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

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!

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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:

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

how to write an evaluation essay

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

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]

  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/admin/ 47 Easy Networking Examples (Great for Introverts)
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  • Evaluation Essay: Writing Guide, Outline & Free Samples

Evaluation Essay

Evaluation Essay: Writing Guide, Outline & Free Samples

Daniel Howard

Table of contents

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.

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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.

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Evaluation Essay

Barbara P

Evaluation Essay - Definition, Examples, and Writing Tips

Published on: Jan 12, 2020

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2022

Evaluation Essay

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Writing an evaluation essay but do not have an idea of what is an evaluation essay? And how to write a good one?

Well, fret no more, as we are here to help you get through the evaluation essay writing process.

In this blog, you will learn about the evaluation essay definition, topics, writing tips, and a lot more. Continue reading to get a better idea.

What is an Evaluation Essay?

An evaluation essay is a type of writing in which the writer offers a value judgment about a specific topic. It is a composition that presents an overall view of a particular subject’s quality. Moreover, it provides a critical analysis and a complete evaluation of something.

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

This essay features the writer’s opinion, but if 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.

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Evaluation Essay Structure

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

1. Chronological Structure

It is the 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 move spatially 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. In this structure, you describe one element and then evaluate it, describe the second element and evaluate it, and so on.

How to Start an Evaluation Essay?

When you start writing an evaluation essay, you need to make sure that you grab the reader’s attention. For this, hook the reader from the beginning until the end to ensure that your essay’s opening is compelling and attention-grabbing.

Below given are a few steps that you should follow to start your evaluation essay:

  • The first step is to decide the topic of the essay. Choose a compelling and interesting topic that makes your reader want to read the essay.
  • After that, decide on the structure that you want to follow. It can be a chronological or point-by-point structure.
  • Properly introduce your subject.
  • Collect some background information to understand your subject.
  • Consider the criteria that you need to make your judgment.
  • Provide the basis of your chosen criteria.
  • Choose an interesting statement at the start of your essay to grab the reader’s attention.
  • Develop the  thesis statement  that revolves around your judgment.
  • Collect evidence to support your thesis.
  • Establish your point of view.

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How to Write an Evaluation Essay?

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

1. Choose the Topic

Deciding the topic of your essay is important. Make sure it's not just compelling and interesting but also informative so that you can find enough material on this subject for an entire essay.

2. Create an Evaluation Essay Outline

Professional writers always suggest that you should draft an evaluation essay outline before formally writing it. It helps in the writing process and keeps the content in a logical flow. Also, editing an outline is way much simpler than editing the entire essay.

When you create an essay outline, evaluate what should be added and removed. But if you do not follow this step and start writing the essay directly, you will have to do more work. It may include editing and revising the whole writing piece, which is more complicated than editing the outline.

A typical evaluation essay outline consists of the following sections.

  • 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.
  • 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 include 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 the balanced argument to show impartiality.
  • Compare and contrast the subject to another subject to show the strengths and weaknesses.
  • Present the evaluation from many different perspectives while being both positive and critical.
  • Write the Conclusion

It is the final chance to convince your reader to agree with your point of view. Here, you are supposed to summarize and conclude the essay. Moreover, in this section, you present your final evaluation while concluding the overall evaluation. Keep in mind the following aspects while writing a closing paragraph of an evaluation essay.

  • Summarize the points and 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.

3. Proofread, Revise, and Edit

After writing the essay, the final step is proofreading and editing. Thus, spend enough time reading your essay carefully. It will help you catch the unintentional mistakes you have made and recover them. If needed, revise your draft two to three times so that no error remains left.

Evaluation Essay Examples

Evaluation can be written on any topic, i.e., book, movie, music, etc. Below we have given some examples of an evaluation essay to provide you with a clear idea.

Evaluation Essay on a Movie - Example

Employee Self-Evaluation Essay - Example

Evaluation Essay Topics

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

  • Carefully compare and evaluate public schools and private schools.
  • Evaluate the online teaching and on-campus teaching styles.
  • Analyze and evaluate the Real Madrid football team and their performance.
  • Evaluate the smartphone or the computer you are using right now.
  • 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.
  • Compare and evaluate online friendships and traditional friendships.

After reading the step-by-step guide and examples, you must have learned the art of writing a good evaluation essay. But writing a perfect essay is not that simple; you need a lot of practice and experience to become a good writer. That is why we are here to help you write any type of academic essay.

MyPerfectWords.com  is a  professional essay 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.

Don’t worry and trust us for your writing assignments; our writers will do all of them for you. So without wasting any more time, hire our  top essay writer service . The earlier you place your order, the less you have to pay.

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:

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

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.

