essay Writing Tips for Students

How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Tips and Techniques

The Ultimate Guide to Writing an Evaluation Essay

Evaluation essays are a common type of writing assignment in school. They ask students to evaluate and analyze the quality or value of something like a book, movie, product, or service. In this article, we’ll give you the most complete guide to writing an evaluation essay. We’ll talk about everything from an evaluation essay’s purpose and importance to the steps you need to take to write a good one.

An evaluation essay is a type of writing that tries to give an unbiased opinion about a topic based on a set of criteria. It’s not just a summary of the topic; it’s a critical analysis of what’s good and bad about it . The writer should give a fair assessment of the topic by pointing out both its strengths and weaknesses.

The point of an evaluation essay is to give a critical analysis of a topic so that the reader can form a well-informed opinion about it. For this kind of essay , the writer needs to know a lot about the subject, including its background, history, and effects. It is a good activity for students to do because it helps them learn how to think critically , do research, and write well.

Evaluation essays are also important in academic writing because they help students show that they can think critically and explain their ideas clearly. Because of this, evaluation essays are often given in many different classes, such as literature, film studies, business, and marketing. By learning how to write an evaluation essay, students can do better in school and improve their chances of getting jobs in their chosen fields.

An evaluation essay is a type of academic writing that asks students to give a critical analysis of a certain topic based on a set of criteria. The point of writing an evaluation essay is to give the reader an unbiased look at the topic so that they can form an opinion about it.

Lastly, evaluation essays are an important part of academic writing because they help students improve their critical thinking, research, and writing skills, all of which are important for academic success and moving up in a career. In the sections that follow, we’ll talk more about the steps you need to take to write a good evaluation essay.

What You'll Learn

Choosing a Topic for an Evaluation Essay

Choosing the right topic is crucial when it comes to writing an effective evaluation essay. A well-chosen topic will not only make the writing process easier but will also ensure that the essay is engaging and relevant to the reader. Here are some tips for selecting an evaluation essay topic:

– Choose a topic that you are interested in: It is essential to choose a topic that you are passionate about and have some knowledge of. This will make the writing process more enjoyable and will also result in a more engaging and informative essay .

– Select a topic that is relevant: Choose a subject that is current and relevant to the reader. This will ensure that your essay is informative and interesting to read.

– Narrow down your topic: It is important to select a topic that is specific and narrow. This will enable you to focus on a particular aspect of the subject and provide a more detailed evaluation.

– Consider both sides of the argument: Choose a topic that allows you to evaluate both the strengths and weaknesses of the subject. This will ensure that your essay is balanced and provides a fair evaluation .

– Use credible sources: Ensure that your topic is backed by credible sources, such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites.

Here is a list of 50 evaluation essay topics:

1. The impact of social media on modern relationships

2. The effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional classroom learning

3. The portrayal of mental health in popular media4. The impact of technology on our daily lives

5. The effectiveness of government policies on climate change

6. The quality of customer service in the hospitality industry

7. The effectiveness of performance-enhancing drugs in sports

8. The portrayal of women in the media

9. The impact of smartphones on communication skills

10. The effectiveness of gun control laws in reducing gun violence

11. The quality of healthcare services in rural areas

12. The impact of video games on children’s behavior

13. The effectiveness of alternative medicine in treating chronic illnesses

14. The portrayal of minorities in the media

15. The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem

16. The effectiveness of online dating in finding a partner

17. The quality of fast food restaurants

18. The impact of globalization on cultural diversity

19. The effectiveness of police body cameras in reducing police brutality

20. The portrayal of mental illness in popular media

21. The impact of artificial intelligence on job opportunities

22. The effectiveness of vaccination programs in preventing diseases

23. The quality of public transportation in urban areas

24. The impact of social media on political campaigns

25. The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for prisoners

26. The portrayal of LGBTQ+ individuals in the media

27. The impact of technology on education

28. The effectiveness of animal testing in developing new drugs

29. The quality of public schools in low-income areas

30. The impact of social media onteenagers’ mental health

31. The effectiveness of renewable energy sources in reducing carbon emissions

32. The portrayal of disability in the media

33. The impact of celebrity culture on society

34. The effectiveness of anti-bullying programs in schools

35. The quality of public parks and recreation areas

36. The impact of social media on political polarization

37. The effectiveness of online therapy in treating mental illness

38. The portrayal of aging in the media

39. The impact of automation on job security

40. The effectiveness of recycling programs in reducing waste

41. The quality of public libraries

42. The impact of social media on privacy

43. The effectiveness of parenting classes in improving child behavior

44. The portrayal of mental health in the workplace

45. The impact of technology on the music industry

46. The effectiveness of drug rehabilitation programs

47. The quality of public restrooms

48. The impact of social media on activism

49. The effectiveness of sex education programs in schools

50. The portrayal of race in the media.

Understanding the Structure of an Evaluation Essay

A basic structure for an evaluation essay is an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The purpose of the introduction is to give background information about the subject and explain how it will be judged. Based on the criteria set out in the introduction, the body paragraphs should give a detailed analysis of the topic. In the end, the conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and give a final opinion on the subject.

Here is a breakdown of each section of an evaluation essay:

1. Introduction: The introduction should begin with an attention-grabbing hook that draws the reader in and provides some background information on the subject. This should be followed by a clear thesis statement that outlines the criteria that will be used to evaluate the subject.

2. Body Paragraphs: Each of the body paragraphs should look at a different part of the topic and judge it based on the criteria set out in the introduction. Every paragraph should start with a topic sentence that makes it clear what is being evaluated and how. The evaluation should then be backed up with evidence , such as examples, statistics, and quotes from reliable sources.

3. Conclusion: The conclusion should provide a summary of the main points made in the essay and restate the thesis statement . The writer should then provide a final evaluation of the subject based on the evidence presented in the body paragraphs. This evaluation should be balanced and fair, taking into account both the strengths and weaknesses of the subject.

An evaluation essay outline can be helpful in organizing and structuring the essay. Here is an example of an evaluation essay outline:

I. Introduction

– Hook

– Background information

– Thesis statement

II. Body Paragraphs

– Aspect 1

– Criteria

– Evidence

– Aspect 2

– Aspect 3

-Criteria

III. Conclusion

– Summary of main points

– Restate thesis statement

– Final evaluation

Understanding the structure of an evaluation essay and choosing the right topic are both critical to writing an effective evaluation essay. By following the tips provided for selecting a topic and using an evaluation essay outline, you can create a well-organized and engaging essay that provides a fair assessment of the subject.

Writing an Effective Evaluation Essay

Writing an effective evaluation essay requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips to help you write a powerful evaluation essay:

1. Developing a thesis statement for an evaluation essay: A strong thesis statement should clearly state the criteria that will be used to evaluate the subject. It should also provide a clear indication of the writer’s stance on the subject, whether it is positive, negative, or neutral.

2. Tips for writing a powerful evaluation essay:

– Use specific criteria: Provide clear and specific criteria for evaluating the subject, and use evidence to support your evaluation.

– Use credible sources: Use credible sources to support your evaluation, such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites.

– Be objective: Provide a balanced evaluation of the subject, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.

– Use clear and concise language: Use clear and concise language to make your evaluation easy to understand and engaging to read.

– Use transitions: Use transitions to connect your ideas and ensure that the essay flows smoothly.

3. Common mistakes to avoid when writing an evaluation essay:

– Being too subjective: Avoid being too subjective and provide a balanced evaluation of the subject.

– Failing to provide evidence: Use evidence to support your evaluation, and avoid making unsupported claims.

– Focusing too much on summary: Avoid simply summarizing the subject and focus on providing a critical analysis of its merits and demerits.

– Failing to use credible sources: Use credible sources to support your evaluation andavoid relying solely on personal opinions or unsupported claims.

Examples of Evaluation Essays

To help you get a better understanding of how to write an effective evaluation essay, here are 10 inspiring evaluation essay examples from different fields:

1. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout strategy in the United States

2. Evaluation of the impact of the #MeToo movement on workplace culture

3. Evaluation of the nutritional value of plant-based diets compared to meat-based diets

4. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Paris Climate Agreement in reducing global carbon emissions

5. Evaluation of the impact of social media influencers on consumer behavior

6. Evaluation of the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation in reducing stress and anxiety

7. Evaluation of the quality of customer service provided by leading airlines

8. Evaluation of the portrayal of mental illness in popular TV shows

9. Evaluation of the effectiveness of online therapy in treating depression and anxiety

10. Evaluation of the impact of video games on children’s cognitive development

Writing an effective evaluation essay involves selecting the right topic, understanding the structure of the essay, and following the tips provided to develop a powerful evaluation essay. By avoiding common mistakes and using credible sources, you can create an engaging and informative evaluation essay that provides a balanced assessment of the subject. The examples provided can also serve as a guide to help you craft a compelling evaluation essay in any field.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is an evaluation essay.

An evaluation essay is a type of academic writing that asks students to evaluate and analyze the quality or value of something like a book, movie, product, or service. The writer should give a fair assessment of the topic by pointing out both its strengths and weaknesses.

2. What are the elements of an evaluation essay?

An evaluation essay has three parts: an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the introduction, you should give some background information about the topic and explain how it will be judged. Based on the criteria set out in the introduction, the body paragraphs should give a detailed analysis of the topic. In the end, the conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and give a final opinion on the topic .

3. How do I choose a topic for an evaluation essay?

To pick a topic for an evaluation essay, think about something you are interested in and know a little bit about. It’s also important to choose a topic that is relevant and specific. Think about both sides of the argument and back up your opinion with information from reliable sources.

4. What is the difference between an evaluation essay and a review?

The main difference between an evaluation essay and a review is that an evaluation essay has a different focus and goal. An evaluation essay tries to give a critical analysis of the subject based on a set of criteria, while a review gives a summary of the subject and often includes personal opinions.

In conclusion, writing an effective evaluation essay is an essential skill for students to master, as it helps to develop critical thinking , research, and writing abilities. To write an effective evaluation essay, it is important to choose the right topic, understand the structure of the essay, and follow the tips provided in this guide. It is also important to avoid common mistakes and use credible sources to support your evaluation.

Start by filling this short order form order.studyinghq.com

And then follow the progressive flow.

Having an issue, chat with us here

Cathy, CS.

New Concept ? Let a subject expert write your paper for You

Previous post.

📕 Studying HQ

Typically replies within minutes

Hey! 👋 Need help with an assignment?

🟢 Online | Privacy policy

WhatsApp us

Secrets of Writing an Excellent Evaluation Essay

05 July, 2020

14 minutes read

Author: Elizabeth Brown

Many people prefer to check reviews on the movie or book before watching or reading it. The summary information and honest point of view on the subject matter are usually included in an evaluation essay. You just need to analyze both sides of the chosen criterion through thorough research, analysis of your thesis, and examination of your own values. To write a good evaluation essay, you should forget about your feelings and create an objective overview of the topic. That way, you will reveal the truth about the real worth of the particular subject matter.

So, what is an evaluation essay? The answer to this question you will find out in this post.

What Is an Evaluation Essay?

An evaluation paper is a kind of essay in which you express your argumentative point of view on various topics. As a form of literary thinking, it is based on much more than just a quick judgment about a person, place, or object. The common standards of evaluation writing, such as clearance, objectivity, and coherence, are to be followed throughout the text. These standards help identify how well a subject meets up or falls short of the ideal. No wonder this kind of essay is widely used for scientific purposes when the comparison of two inventions or technologies is required. In an evaluation essay, all the arguments are delivered objectively, while your personal opinion is stated at the very end as a summary.

On the Internet, you can find lots of reviews with one sentence only: “This essay is fine.” Does it look informative to you? Can you rely on this kind of feedback? Let’s be honest, such a review can hardly provide you with a clear understanding of whether the subject is worth your attention or not. The main feature of an evaluation essay is that it contains details and evidence to support your point of view. Instead of discussing every observation, you just need to underpin your point of view with examples that will make your paper look convincing.

CJE guidelines

How to start an evaluation essay? What needs to be preconsidered? Every evaluation essay consists of three structural elements – criteria, judgement, and evidence. Let’s get deeper into details.

The criteria that you choose should evaluate a person or subject through the prism of their ideal version. What can their best features be? For instance, you would expect an interesting plot and professional acting from a movie. Once you have specific benchmarks in mind, they can be used to evaluate these points.

The judgement aspect is used to estimate whether or not the benchmarks have been met. For instance, you can start a movie evaluation from judging whether it aligns with the specific benchmark. Does it offer the quality acting you expect? Does it have gaps in the plot? These are only some of the possible options to consider.

Remember that you must develop clues to advocate your judgements. For instance, if you make the judgement that the movie quality does not meet your expectations, you should be ready to provide evidence. Without eligible evidence, your evaluation essay won’t look convincing.

When structuring your evaluation essay, it is crucial to address a different criterion in each paragraph. In that paragraph, you should reflect on each criterion, make the relevant judgements and provide supporting proofs.

How to Write an Evaluation Essay?

With this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to write an evaluation essay. Here are the major steps to be taken:

Choose your topic. Whatever kind of essay you are writing, you will have to take this step. Your topic can be offered by your instructor, as the case may be. But if you have to choose it yourself, you should consider a subject that you are familiar with. Thus, it will be easier for you to take an in-depth look at the subject and make a judgement on its value.
Create a thesis statement. This is an important element of your essay as it contains the general purpose of the evaluation. In the thesis, you need to reflect on the criteria being used to judge the subject matter and state its value. Your statement should look apparent and to the point. In the process of writing, you may revise it as your essay gets shaped.
Identify the criteria to be used for accessing the subject matter. Determine the benchmarks in your essay in order to make it interesting and engaging. The criteria you choose will depend on the subject of your evaluation. For instance, a movie will be judged using different points of reference than a book.
Find supporting evidence . Don’t forget that an essay is not just about your opinion. You will need to find some supporting information from trustworthy sources while making each judgement. Don’t think that stating the movie or book title is enough. Use some questions to find out answers that can help you collect more information. How can you evaluate the subject? What kind of readers are you focused on? Will you focus on good or bad sides of the subject?
Write a draft of your essay . All you need to do is to continue writing. As soon as you have something written on paper, you will rewrite or restructure it unless you are totally happy with the result.

Review, revise and rewrite. When a draft is completed, you will read over your work and make some changes if needed. You should be ready to rewrite your paper several times to get it just right.

Evaluation Essay Example

Here, you will find a well-written evaluation essay example that you can use for yourself:

https://academichelp.net/samples/academics/essays/evaluation/standardized-tests.html
https://www.examples.com/education/evaluation-essay-examples.html

Evaluation Essay VS Review

An evaluation essay is widely associated with a review paper. This is a common mistake many students make. Although the two types of paper have some similarities, there are more differences that set them apart. You can take a look at those differences in the table below.


Analysis	The topic is examined thoroughly.	Evaluation of a product or service is provided.
Depth of analysis	You get engaged in in-depth analysis.	You do not need to conduct profound scientific research.
Evidence	Adequate supporting evidence aims to increase the quality of the evaluation essay. You should provide only credible and scholarly evidence.	You don’t need academic evidence throughout the appraisal process.
Opinion	You provide an unbiased view on the subject.	You provide unbiased information by relying on personal consideration that analyzes the subject.
Benchmarks	You use predefined criteria that evaluate the subject matter.	You express opinions that do not follow particular criteria.
Scope	You cover a broader scope by evaluating a particular topic and searching for adequate data that can critique the particular subject.	You cover a narrower scope by providing views focused on the particular subject.
Thesis statement	You provide a central claim as the essay’s thesis .	You do not need a thesis statement.
Structure	You follow the standard essay structure splitting the paper into sections.	You do not have to follow any specific structure in review writing.
References	You include the works cited page.	You do not have to include the works cited page.

Tips on Writing an Evaluation Essay from Our Experts

Following the quick tips below, you will find it easier to write an effective evaluation argument essay:

Provide the right amount of details: Make sure you explain your thoughts clearly and provide sufficient information to convince the reader in the correctness of your judgment.
Thesis sentence should reveal your actual opinion. If you want to build up the basis for your body, you can include the main reasons for your evaluation in the thesis sentence.
Know your target audience. By knowing your reader, you can adjust the plot to their specific needs. Whether you write for college students or professors, you will have to apply a bit different approach in the language choice.
Make some notes. By using a three-column note-taking method, you can organize your thoughts. The columns of criteria, evidence, and judgment will contain the relevant information which will not let you forget or mix facts.
Be opinionated . By sounding passionate in your evaluation essay, you will increase your chances of catching readers’ attention. The use of vivid nouns and engaging verbs will strengthen the effect produced by your paper. You should have a strong judgment of how the particular subject is either better or worse than other subjects of the same type.
Back up every judgement you make. Every time you make a judgment, you should be ready to use specific, interesting, and convincing reasons to make it up. For evidence, you can describe the subject, use funny stories, or compare and contrast some notions with a similar subject.
Provide counter-arguments. When you disagree with what most people think about the particular subject, it makes sense to provide some counter-arguments. This will make the narration more engaging for readers.

List of 50 Evaluation Topics

Since there are many people and objects you are able to assess, an evaluation essay can be written on a wide range of topics. To evaluate something, you will need to compare it with an example within a subject you have chosen. Some possible evaluation essay topics can be found below:

Analyze the dissimilarity between seeing a sporting event live and watching it on ITV.
Create a comparative assessment of watching a sporting event in a cafe and watching it without leaving the comfort of your home.
Evaluate the experience of watching a sporting event on your own and with other people.
Evaluate how a recent drama movie portrays the tragedies of real life.
Evaluate a classic criminal movie and what it states about the real crime rates in the modern society.
Evaluate your favorite Chinese restaurant.
Compare two popular Chinese restaurants in your city.
Appraise football or basketball from the perspective of a contestant or that of a watcher.
Analyze the way in which football or basketball has advanced over the last decade.
Discuss the influence of ESPN on sporting events.
Evaluate the coverage of the latest Eurovision Song Contest.
Evaluate a fancy restaurant for how it makes the customer feel after having the meal
Analyze the way in which a popular horror movie depicts people’s fears.
Assess a classic action movie and talk about its ideas regarding the functions of men and women.
Explore the change that occurred in recent war movies if compared to classic war movies.
How do drama books affect readers?
Evaluate a book about war and analyze whether it addresses current concerns associated with war and peace.
Evaluate the effects of online educational programs on students’ performance.
Do historical movies encourage history learning?
Evaluate an Italian cafe located in your city. What is the difference between the Italian and local food?
What makes a traditional Italian meal great?
Can hamburgers be healthy? Mention some details and provide relevant arguments.
How mental health issues affect students’ academic performance?
Analyze teachers’ responsibilities in terms of elementary students’ needs.
Evaluate the power of verbal encouragement as a motivational factor in the educational process.
Critically reflect on education services provided to children experiencing difficulties in learning.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of German secondary education.
Evaluate teaching methods used at the American universities.
Ways in which online libraries affect the students’ academic performance.
How well the film “BraveHeart” portrays historical events?
Analyze a movie produced in a foreign country and discuss how it reveals its national characteristics.
Assess Kate Winslet’s play in “Titanic” and discuss which means this actor applies to adapt to this role.
Make a comparison between modern and classic drama movies.
Assess the distinct approaches used to transfer data from a smartphone to a PC.
Make comparisons between various phone plans and determine which provider has the best deals for travelers.
Assess current information security methods. Which one is the most efficient?
Assess the key characteristics of WhatsApp.
Compare the use of several cloud systems that can be implemented by the movie hub website.
Estimate the chances of Facebook as a marketing resource.
Evaluate the effectiveness of online advertising.
Assess the existing approaches to using the Internet in colleges.
Analyze the consequences of cultural shock.
Assess the negative sides of overwhelming cultural diversity in the United States.
Discuss the development path of rap and hip-hop music.
What is the impact of Buddhism on Indian culture?
Compare two popular social media platforms in terms of their users, features, and benefits.
Evaluate the latest version of your favorite smartphone and estimate the positive or negative changes that will affect the industry.
Compare an educational approach in the military, Christian, or classical school.
Evaluate the SAT versus the ACT tests.
Compare the foreign policies established by a few states in the US.

Note that our company provides academic writing help. You can buy an essay written from scratch by our essay writer .

