Evaluate questions ask you to weigh up evidence or arguments and reach a supported conclusion. They are worth more marks than simple recall questions because they require judgement.
What the examiner expects
An evaluate answer must include:
- At least two relevant points for or against the claim, method or proposal.
- Evidence or reasoning to support each point.
- A conclusion that follows logically from your points.
Simply listing advantages and disadvantages without a conclusion will not earn full marks.
Structure
Use this format:
Point 1 (for): State a benefit or supporting argument. Give a reason or evidence.
Point 2 (against): State a limitation or counter-argument. Give a reason or evidence.
Conclusion: Based on the balance of evidence, state which side is stronger and why.
Example
Question: Evaluate whether solar panels are a suitable energy source for a remote village in a tropical region.
Answer: Solar panels are suitable because tropical regions receive many hours of strong sunlight throughout the year, giving a reliable energy input. The panels produce no carbon emissions during operation, which reduces environmental impact.
However, solar panels only generate electricity during daylight hours. The village would need battery storage for nighttime use, which increases the cost and complexity. The initial installation cost of solar panels is higher than a diesel generator.
Overall, solar panels are suitable for this location because the consistent sunlight provides a reliable daytime supply, and the long-term running costs are lower than fuel-based alternatives. Battery storage adds cost but is a solvable engineering problem.
Common mistakes
- Listing points without a conclusion. The conclusion is where the “evaluate” happens.
- Making a conclusion that contradicts the evidence you just presented.
- Only considering one side. An evaluation must weigh both sides.
- Ignoring the specific context of the question. “Remote village in a tropical region” is important information. Use it.
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