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

Personal Statement Writing Service With Best Writers

Unlocking the Art of Evaluation Essays: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing an evaluation essay is an opportunity to express your critical thinking skills and provide an informed judgment on a specific subject or topic. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the concept of evaluation essays , understand what evaluation means within this context, delve into the essential components of an evaluation essay outline, and learn how to write a compelling evaluation essay that meets the necessary requirements.

What is an Evaluation Essay?

An evaluation essay is a type of academic writing where the writer assesses and analyzes a particular subject, product, service, or idea. The primary objective is to form a well-founded opinion and provide evidence-based reasoning to support the evaluation. In essence, an evaluation essay seeks to answer the question: “Is this good or bad, effective or ineffective, successful or unsuccessful?”

What Does Evaluation Mean in an Essay?

In the context of an essay, evaluation refers to the process of critically analyzing and assessing the chosen subject matter. It requires the writer to present a balanced judgment based on specific criteria, evidence, and supporting details. The evaluation should be objective, fair, and grounded in solid evidence to make the argument convincing to the reader.

Evaluation Essay Outline: How to Structure Your Essay

Creating a well-organized evaluation essay is essential for presenting a coherent and persuasive argument. Here is a typical outline structure:

I. Introduction:

Introduce the subject or item being evaluated.
Provide background information and context.
Present a clear thesis statement that includes your judgment and criteria.

II. Criteria for Evaluation:

Identify the specific criteria on which you will base your evaluation.
Explain why these criteria are relevant and important in assessing the subject.

III. Evaluation Body Paragraphs:

Devote each body paragraph to one criterion.
Provide evidence and examples to support your judgment for each criterion.
Use facts, data, and expert opinions to strengthen your argument.

IV. Counterarguments (Optional):

Address potential counterarguments to your evaluation.
Refute or acknowledge opposing viewpoints with persuasive reasoning.

V. Conclusion:

Summarize your evaluation and restate your overall judgment.
Emphasize the significance of your evaluation and its implications.

How to Write a Good Evaluation Essay: Requirements

Writing a compelling evaluation essay requires adherence to specific requirements to ensure a well-structured and well-reasoned piece. Consider the following key requirements:

Choose a Relevant Topic: Select a subject that is timely, relevant, and interests both you and your readers. Make sure there is enough material available for evaluation.
Be Objective and Fair: Present a balanced evaluation by considering both the strengths and weaknesses of the subject. Avoid personal biases and base your judgment on credible evidence.
Use Concrete Evidence: Support your evaluation with concrete evidence, such as statistics, expert opinions, examples, and real-life situations. Reliable evidence adds credibility to your essay.
Follow a Logical Structure: Organize your essay using a clear and logical structure. Use a well-defined introduction, body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion to ensure coherence.

How Do You Write an Evaluation Essay?

Writing an evaluation essay can be simplified into the following steps:

Choose a Subject: Select a subject that you can assess objectively and for which you can establish clear criteria for evaluation.
Develop Criteria: Identify the specific standards or criteria on which you will base your evaluation. These criteria will form the backbone of your essay.
Gather Evidence:Conduct thorough research to gather evidence that supports your evaluation. Use reliable sources to back up your claims.
Create an Outline: Organize your essay using the evaluation essay outline mentioned earlier. This will help maintain a coherent structure throughout your writing.
Write the Introduction: Introduce the subject, provide context, and present your thesis statement with the criteria you will use for evaluation.
Body Paragraphs: Devote each body paragraph to one criterion. Present evidence and examples to support your judgment for each criterion.
Address Counterarguments (Optional): If applicable, address potential counterarguments and provide strong rebuttals to strengthen your evaluation.
Write the Conclusion: Summarize your evaluation, restate your judgment, and emphasize the significance of your assessment.

Common Mistakes in an Evaluation Argument Essay

Avoid these common pitfalls when writing an evaluation essay:

Biased Evaluation. Providing a one-sided evaluation based on personal preferences or opinions without sufficient evidence.
Lack of Evidence. Failing to support your evaluation with concrete evidence and examples.
Weak Structure. Lacking a clear and logical structure, leading to a confusing and disorganized essay.
Overgeneralization. Making sweeping judgments without considering specific details or criteria.

Evaluation Essay Example

To better understand the elements of an evaluation essay, consider this example:

Topic: Movie Review – “The Great Gatsby”

Introduction. “The Great Gatsby,” directed by Baz Luhrmann, is a film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel. This evaluation essay aims to assess the movie’s fidelity to the source material, the effectiveness of its cinematography, and the portrayal of characters.
Criteria 1: Fidelity to Source Material. The movie largely stays true to the essence of Fitzgerald’s novel, maintaining the main plot and character arcs. However, certain key details are altered or omitted, detracting from the depth of the narrative.
Criteria 2: Cinematography and Visuals. Luhrmann’s extravagant and visually captivating style is evident throughout the film, creating a mesmerizing and immersive experience. The opulent sets and elaborate costumes add to the movie’s allure, but at times, the visual spectacle overshadows the storytelling.
Criteria 3: Character Portrayals. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a standout performance as Jay Gatsby, capturing the character’s enigmatic charm. However, some supporting roles lack the depth and development needed to enhance the overall story.
Conclusion. “The Great Gatsby” is a visually stunning adaptation that captures the essence of the classic novel. While its extravagance may overshadow the storytelling, DiCaprio’s compelling portrayal of Gatsby remains a highlight.

Evaluation Essay Topics

Here are some thought-provoking evaluation essay topics to spark your creativity:

Evaluate the impact of social media on modern relationships.
Assess the effectiveness of online learning versus traditional classroom education.
Evaluate the environmental policies of a specific country or government.
Assess the influence of technology on the entertainment industry.
Evaluate the health benefits of a vegan diet compared to a traditional omnivorous diet.
Assess the impact of a specific book on contemporary literature.
Evaluate the effectiveness of a recent blockbuster movie.
Assess the efficiency of a popular productivity app.
Evaluate the impact of a particular video game on youth behavior.
Assess the success of a recent marketing campaign by a famous brand.

FAQ about Evaluation Essay Writing

Q1: Can I use first-person pronouns in an evaluation essay? A: Yes, the use of first-person pronouns is acceptable in an evaluation essay, as it allows the writer to share personal insights and experiences related to the evaluation process.
Q2: How do I ensure objectivity in my evaluation essay? A: To maintain objectivity, rely on credible evidence and avoid personal biases. Use a balanced approach when presenting strengths and weaknesses, and support your claims with factual information.
Q3: How long should an evaluation essay be? A: The length of an evaluation essay can vary depending on the assignment or guidelines. However, a typical evaluation essay is usually around 500 to 1,000 words.

Sources Used in Guide Preparation Process

The information presented in this comprehensive guide is thoroughly researched and collected from reputable sources, including academic journals, writing manuals, and educational websites. All sources have been meticulously evaluated for credibility and relevance to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided.

In conclusion, mastering the art of writing an evaluation essay opens the door to developing critical thinking skills and effectively presenting well-informed judgments. By following the outlined steps and adhering to the essential requirements, aspiring writers can craft compelling and persuasive evaluation essays that resonate with their readers. So, go forth and embrace the power of evaluation essays to convey your insights and opinions with clarity and conviction. Happy writing!

Note: Please ensure that you cite the appropriate sources as per your academic requirements when using information from this guide. The sources mentioned here are used as examples and may not be suitable for direct citation.

Academic Evaluations

In our daily lives, we are continually evaluating objects, people, and ideas in our immediate environments. We pass judgments in conversation, while reading, while shopping, while eating, and while watching television or movies, often being unaware that we are doing so. Evaluation is an equally fundamental writing process, and writing assignments frequently ask us to make and defend value judgments.

Evaluation is an important step in almost any writing process, since we are constantly making value judgments as we write. When we write an "academic evaluation," however, this type of value judgment is the focus of our writing.

A Definition of Evaluation

Kate Kiefer, English Professor Like most specific assignments that teachers give, writing evaluations mirrors what happens so often in our day-to-day lives. Every day we decide whether the temperature is cold enough to need a light or heavy jacket; whether we're willing to spend money on a good book or a good movie; whether the prices at the grocery store tell us to keep shopping at the same place or somewhere else for a better value. Academic tasks rely on evaluation just as often. Is a source reliable? Does an argument convince? Is the article worth reading? So writing evaluation helps students make this often unconscious daily task more overt and prepares them to examine ideas, facts, arguments, and so on more critically.

To evaluate is to assess or appraise. Evaluation is the process of examining a subject and rating it based on its important features. We determine how much or how little we value something, arriving at our judgment on the basis of criteria that we can define.

We evaluate when we write primarily because it is almost impossible to avoid doing so. If right now you were asked to write for five minutes on any subject and were asked to keep your writing completely value-free, you would probably find such an assignment difficult. Readers come to evaluative writing in part because they seek the opinions of other people for one reason or another.

Uses for Evaluation

Consider a time recently when you decided to watch a movie. There were at least two kinds of evaluation available to you through the media: the rating system and critical reviews.

Newspapers and magazines, radio and TV programs all provide critical evaluations for their readers and viewers. Many movie-goers consult more than one media reviewer to adjust for bias. Most movie-goers also consider the rating system, especially if they are deciding to take children to a movie. In addition, most people will also ask for recommendations from friends who have already seen the movie.

Whether professional or personal, judgments like these are based on the process of evaluation. The terminology associated with the elements of this process--criteria, evidence, and judgment--might seem alien to you, but you have undoubtedly used these elements almost every time you have expressed an opinion on something.

Types of Written Evaluation

Quite a few of the assignments writers are given at the university and in the workplace involve the process of evaluation.

One type of written evaluation that most people are familiar with is the review. Reviewers will attend performances, events, or places (like restaurants, movies, or concerts), basing their evaluations on their observations. Reviewers typically use a particular set of criteria they establish for themselves, and their reviews most often appear in newspapers and magazines.

Critical Writing

Reviews are a type of critical writing, but there are other types of critical writing which focus on objects (like works of art or literature) rather than on events and performances. Literary criticism, for instance, is a way of establishing the worth or literary merit of a text on the basis of certain established criteria. When we write about literary texts, we do so using one of many critical "lenses," viewing the text as it addresses matters like form, culture, historical context, gender, and class (to name a few). Deciding whether a text is "good" or "bad" is a matter of establishing which "lens" you are viewing that text through, and using the appropriate set of criteria to do so. For example, we might say that a poem by an obscure Nineteenth Century African American poet is not "good" or "useful" in terms of formal characteristics like rhyme, meter, or diction, but we might judge that same text as "good" or "useful" in terms of the way it addresses cultural and political issues historically.

Response Essays

One very common type of academic writing is the response essay. In many different disciplines, we are asked to respond to something that we read or observe. Some types of response, like the interpretive response, simply ask us to explain a text. However, there are other types of response (like agree/disagree and analytical response) which demand that we make some sort of judgment based on careful consideration of the text, object, or event in question.

Problem Solving Essays

In writing assignments which focus on issues, policies, or phenomena, we are often asked to propose possible solutions for identifiable problems. This type of essay requires evaluation on two levels. First of all, it demands that we use evaluation in order to determine that there is a legitimate problem. And secondly, it demands that we take more than one policy or solution into consideration to determine which will be the most feasible, viable, or effective one, given that problem.

Arguing Essays

Written argument is a type of evaluative writing, particularly when it focuses on a claim of value (like "The death penalty is cruel and ineffective") or policy claim (like "Oakland's Ebonics program is an effective way of addressing standard English deficiencies among African American students in public schools"). In written argument, we advance a claim like one of the above, then support this claim with solid reasons and evidence.

Process Analysis

In scientific or investigative writing, in which experiments are conducted and processes or phenomena are observed or studied, evaluation plays a part in the writer's discussion of findings. Often, these findings need to be both interpreted and analyzed by way of criteria established by the writer.

Source Evaluation

Although not a form of written evaluation in and of itself, source evaluation is a process that is involved in many other types of academic writing, like argument, investigative and scientific writing, and research papers. When we conduct research, we quickly learn that not every source is a good source and that we need to be selective about the quality of the evidence we transplant into our own writing.

Relevance to the Topic

When you conduct research, you naturally look for sources that are relevant to your topic. However, writers also often fall prey to the tendency to accept sources that are just relevant enough . For example, if you were writing an essay on Internet censorship, you might find that your research yielded quite a few sources on music censorship, art censorship, or censorship in general. Though these sources could possibly be marginally useful in an essay on Internet censorship, you will probably want to find more directly relevant sources to serve a more central role in your essay.

Perspective on the Topic

Another point to consider is that even though you want sources relevant to your topic, you might not necessarily want an exclusive collection of sources which agree with your own perspective on that topic. For example, if you are writing an essay on Internet censorship from an anti-censorship perspective, you will want to include in your research sources which also address the pro-censorship side. In this way, your essay will be able to fully address perspectives other than (and sometimes in opposition to) your own.

Credibility

One of the questions you want to ask yourself when you consider using a source is "How credible will my audience consider this source to be?" You will want to ask this question not only of the source itself (the book, journal, magazine, newspaper, home page, etc.) but also of the author. To use an extreme example, for most academic writing assignments you would probably want to steer clear of using a source like the National Enquirer or like your eight year old brother, even though we could imagine certain writing situations in which such sources would be entirely appropriate. The key to determining the credibility of a source/author is to decide not only whether you think the source is reliable, but also whether your audience will find it so, given the purpose of your writing.

Currency of Publication

Unless you are doing research with an historical emphasis, you will generally want to choose sources which have been published recently. Sometimes research and statistics maintain their authority for a very long time, but the more common trend in most fields is that the more recent a study is, the more comprehensive and accurate it is.

Accessibility

When sorting through research, it is best to select sources that are readable and accessible both for you and for your intended audience. If a piece of writing is laden with incomprehensible jargon and incoherent structure or style, you will want to think twice about directing it toward an audience unfamiliar with that type of jargon, structure, or style. In short, it is a good rule of thumb to avoid using any source which you yourself do not understand and are not able to interpret for your audience.

Quality of Writing

When choosing sources, consider the quality of writing in the texts themselves. It is possible to paraphrase from sources that are sloppily written, but quoting from such a source would serve only to diminish your own credibility in the eyes of your audience.

Understanding of Biases

Few are sources are truly objective or unbiased . Trying to eliminate bias from your sources will be nearly impossible, but all writers can try to understand and recognize the biases of their sources. For instance, if you were doing a comparative study of 1/2-ton pickup trucks on the market, you might consult the Ford home page. However, you would also need to be aware that this source would have some very definite biases. Likewise, it would not be unreasonable to use an article from Catholic World in an anti-abortion argument, but you would want to understand how your audience would be likely to view that source. Although there is no fail-proof way to determine the bias of a particular journal or newspaper, you can normally sleuth this out by looking at the language in the article itself or in the surrounding articles.

Use of Research

In evaluating a source, you will need to examine the sources that it in turn uses. Looking at the research used by the author of your source, what biases can you recognize? What are the quantity and quality of evidence and statistics included? How reliable and readable do the excerpts cited seem to be?

Considering Purpose and Audience

We typically think of "values" as being personal matters. But in our writing, as in other areas of our lives, values often become matters of public and political concern. Therefore, it is important when we evaluate to consider why we are making judgments on a subject (purpose) and who we hope to affect with our judgments (audience).

Purposes of Evaluation

Your purpose in written evaluation is not only to express your opinion or judgment about a subject, but also to convince, persuade, or otherwise influence an audience by way of that judgment. In this way, evaluation is a type of argument, in which you as a writer are attempting consciously to have an effect on your readers' ways of thinking or acting. If, for example, you are writing an evaluation in which you make a judgment that Mountain Bike A is a better buy than Mountain Bike B, you are doing more than expressing your approval of the merits of Bike A; you are attempting to convince your audience that Bike A is the better buy and, ultimately, to persuade them to buy Bike A rather than Bike B.

Effects of Audience

Kate Kiefer, English Professor When we evaluate for ourselves, we don't usually take the time to articulate criteria and detail evidence. Our thought processes work fast enough that we often seem to make split-second decisions. Even when we spend time thinking over a decision--like which expensive toy (car, stereo, skis) to buy--we don't often lay out the criteria explicitly. We can't take that shortcut when we write to other folks, though. If we want readers to accept our judgment, then we need to be clear about the criteria we use and the evidence that helps us determine value for each criterion. After all, why should I agree with you to eat at the Outback Steak House if you care only about cost but I care about taste and safe food handling? To write an effective evaluation, you need to figure out what your readers care about and then match your criteria to their concerns. Similarly, you can overwhelm readers with too much detail when they don't have the background knowledge to care about that level of detail. Or you can ignore the expertise of your readers (at your peril) and not give enough detail. Then, as a writer, you come across as condescending, or worse. So targeting an audience is really key to successful evaluation.

In written evaluation, it is important to keep in mind not only your own system of value, but also that of your audience. Writers do not evaluate in a vacuum. Giving some thought to the audience you are attempting to influence will help you to determine what criteria are important to them and what evidence they will require in order to be convinced or persuaded by your evaluative argument. In order to evaluate effectively, it is important that you consider what motivates and concerns your audience.

Criteria and Audience Considerations

The first step in deciding which criteria will be effective in your evaluation is determining which criteria your audience considers important. For example, if you are writing a review of a Mexican restaurant to an audience comprised mainly of senior citizens from the midwest, it is unlikely that "large portions" and "fiery green chile" will be the criteria most important to them. They might be more concerned, rather, with "quality of service" or "availability of heart smart menu items." Trying to anticipate and address your audience's values is an indispensable step in writing a persuasive evaluative argument. Your next step in suiting your criteria to your audience is to determine how you will explain and/or defend not only your judgments, but the criteria supporting them as well. For example, if you are arguing that a Mexican restaurant is excellent because, among other reasons, the texture of the food is appealing, you might need to explain to your audience why texture is a significant criterion in evaluating Mexican food.

Evidence and Audience Considerations

The amount and type of evidence you use to support your judgments will depend largely on the demands of your audience. Common sense tells us that the more oppositional an audience is, the more evidence will be needed to convince them of the validity a judgment. For instance, if you were writing a favorable review of La Cocina on the basis of their fiery green chile, you might not need to use a great deal of evidence for an audience of people who like spicy food but have not tried any of the Mexican restaurants in town. However, if you are addressing an audience who is deeply devoted to the green chile at Manuel's, you will need to provide a fair amount of solid evidence in order to persuade them to try another restaurant.

Parts of an Evaluation

When we evaluate, we make an overall value claim about a subject, using criteria to make judgments based on evidence. Often, we also make use of comparison and contrast as strategies for determining the relative worth of the subject we are considering. This section examines these parts of an evaluation and shows how each functions in a successful evaluation.

Overall Claim

An overall claim or judgment is an evaluator's final decision about worth. When we evaluate, we make a general statement about the worth of objects, goods, services, or solutions to problems.

An overall claim or judgment in an evaluation can be as simple as "See this movie!" or "Brand X is a better buy than the name brand." It can also be complex, particularly when the evaluator recognizes certain conditions that affect the judgment: If citizens of our community want to improve air and water quality and are willing to forego 300 additional jobs, then we should not approve the new plant Acme is hoping to build here.

Qualifications

An overall claim or judgment usually requires qualification so that it seems balanced. If judgments are weighted too much to one side, they will sometimes mar the credibility of your argument. If your overall judgment is wholly positive, your evaluation will wind up sounding like propaganda or advertisement. If it is wholly negative, you might present yourself as overly critical, unfair, or undiplomatic. An example of a qualified claim or judgment might be the following: Although La Cocina is not without its faults, it is the best Mexican restaurant in town. Qualifications are almost always positive additions to evaluative arguments, but writers must learn not to overuse them. If you make too many qualifications, your audience will be unable to determine your final position on your subject, and you will appear to be "waffling."

Example Text

Creating more parking lots is a possible solution to the horrendous traffic congestion in Taiwan's major cities. When a new building permit is issued, each building must include a certain number of spaces for parking. However, new construction takes time, and results will be seen only as new buildings are erected. This solution alone is inadequate for most of Taiwan's problem areas, which need a solution whose results will be noticed immediately.

Comment Notice how this sentence at the end of the paragraph seems to be a formal "thesis" or "claim" which might drive the rest of the essay. Based on this claim, we would assume that the remainder of the essay will deal with the reasons why the proposed policy along is "inadequate," and will address other possible solutions.

Supporting Judgments

In academic evaluations, the overall claim or judgment is backed up by smaller, more detailed judgments about aspects of a subject being evaluated. Supporting judgments function in the same way that "reasons" function in most arguments. They provide structure and justification for a more general claim. For example, if your overall claim or judgment in your evaluation is

"Although La Cocina is not without its faults, it is the best Mexican restaurant in town,"

one supporting judgment might be

"La Cocina's green chile is superb."

This judgment would be based on criteria you have established, and it would be supported by evidence.

Providing more parking spaces near buildings is not the only act necessary to solve Taiwan's parking problems. A combination of more parking spaces, increased fines, and lowered traffic volume may be necessary to eliminate the nightmare of driving in the cities. In fact, until laws are enforced and fines increased, no number of new parking spaces will impact the congestion seen in downtown areas.

Comment There are arguably three supporting judgments being made here, as three possible solutions are being suggested to rectify this problem of parking in Taiwan. If we were reading these supporting judgments at the beginning of an essay, we would expect the essay to discuss them in depth, pointing out evidence that these proposed solutions would be effective.

When we write evaluations, we consciously adopt certain standards of measurement, or criteria .

Criteria can be concrete standards, like size or speed, or can be abstract, like practicality. When we write evaluations in an academic context, we typically avoid using criteria that are wholly personal, and rely instead on those that are less "subjective" and more likely to be shared by the majority of the audience we are addressing. Choosing appropriate criteria often involves careful consideration of audience demands, values, and concerns.

As an evaluator, you will sometimes discover that you will need to explain and/or defend not only your judgments, but also the criteria informing those judgments. For example, if you are arguing that a Mexican restaurant is excellent because (among other reasons) the texture of the food is appealing, you might need to explain to your audience why texture is a significant criterion in evaluating Mexican food.

Types of Criteria

If you are evaluating a concrete canoe for an engineering class, you will use concrete criteria such as float time, cost of materials, hydrodynamic design, and so on. If you are evaluating the suitability of a textbook for a history class, you will probably rely on more abstract criteria such as readability, length, and controversial vs. mainstream interpretation of history.

In evaluation, we often rely on concrete , measurable standards according to which subjects (usually objects) may be evaluated. For example, cars may be evaluated according to the criteria of size, speed, or cost.

Many academic evaluations, however, don't focus on objects that we can measure in terms of size, speed, or cost. Rather, they look at somewhat more abstract concepts (problems and solutions often), which we might measure in terms of "effectiveness," "feasibility," or other abstract criteria. When writing this kind of evaluation, it is vital to be as clear as possible when articulating, defining, and using your criteria, since not all readers are likely to understand and agree with these criteria as readily as they would understand and agree with concrete criteria.

Related Information: Abstract Criteria

Abstract criteria are not easily measurable, and they are usually less self-evident, more in need of definition, than concrete criteria. Even though criteria may be abstract, they should not be imprecise. Always state your criteria as clearly and precisely as possible. "Feasibility" is one example of an abstract criterion that a writer might use to evaluate a solution to a problem. Feasibility is the degree of likelihood of success of something like a plan of action or a solution to a problem. "Capability of being implemented" is a way to look at feasibility in terms of solutions to problems. The relative ease with which a solution would be adopted is sometimes a way to look at feasibility. The following example mentions directly the criteria it is using (the words in italics). Fire prevention should be the major consideration of a family building a home. By using concrete, the risk of fire is significantly decreased. But that is not all that concrete provides. It is affordable , suitable for all climates , and helps reduce deforestation . Since all of these factors are important, concrete should be demanded more than it is, and it should certainly be used more than wood for homebuilding.

Related Information: Concrete Criteria

Concrete criteria are measurable standards which most people are likely to understand and (usually) to agree with. For example, a person might make use of criteria like "size," "speed," and "cost" when buying a car.

If size is your main criterion, and something with a larger size will receive a more favorable evaluation.

Perhaps the only quality that you desire in a car is low initial cost. You don't need to take into account anything else. In this case, you can put judgments on these three cars in the local used car lot:

Nissan	$1,000
Toyota	$1,200
Saab	$3,000

Because the Nissan has the lowest initial price, it receives the most favorable judgment. The evidence is found on the price tag. Each car is compared by way of a single criterion: cost.

Using Clear and Well-defined Criteria

When we evaluate informally (passing judgments during the course of conversation, for instance), we typically assume that our criteria are self-evident and require no explanation. However, in written evaluation, it is often necessary that we clarify and define our criteria in order to make a persuasive evaluative argument.

Criteria That Are Too Vague or Personal

Although we frequently find ourselves needing to use abstract criteria like "feasibility" or "effectiveness," we also must avoid using criteria that are overly vague or personal and difficult to support with evidence. As evaluators, we must steer clear of criteria that are matters of taste, belief, or personal preference. For example, the "best" lamp might simply be the one that you think looks prettiest in your home. If you depend on a criterion like "pretty in my home," and neglect to use more common, shared criteria like "brightness," "cost," and "weight," you are probably relying on a criterion that is too specific to your own personal preferences. To make "pretty in my home" an effective criterion, you would need to explain what "pretty in my home" means and how it might relate to other people's value systems. (For example: "Lamp A is attractive because it is an unoffensive style and color that would be appropriate for many people's decorating tastes.")

Using Criteria Based on the Appropriate "Class" of Subjects

When you make judgments, it is important that you use criteria that are appropriate to the type of object, person, policy, etc. that you are examining. If you are evaluating Steven Spielburg's film, Schindler's List , for instance, it is unfair to criticize it because it isn't a knee-slapper. Because "Schindler's List" is a drama and not a comedy, using the criterion of "humor" is inappropriate.

Weighing Criteria

Once you have established criteria for your evaluation of a subject, it is necessary to decide which of these criteria are most important. For example, if you are evaluating a Mexican restaurant and you have arrived at several criteria (variety of items on the menu, spiciness of the food, size of the portions, decor, and service), you need to decide which of these criteria are most critical to your evaluation. If the size of the portions is good, but the service is bad, can you give the restaurant a good rating? What about if the decor is attractive, but the food is bland? Once you have placed your criteria in a hierarchy of importance, it is much easier to make decisions like these.

When we evaluate, we must consider the audience we hope to influence with our judgments. This is particularly true when we decide which criteria are informing (and should inform) these judgments.

After establishing some criteria for your evaluation, it is important to ask yourself whether or not your audience is likely to accept those criteria. It is crucial that they do accept the criteria if, in turn, you expect them to accept the supporting judgments and overall claim or judgment built on them.

Related Information: Explaining and Defending Criteria

In deciding which criteria will be effective in your evaluation is determining which criteria your audience considers important. For example, if you are writing a review of a Mexican restaurant to an audience comprised mainly of senior citizens from the midwest, it is unlikely that "large portions" and "fiery green chile" will be the criteria most important to them. They might be more concerned, rather, with "quality of service" or "availability of heart smart menu items." Trying to anticipate and address your audience's values is an indispensable step in writing a persuasive evaluative argument.

Related Information: Understanding Audience Criteria

How Background Experience Influences Criteria

Laura Thomas - Composition Lecturer Your background experience influences the criteria that you use in evaluation. If you know a lot about something, you will have a good idea of what criteria should govern your judgments. On the other hand, it's hard if you don't know enough about what you're judging. Sometimes you have to research first in order to come up with useful criteria. For example, I recently went shopping for a new pair of skis for the first time in fifteen years. When I began shopping, I realized that I didn't even know what questions to ask anymore. The last time I had bought skis, you judged them according to whether they had a foam core or a wood core. But I had no idea what the important considerations were anymore.

Evidence consists of the specifics you use to reach your conclusion or judgment. For example, if you judge that "La Cocina's green chile is superb" on the basis of the criterion, "Good green chile is so fiery that you can barely eat it," you might offer evidence like the following:

"I drank an entire pitcher of water on my own during the course of the meal."

"Though my friend wouldn't admit that the chile was challenging for him, I saw beads of sweat form on his brow."

Related Information: Example Text

In the following paragraph, evidence appears in italics. Note that the reference to the New York Times backs up the evidence offered in the previous sentence:

Since killer whales have small lymphatic systems, they catch infections more easily when held captive ( Obee 23 ). The orca from the movie "Free Willy," Keiko, developed a skin disorder because the water he was living in was not cold enough. This infection was a result of the combination of tank conditions and the animal's immune system, according to a New York Times article .

Types of Evidence

Evidence for academic evaluations is usually of two types: concrete detail and analytic detail. Analytic detail comes from critical thinking about abstract elements of the thing being evaluated. It will also include quotations from experts. Concrete detail comes from sense perceptions and measurements--facts about color, speed, size, texture, smell, taste, and so on. Concrete details are more likely to support concrete criteria (as opposed to abstract criteria) used in judging objects. Analytic detail will more often support abstract criteria (as opposed to concrete criteria), like the criterion "feasibility," discussed in the section on criteria. Analytic detail also appears most often in academic evaluations of solutions to problems, although such solutions can also sometimes be evaluated according to concrete criteria.

What Kinds of Evidence Work

Good evidence ranges from personal experience to interviews with experts to published sources. The kind of evidence that works best for you will depend on your audience and often on the writing assignment you have been given.

Evidence and the Writing Assignment

When you choose evidence to support the judgments you are making in an evaluation, it will be important to consider what type of evaluation you are being asked to do. If, for instance, you are being asked to review a play you have attended, your evidence will most likely consist primarily of your own observations. However, if your assignment asks you to compare and contrast two potential national health care policies (toward deciding which is the better one), your evidence will need to be more statistical, more dependent on reputable sources, and more directed toward possible effects or outcomes of your judgment.

Comparison and Contrast

Comparison and contrast is the process of positioning an item or concept being evaluated among other like items or concepts. We are all familiar with this technique as it's used in the marketing of products: soft drink "taste tests," comparisons of laundry detergent effectiveness, and the like. It is a way of determining the value of something in relation to comparable things. For example, if you have made the judgment that "La Cocina's green chile is superb" and you have offered evidence of the spiciness and the flavor of the chile, you might also use comparison by giving your audience a scale on which to base judgment: "La Cocina's chile is even more fiery and flavorful than Manuel's, which is by no means a walk in the park."

In this case, the writer compares limestone with wood to show that limestone is a better building material. Although this comparison could be developed much more, it still begins to point out the relative merits of limestone. Concrete is a feasible substitute for wood as a building material. Concrete comes from a rock called limestone. Limestone is found all over the United States. By using limestone instead of wood, the dependence on dwindling forest reserves would decrease. There are more sedimentary rocks than there are forests left in this country, and they are more evenly distributed. For this reason, it is quite possible to switch from wood to concrete as the primary building material for residential construction.

Determining Relative Worth

Comparing and contrasting rarely means placing the item or concept being evaluated in relation to another item or concept that is obviously grossly inferior. For instance, if you are attempting to demonstrate the value of a Cannondale mountain bike, it would be foolish to compare it with a Huffy. However, it would be useful to compare it with a Klein, arguably a similar bicycle. In this type of maneuver, you are not comparing good with bad; rather, you are deciding which bike is better and which bike is worse. In order to determine relative worth in this way, you will need to be very careful in defining the criteria you are using to make the comparison.

Using Comparison and Contrast Effectively

In order to make comparison and contrast function well in evaluation, it is necessary to be attentive to: 1) focusing on the item or concept under consideration and 2) the use of evidence in comparison and contrast. When using comparison and contrast, writers must remember that they are using comparable items or concepts only as a way of demonstrating the worth of the main item or concept under consideration. It is easy to lose focus when using this technique, because of the temptation to evaluate two (or more) items or concepts rather than just the one under consideration. It is important to remember that judgments made on the basis of comparison and contrast need to be supported with evidence. It is not enough to assert that "La Cocina's chile is even more fiery and flavorful than Manuel's." It will be necessary to support this judgment with evidence, showing in what ways La Cocina's chile is more flavorful: "Manuel's chile relies heavily on a tomato base, giving it an Italian flavor. La Cocina follows a more traditional recipe which uses little tomato and instead flavors the chile with shredded pork, a dash of vinegar, and a bit of red chile to give it a piquant taste."

The Process of Writing an Evaluation

A variety of writing assignments call for evaluation. Bearing in mind the various approaches that might be demanded by those particular assignments, this section offers some general strategies for formulating a written evaluation.

Choosing a Topic for Evaluation

Sometimes your topic for evaluation will be dictated by the writing assignment you have been given. Other times, though, you will be required to choose your own topic. Common sense tells you that it is best to choose something about which you already have a base knowledge. For instance, if you are a skier, you might want to evaluate a particular model of skis. In addition, it is best to choose something that is tangible, observable, and/or researchable. For example, if you chose a topic like "methods of sustainable management of forests," you would know that there would be research to support your evaluation. Likewise, if you chose to evaluate a film like Pulp Fiction , you could rent the video and watch it several times in order to get the evidence you needed. However, you would have fewer options if you were to choose an abstract concept like "loyalty" or "faith." When evaluating, it is usually best to steer clear of abstractions like these as much as possible.

Brainstorming Possible Judgments

Once you have chosen a topic, you might begin your evaluation by thinking about what you already know about the topic. In doing this, you will be coming up with possible judgments to include in your evaluation. Begin with a tentative overall judgment or claim. Then decide what supporting judgments you might make to back that claim. Keep in mind that your judgments will likely change as you collect evidence for your evaluation.

Determining a Tentative Overall Judgment

Start by making an overall judgment on the topic in question, based on what you already know. For instance, if you were writing an evaluation of sustainable management practices in forestry, your tentative overall judgment might be: "Sustainable management is a viable way of dealing with deforestation in old growth forests."

Brainstorming Possible Supporting Judgments

With a tentative overall judgment in mind, you can begin to brainstorm judgments (or reasons) that could support your overall judgment by asking the question, "Why?" For example, asking "Why?" of the tentative overall judgment "Sustainable management is a viable way of dealing with deforestation in old growth forests" might yield the following supporting judgments:

Sustainable management allows for continued support of the logging industry.
It eliminates much unnecessary waste.
It is much better for the environment than unrestricted, traditional forestry methods.
It is less expensive than these traditional methods.

Anticipating Changes to Your Judgments After Collecting Evidence

When brainstorming possible judgments this early in the writing process, it is necessary to keep an open mind as you enter into the stage in which you collect evidence. Once you have done observations, analysis, or research, you might find that you are unable to advance your tentative overall judgment. Or you might find that some of the supporting judgments you came up with are not true or are not supportable. Your findings might also point you toward other judgments you can make in addition to the ones you are already making.

Defining Criteria

To prepare to organize and write your evaluation, it is important to clearly define the criteria you are using to make your judgments. These criteria govern the direction of the evaluation and provide structure and justification for the judgments you make.

Looking at the Criteria Informing Your Judgments (Working Backwards)

We often work backwards from the judgments we make, discovering what criteria we are using on the basis of what our judgments look like. For instance, our tentative judgments about sustainable management practices are as follows:

If we were to analyze these judgments, asking ourselves why we made them, we would see that we used the following criteria: wellbeing of the logging industry, conservation of resources, wellbeing of the environment, and cost.

Thinking of Additional Criteria

Once you have identified the criteria informing your initial judgments, you will want to determine what other criteria should be included in your evaluation. For example, in addition to the criteria you've already come up with (wellbeing of the logging industry, conservation of resources, wellbeing of the environment, and cost), you might include the criterion of preservation of the old growth forests.

Comparing Your Criteria with Those of Your Audience

In deciding which criteria are most important to include in your evaluation, it is necessary to consider the criteria your audience is likely to find important. Let's say we are directing our evaluation of sustainable management methods toward an audience of loggers. If we look at our list of criteria--wellbeing of the logging industry, conservation of resources, wellbeing of the environment, cost, and preservation of the old growth forests--we might decide that wellbeing of the logging industry and cost are the criteria most important to loggers. At this point, we would also want to identify additional criteria the audience might expect us to address: perhaps feasibility, labor requirements, and efficiency.

Deciding Which Criteria Are Most Important

Once you have developed a long list of possible criteria for judging your subject (in this case, sustainable management methods), you will need to narrow the list, since it is impractical and ineffective to use of all possible criteria in your essay. To decide which criteria to address, determine which are least dispensable, both to you and to your audience. Your own criteria were: wellbeing of the logging industry, conservation of resources, wellbeing of the environment, cost, and preservation of the old growth forests. Those you anticipated for your audience were: feasibility, labor requirements, and efficiency. In the written evaluation, you might choose to address those criteria most important to your audience, with a couple of your own included. For example, your list of indispensable criteria might look like this: wellbeing of the logging industry, cost, labor requirements, efficiency, conservation of resources, and preservation of the old growth forests.

Criteria and Assumptions

Stephen Reid, English Professor Warrants (to use a term from argumentation) come on the scene when we ask why a given criterion should be used or should be acceptable in evaluating the particular text, product, or performance in question. When we ask WHY a particular criterion should be important (let's say, strong performance in an automobile engine, quickly moving plot in a murder mystery, outgoing personality in a teacher), we are getting at the assumptions (i.e., the warrant) behind why the data is relevant to the claim of value we are about to make. Strong performance in an automobile engine might be a positive criterion in an urban, industrialized environment, where traveling at highway speeds on American interstates is important. But we might disagree about whether strong performance (accompanied by lower mileage) might be important in a rural European environment where gas costs are several dollars a litre. Similarly, an outgoing personality for a teacher might be an important standard of judgment or criterion in a teacher-centered classroom, but we could imagine another kind of decentered class where interpersonal skills are more important than teacher personality. By QUESTIONING the validity and appropriateness of a given criterion in a particular situation, we are probing for the ASSUMPTIONS or WARRANTS we are making in using that criterion in that particular situation. Thus, criteria are important, but it is often equally important for writers to discuss the assumptions that they are making in choosing the major criteria in their evaluations.

Collecting Evidence

Once you have established the central criteria you will use in our evaluation, you will investigate your subject in terms of these criteria. In order to investigate the subject of sustainable management methods, you would more than likely have to research whether these methods stand up to the criteria you have established: wellbeing of the logging industry, cost, labor requirements, time efficiency, conservation of resources, and preservation of the old growth forests. However, library research is only one of the techniques evaluators use. Depending on the type of evaluation being made, the evaluator might use such methods as observation, field research, and analysis.

Thinking About What You Already Know

The best place to start looking for evidence is with the knowledge you already possess. To do this, you might try brainstorming, clustering, or freewriting ideas.

Library Research

When you are evaluating policies, issues, or products, you will usually need to conduct library research to find the evidence your evaluation requires. It is always a good idea to check journals, databases, and bibliographies relevant to your subject when you begin research. It is also helpful to speak with a reference librarian about how to get started.

Observation

When you are asked to evaluate a performance, event, place, object, or person, one of the best methods available is simple observation. What makes observation not so simple is the need to focus on criteria you have developed ahead of time. If, for instance, you are reviewing a student production of Hamlet , you will want to review your list of criteria (perhaps quality of acting, costumes, faithfulness to the text, set design, lighting, and length of time before intermission) before attending the play. During or after the play, you will want to take as many notes as possible, keeping these criteria in mind.

Field Research

To expand your evaluation beyond your personal perspective or the perspective of your sources, you might conduct your own field research . Typical field research techniques include interviewing, taking a survey, administering a questionnaire, and conducting an experiment. These methods can help you support your judgment and can sometimes help you determine whether or not your judgment is valid.

When you are asked to evaluate a text, analysis is often the technique you will use in collecting evidence. If you are analyzing an argument, you might use the Toulmin Method. Other texts might not require such a structured analysis but might be better addressed by more general critical reading strategies.

Applying Criteria

After developing a list of indispensable criteria, you will need to "test" the subject according to these criteria. At this point, it will probably be necessary to collect evidence (through research, analysis, or observation) to determine, for example, whether sustainable management methods would hold up to the criteria you have established: wellbeing of the logging industry, cost, labor requirements, efficiency, conservation of resources, and preservation of the old growth forests. One way of recording the results of this "test" is by putting your notes in a three-column log.

Organizing the Evaluation

One of the best ways to organize your information in preparation for writing is to construct an informal outline of sorts. Outlines might be arranged according to criteria, comparison and contrast, chronological order, or causal analysis. They also might follow what Robert K. Miller and Suzanne S. Webb refer to in their book, Motives for Writing (2nd ed.) as "the pattern of classical oration for evaluations" (286). In addition to deciding on a general structure for your evaluation, it will be necessary to determine the most appropriate placement for your overall claim or judgment.

Placement of the Overall Claim or Judgment

Writers can state their final position at the beginning or the end of an essay. The same is true of the overall claim or judgment in a written evaluation.

When you place your overall claim or judgment at the end of your written evaluation, you are able to build up to it and to demonstrate how your evaluative argument (evidence, explanation of criteria, etc.) has led to that judgment.

Writers of academic evaluations normally don't need to keep readers in suspense about their judgments. By stating the overall claim or judgment early in the paper, writers help readers both to see the structure of the essay and to accept the evidence as convincing proof of the judgment. (Writers of evaluations should remember, of course, that there is no rule against stating the overall claim or judgment at both the beginning and the end of the essay.)

Organization by Criteria

The following is an example from Stephen Reid's The Prentice Hall Guide for College Writers (4th ed.), showing how a writer might arrange an evaluation according to criteria:

Introductory paragraphs: information about the restaurant (location, hours, prices), general description of Chinese restaurants today, and overall claim : The Hunan Dynasty is reliable, a good value, and versatile.

Criterion # 1/Judgment: Good restaurants should have an attractive setting and atmosphere/Hunan Dynasty is attractive.

Criterion # 2/Judgment: Good restaurants should give strong priority to service/ Hunan Dynasty has, despite an occasional glitch, expert service.

Criterion # 3/Judgment: Restaurants that serve modestly priced food should have quality main dishes/ Main dishes at Hunan Dynasty are generally good but not often memorable. (Note: The most important criterion--the quality of the main dishes--is saved for last.)

Concluding paragraphs: Hunan Dynasty is a top-flight neighborhood restaurant (338).

Organization by Comparison and Contrast

Sometimes comparison and contrast is not merely a strategy used in part [italics] of an evaluation, but is the strategy governing the organization of the entire essay. The following are examples from Stephen Reid's The Prentice Hall Guide for College Writers (4th ed.), showing two ways that a writer might organize an evaluation according to comparison and contrast.

Introductory paragraph(s)

Thesis [or overall claim/judgment]: Although several friends recommended the Yakitori, we preferred the Unicorn for its more authentic atmosphere, courteous service, and well-prepared food. [Notice that the criteria are stated in this thesis.]

Authentic atmosphere: Yakitori vs. Unicorn

Courteous service: Yakitori vs. Unicorn

Well-prepared food: Yakitori vs. Unicorn

Concluding paragraph(s) (Reid 339)

The Yakitori : atmosphere, service, and food

The Unicorn : atmosphere, service, and food as compared to the Yakitori

Concluding paragraph(s) (Reid 339).

Organization by Chronological Order

Writers often follow chronological order when evaluating or reviewing events or performances. This method of organization allows the writer to evaluate portions of the event or performance in the order in which it happens.

Organization by Causal Analysis

When using analysis to evaluate places, objects, events, or policies, writers often focus on causes or effects. The following is an example from Stephen Reid's The Prentice Hall Guide for College Writers (4th ed.), showing how one writer organizes an evaluation of a Goya painting by discussing its effects on the viewer.

Criterion #1/Judgment: The iconography, or use of symbols, contributes to the powerful effect of this picture on the viewer.

Evidence : The church as a symbol of hopefulness contrasts with the cruelty of the execution. The spire on the church emphasizes for the viewer how powerless the Church is to save the victims.

Criterion #2/Judgment: The use of light contributes to the powerful effect of the picture on the viewer.

Evidence : The light casts an intense glow on the scene, and its glaring, lurid, and artificial qualities create the same effect on the viewer that modern art sometimes does.

Criterion #3/Judgment: The composition or use of formal devices contributes to the powerful effect of the picture on the viewer.

Evidence : The diagonal lines scissors the picture into spaces that give the viewer a claustrophobic feeling. The corpse is foreshortened, so that it looks as though the dead man is bidding the viewer welcome (Reid 340).

Pattern of Classical Oration for Evaluations

Robert K. Miller and Suzanne S. Webb, in their book, Motives for Writing (2nd ed.) discuss what they call "the pattern of classical oration for evaluations," which incorporates opposing evaluations as well as supporting reasons and judgments. This pattern is as follows:

Present your subject. (This discussion includes any background information, description, acknowledgement of weaknesses, and so forth.)

State your criteria. (If your criteria are controversial, be sure to justify them.)

Make your judgment. (State it as clearly and emphatically as possible.)

Give your reasons. (Be sure to present good evidence for each reason.)

Refute opposing evaluations. (Let your reader know you have given thoughtful consideration to opposing views, since such views exist.)

State your conclusion. (You may restate or summarize your judgment.) (Miller and Webb 286-7)

Example: Part of an Outline for an Evaluation

The following is a portion of an outline for an evaluation, organized by way of supporting judgments or reasons. Notice that this pattern would need to be repeated (using criteria other than the fieriness of the green chile) in order to constitute a complete evaluation proving that "Although La Cocina is not without its faults, it is the best Mexican restaurant in town."

Evaluation of La Cocina, a Mexican Restaurant

Intro Paragraph Leading to Overall Judgment: "Although La Cocina is not without its faults, it is the best Mexican restaurant in town."

Supporting Judgment: "La Cocina's green chile is superb."

Criterion used to make this judgment: "Good green chile is so fiery that you can barely eat it."

Evidence in support of this judgment: "I drank an entire pitcher of water on my own during the course of the meal" or "Though my friend wouldn't admit that the chile was challenging for him, I saw beads of sweat form on his brow."

Supporting Judgment made by way of Comparison and Contrast: "La Cocina's chile is even more fiery and flavorful than Manuel's, which is by no means a walk in the park itself."

Evidence in support of this judgment: "Manuel's chile relies heavily on a tomato base, giving it an Italian flavor. La Cocina follows a more traditional recipe which uses little tomato, and instead flavors the chile with shredded pork, a dash of vinegar, and a bit of red chile to give it a piquant taste."

Writing the Draft

If you have an outline to follow, writing a draft of a written evaluation is simple. Stephen Reid, in his Prentice Hall Guide for College Writers , recommends that writers maintain focus on both the audience they are addressing and the central criteria they want to include. Such a focus will help writers remember what their audience expects and values and what is most important in constructing an effective and persuasive evaluation.

Guidelines for Revision

In his Prentice Hall Guide for College Writers , 4th ed., Stephen Reid offers some helpful tips for revising written evaluations. These guidelines are reproduced here and grouped as follows:

Examining Criteria

Criteria are standards of value . They contain categories and judgments, as in "good fuel economy," "good reliability," or "powerful use of light and shade in painting." Some categories, such as "price," have clearly implied judgments ("low price"), but make sure that your criteria refer implicitly or explicitly to a standard of value.

Examine your criteria from your audience's point of view. Which criteria are most important in evaluating your subject? Will your readers agree that the criteria you select are indeed the most important ones? Will changing the order in which you present your criteria make your evaluation more convincing? (Reid 342)

Balancing the Evaluation

Include both positive and negative evaluations of your subject. If all of your judgments are positive, your evaluation will sound like an advertisement. If all of your judgments are negative, your readers may think you are too critical (Reid 342).

Using Evidence

Be sure to include supporting evidence for each criterion. Without any data or support, your evaluation will be just an opinion that will not persuade your reader.

If you need additional evidence to persuade your readers, [go back to the "Collecting" stage of this process] (Reid 343).

Avoiding Overgeneralization

Avoid overgeneralizing your claims. If you are evaluating only three software programs, you cannot say that Lotus 1-2-3 is the best business program around. You can say only that it is the best among the group or the best in the particular class that you measured (Reid 343).

Making Appropriate Comparisons

Unless your goal is humor or irony, compare subjects that belong in the same class. Comparing a Yugo to a BMW is absurd because they are not similar cars in terms of cost, design, or purpose (Reid 343).

Checking for Accuracy

If you are citing other people's data or quoting sources, check to make sure your summaries and data are accurate (Reid 343).

Working on Transitions, Clarity, and Style

Signal the major divisions in your evaluation to your reader using clear transitions, key words, and paragraph hooks. At the beginning of new paragraphs or sections of your essay, let your reader know where you are going.

Revise sentences for directness and clarity.

Edit your evaluation for correct spelling, appropriate word choice, punctuation, usage, and grammar (343).

Nesbitt, Laurel, Kathy Northcut, & Kate Kiefer. (1997). Academic Evaluations. Writing@CSU . Colorado State University. https://writing.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=47

Quick guide to an evaluation essay

Contributor: UWSC Staff

Ever read a restaurant review or movie review? These types of reviews are evaluations of businesses, products and/or services. When evaluating, writers should consider the following components:

Criteria for these products/services/businesses

Without knowing what the criteria are, readers will not have any idea how you (the evaluator) are attempting to formulate your evaluation.
Service : Attention must be given to the customer.
Wait time : If it takes two hours to seat me, dinner time has already passed, and now I am starving.
Timeliness of food arrival/service : Food must be served immediately after having been cooked, with all parties receiving their food at the same time (nothing more awkward than being the only one eating).
Quality : The food itself must also be fresh and of a high quality—if I can’t stand it, I can’t eat it.
Cleanliness of the restaurant : If my shoes stick to the floor as I walk to my table, I am thoroughly grossed out.
Value : Last but not least, what is the value of the food that I am getting? What did this meal cost me, because if I can get the same quality of food at a fast-food place, why am I paying these high prices for low-quality food? One would expect high quality everything for a high-priced restaurant.
Now, I have just established the criteria by which I will judge restaurant X (and set up my future essay organization).

Writers need to make a clear decision

Did restaurant X live up to expectations/standards?
Did it go above and beyond, being worthy of praise, or was it subpar and worthy of criticism?
Namely, what was the point in reviewing this business/service/product? Have you answered the “So what?” question?

Prove it

If your judgment of the restaurant (for example) is coming down on the negative side, your evidence should mostly be about all the negative things that brought you to that decision.
That said, a concession to the alternative point of view will prove that you are not biased, but that you are open to what might have been positive about restaurant X (just not to the point of sounding wishy-washy and undecided).
You should be providing your own experience with the business/product/service (for example your experience in the restaurant). Firsthand experience is great for this type of evaluation.
What do other connoisseurs say? Secondary evidence, which is quoting/paraphrasing what other reviewers/researchers have said about restaurant X, is also important; they may have had a different experience than yours or may provide information about the business/product/service that had previously gone unrecognized.
What do consumers say about restaurant X? Plenty of places exist to find customer reviews, such as Yelp, to gain the support of actual customers. You could also stand outside restaurant X and do interviews (time consuming, but worthy).

If an evaluation essay does not have criteria by which you are judging something, an actual judgment on whatever it is you are evaluating and plenty of evidence to support your judgment, then readers of your evaluation will ask, “So what? What was the point of me reading this?” This is not the goal. The above listing of criteria will benefit you by setting up your outline and providing you with direction and organization, which is a higher-order concern when writing.

19 Evaluation Essays

Evaluative arguments center around the question of quality. Is something good? Bad? Honest? Dishonest? Evaluative judgments are also about values—what the writer thinks is important. Sometimes the writer’s values are not the same as his/her readers’ values, so he/she has to bridge the gap by showing respect for the audience’s opinions and clarifying the points that they do and don’t agree upon.

An important first step in writing an evaluation is to consider the appropriate standards/criteria for evaluating the subject. If a writer is evaluating a car, for example, the writer might consider standard criteria like fuel economy, price, crash ratings. But the writer also might consider style, warranty, color, special options, like sound systems. Even though all people might not base their choice of a car on these secondary criteria, they are still considered acceptable or standard criteria.

To be taken seriously, a writer must have valid reasons for his evaluation. These reasons are based on criteria. Imagine choosing your attire for a job interview at a very prestigious law firm. You look at the jeans and t-shirts in your closet and immediately decide to go shopping. Why? Because the clothes in your closet don’t meet the criteria for the interview.

The Purpose of Evaluative Writing

Writers evaluate arguments in order to present an informed and well-reasoned judgment about a subject. While the evaluation will be based on their opinion, it should not seem opinionated. Instead, it should aim to be reasonable and unbiased. This is achieved through developing a solid judgment, selecting appropriate criteria to evaluate the subject, and providing clear evidence to support the criteria.

Evaluation is a type of writing that has many real-world applications. Anything can be evaluated. For example, evaluations of movies, restaurants, books, and technology ourselves are all real-world evaluations.

Five Characteristics of an Evaluative Essay

by Dr. Karen Palmer

1. Presenting the subject.

Presenting the subject is an often misunderstood aspect of an evaluative essay. Either writers give too little information or too much. Presenting the subject occurs in two different places in the essay.

First, the writer should give a brief introduction of the subject in the introduction of the evaluation. This introduction occurs in the second part of the introduction–the intro to the topic. At this point, the writer should simply name the subject and give a very brief description. For example, a restaurant review should include at a minimum the name and location of the restaurant. An evaluation of a vehicle might include the make, model, and year of the vehicle and any important features.

Second, the writer should give a more detailed description of the subject following the introduction in the background section of the paper. Here the writer could give a more detailed overview of the restaurant (the type of decor, type of food, owners, history), describe the vehicle in detail, etc. Striking a balance between giving the reader the necessary information to understand the evaluation and telling readers everything is important. The amount of detail necessary depends on the topic. If you are reviewing a brand new technology or a machine, specific to your line of work, for example, you will need to give readers more information than if you are simply reviewing a restaurant or a doctor’s office.

The language used in your description can be evaluative. For example, a writer can use descriptive adjectives and adverbs to convey a certain impression of the subject, even before the claim is made.

2. Asserting an overall judgment.

The main point/thesis should be located at the end of the paper’s introduction. It should be definitive—certain, clear, and decisive. Asking a question does not pose a definitive claim. Giving several different perspectives also does not give a definitive claim. It is ok to balance your claim, though, acknowledging weaknesses (or strengths) even as you evaluate a subject positively: “While the Suburban is a gas guzzler, it is the perfect car for a large family….”

Providing a map of your reasons/criteria within the thesis is a great technique for creating organization and focus for your essay. For example, “While the Suburban is a gas guzzler, it is the perfect car for a large family because it can seat up to 9, it has a high safety rating, and it has the best in class towing capacity.” Not only does this example give a clear, balanced claim, but it also lays out the writer’s reasons upfront, creating a map in the reader’s mind that will help him follow the reasoning in the essay.

3. Giving Reasons and Support

After presenting the subject and providing readers with a clear claim, the writer must explain and justify his/her evaluation using reasons that are recognized by readers as appropriate. This occurs in the argument section of the paper and should be the most extensive part of the paper. Reasons should reflect values or standards typical for the subject. If a writer uses criteria that is not typical for the subject, he/she must be prepared to defend that decision in the essay. For example, “Buying local may not always be at the forefront of a buyer’s mind when shopping for eggs, but…” Each reason should be clearly stated as a topic sentence that both states the reason and refers back to the main claim. Going back to the suburban example, a body paragraph/section might begin with the following topic sentence: “One of the obvious reasons a suburban is great for large families is its capacity for holding that large family and all of their necessary traveling items.”

Following the topic sentence, a writer must include relevant examples, quotes, facts, statistics, or personal anecdotes to support the reason. Depending on what the subject is, the support might be different. To support a claim about a book/film, for example, a writer might include a description of a pivotal scene or quotes from the book/film. In contrast, to support a claim about gas mileage, a writer would probably simply give the information from the vehicle specifications. Support can come from a writer’s own knowledge and experience, or from published sources.

4. Counterarguing:

Counterarguing means responding to readers’ objections and questions. In order to effectively counterargue, a writer must have a clear conception of his/her audience. What does the audience already know or believe about the subject? Effective counterarguing builds credibility in the eyes of the audience because it creates a sense that the writer is listening to the reader’s questions and concerns.

Counterarguments can occur at the end of the essay, after the writer has made his/her point, or throughout the essay as the writer anticipates questions or objections. Writers can respond to readers’ objections in two ways. First, a writer can acknowledge an objection and immediately provide a counter-argument, explaining why the objection is not valid. Second, a writer can concede the point, and allow that, the subject does have a flaw. In either case, it is important to be respectful of opposing positions, while still remaining firm to the original claim.

5. Establishing credibility and authority:

A writer’s credibility and authority lead to readers’ confidence in your judgment and their willingness to recognize and acknowledge that credibility and authority. An author can gain credibility by showing that he/she knows a lot about the subject. In addition, the writer shows that his/her judgment is based on valid values and standards.

The writer’s authority is in large part based upon the background of the author—education, etc. Is the author qualified to make a judgment? For some subjects, like a film review, simply watching the film might be enough. In other instances, like evaluating the quality of newly constructed cabinets or the engine of a new car, more experience might be necessary.

The Structure of an Evaluation Essay

Evaluation essays are structured as follows.

First, the essay will present the subject . What is being evaluated? Why? The essay begins with the writer giving any details needed about the subject.

Next, the essay needs to provide a judgment about a subject. This is the thesis of the essay, and it states whether the subject is good or bad based on how it meets the stated criteria.

The body of the essay will contain the criteria used to evaluate the subject. In an evaluation essay, the criteria must be appropriate for evaluating the subject under consideration. Appropriate criteria will help to keep the essay from seeming biased or unreasonable. If authors evaluated the quality of a movie based on the snacks sold at the snack bar, that would make them seem unreasonable, and their evaluation may be disregarded because of it.

The evidence of an evaluation essay consists of the supporting details authors provide based on their judgment of the criteria.

For example, if the subject of an evaluation is a restaurant, a judgment could be “Kay’s Bistro provides an unrivaled experience in fine dining.” Some authors evaluate fine dining restaurants by identifying appropriate criteria in order to rate the establishment’s food quality, service, and atmosphere. The examples are evidence.

Another example of evaluation is literary analysis; judgments may be made about a character in the story based on the character’s actions, characteristics, and past history within the story. The scenes in the story are evidence for why readers have a certain opinion of the character.

Job applications and interviews are more examples of evaluations. Based on certain criteria, management and hiring committees determine which applicants will be considered for an interview and which applicant will be hired.

Example Outline

Thesis: McAdoo’s is a fantastic family restaurant, offering young and old alike a great atmosphere, wonderful customer service, and a fantastic menu.

Introduction
Location–New Braunfels, TX
History–old post office, restored
Type of food
Walking up to the restaurant–cool exterior
Lobby–original post office doors, etc
Tables–great decor–memorabilia from NB history
prompt, courteous service
refills, bread
taking care of complaints–all you can eat lobster out–so price reduced
land lovers
Conclusion…If you’re ever in NB, I highly suggest stopping in at McAdoo’s and absorbing some of the great old world charm with some delicious food.

Possible “Get Started” Idea

Evaluate a restaurant. What do you expect in a good restaurant? What criteria determine whether a restaurant is good?
List three criteria that you will use to evaluate a restaurant. Then dine there. Afterward, explain whether or not the restaurant meets each criterion, and include evidence (qualities from the restaurant) that backs your evaluation.
Give the restaurant a star rating. (5 Stars: Excellent, 4 Stars: Very Good, 3 Stars: Good, 2 Stars: Fair, 1 Star: Poor). Explain why the restaurant earned this star rating.

Time to Write

In this essay, you will evaluate potential obstacles to learning. Think about the health and wellness of a college student during an international pandemic. What do you need to be successful? Do you have access to resources? Are the GCC resources adequate to support the community and its students during the pandemic?

You will evaluate at least three campus resources. Your recommendation should clearly state which of the resources should be maintained, which should be improved, and which might be eliminated, if any.

Purpose: This assignment will demonstrate the understanding of how to do a thorough evaluation of an approved topic. Students will review the complex elements of the topic they have chosen. Evaluative essays call for the writer to assess a subject in light of specific and explicit criteria and to make a judgment based on the assessment.

Task: This assignment evaluates a campus resource.

Write an Evaluation Essay. For this essay, you will choose a clear topic, give a reason for the evaluation, use description and categorization, create evaluation criteria, use concrete evidence and demonstrate the “why” of your position.

Possible Topics

Some topics to consider are listed here:

Center for Learning
Writing Center
Math Solutions
High Tech 1
High Tech 2
GCC Counseling and Career Services
Fitness Center

Key Features of an Evaluation:

Describe the particular phenomenon or work in a way that the rhetorical audience will understand and value.
Present the criteria on which the phenomenon or work is to be evaluated clearly, persuasively, authoritatively, and often in an order indicating importance. Criteria can be categorized into three groups: necessary (crucial but not enough to meet your overall assessment), sufficient (meeting all of your minimum standards, including the necessary ones), and accidental (unnecessary but an added bonus to the necessary and sufficient criteria).
Include concrete evidence and relevant examples from your personal experience and research illustrate the ways (usually in the form of assertions) the phenomenon does or does not meet each evaluative criterion. These fair and balanced assertions support the thesis statement.
At least three (3) sources on the Works Cited; these could be from your personal experience, college web pages, public health information, or sources related to quality college resources.
Articulate a clear argument (usually in the form of a thesis statement) about whether or not the object or phenomenon meets the criteria on which it is being evaluated.
Demonstrate an ethical approach to the process.

Key Grading Considerations

A clear reason for the evaluation
Use of description
Categorizing
Clear evaluation criteria
Concrete evidence & Examples
A clear argument presented (Thesis)
The establishment of ethos (balanced argument)
Secure closure to the argument (conclusion)
Three (3) sources minimum
Key Features are included
One inch margins
Typed and double-spaced
The heading is double-spaced on the left side of the page (includes name, my name, class, date)
Upper right-hand corner has last name and page number (EX: Dewey 1)
The font is Times New Roman, size 12
The title is original and is centered one line under the heading
Works Cited page lists outside sources in MLA format
Descriptive Language
Correct, appropriate, and varied integration of textual examples, including in-text citations
Limited errors in spelling, grammar, word order, word usage, sentence structure, and punctuation
Good use of academic English
Demonstrates cohesion and flow
Works Cited page has hanging indents and is in alphabetical order by author’s last name

Attribution

Content Adapted from “Five Characteristics of an Evaluative Essay” from The Worry-Free Writer by Dr. Karen Palmer is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
Content Adapted from Susan Wood, “Evaluation Essay,” Leeward CC ENG 100 OER, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Original Content contributed by Christine Jones “Time to Write” licensed under Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

Share This Book

Words with Friends Cheat
Wordle Solver
Word Unscrambler
Scrabble Dictionary
Anagram Solver
Wordscapes Answers

Make Our Dictionary Yours

Grammar and writing tips
Fun language articles
#WordOfTheDay and quizzes

By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

We'll see you in your inbox soon.

What Is an Evaluation Essay? Simple Examples To Guide You

definition of "evaluation essay" from the article

DESCRIPTION man holding smartphone while using laptop with evaluation essay definition
SOURCE Westend61 / Westend61 / Getty Images Plus
PERMISSION Used under Getty Images license

If you’ve ever had a slice of pecan pie and thought, "Wow, this is the best dessert I’ve ever had," you already have experience with the first step in evaluation. Now you just have to build out all the qualities that make that pecan pie so good (amazing crust, perfectly sweet filling, fresh pecans) and you’ve basically got a whole evaluation essay on your hands. Once you get a good handle on evaluation essays, writing one will be as easy as pie.

What Is an Evaluation Essay?

An evaluation essay is a type of essay that requires you to judge the quality of a subject, text, or body of work based on some ideal criteria that act as a point of comparison.

For example, keeping with the pie theme, what are the components that you expect out of an ideal pie? What do you think makes a good crust or filling? How does the pecan pie compare to that ideal pie?

Evaluation essays are subjective. They look at how you feel about a specific thing. However, even if it’s all based on your opinions, an evaluation essay still requires some form of contextual evidence to back up those opinions. Some people might see an evaluation essay as equivalent to a review.

What’s the Difference Between an Evaluation Essay and a Critical Analysis Essay?

At first blush, it’s pretty easy to mix up evaluation and critical analysis essays , and some teachers and instructors might conflate the two. They definitely have some overlap, so it’s understandable. They’re both a look at whether something is “good” or “bad.”

The main difference is in that word analysis . With a critical analysis essay, you’re doing a close reading of a subject or text, really getting into the nitty gritty, while also using other texts to back up your findings. For example, with a poem, you might get deep into a line-by-line reading, going into the diction, word choices, and metaphors.

An evaluation essay is a little more straightforward than that. You might naturally do some analysis, but you’re not doing a particularly close reading of the text. For example, your evaluation of a poem might look at some metaphors and word choice, but that’s all in service of saying whether that poem is good or bad.

The General Structure and Format of an Evaluation Essay

With some potential variation, you’re looking at three main components of an evaluation essay:

Your judgment/opinion
The criteria with which you are judging a subject
Evidence to support that judgment

Beyond that, you can pretty much run as far and as wide as you want with it. For a typical five-paragraph essay , you’ll cover three criteria (one for each of the body paragraphs). For longer essays, you’ll maybe look at other criteria or even consider opposing opinions.

A general evaluation essay outline might look like:

Introduce the subject that you’re evaluating.
Broadly talk about the criteria you’re using to evaluate the subject.
Present a thesis statement summing up your opinion on the subject.
What is your first criterion?
How does the subject match up to that criterion?
Provide evidence to support that.
What is your second criterion?
What is your third criterion?
Restate the thesis and your opinion on the subject.
Try to look beyond your opinion. (Could the subject be improved? Does your opinion on the subject address larger questions?)

Evaluation Essay Example

Now that you have all the basics that go into how to write an evaluation essay, you can go off and write one yourself. But don’t worry, we know that seeing one in action is a good way to get a better idea of what to do (and what not to do).

DESCRIPTION full evaluation essay example with labels
SOURCE Created by Karina Goto for YourDictionary
PERMISSION Owned by YourDictionary, Copyright YourDictionary

Evaluation Essay Introduction Paragraph Example

The usual rules apply here, mainly making sure your introduction hooks in the reader. What makes that easy in this case is that you’ll be stating a judgment of some kind. Opinions almost always draw people in, but try to make that opinion a little more engaging than “this thing is good/bad.”

Showers are both a place and an activity. They are where people wake themselves up to begin the day anew or where they wash the sweat and grime of a rough day off their bodies. Showers are an essential part of basic health and hygiene. With that comes a countless array of tools for proper cleanliness, but none come quite as close as the loofa to pure perfection. Based on cleaning ability, personal comfort, and usability, the loofa is the most effective and efficient body cleaning implement in any shower caddy.

Sample Evaluation Essay Body Paragraph

Start your body paragraphs discussing the criterion that you’re using to evaluate the subject. The reader needs to know what you mean by a “good” loofa. Once you define that, you can compare the subject to that criterion and use evidence to support your judgment.

Personal comfort is an admittedly subjective quality for anyone. However, the audience has a general understanding of a comfort range. Where scrubby cloths are harsh and even painful to more sensitive skin, other washing implements feel as though they are only pushing grime around the epidermis. The loofa succeeds in its ability to create a rich lather for a smooth, satisfying feeling while still maintaining an effective cleaning ability, ensuring that a bather feels good both during and after usage.

Example of an Evaluation Essay Conclusion Paragraph

This is where you sum it all up. Conclusion paragraphs can still be tricky for even the most experienced writers. Restate your thesis (and your opinion), and try your best to think outside the bounds of just your essay assignment. Why does anything you just wrote matter, either to you personally or to the world at large?

While humble in its roots, the loofa is an ideal cleaning tool that epitomizes cleaning ability, comfort, and ease of use into one amazing package. As bathing has only grown in importance in relation to hygiene and health, technology has maintained steady in the tools involved with the process. While the loofa may see some evolution in form at some point in the future, the tool’s current iteration suggests a superior form that requires no true improvement.

Evaluation Essay

A Comprehensive Guide to Write an Evaluation Essay

17 min read

Published on: Mar 24, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 24, 2024

What is an Evaluation Essay?

Looking for evaluation essay meaning? Here is an easy meaning for you.

An evaluation essay is a type of writing which involves providing an opinion on a particular subject. This can be done in different ways and differs from all other types of essays as it requires the writer to pass judgment on their topic rather than give a fact-based report or dissertation.

The most common types of evaluation essays are critical analysis and interpretive essays. In both types, the writer evaluates a particular subject based on their own opinion or perspective and then explains why they feel that way.

The goal of an evaluation essay is to present both sides of an issue objectively and provide readers with enough information so that they can form their own opinions.

Evaluations are meant to be unbiased and should not contain any opinionated statements. They must instead only focus on facts because this will help ensure that they won't come off as personally biased, which would make them unreliable for the intended audience.

Purpose of Evaluating Writing

Why are evaluative essays assigned to the students?

The purpose of evaluating essays is to determine the quality and effectiveness of a student's writing. Evaluation helps instructors determine if students have achieved mastery level

Understanding of the material in question
Understood the main ideas or points being made,
Can effectively express their own thoughts and opinions.

Additionally, evaluation allows teachers to assess a student's ability to organize and present their thoughts in an effective and meaningful way.

How can you write the best evaluation essay? To do this you must be aware of its characteristics.

Characteristics of Evaluative Essay

There are five characteristics of an evaluative essay:

Present the subject in a descriptive and evaluative way
Assert an overall judgment by providing the reason evaluation within the thesis statement
Support your reasons and points with evidence
Provide counterarguments by responding to the opposition's objections and claims
Establish credibility and authority by providing enough knowledge on the subject

Elements of an Evaluation Essay

Before beginning to learn how to write an evaluation essay, it is must to get educated about its elements. So the four elements of evaluation essay are mentioned below along with a brief details...

An evaluation essay should start by clearly establishing the subject that is being evaluated. This could be a product, service, person, experience, or even an event. It is also important to explain why you have chosen this particular subject and what purpose it serves.

Is the subject suitable for the assignment?
Does it present an opportunity to explore a certain topic in greater detail?

Consider these questions and make sure to provide clear answers.

The criteria you use in your evaluation will depend on what you are evaluating and for whom you are writing the evaluation. It is best to provide clear and specific criteria that you can use to judge the quality of the item or service being evaluated.

This is usually based on certain factors such as quality, effectiveness, value, and/or suitability. It is important to provide a clear definition of these criteria so that readers are able to follow your analysis.

Now it is the time to judge whether or not the standards have been achieved. Returning to our hotel example, you might start by assessing whether or not the establishment offers excellent accommodations. Is it sufficient? Or does it fall short of your high expectations? You may then move on to the other criteria.

In order to effectively evaluate the subject, it is important to gather evidence in support of your evaluation. The evidence gathered should help to explain why the criteria are relevant and why the subject is being evaluated in a certain way.

If you reach the conclusion that the quality of food does not meet expectations, be ready to provide proof for why this is so.

It's common for each paragraph in an essay to address a different topic. In that paragraph, you should thoroughly explain the criterion, make relevant judgments, and provide supporting evidence.

Evaluation vs. Review - What are the Differences?

Some students have a misconception about how to write an evaluation paper. They think that it is the same as writing a review, but in reality, there are many differences between the two types of papers.

Although these two types of papers do have some similarities, there are also a number of differences between them that set them apart.

Below are the key differences between these two.


	The topic is thoroughly analyzed and in depth.	The topic is discussed generally and without any depth.
	For the most part, it is unbiased.	It could be based on the writer's personal opinion.
	The writer must use pre-defined criteria.	The writer does not need any set criteria.
	The essay must have substantial evidence to back the claims.	It is a personal view and does not need any evidence.
	Citing and referencing the sources are important.	No references are generally required.

Evaluation Essay Outline

Understanding the evaluation essay format and creating an outline is important.

The essay format is based on the 5-paragraph structure that contains one introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs, and one conclusion paragraph.

Here is how to make an outline of your evaluation essay.

Introduction - Introduce the main theme or topic of the essay. Start the paragraph with a hook sentence and pique the readers' interest.
Thesis Statement - Create a brief thesis statement and add it at the end of the introduction.
Body Paragraphs - Add at least three paragraphs in this section. Each explains one idea and gives supporting evidence to back them. You can also add more paragraphs if there is scope for it.

Each paragraph will follow the following structure.

Supporting Evidence
Opposing Views

It is important that you add all these things into your essay so that your evaluation presents and explains a complete idea.

Conclusion - Restate your thesis statement here and explain the main points. However, keep everything brief and to the point.

This outline will be helpful for you when you write your evaluation essay. Follow it carefully, and you will have your essay done in no time.

If you need more help, check out this outline template.

Evaluation Essay Outline Template

How to Start an Evaluation Essay?

Here are the essential steps to start your evaluation essay.

1. Choose the Essay Topic Idea

When you have to write an evaluation essay, the topic must be something that will give your opinion credibility and allow for a thorough analysis of what it is about.

When choosing topics for critical evaluation essays, one should be familiar with the subject matter. Also, the quality of writing skills necessary when composing evaluative essays about particular subjects.

Therefore, choose a topic that is engaging for both you and your readers.

2. Develop the Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is a crucial element of an evaluative essay and should make it easy to evaluate the paper's arguments.

It must provide clear direction for where your evaluation stands on specific criteria so that you can distinguish between examples with differing levels of quality.

You need to be careful in citing only relevant information while supporting your points.

3. Think about the Criteria for Your Essay

Once you have chosen the topic of your evaluation essay, it is important to consider what criteria will be used to evaluate the subject.

How easy or difficult is it to explain your chosen topic or theme? If it is difficult, then you should divide it into multiple points that would help make this step easier.

Criteria should be objective and relevant. They must also be measurable so that the right kind of evidence can be collected.

4. Research and Gather Supporting Evidence

Your opinion on a topic is not valid unless you have the support of physical or logical evidence.

You need to be able to back up your statements with facts that will allow people who read them to make their own assumptions about what they are reading and come to an independent conclusion.

Research the strengths and weaknesses of the chosen idea or topic and give a clear idea about it to your readers.

Otherwise, there's no point in arguing because nobody can agree if both sides don't provide any information.

Once you have worked through these steps, you can move forward to writing the essay.

How to Write an Evaluation Essay?

Here are the steps to write an evaluation essay.

1. Create an Outline of the Essay

After choosing the topic and researching it, make an outline for your essay. Follow the outline given above and create an outline for your evaluation essay.

Make it detailed and add everything you want to discuss in your essay for a more helpful outline.

2. Write a Strong Introduction

The first paragraph of an essay should be engaging not only to keep your readers engaged. However, also to establish what you're going to tell about and why they need this information. To do so requires a hook that captures their attention, like something important or less known statement, for them to continue reading the rest of it.

3. Add a Thesis Statement

Evaluation essay thesis statement follows the introduction paragraph. It informs readers of what to expect from reading this essay and how it could affect your thinking about a certain matter.

4. Draft the Main Body of the Essay

The main body of an essay is the lengthiest part of the essay. It contains three paragraphs, but you can add more paragraphs if you feel that three paragraphs are not enough.

Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that tells the readers about one of the writer's opinions about the topic.

However, make sure that you stay relevant and strong. If required, use compares and contrast techniques and make the reader agree with your point of view.

Add criteria, judgment, evidence, and opposing point of view for each idea. Make sure that you explain everything properly.

5. Write a Good Conclusion

The end of your evaluation essay is the conclusion part. It should be an opportunity to summarize what you have said or emphasize the most important points. You can also use this space as closure and reflection on everything discussed so far. Don't forget to restate your thesis statement and how you proved it right.

6. Edit, Revise, and Proofread

Once you are done with the writing, proofread and revise it thoroughly. Do not submit anything without proper editing and proofreading.

This final step is important if you do not want to lose your score because you did not add a 'the' at the beginning of the sentence.

All of these steps are important for writing a good evaluation essay. Follow them carefully and craft a winning essay.

Here is an evaluation essay sample;

"The Shining" is one of the most obscure works by Stanley Kubrick, a horror film that recounts the tale of a family who has moved into a hotel called the Overlook and becomes terrorized by ghosts. The Torrance family's story centers on Jack, Wendy, and Danny throughout the movie. The original book, which Kubrick based the film on, was written by Steven King. The literary basis is quite thrilling and intriguing, and the film may be considered in much the same way.
Jack Torrance, a writer who has quit drinking, moves his family to a remote mountain resort in the film adaptation. The hotel is entirely isolated from the outside world due to the winter colder temperatures. All routes leading to it are buried under snow, therefore no cars can get through. The facility is currently shut. Jack needs isolation to write his next book, but he will also be the hotel's caretaker. The hotel was erected on a plot of property that had previously been used as an Indian burial ground. While Jack Torrance depicts the tale of a father trying to kill his family, the evil spirits influence him and he gradually becomes insane until he tries to kill his wife Wendy and son Danny but fails.
The primary and most important consideration when assessing "The Shining" is the atmosphere that was created in the movie. Kubrick was able to evoke a sensation of loneliness and alienation, as well as an ever-increasing sense of dread throughout the film. Despite all the opulence, the Overlook hotel appears to be a graveyard. The atmosphere is also enhanced with ghost scenes and depictions of how Jack becomes crazier as the story progresses. When Wendy looks at the manuscript that Jack had been writing during their family's stay at the hotel, one of the film's most frightening moments occurs. She notices that all of the pages are covered with just one sentence: "All fun and no play makes Jack a dull boy," at which point she knows her husband is completely deranged. The sense of dread and desperation intended by Kubrick is effectively conveyed, thus defending the film's merit.
Then again, with the exception of Jack Nicholson and Scatman Crothers, the acting is poorly executed. While Jack Nicholson was able to produce a depiction of a maniacal writer suffering from alcoholism, Shelley Duvall and Danny Lloyd's performances as the Torrance family members were unnatural and fake-looking. Danny Lloyd is a good example of someone who doesn't get the full credit he deserves because he's young and inexperienced, whereas Shelley Duvall in this film isn't at her finest. In most action sequences, her performance appears to be manufactured, and at times inappropriate. This makes for a significant difference when contrasted with Nicholson's character, who has performed at a top-level in the movie.
The technical aspect is also crucial for film evaluation, and "The Shining" may be cited for its strong cinematography. The film provides a number of new ideas that had not previously been used or were seldom employed. The majority of Danny's stills were taken from the growth rate of a young boy. This method aids audiences in feeling more like a child and seeing ghosts and the frightening environment through his eyes. A Steadycam system was also used during filming. The device helps to keep the picture steady in dynamic settings. The moment Danny rides his bike throughout the hotel's corridors was captured with the use of this gadget.
"The Shining" is a fantastic horror film, directed by an illustrious filmmaker based on a famous writer's work. It depicts a thick atmosphere of sorrow and loneliness, which is important when conveying the story. During filming, technical gimmicks added to the good evaluation of the movie. Jack Nicholson's acting ability in playing the image of a lunatic writer who is realistic and genuinely frightening was one of the most significant factors in favor of "The Shining." Other characters are lost, however, because Shelley Duvall and Danny Lloyd appear synthetic in their roles.

Evaluation Essay Examples

Here are some evaluation essay examples for students. These will help you in writing a good evaluation essay.

Evaluation Essay Example

Evaluation Essay on a Movie

Employee Self Evaluation Essay Example

Evaluation Essay Example PDF

Critical Evaluation Essay Example

Source Evaluation Essay Example

Evaluation Essay Topics

Here are some interesting evaluation essay topics that will help you write a good essay in no time.

Evaluate the role of smartphones in redefining long-distance communication.
How does social media affect our personal relationships?
What is the effect of the internet on the learning process of the students?
Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning programs.
How do peer mentoring and tutoring affect learning?
How important is physical education in high schools?
Evaluate the reasons behind global warming.
Digital vs. Physical Textbooks: Which one is a better option for schools?
Analyze a historical movie and discuss its main themes.
Evaluate multiple works of the same writer and draw similarities between them.

Grading Rubric

Understanding the key grading considerations of a grading rubric is essential for evaluation essays.

Here are some important factors that instructors typically consider when grading evaluation essays.

Evaluation Essay Writing Tips

Here are some helpful and easy-to-follow tips for writing a perfect evaluation essay.

Read the given material carefully and make important notes while reading and analyzing it.
Read each of the paragraphs carefully before transitioning to the next section.
Do not discuss points that only you find interesting; instead, choose something that will interest your readers.
Do not leave negative aspects but discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of the said topic
Understand the pros and cons of the chosen topic.
Maintain a consistent tone throughout the essay.
If evaluating a book or an article, notice the mistakes of the author and discuss them.
For a better evaluation, it is important to discuss the emotions that you may have while reading the work.
Do not add too many minor details and things that could not be backed with proper reasoning.
Read other reviews but try to maintain your own and unique tone and voice in it.
Express your thoughts clearly and concisely.

We hope you now understand what an evaluation essay is and how to write a critical evaluation essay.

To sum up,

An evaluation essay is different from other essays. It requires you provide opinion on the subject instead of factual information or simply reporting findings.

By reading our helpful guide, we hope that you have gained an understanding of the basics of evaluation essays and how to create them. So get started with your writing!

Although, if you're looking for someone who can help write an evaluative essay, visit out evaluation essay writing service now.

We specialize in providing authentic and custom writing assistance to everyone. With us, your essay comes with an A+ guarantee.

Every essay is written to meet the requirements of individual customers. Our custom essay service strives to offer our customers high-quality service at reasonable prices.

For a quick fix to your essay writing worries, visit out AI essay writing tool now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of an evaluation.

An evaluation is a systematic method that gives insight into the effectiveness of programs, practices, or initiatives. The information gathered can be used to make adjustments for these things to work better and achieve their goals.

What are the four types of evaluation?

Here are the four types of evaluation:

Summative Evaluation

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Terms of Use
Refunds & Cancellations
Our Writers
Success Stories
Our Guarantees
Affiliate Program
Referral Program
AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

Evaluation Essay Guide

Evaluation Essay

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

An Extensive Guide on Evaluation Essay With Examples

By: Cordon J.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Mar 15, 2022

An evaluation essay is one of the trickiest essays. It involves evaluation, analysis, and examples from various aspects of the given topic. Usually, this type of essay is commonly used in literature and arts.

Most of the students are seen seeking help if assigned an evaluation essay. This is because it can be written in various styles. An evaluation essay is used to represent your own thoughts on a given topic.

Let’s go through the blog to know more about the evaluation essay.

On this Page

What is an Evaluation Essay?

An evaluation essay is a kind of essay in which you offer a worthy judgment about the given topic. Here, the writer represents facts and then provides his point of view. It additionally decides the condition, worth, or importance through critical analysis of the writer.

This essay provides the writer’s viewpoint about the paper's topic, which makes an honest argument that is convincing for its readers. This type of essay is also known as controversial. They are assigned by the instructor to check your critical skills and unbiased opinions.

Elements of Evaluation Essay

There are three basic elements of an evaluation essay that must be considered before writing an essay. They are discussed below in detail.

1- Criteria

It is the ideal or the standard that needs to be defined. For example, while talking about a restaurant, we evaluate it by its ambiance, quick service, and other factors. These are the criteria for choosing a restaurant.

It may also vary according to the product we are talking about.

2- Judgment

After setting up the criteria, you talk about judgment. It is to evaluate whether the product has met the benchmark or not. For example, in the case of a restaurant, you will check:

Is the ambiance according to your taste?
Will you visit this place again or not?
Was the food according to your standard?

3- Evidence

When you have set up the criteria and judges about the topic under consideration. It’s time to prove your judgment with the help of strong arguments, and this is called evidence.

For example, if you say that the restaurant ambiance was not good. Then you have to justify why you do not like the ambiance, what factors cause you to think so, etc.

Purpose of Evaluation Essay

The purpose of the evaluation essay is to evaluate the provided topic and present your own thoughts against it. The writer has to explain their own viewpoint on the topic considering its conditions, worth, and significance.

A few more purposes of the evaluation essay include:

It helps to review or evaluate a book, thesis, or any topic.
It helps in the critical analysis of any book, journal, essay, or research paper.
It provides a critical analysis of the thesis statement .
It provides self-evaluation that helps in identifying strengths and loopholes.

Through an evaluation essay, a person learns to provide their own viewpoint on any topic. Along with this, it provides an opportunity to justify your objective with the help of strong arguments.

Evaluation Essay Structure

Correct structure is very important in any essay. It helps the reader to grasp the idea of the writer easily if the flow of the essay is correct. Evaluation essays have different structures. Let us explore all these structures:

Chronological Structure

The chronological structure is used to evaluate the effectiveness of any mechanism, process, or procedure. This evaluation can be referred to a historical context or any current event. It’s essential to use this structure while figuring out how something works.

Spatial Structure

In spatial structure, you do not evaluate the topic as a whole. Rather you take one stance and evaluate it with your arguments. And then, the results of this finding are used to evaluate further facts.

The spatial structure may not be easy for everyone to grasp, but it’s interesting. You start with one aspect that draws you to the next aspects on the topic.

Compare and Contrast Structure

This structure is used to demonstrate the similarities and differences of a topic. It is used to clarify two subjects by providing a contrast between them. The writer uses praise or critique in this structure so that readers understand how two subjects are different from each other.

Point by Point Structure

This structure is used when every detail is given to the reader about the topic. The writer demonstrates each quality of the subject point by point to the reader. Examples of this structure include evaluating pieces of music.

Its evaluation may include the beat used in music, instruments used, and all the other factors.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

How to Write an Evaluation Essay?

Following are the steps to draft an incredible evaluation essay:

1. Choose the Topic

Choosing an essay topic is essential. You must spend more time searching for an interesting topic. For an evaluation essay, make sure the topic must be informative as you have to evaluate some solid subject.

2. Evaluation Essay Outline

After choosing the topic, the next is to create an essay outline . Many students who miss this step and start writing directly in this way may miss many crucial points. It is advised to create an outline before writing; it will ease your writing process.

Writing an essay after creating an outline is less time taking. The outline includes all the important points of an essay. So the writer has no chance of missing out on any point.

Also, editing and proofreading become easier when you have a rough draft. You can counter-check if you have added all the information in an essay.

Let’s move to write an essay without further delay.

3. Evaluation Essay Introduction

An introductory paragraph is the first thing that a reader sees in your essay. Therefore, it should be the most interesting one. You can use different types of hooks here to grab your reader’s attention.

Some essential elements that must be included in an evaluation essay introduction example are as follows:

Use hook statement to grab readers attention
Provide brief background information about the topic. It helps the reader to understand the context better
Provide a strong thesis statement in the ending lines of your introduction

This information is necessary to inform your reader about the background or history of your evaluation essay title.

4. Craft the Body Section

The main section of an essay is the body section. Here it usually includes the three paragraphs that form the foundation of your essay. These three different paragraphs mean three different evaluation essay ideas on a given topic sentence of each paragraph.

In the first paragraph, you need to provide your opinion about the topic. State all the views you have about the topic and then provide strong evidence to support your viewpoint.

The second paragraph includes the comparing and contrasting of essay ideas. Here the writer has to explain the weaknesses and strengths of the subject. After this, all comparisons provide your stance on what you think about the subject.

The third paragraph also includes the arguments, evaluation criteria, and claims to support the subject.

5. Evaluation Essay Conclusion

The concluding paragraph must be strong enough so that your reader moves forward with a strong point of view. Here you have to rephrase your thesis statement from the introductory paragraph.

By quoting your thesis statement, you have to provide the most solid argument about the whole topic by summing up all the points discussed in a body paragraph. Give your opinion, and it should be very compelling that readers agree to it.

6. Proofread and Edit

The last step is to proofread and edit your essay. After writing it; takes some time and then proofread it. You have to figure out all the grammatical errors and unintentional mistakes that may become a cause to lower your grades.

Evaluation Essay Examples

CRITICAL EVALUATION POEM ESSAY

EVALUATION ESSAY ON A MOVIE

SELF EVALUATION ESSAY

EVALUATION ESSAY THESIS SAMPLE

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Evaluation Essay Topics

Here are some of the great essay topics to get started on your evaluative writing.

Evaluate the impacts of weight on the human mind
Evaluate your most utilized corrective item
Evaluate your last year scholastic execution
Evaluate the impacts of reusing plastic
Evaluate the contrast among IELTS and TOFEL
Evaluate the cons of utilizing cell phones to outrageous
Evaluate the pros and cons of teen smoking
Evaluate the significance of time in a people life
Evaluate a film you have seen last
Evaluate your beloved cafe

Evaluation Essay Tips

Following are some tips that you must remember while writing an evaluation essay:

Elaborate on every minute detail while evaluating your subject
Provide fact-based information
Strengthen your argument with a lot of supports taken from credible sources
Support your opinion through strong critique and concise evaluation
It is very important to know your audience before writing for them

Writing a perfect evaluation paper is not easy, but after reading this guide, we hope it’s been helpful. Follow these steps and craft the best evaluation essay on any of the good ideas given above.

If not, then ‘ write my essay ’ service is always here to assist. Provide us with your assignment details, become and we will do the rest!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is evaluation in essay writing.

Evaluation is to assess, and you'll require an assessment or decision concerning the degree to which it’s correct. Consequently, giving such a decision or assessment in an essay is evaluation.

How to start an evaluation essay?

Following are the steps to start an evaluation essay:

Start with an interesting statement
Introduce your subject quickly
Provide some background information
Provide the basis of your criteria
Write your thesis statement

Can you use I in an evaluation essay?

No, we can not use I in an evaluation essay. First-person pronouns can make the essay wordy and give it an informal tone when used inappropriately. Therefore, avoid using I.

Literature, Marketing

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Definition and Examples of Evaluation Essays

An Introduction to Punctuation
Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

An evaluation essay is a composition that offers value judgments about a particular subject according to a set of criteria. Also called evaluative writing , evaluative essay or report , and critical evaluation essay .

An evaluation essay or report is a type of argument that provides evidence to justify a writer's opinions about a subject.

"Any kind of review is essentially a piece of evaluative writing," says Allen S. Goose. "This type of writing calls for the critical thinking skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation" ( 8 Kinds of Writing , 2001).

Observations

"Without good reasons for liking or disliking certain things, students can never get beyond being passive receivers of marketing, fickle consumers without a basis for their opinions. Writing evaluation papers asks them to question why they feel the way they do." (Allison D. Smith, et al., Teaching in the Pop Culture Zone: Using Popular Culture in the Composition Classroom . Wadsworth, 2009)

How to Evaluate

"If you are evaluating a piece of writing, then you are going to need to thoroughly read the work. While you read the work, keep in mind the criteria you are using to evaluate. The evaluative aspects may be: grammar, sentence structure, spelling, content, usage of sources, style, or many other things. Other things to consider when evaluating a piece of writing is whether the writing appealed to its target audience . Was there an emotional appeal? Did the author engage the audience, or was the piece lacking something? ..."If you are evaluating anything else, use your head. You need to try, use, or test whatever thing you are evaluating. That means you should not evaluate a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette unless you have the $45,000 (or more) to buy one, or the money to rent one. You also need the know-how of driving a car of that power and a base of knowledge of other cars that you have tested to compare it to." (Joe Torres, Rhetoric and Composition Study Guide . Global Media, 2007)

Identifying Criteria for an Evaluation

" Make a list of prominent, widely recognized standards for judging your subject. If you do not know the standards usually used to evaluate your subject, you could do some research . For example, if you are reviewing a film, you could read a few recent film reviews online or in the library, noting the standards that reviewers typically use and the reasons that they assert for liking or disliking a film. If you are evaluating a soccer team or one winning (or losing) game, you could read a book on coaching soccer or talk to an experienced soccer coach to learn about what makes an excellent soccer team or winning game." (Rise B. Axelrod and Charles R. Cooper, Axelrod & Cooper's Concise Guide to Writing , 4th ed. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2006)

Ways of Organizing an Evaluation Essay

"One way to organize an evaluation essay is point-by-point: describe one element of the subject and then evaluate it; present the next element and evaluate it; and so on. Comparison/contrast could be an organizing structure as well, in which you evaluate something by comparing (or contrasting) it to a known item. Culinary and music reviews often use this strategy. Chronological organization can be used for evaluating an event (either current or historical). Sequential organization can be used when describing how something works and evaluating the effectiveness of the process, procedure, or mechanism. Spatial organization can be used for evaluating art or architecture in which you describe and evaluate one element of the artifact and then move spatially to the next major element to be described and evaluated." (David S. Hogsette, Writing That Makes Sense: Critical Thinking in College Composition . Wipf and Stock, 2009)
Backing (argument)
Learn How to Use Extended Definitions in Essays and Speeches
Periodical Essay Definition and Examples
Critical Analysis in Composition
Critical Thinking in Reading and Composition
Research in Essays and Reports
What Is an Annotated Bibliography?
Letter of Recommendation
What Is a Critique in Composition?
Syncrisis (Rhetoric) Definition and Examples
Informal Logic
What Are Forensic Linguistics?
Definition and Examples of Humorous Essays
Definition Examples of Collage Essays
How to Write a Critical Essay
Data Definition and Examples in Argument

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

54 Evaluation

What is evaluative writing.

Evaluative writing is a type of writing intended to judge something according to a set of criteria. For instance, your health might be evaluated by an insurance company before issuing a policy. The purpose of this evaluation would be to determine your overall health and to check for existing medical conditions. The better your evaluation, the less the insurance company might charge you for coverage.

More commonly, if you plan to spend ten dollars on a movie, you might instead go to Rottentomatoes.com read through what professional movie reviewers and even amateur movie reviewers thought of the film. Rottentomatoes.com makes things simpler by boiling down a review into a score of “freshness”, thus if a film is 97% fresh, nearly everyone enjoyed it. However, we are given reasons for this unless we actually start reading reviews on each film. So, go to Rottentomatoes.com and read a review of a film you have recently watched. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a new film.

Reviews are actually evaluations of films. They use criteria such as the plot complexity, characterization, dialogue, relevance of theme, shot composition, acting, and other elements to determine the overall quality of the film.

Reviewers have long praised Citizen Kane , but is it truly a great film? It was a grand film with enormous sets, a larger-than-life protagonist and strong performances by Joseph Cotton, Orson Welles, and Agnes Moorehead. However, many films possess these qualities. Critics were much more fascinated by the use of light and shadow in many scenes and the unique camera angles created by Gregg Toland, the cinematographer. The camera moves frequently and constantly incorporates contrasts. Welles even used ceilings on his sets to create a much more “boxed-in” sense from the viewer. In some scenes, Toland uses reflected images to provide different perspectives of the characters during particular scenes. In another scene, Welles shows both the passage of time and the dissolution of a marriage by first showing the newlyweds talking and flirting over breakfast as Kane’s wife wears a nightgown and a loose silk robe. This is followed by a succession of mornings until the final scene where the wife wears a high collared blouse, long sleeves, and a scowl as the two trade bitter verbal jabs. In a few short minutes, the audience watches the newlywed’s progress from giddy to openly resentful. It’s these innovations that lead critics to praise the film.

Is it everybody’s favorite film? No. Evaluation and preference are two entirely different measures of quality. Evaluation requires criteria so as to create a more objective “measure” of quality. Preference is about what you like. I like National Lampoons Christmas Vacation because it makes me laugh and because I can watch it with other people and they will laugh, too. Luckily I live in world where I can evaluate an objectively great film and enjoy an objectively bad one. (Though I think I can make an argument that it is objectively a great film.)

ESTABLISHING EVALUATIVE CRITERIA

The key to effective evaluative writing is starting off with a clear and precise assertion. Your main assertion is what you will use to perform the evaluation. You may want to argue that a Chevy Tahoe is better than a Ford Expedition based on its horsepower, gas mileage, capacity, warranty, etc. Other evaluators might argue the difference between their towing capabilities. Whatever the main argument may be for your evaluative essay, make sure that your argument is clear.

Make sure you have a well presented subject. Without one, you will lose your readers.
Create a thesis statement. Thesis statements help you stay focused and help your reader to understand what is being evaluated or judged.
Give only information that is imperative to the decision making process. If it looks like unnecessary information, it probably is.
Do not be biased when creating an evaluative essay. Give both good and bad examples of the topic.

You are the “expert” in an evaluative essay. Support your opinions with facts, not whims.

HOW TO EVALUATE

A big question you might have is: how do I evaluate my subject? That depends on what your subject is.

If you are evaluating a piece of writing, then you are going to need to read the work thoroughly. While you read the work, keep in mind the criteria you are using to evaluate. The evaluative aspects may be: grammar, sentence structure, spelling, content, usage of sources, style, or many other things. Another thing to consider when evaluating a piece of Evaluation writing is whether the writing appeals to its target audience. Is there an emotional appeal? Does the author engage the audience, or is the piece lacking something? If you can, make notes directly on your work itself so that you remember what you want to write about in your essay.

If you are evaluating anything else, use your head. You need to try, use, or test whatever thing you are evaluating. That means you should not evaluate a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette unless you have the $45,000 (or more) to buy one, or the money to rent one. You also need the know-how of driving a car of that power and a base of knowledge of other cars that you have tested to make a fair comparison.

On the note of comparisons, only compare things that are reasonably alike . People don’t care to know how a laugh-out-loud comedy like National Lampoons Christmas Vacation compares to Citizen Kane; that is for a different type of essay. Compare comedies to other comedies and dramas to other dramas. That is what people are looking for when reading comparisons in an evaluation essay. However, keep in mind that comparisons are always useful in illustrating an idea and providing context. They give shape and clarity to often complex ideas presented in evaluations.

Whatever you are evaluating, make sure to do so thoroughly. Take plenty of notes during the testing phase so that your thoughts stay fresh in your mind. You do not want to forget about a part of the subject that you did not test.

STRUCTURE OF THE EVALUATIVE ESSAY

Introduction.

In the introduction of your evaluative essay, you should clearly state the following: – what you are evaluating (the subject – like Citizen Kane or National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation ) – the purpose of your evaluation – what criteria you are evaluating your subject on (plot, characterization, cinematography etc.) For example, you should not just write that you are judging the acting in the film. You should explain that you are judging the individual performances of actor, the plot of the screenplay, and cinematography. Give the reader background on the subject including the “who, what, when, where, and why” elements of the subject.

Be sure to be very descriptive and thorough when evaluating your subject. The more you leave out of the essay, the more unanswered questions your readers are left with. Your goal should be to cover all aspects of the subject and to tell the audience how good or bad it is. Consider, for example, not only what quality the subject possesses, but what is missing. Good evaluations measure the quality or value of a subject by considering what it has and what it lacks.

Check out: Useful Phrases for Use in Evaluative Writing

The conclusion for an evaluative essay is pretty straightforward. Simply go over the main points from the body of your essay. After that, make an overall evaluation of the subject. Tell the audience if they should buy it, eat it, use it, wear it, etc. and why. After that is done, your essay is finished.

The conclusion of a review is also an opportunity for some flourish. Think about how you can sum up the best or worst of the experience to send your audience marching toward or away from the subject of your evaluation. Good job!

Share This Book

PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
Browse Articles
Learn Something New
Quizzes Hot
Happiness Hub
This Or That Game
Train Your Brain
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Education and Communications

How to Evaluate Essay Writing

Last Updated: April 25, 2020 References

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. This article has been viewed 39,318 times.

Essays are common assignments in high school and college. If you are a new teacher trying to evaluate student essays, then familiarizing yourself with the basic parts of an essay can also be helpful. Essays are usually broken into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In some cases, an essay may also need to include a works cited or reference page. If you also need to assign a grade to an essay, develop a rubric and deduct a set number of points for items that are missing, incomplete, or incorrect.

Evaluating the Thesis Statement and Introduction

Step 1 Look for an attempt to engage readers.

For example, in an essay about the first day of classes at a new school, the author might engage readers by providing a vivid description of what it was like for them to walk down the hallway for the first time.

Step 2 See if you can tell what the essay is supposed to be about.

For example, if the essay is supposed to be about gun control, then the introduction should provide context for readers about this subject. This may be in the form of facts and statistics, an anecdote, or some background information on the controversy.
On the other hand, a narrative essay on the first day of class at a new school would need to provide a scene from that experience or some kind of background information, such as why they had to start at a new school.

For example, if the topic is declining bee populations, then the author might include something about how this will affect the food supply to get readers to care about the subject.
If the essay is about a memorable family vacation, then the introduction might explain how this vacation changed the author’s perspective.

For example, a paper about the benefits of recycling might include a thesis that reads, “Everyone should recycle because we have limited resources and recycling helps to conserve energy.”
A narrative essay does not need to have an argument, but there should be a sentence that describes the main point of the essay, such as, “My family’s trip to Turkey taught me about different cultures, cuisines, and religions, and I learned so much about myself along the way.”

Reading the Body Paragraphs

Step 1 Check that the essay includes the minimum number of body paragraphs.

There would only need to be 3 body paragraphs if the essay is meant to be a 5 paragraph essay. If the essay is meant to be longer, then it should have about 2 body paragraphs per page.
Multiply the total pages of the essay by 2 and then subtract 2 (for the intro and conclusion) to find the approximate number of body paragraphs a paper should have. For example, a 4 page essay should have about 6 body paragraphs.

For example, if the topic sentence reads, “Polar bears require a large amount of food to sustain their body weight,” then the rest of the paragraph should expound upon what and how much polar bears eat.
For a topic sentence that reads, “The meal consisted of a hearty goat stew for the main course, and several traditional side dishes in a variety of colors, flavors, and textures,” the paragraph should provide additional details about the meal.

For example, if a sentence reads, “Male polar bears weight between 775 to 1,200 pounds (352 to 544 kg),” then there should be a source for this information because this is not information that most people know. [3] X Research source
On the other hand, it would not be necessary to include a source for a sentence that reads, “Polar bears are large, white bears.”

Step 4 Note the use of descriptive language.

If a paragraph is describing a person, then the author might include details about the color of their hair, the sound of their voice, and the type of clothing they wore.
For example, an effective descriptive paragraph might read, “Judy stood a whole head above me, but she also had an impressive afro that added about 6 inches (15 cm) to her height. She wore black Converse, ripped white jeans, a cherry red, v-neck t-shirt, and a silver locket that contained a picture of her father. Her voice was deep and raspy, as if she had smoked for 20 years, but she had never even had a puff.”

Step 5 Watch for transitions between sentences and paragraphs.

Sequence: then, next, finally, first, second, third, last
Cause and effect: for this reason, as a result, consequently, thus, therefore, hence
Contrast or comparison: but, however, conversely, similarly, likewise, in the same way, also
Example: for example, for instance, in fact, to illustrate
Purpose: for this reason, to this end, for this purpose
Time or place: before, after, immediately, in the meantime, below, above, to the south, nearby [6] X Research source

Reviewing the End of the Essay

Step 1 Note how the author readdresses the thesis statement.

For example, if the essay was about the benefits of recycling and why it is important to recycle, then the conclusion might include a sentence that reads, “Despite all of the benefits of recycling and how easy it is to recycle, many people still don’t do it.”
For a narrative essay that begins with a description of how nervous the author was to walk down the hall on the first day at a new school, the author could make a similar return to the introduction. The conclusion might include something like, “That first day was terrifying and walking down the hall felt like walking to my doom, but I learned that I was not the only one who felt that way.”

Step 2 Consider what kind of impression the essay made on you.

For example, at the end of a narrative essay you might be left thinking about the vivid description of a favorite family meal.
An argumentative essay may leave you thinking about the moral dilemma raised by the author regarding gun control.
An expository essay about polar bears might leave you with a new appreciation for their size and strength.

Step 3 Make sure no new information is introduced.

If the conclusion does introduce new information, note this in your evaluation.

Evaluating Cited Sources

Step 1 Check for in-text citations if sources were required.

Make sure the citations are formatted according to the style guide listed on the assignment sheet, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago Style.

Step 2 Verify that cited information is consistent with the original source.

You may not have time to do this for every single piece of evidence, especially if you have a lot of students. If this is the case, you could randomly check 1-2 pieces of evidence for each essay you grade.

Step 3 Review the works cited page to make sure it's correct.

If you're in doubt about a source, use the information on the works cited page to find the original source and review it.
Remember that the format should match the assigned style guide, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago Style.

Grading an Essay

Step 1 Consider how well the essay addresses the prompt or question.

Some teachers and professors require students to rewrite essays that do not satisfy the basic requirements of an assignment. If you come across an essay like this, then you might want to meet with the student to discuss their options.

Before you assign points to the criteria, rank them in order of importance for this assignment. This will help you create a points system that relates to the goal for this assignment.
It's best to give your students a copy of the rubric when you make the assignment. This allows the students to understand your grading process and expectations.
Introduction
Thesis statement
Organization
Development of ideas

Step 3 Deduct points if an item is missing, incorrect, or incomplete.

For example, if you require students to include a thesis statement in the first paragraph to outline the paper’s argument, then you might deduct 15 points if it is missing, or 10 points if it is incomplete or incorrect.

Expert Q&A

It's essential to clearly communicate your expectations to your students. Include all of the information they need to earn full credit in the assignment sheet, including your rubric. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you are evaluating your own essay, use the teacher’s assignment guidelines to ensure that you have included all of the required elements of an essay. Ask your teacher if you are unsure. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

↑ https://writerscentre.yale-nus.edu.sg/resources/elements-of-a-good-essay/elements-of-a-good-essay/
↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/expository_essays.html
↑ https://www.livescience.com/27436-polar-bear-facts.html
↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/descriptive_essays.html
↑ http://web.mit.edu/course/21/21.guide/tran-cwp.htm
↑ http://core.ecu.edu/hist/zipfk/guidelines_for_grading_an_essay.htm

About This Article

Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Jun 2, 2023

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Project Types We Cover

Admissions Essay
PowerPoint Presentation
Research Paper
Book Reviews
Personal Statement
Ph.D Dissertation
Proofreading

Academic Fields & Subjects

Programming
Computer Science
Other projects we help with
Our Experts
Plagiarism Checker
Writing Tips

How to Write an Evaluation Essay – A Complete Guide

By: Angelina Grin

Writing an evaluation essay requires an individual to invest time in research. Still, an overall evaluation essay outline template helps the student to complete their work faster since the ideas are already in place. Take a look at what you need to have in place before and during the essay writing process.

Come up with an argument for your judgement

Capture their interest, give a brief history, restate the thesis statement, give a verdict, show the evaluation essay template outline, give an evaluation of the topic, write using a specific evaluation criterion, close with a conclusion, what is an evaluation essay, topic/title, thesis statement, introduction, argument/body, select a topic, think of a thesis statement, choose your topic’s outcome, find material that will support your argument, identify your topic, state the most critical point, give supporting information, offer opposing opinions to your stand, how to conclude an evaluation essay, connecting the conclusion to the introduction, writing tips for evaluation essays, how to choose a topic, useful tips, "formula" for a perfect evaluation essay, how many paragraphs is an evaluative essay, what is an evaluative thesis, how long should an evaluative essay be, what are the three methods of evaluation, how long should the topic be.

Determining what you want to write about is the first step to a successful evaluation paper. Asking yourself a few questions will make your work easier when picking an argument. For instance, do you want to write about the positive or negative aspects, or are you interested in combining both ideas to evaluate the effects of a particular item? Whether you are writing evaluation essays on a service, a product, or an academic subject, you need to pick a side and run with the idea.

Determine the introduction to your essay

An evaluation essay introduction is the first part of the document highlighting your evaluation essay structure in a few paragraphs. Of course, the length of this section is sorely dependent on your paper’s size, so you have to mince or increase the words to fit your requirements. In the introduction, ensure that you address the following sections:

Begin the evaluation using a catchy introduction to capture your reader’s interest. A question, statement, or use of facts can work here. However, you are free to use whatever starting point that is likely to lure them into wanting to read more about your document.

Writing a brief background about your evaluative essay topic is critical since it allows the reader to understand your reason for selecting it. And while writing a bit of its origin is vital, keep in mind that you do not want to bore the reader with long texts about history.

Pick snippets about the topic’s history that will give your evaluation essay meaning. Keep in mind that what you choose to write in the background section depends on the angle you will be writing on. It will come in handy in determining what historical moments you want to highlight.

Remind your reader what your essay evaluation entails by restating your evaluative essay thesis statement . This brings the paper into perspective, especially since losing the reader in the background section can be easy.

While you cannot go into in-depth verdict provision in this section, you must show the reader what angle you will take and your findings. It helps them know that you put your back into the work and that the document is well researched.

An evaluation essay format is a structure that allows the reader to know your flow of ideas. Rather than delve blindly into the paper, it can be helpful to give an overview of the essay evaluation. Highlighting the significant sections of the document works okay.

Giving a detailed background of the topic helps bring the ideas into perspective. Unlike in the introduction, you can explore more into the history at this stage. However, you have to balance the older and newer history details, which will help make the paper relatable to the present.

Once you are sure your reader has an idea of why you are interested in tackling the issue at hand, you can delve into giving an evaluation of the subject. First, you need to master how to write an evaluation paragraph. To write an appealing evaluation paragraph, keep the paragraphs short and factual. Ensure that they introduce something new to the reader. While at it, make sure that you explain each point that you present to the reader.

Remember that a good evaluation is objective. You have to present both sides of the issue before giving a verdict. Compare the strengths, weaknesses, pros, and cons of your idea. Then, support your comparisons with analytical arguments.

Selecting an evaluative essay example depends on your objective for writing the evaluation essay. The available options when it comes to criteria selection are:

Argumentative – Such essays require detailed research and supporting data regarding your stand. Argumentative essays aim to persuade the reader to agree with your point of view.
Narrative – These are the type of essays whose aim is to inform the reader without necessarily trying to persuade them into agreeing with your opinions.
Expository – These documents solely discuss problems and offer solutions to the issues they address.
Descriptive – Such evaluative essays describe attributes of objects, services, people, and places.

Ensure that you round up the essay in an orderly manner at the end. Include the main ideas addressed in the paper. The idea is to ensure that the person reading your work understands the questions and can see the connection to the answers you provided throughout the text.

Provide a reference list

All scholarly material requires citation. See that you list all the sources you used in your document using the proper format.

In a nutshell, an evaluation essay definition is a scholarly text that provides an in-depth analysis of a particular subject. For a scholar to write an excellent essay successfully, they need to use an evaluation essay example that makes it easier to work on their project.

As part of the requirements for writing meaningful evaluation essays, the writer has to use facts and evidence to support their argument. The paper comprises several components that address a particular aspect of your discussion. When you finally combine these subheadings, they bring cohesion to your penned ideas. Now that you know what is an evaluative essay, let’s look at its outline.

Evaluation Paper Outline

An evaluation paper outline is a skeletal structure that brings to light the most significant aspect of the essay. The significance of an evaluative essay structure is to help the writer have an easy time jotting down their points.

It helps them write their ideas in order, thereby keeping the paper well-thought-out. Also, it plays a critical role in assisting the reader in knowing what they expect to find in the document. The checklist below outlines the most vital aspects of an evaluation essay outline .

The title is the heading that explains what your document entails, to the reader.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up what your evaluative essay contains. Scholars recommend that you have a thesis statement not longer than three lines as your evaluative thesis statement. It should have supporting information from credible sources for it to hold water. It should only highlight what you will cover in the paper and should not be generalized. If coming up with a thesis statement becomes tasking, you can always look at evaluative thesis example statements written by other scholars to have an idea of how to go about it.

An evaluation essay introduction carries the weight of the paper since it lets the reader understand the importance of the piece you’re working on. A thesis statement that answers your question is also part of this segment. Finally, it addresses the main points that your audience expects to find in your evaluative essay outline.

When writing the body of an evaluation essay, it is vital to include all the supporting points that give meaning to the topic. Using sources in line with your discussion provides a great building point for your argument.

Evaluation essay conclusions wrap the text. Here, you can give recommendations and state your stand regarding the topic.

How do You Start an Evaluation Essay

So, are you wondering how to start an evaluation essay? Well, starting an evaluation essay entails a lot of research and comprehension. However, before you get to that stage, you have to put down your paper’s general flow, which will make it easier to complete the essay. You need to:

Without a topic, you cannot come up with an argument. So, you should pick a topic that aligns with your education major or a subject that you are passionate about. When choosing a heading, ensure it is not overly general since it can become tasking to find supporting material for the topic. Narrow the idea to a specific topic.

A thesis statement is a sentence that captures the essence of your subject. Anyone reading your thesis statement should understand what problem you aim to address and a hint of solutions that you want to offer.

What do you intend to achieve at the end of the discussion? Do you want to inform your reader about a problem within a particular niche, or do you want to give solutions to the issues you discuss in the paper? Stating this enables the reader to know to which extent your evaluation paper is researched.

The final step is to find material that will help you give body to your paper. Because evaluation essays are scholarly, choosing documents within the same realm enables you to create a credible piece. Books, journal articles, educational reports, and government information are the primary sources that you can use as sources of information for your paper.

How to Write a Thesis Statement for an Evaluation Essay

The beauty of an effective thesis statement is in its ability to sum all your points in a few sentences without losing meaning. Using your evaluative essay statement should also only address the issues you want to tackle. Here are the tips you can use to draft an effective thesis for evaluation essay.

Your topic should be part of the thesis statement, as it will help you formulate an all-round approach that will address the main ideas you would like to tackle.

Planting trees to reverse the effects of environmental degradation is an evaluation paper example topic idea you can use.

The primary question you should answer when thinking of the central issue in your topic is, what is the gist of your heading? If you have to keep one part about the subject, what would it be?

If you answer this question, you have a central idea that you can add to the thesis. You can add to the thesis statement if you have more main ideas. But, be careful not to make it too long as it will influence how much work you will put into research and data compiling.

Reversing the effects of environmental degradation is a vital aspect of the topic that can equally address the problem in my subject. So, our main idea can be, “humans should take steps to clean the environment.”

With a central idea, find supporting information that will give logic to the statement. Keep in mind that all your data should be verifiable and credible. Also, you have to provide several points that support your core point. This is essential in formulating a comprehensive thesis statement.

In this case, why is it important to clean the environment? We can say its effects are detrimental to human health.

While this is not necessary, providing an opposing point of view enables you to cover all aspects of the topic and address loopholes that anyone contrary to your opinion can use to discredit your work.

People can find the task of planting trees to be too involving, especially since it requires a lot of commitment. So, we can give a counter opinion such as, “Planting trees is a tedious task.”

Once you have all these bits in place, write them down orderly, and you have a thesis statement to work with.

Our thesis statement looks like this, “While planting trees is a tedious task, each person should try to plant at least ten trees each year to counter environmental degradation and its effects on health.”

Remember, writing evaluation paper thesis can be tasking at first, so perusing through a sample or good evaluation essay examples written by another scholar can help make your work easier.

Evaluative Essay Formatting

Students have to use particular writing styles or formats accepted in their institution when it comes to educational essays. Some universities and colleges utilize more than one writing format, especially if it is a school with several departments.

Several writing formats rule the academic realm. However, only a few make it to the list of useful ones. These are:

Also known as the American Psychological Association citation, APA is mainly used for scientific work. If this is your desired formatting style, you have to.”

Use New Times Roman in size 12.
Double-space all your work and add the page number at the top right side of the header on each sheet.
Observe the provision of a one-inch margin around each page.
At the top left side of each page, include a shortened title.
List all your sources on the reference page as “References.”

Schools of humanities are synonymous with using this formatting style . If you opt for this style, here are the standard rules you have to adhere to.

Your title should be at the centre of the page.
Use New Times Romans in size 12 as your font.
Use double spacing (2.0) throughout your text. Additionally, make sure that there aren’t any extra spaces in between body paragraphs.
Keep a one-inch margin all around each sheet.
Use the tab key for any indention within your document.
Your last name and page number have to appear on each header.
The reference page should be titled “Worked Cited.”

In most institutions, Chicago is the style used when writing essays and making term papers . This formatting style is synonymous with particular footnotes and a distinct citation format. An evaluation essay cited in Chicago should:

Have a one-inch margin on all sides of the paper.
Use New Times Romans as the primary font throughout the text.
Place all page numbers on the top right corner of the header.
Include it in the footnote if a page has any citations or paraphrased information.
All sources should be listed on the Bibliography page at the end and in alphabetical order.
Observe double spacing in the document.

Aside from using these citation formats, you also have to keep your document neat. More extended evaluative essay structures require more breakdowns to make the text readable. Several subtopics, bullet points, numbering, and shorter paragraphs make the information easier to chew.

An evaluation essay conclusion wraps up the ideas in a few paragraphs or pages, depending on your essay’s length. Knowing how to write a conclusion for an evaluation essay could make the difference in your paper. Therefore, it is vital to restate your thesis statement, which will pull your thoughts together and offer a strong finishing point.

A summary of the key arguments and reaffirmation of the main question is the primary and most critical bits of a conclusion. Keep this section of the evaluative essay short and factual. Only reaffirm facts that you have in your text. Introducing any new concepts at this point is unadvisable. A perfect summary should:

Write the importance of your argument if you already haven’t done so in the text. You can also use this chance to summarize the recommendations you propose. Be keen not to retell what is already in the paper but take a stand and make it clear.

Linking the end to the beginning is a critical way of summing your ideas and making sense of the paper. The table below illustrates how you can tie in conclusion to the opening.


Story’s shell	Complete the story
Describe the perks and demerits of an object	Are the perks vs cons approach the best judgment for this criterion?
Show a person interested in a particular object/service.	Would you recommend this to anyone based on your reading?
Give an account of a story or subject	Offer your opinion on the subject
Talk about an artist or musician	How is their performance compared to others in the same niche?
Talk about a thing that people appreciate	Should you agree with the majority
Express your expectations prior to seeing something	Were your expectations met?

Essay writing can be tasking, even for gurus who have been done it severally. Pulling all the ideas together while remaining relevant is one of the most challenging jobs. However, you can use the following tips to make your work easier and the paper worth reading.

Make points that justify your argument – You do not want to end up with a confusing essay. Refer to your thesis statement to ensure you stay on course.
Keep the text exciting if you want to garner your audience’s attention.
Proofread your work as many times as possible to eliminate any grammar or punctuation errors.
Use the recommended citation format to be on the safe side.
Ensure that the review covers more than 2/3 of your paper.
Your judgment should be evident throughout the document, with supporting data.

Selecting a topic can be tricky, especially with so much scholarly work published every day. However, you can use a variety of criteria to help you draft a unique topic. Here is what you should do.

Stay away from headings that will lure you into summarizing the topic more than discussing and analysing.
Select a topic that you will enjoy.
Settle for one that has enough scholarly material published for reference purposes.
Pick a title that’s appropriate for your essay’s length.

Aside from what you already know, you can utilize the following writing tips to make your writing smoother.

Make your topic unique.
Do not be wordy.
Use facts throughout the essay.
Do not shy away from starting over if the topic gets too complicated.
Ask for help if you get stuck along the way.
Read enough material to give you a comprehensive grasp of the topic you want to discuss.

User ratings:

User ratings is 4.5 stars.

4.5 /5 ( 22 Votes)

Creative Writer and Blog Editor

Despite my relatively young age, I am a professional writer with more than 14 years of experience. I studied journalism at the university, worked for media and digital agencies, and organized several events for ed-tech companies. Yet for the last 6 years, I've worked mainly in marketing. Here, at Studybay, my objective is to make sure all our texts are clear, informative, and engaging.

Add Your Comment

We are very interested to know your opinion

You have a wonderful perspective about evaluative writing, which is a little bit hard to consolidate whether we do not have any experience, but something that I know is "practice makes perfect" It was nice to read your blog.

Quite comprehensive, I am so impressed.

There are so many types of essays. I think the tips provided can be used to write about anything, whether evaluative or descriptive. Finding the best way to structure it makes all the difference between a good write-up and a not-so-good one.

This article really explains how following a strict format is pretty important in writing any paper. I never knew that a good way to evaluate is to make an outline before beginning the write-up.

I was supposed to write a paper evaluating different sites in the city that I’ve visited. I kept having issues with my introduction because I didn’t know what format to use, not to talk of the structure. Reading this blog came in very handy for me today! 😊

The purpose of this content was to aid you in beginning an evaluation essay, and it’s achieved that. It helped me learn how to contrast different arguments and gave me excellent editing tips to perfect my grade.

This content features everything you need to write great content. I have to evaluate a plot in my essay and now I have all the resources I could need, and plenty of tips on introducing and concluding.

This content had a good way of describing a balanced and compelling evaluation essay. Whether I’m evaluating a movie, food, money, music or other writers, I feel confident that I can achieve top marks now.

I find it hard to focus on an idea when I’m writing my papers. This helped me to improve my knowledge of essay writing and gave me all the tips I need to analyze and get the very best grades possible.

I was looking for reviews online and this one has a lot of value. It takes you through everything you could need in your assignment and provides lots of tips to practice your writing and evaluative skills.

After reading this I know how to write a quality essay that meets all of the criteria of an evaluating essay. It gave great examples on how to get top marks on my assessment and I feel like I’m now reading to start writing.

This helped me to write an evaluation essay, It grabbed the reader's attention straight away and gave me everything I needed to start writing. I’m not on my introductory paragraph and I feel confident that I’ll be happy when I come to evaluate it.

It’s hard to find good articles on evaluation essay topics, but in my personal opinion, this was one of the best. It went through the writing process of evaluation papers, how to write the body paragraph and included an evaluation essay sample to support me.

Upgrade your writing skills!

Try our AI essay writer from Studybay today!

University of Pennsylvania
School of Arts and Sciences
Penn Calendar

Search form

Evaluation Criteria for Formal Essays

Katherine milligan.

Please note that these four categories are interdependent. For example, if your evidence is weak, this will almost certainly affect the quality of your argument and organization. Likewise, if you have difficulty with syntax, it is to be expected that your transitions will suffer. In revision, therefore, take a holistic approach to improving your essay, rather than focussing exclusively on one aspect.

An excellent paper:

Argument: The paper knows what it wants to say and why it wants to say it. It goes beyond pointing out comparisons to using them to change the reader?s vision. Organization: Every paragraph supports the main argument in a coherent way, and clear transitions point out why each new paragraph follows the previous one. Evidence: Concrete examples from texts support general points about how those texts work. The paper provides the source and significance of each piece of evidence. Mechanics: The paper uses correct spelling and punctuation. In short, it generally exhibits a good command of academic prose.

A mediocre paper:

Argument: The paper replaces an argument with a topic, giving a series of related observations without suggesting a logic for their presentation or a reason for presenting them. Organization: The observations of the paper are listed rather than organized. Often, this is a symptom of a problem in argument, as the framing of the paper has not provided a path for evidence to follow. Evidence: The paper offers very little concrete evidence, instead relying on plot summary or generalities to talk about a text. If concrete evidence is present, its origin or significance is not clear. Mechanics: The paper contains frequent errors in syntax, agreement, pronoun reference, and/or punctuation.

An appallingly bad paper:

Argument: The paper lacks even a consistent topic, providing a series of largely unrelated observations. Organization: The observations are listed rather than organized, and some of them do not appear to belong in the paper at all. Both paper and paragraphs lack coherence. Evidence: The paper offers no concrete evidence from the texts or misuses a little evidence. Mechanics: The paper contains constant and glaring errors in syntax, agreement, reference, spelling, and/or punctuation.

Breast Cancer Screening Studies Evaluation Research Paper

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
As a template for you assignment

The Study’s Purpose, Research Design, and Methodology

Data collection, credibility and trustworthiness, results and clinical implications, the level of evidence and quality of evidence.

Agyemang et al.’s (2020) study aimed to understand why Ghanaian women with breast cancer were not given information about their diagnosis. It explored cultural and structural factors contributing to this issue and identified ways to improve women’s health in Ghana. The study used an ethnographic research design involving observing and interpreting people’s culture and behavior to understand how cultural and structural factors affect women’s access to information about breast cancer. The approach involved in-depth interviews with various respondents to understand their experiences with information access, diagnosis, and treatment. Secondly, the researchers observed interactions between healthcare professionals and patients to understand cultural behaviors and beliefs. The data were analyzed thematically, and a narrative framework was used to present the study’s findings.

Ozkan and Taylan’s (2021) study aimed to determine the obstacles hindering women from breast cancer screening in various nations. The study incorporated the meta-synthesis research design of multiple studies to find similar themes and trends across several countries. The authors searched several databases for research addressing barriers to breast cancer screening for women aged 40 and over, published between 2000 and 2019. The selected studies had to adhere to an inclusion criterion. The data collection and analysis processes used in this study’s methodology included a literature search to find papers that satisfied the inclusion criteria and a systematic approach to analyzing the findings for the common themes and sub-themes to be synthesized.

Agyemang et al.’s (2020) study collected data through semi-structured interviews and observations from different respondents. The participants were selected using purposive maximal variation sampling for diversity purposes. The observation focused on interactions and information exchange between healthcare providers, patients, and their families. Interview guides were used for all participant interviews. In total, 31 and 29 participants were observed and engaged in semi-structured interviews. The data were thematically analyzed, and three overarching themes were identified: unequal power relationships, language barriers, and structural constraints.

Ozkan and Taylan (2021) conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases and identified 16 qualitative studies that met the inclusion criteria. The studies were conducted in different countries and used various qualitative research methods, such as focus groups, interviews, and ethnography. The researchers synthesized the common themes and sub-themes linked to the barriers to breast cancer screening after using a systematic strategy to assess the findings of the included studies.

The credibility and trustworthiness of these studies would be assured by their dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Dependability refers to how consistently and steadily the research findings can hold over time (Galaitsi et al., 2021). A study’s confirmability refers to the objectivity of the research findings and the degree to which the researcher’s prejudices and values impact them. A study’s transferability describes how well the study’s conclusions can be applied to various situations or settings (Kyngäs et al., 2020).

In Agyemang et al.’s (2020) study, dependability was ensured through multiple data collection techniques, including interviews and observations, and an iterative data analysis method. The use of diverse respondents enabled triangulation and a more thorough comprehension of the contextual elements impacting the adoption of breast cancer treatment. Its ethnographic approach and reflexivity ensured the researchers suspended their biases and allowed them to immerse themselves in the study, assuring its confirmability. The researchers provided a thorough description of the study’s context and participants to increase transferability, enabling other researchers to evaluate the applicability of the findings in their contexts. They also explain the structural and cultural elements affecting Ghanaian breast cancer patients’ access to information, which can guide research in other low- and middle-income nations.

Ozkan and Taylan’s (2021) study is also credible and trustworthy due to its precise and methodical data collection and analysis approach. To confirm the accuracy of their conclusions, the researchers conducted numerous iterations of coding and discussions. They also used direct quotations to support their main points. The study’s confirmability was evident in how the authors reduced their personal biases and values in the analysis and grounded their findings in the data. However, the study’s transferability is constrained because the chosen studies were carried out in particular nations and cultural contexts.

According to Agyemang et al. (2020), Ghanaian women would experience “hidden information” on their alternatives for treatment after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis due to cultural and structural issues, which would negatively affect their capacity for decision-making. The study emphasizes the significance of comprehending these factors that will affect these women’s access to health care and information in low-resource settings and the requirement for tailored interventions to remove these obstacles.

Ozkan and Taylan’s (2021) study identified common barriers to breast cancer screening in different countries, including lack of information, fear, cultural and religious prejudices, and logistical difficulties. The findings highlighted the need for healthcare professionals to prioritize educating women on the importance of breast cancer screening and addressing myths and concerns. Governments should consider implementing measures to make screening more accessible by reducing financial and practical barriers such as transportation costs.

An ethnographic research design is typically considered to have a low degree of evidence, especially for this research topic. Nonetheless, the quality of the evidence provided by Agyemang et al. (2020) is high due to this study’s proper planning and execution. Using various data collection methods, including different viewpoints, and applying rigorous data analysis procedures improve the quality of the evidence in this study. Notably, the results become applicable to the study’s particular environment or other environments with similar characteristics. This limits the transferability of the study’s findings to other contexts due to the study design’s constraints. However, the study offers insightful information about the structural and cultural elements that affect Ghanaian women with breast cancer’s access to information. The results can help Ghanaian authorities and healthcare professionals plan to increase breast cancer patients’ access to information.

Ozkan and Taylan’s (2021) use of the methodical approach to data collection, analysis, and interpretation gives its evidence high and high-quality levels. The study employed various techniques to reduce bias, including using numerous databases to find relevant studies written in various languages and reviewing study quality. To confirm the correctness of their conclusions, the writers also employed a detailed and iterative coding and discussion procedure, which included direct quotations to support their themes.

Agyemang, L. S., Foster, C., McLean, C., Fenlon, D., and Wagland, R. (2020). The cultural and structural influences hiding information from women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ghana: An ethnography . Health Expectations, 23 (2), 351-360. Web.

Galaitsi, S. E., Keisler, J. M., Trump, B. D., & Linkov, I. (2021). The need to reconcile concepts that characterize systems facing threats . Risk Analysis, 41 (1), 3-15. Web.

Kurnia, H., Jaqin, C., & Purba, H. H. (2022). Quality improvement with PDCA approach and experiment method design in Indonesia’s single socks industry . In AIP Conference Proceedings 2470 (1), p. 020007). Web.

Kyngäs, H., Kääriäinen, M., & Elo, S. (2020). The trustworthiness of content analysis . The application of content analysis in nursing science research , 41-48. Web.

Ozkan, I., and Taylan, S. (2021). Barriers to women’s breast cancer screening behaviors in several countries: A meta-synthesis study . European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 51 , 101942. Web.

Zika Virus: Protection and Prevention
The Major Medical Causes of Maternal Deaths and Ways to Reduce It
Visiting Ghana, Africa
Human Resource Management: Functions and Features
Coping With Disabled Individuals
Addressing Health Disparities During COVID-19
Thalidomide: From Tragedy to Clinical Insights
Cystic Fibrosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Six Quality Dimensions for Healthcare Provision
The Role of Managed Care and Medical Assistants
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, September 13). Breast Cancer Screening Studies Evaluation. https://ivypanda.com/essays/breast-cancer-screening-studies-evaluation/

"Breast Cancer Screening Studies Evaluation." IvyPanda , 13 Sept. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/breast-cancer-screening-studies-evaluation/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Breast Cancer Screening Studies Evaluation'. 13 September.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Breast Cancer Screening Studies Evaluation." September 13, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/breast-cancer-screening-studies-evaluation/.

1. IvyPanda . "Breast Cancer Screening Studies Evaluation." September 13, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/breast-cancer-screening-studies-evaluation/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Breast Cancer Screening Studies Evaluation." September 13, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/breast-cancer-screening-studies-evaluation/.

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

Basic site functions
Ensuring secure, safe transactions
Secure account login
Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
Remembering privacy and security settings
Analyzing site traffic and usage
Personalized search, content, and recommendations
Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

Remembering general and regional preferences
Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy .

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

IMAGES

PPT
Expert Tips on How To Write a Thoughtful Evaluation Essay
How to Write an Evaluation Essay: Examples and Format
Evaluation Essay: Write a Paper Easily with Our Professional Tips
Expert Advice on How to Write a Successful Evaluative Essay
Evaluation Essay Example Using Effective Reasoning

VIDEO

How to evaluate AoK Natural Sciences in ToK Essay
Using a rubric to evaluate writing
How to evaluate AoK Mathematics in ToK Essay
Opinion Essay/IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Academic/ Essay Structure/ Essay Templates
Inside The Admissions Office at MIT
How to Write an Evaluation Essay

COMMENTS

Ultimate Guide to Writing an Evaluation Essay: Tips and Examples
An evaluation essay is a type of writing that assesses and critiques a particular subject, such as a movie, book, restaurant, or product. It requires the writer to analyze the subject and provide a judgment based on defined criteria. The purpose of an evaluation essay is to evaluate the subject's quality and effectiveness, and to present a ...
7 Steps for How to Write an Evaluation Essay (Example & Template)
How to write an Evaluation Essay. There are two secrets to writing a strong evaluation essay. The first is to aim for objective analysis before forming an opinion. The second is to use an evaluation criteria. Aim to Appear Objective before giving an Evaluation Argument. Your evaluation will eventually need an argument.
Ultimate Guide to Writing an Evaluation Essay: Tips and Examples
An evaluation essay is a piece of writing that aims to assess the value or quality of a particular subject or phenomenon. It involves analyzing a topic, presenting your judgment or opinion on it, and providing evidence or examples to support your claims. This type of essay requires critical thinking, research, and effective communication skills ...
How to Write an Evaluation Essay: A Step-By-Step Guide
Defining Evaluation Essays. Evaluation essays are a type of academic writing that provides value, quality, and effectiveness of a given topic. Every student must follow set criteria and provide evidence supporting their opinion. Furthermore, an evaluation essay should always present facts and opinions in a clear and formal tone.
Evaluation Essay
When you start writing an evaluation essay, grabbing the reader's attention is essential. For this, hook the reader from the beginning until the end to ensure that your essay's opening follows an engaging tone. Step 1. Choose an Interesting Topic. Deciding the topic and evaluation essay criteria is important.
How to Write an Evaluation Essay: Easy Guide & Examples
In such case, an evaluation argument example will be: Vaping is safe, inexpensive, and highly practical when compared to cigarette smoking, and due to these reasons, it is a recommendable practice for traditional smokers who wish to break old habits. 4. Create an Evaluative Essay Outline.
How to Write an Evaluation Essay
Purpose of an Evaluation Essay. The purpose of an evaluation essay is to present an opinion or viewpoint on a subject. The subject can be a specific topic or a broader topic. In fact, for evaluation essays, the topic is often a collection of work. Goals for an Evaluation Essay. 1. State a clear position on the topic. 2. Create clearly defined ...
The Ultimate Guide to Writing an Evaluation Essay
Writing an effective evaluation essay requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips to help you write a powerful evaluation essay: 1. Developing a thesis statement for an evaluation essay: A strong thesis statement should clearly state the criteria that will be used to evaluate the subject.
Evaluation Essay: Tips, Guide, and 100 Top Ideas
Evaluate the experience of watching a sporting event on your own and with other people. Evaluate how a recent drama movie portrays the tragedies of real life. Evaluate a classic criminal movie and what it states about the real crime rates in the modern society. Evaluate your favorite Chinese restaurant.
Unlocking the Art of Evaluation Essays: A Comprehensive Guide
An evaluation essay is a type of academic writing where the writer assesses and analyzes a particular subject, product, service, or idea. The primary objective is to form a well-founded opinion and provide evidence-based reasoning to support the evaluation. In essence, an evaluation essay seeks to answer the question: "Is this good or bad ...
Guide: Academic Evaluations
Response Essays. One very common type of academic writing is the response essay. In many different disciplines, we are asked to respond to something that we read or observe. ... This type of essay requires evaluation on two levels. First of all, it demands that we use evaluation in order to determine that there is a legitimate problem. And ...
Quick guide to an evaluation essay
If an evaluation essay does not have criteria by which you are judging something, an actual judgment on whatever it is you are evaluating and plenty of evidence to support your judgment, then readers of your evaluation will ask, "So what? What was the point of me reading this?". This is not the goal.
How to Write an Evaluation Paper With Sample Essays
Topic sentence for paragraph 2: Atmosphere: Walking into Bob's, you know you will enjoy eating there. Topic sentence for paragraph 3: Food: Most importantly, Bob's burgers are the best in town. Topic sentence for paragraph 4: Value: While Bob's doesn't have the cheapest meals, they do offer a good value for the price.
Evaluation Essays
Next, the essay needs to provide a judgment about a subject. This is the thesis of the essay, and it states whether the subject is good or bad based on how it meets the stated criteria. Criteria. The body of the essay will contain the criteria used to evaluate the subject. In an evaluation essay, the criteria must be appropriate for evaluating ...
What Is an Evaluation Essay? Simple Examples To Guide You
An evaluation essay is a type of essay that requires you to judge the quality of a subject based on some ideal criteria that act as a point of comparison. We guide you through writing one with examples.
Evaluation Essay
Evaluation essay thesis statement follows the introduction paragraph. It informs readers of what to expect from reading this essay and how it could affect your thinking about a certain matter. 4. Draft the Main Body of the Essay. The main body of an essay is the lengthiest part of the essay. It contains three paragraphs, but you can add more ...
Evaluation Essay Definition, Example & Parts
An evaluation essay is written by first making an overall judgment about the topic in the introduction and previewing the main points. The body of the essay lists the criteria that led to the ...
How to Write an Evaluation Essay
Choosing an essay topic is essential. You must spend more time searching for an interesting topic. For an evaluation essay, make sure the topic must be informative as you have to evaluate some solid subject. 2. Evaluation Essay Outline. After choosing the topic, the next is to create an essay outline.
Definition and Examples of Evaluation Essays
An evaluation essay is a composition that offers value judgments about a particular subject according to a set of criteria. Also called evaluative writing, evaluative essay or report, and critical evaluation essay. An evaluation essay or report is a type of argument that provides evidence to justify a writer's opinions about a subject.
Evaluation
In the introduction of your evaluative essay, you should clearly state the following: - what you are evaluating (the subject - like Citizen Kane or National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation) - the purpose of your evaluation - what criteria you are evaluating your subject on (plot, characterization, cinematography etc.) For example, you ...
How to Evaluate Essay Writing (with Pictures)
Multiply the total pages of the essay by 2 and then subtract 2 (for the intro and conclusion) to find the approximate number of body paragraphs a paper should have. For example, a 4 page essay should have about 6 body paragraphs. 2. Identify the topic sentence to evaluate a paragraph's cohesiveness.
How to Write an Evaluation Essay
An evaluation essay introduction carries the weight of the paper since it lets the reader understand the importance of the piece you're working on. A thesis statement that answers your question is also part of this segment. Finally, it addresses the main points that your audience expects to find in your evaluative essay outline.
Evaluation Criteria for Formal Essays
Organization: The observations are listed rather than organized, and some of them do not appear to belong in the paper at all. Both paper and paragraphs lack coherence. Evidence: The paper offers no concrete evidence from the texts or misuses a little evidence. Mechanics: The paper contains constant and glaring errors in syntax, agreement ...
Breast Cancer Screening Studies Evaluation Research Paper
Ozkan and Taylan's (2021) study aimed to determine the obstacles hindering women from breast cancer screening in various nations. The study incorporated the meta-synthesis research design of multiple studies to find similar themes and trends across several countries.

7 Steps for How to Write an Evaluation Essay (Example & Template)

1. What is an Evaluation Essay?

Get a Pdf of this article for class

2. How to write an Evaluation Essay

In order to appear balanced you should:

Use an Evaluation Criteria

3. How to come up with an Evaluation Argument

4. Evaluation Essay Outline (with Examples)

4.1 How to Write your Introduction

4.2 Example Introduction

4.3 How to Write your Body Paragraphs

4.4 First Body Paragraph: Overview of your Subject

4.5 First Body Paragraph Example

4.6 Evaluation Paragraphs: Second, Third, Forth and Fifth Body Paragraphs

4.7 Evaluation Paragraph Example

4.8 How to write your Conclusion

4.9 Concluding Argument Example Paragraph

5. Evaluation Essay Example Template

6. 23+ Good Evaluation Essay Topics

6.1 Evaluation of Impact

6.2 Evaluation of a Scholarly Text or Theory

6.3 Evaluation of Art and Literature

6.4 Evaluation of a Product or Service

7. Concluding Advice

2 thoughts on “7 Steps for How to Write an Evaluation Essay (Example & Template)”

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Essay Papers Writing Online

Tips for Writing a Top-Notch Evaluation Essay

Choose a Relevant and Engaging Topic

Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

Provide Clear and Concise Criteria for Evaluation

Support Your Evaluation with Solid Evidence

Use a Structured Format to Organize Your Essay

Related Post

Crafting Insightful Evaluation Essay: Tips and Techniques

Defining Evaluation Essays

Choose a Subject for Evaluation

Develop a Clear Thesis Statement

Gather Information and Evidence

Establish Evaluation Criteria

Organize Your Essay

Write the Introduction

Write the Body of The Essay

Present Evidence and Examples

Address Counterarguments

Write The Conclusion

Revise and Edit

Good Evaluation Essay Topics List

Easy Evaluation Essay Topics

Evaluation Essay Topics on History

Evaluation Essay Topics on Government and Law

Evaluation Essay Topics on Technology

Final Words & Expert Thoughts

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Evaluation Essay - Definition, Examples, and Writing Tips

What is an Evaluation Essay?

What is the Purpose of an Evaluation Essay?

Evaluation Essay Structure

How to Start an Evaluation Essay?

Step 1. Choose an Interesting Topic

Step 2. Set the Evaluation Essay Criteria

Step 3. Collect Evidence for Your Judgment

Step 4. Decide the Essay Structure

Step 5. Craft the Essay Outline

Step 6. Declare Your Thesis Statement

How to Write an Evaluation Essay?

Step 1. Write the Introduction

Step 2. Draft the Body Section

Step 3. Write the Conclusion

Step 4. Proofread, Revise, and Edit

How to Format Your Evaluation Essay?

Evaluation Essay Examples

Evaluation Essay Topics For College Students

Evaluation Essay vs. Review

Frequently Asked Questions

2. What are the 4 types of evaluation?

Keep reading

Evaluation Essay: Writing Guide, Outline & Free Samples

What Is an Evaluation Essay: Definition

New Concept ? Let a subject expert write your paper for You