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Evaluation Essay

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How to Write an Evaluation Essay in a Few Easy Steps

Are you ready to master the art of writing evaluation essays? This comprehensive guide on how to write an evaluation essay will provide you with the knowledge and techniques required to craft an exceptional evaluation essay. From understanding the purpose and components of evaluation essays to selecting the perfect topic and crafting a strong thesis statement, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and learn how to create a well-structured, engaging, and effective evaluation essay.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Somewhat similar to analytical essays , evaluation essays are compositions that present an opinion or judgement based on criteria and evidence.
  • Crafting a successful evaluation essay requires selecting the right topic, developing a strong thesis statement, creating an outline, introducing the topic effectively in the introduction and providing relevant examples to support your assessment.
  • Examining samples for guidance as well as avoiding common pitfalls can help you create effective evaluation essays on suggested topics such as marketing campaigns or college education.

Evaluation Essays: What are Those?

An evaluation essay, also known as an evaluation essay or an evaluation argument essay, is a unique type of composition that assesses a particular concept, item, or service, presenting an opinion or judgment concerning the subject. The purpose of such essays is to provide an educated and judicious assessment of the subject, using criteria and evidence to support the judgment. Evaluation essays consist of three essential components: judgment, criteria, and evidence.

To write an evaluation essay, you need to follow these steps.

  • Introduce the topic in an engaging manner.
  • Express a definite, authoritative judgment that occupies two-thirds of the evaluation paper.
  • Support your judgment with appropriate criteria and gather supporting evidence.

Maintaining a balance between providing the reader with the requisite information to comprehend the evaluation and informing them of all details is crucial for a successful evaluation essay.

The criteria for evaluation essays are the parts of the topic that are judged as good or bad, better or worse than something else. Appropriate criteria in an evaluation essay serve to evaluate the subject in an impartial and judicious manner, ensuring that the evaluation is based on relevant and objective standards.

For example, a restaurant review may use criteria such as:

  • Presentation

To evaluate the dining experience.

Each paragraph in the body of an evaluation essay should be dedicated to one key fact or aspect of the subject being evaluated, thoroughly elucidated, with judgment and evidence to back the argument. By following these guidelines and incorporating relevant criteria and evidence, you can create an engaging and well-structured evaluation essay that effectively assesses its subject.

Choosing the Right Topic for Your Evaluation Essay

Selecting an appropriate topic for your evaluation essay is essential, as it will determine the extent of the essay and the criteria applied for evaluation. To brainstorm ideas for an evaluation essay topic, consider categories such as movies, technological devices, restaurants, museums, plays, websites, stores, sports stadiums, concerts, books, events, and more. The two essential questions to ask when selecting a topic to evaluate are: “What category does it belong to?What is the ideal way of representing something in that category? Can you provide an example?

For example, if you choose to evaluate a romantic comedy movie, consider what the exemplar of a romantic comedy is and what criteria you would use to assess the quality of the movie. Criteria for evaluating a romantic comedy might include humor, unexpected plot developments, and relatable characters. By selecting a topic that can be evaluated objectively and possess enough criteria to validate the evaluation, you can create a more engaging and successful evaluation essay.

Once you have chosen your topic, it’s important to offer the subject and provide any pertinent information regarding it. This will set the stage for your evaluation and help the reader understand the context of your essay. For instance, when evaluating a car, you might provide information about:

  • fuel economy
  • crash rating
  • special options

Keep in mind that your evaluation essay should maintain a balance between providing the reader with the requisite information to comprehend the evaluation and informing them of all details. By selecting a topic that can be evaluated objectively and using appropriate criteria, your evaluation essay will be more engaging and effective.

Developing a Strong Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement is crucial for an evaluation essay, as it sets the tone and focus for the entire paper. The thesis statement in an evaluation essay offers a judgment regarding the subject in accordance with the specified criteria. To create a strong thesis statement, first, contemplate the pertinent criteria or standards for evaluating the subject.

A beneficial technique for generating order and concentration in an evaluation essay is to furnish a map of your reasons/criteria within the thesis. This will help guide the reader through the essay and make your argument more coherent and organized. A well-constructed thesis statement not only provides a definite direction for your essay, but it also assists the reader in understanding the primary purpose of the essay.

For example, if you’re evaluating a restaurant, your thesis statement could be: “The XYZ restaurant impresses with its flavorful dishes, elegant ambiance, and attentive service, making it the ideal dining experience.” By incorporating the pertinent criteria within your thesis statement, you provide a clear and concise roadmap for the reader to follow throughout your evaluation essay.

Crafting the Evaluation Essay Outline

The evaluation essay outline is an essential aspect of the writing process, as it helps to organize your thoughts and create a coherent structure for your essay. The outline consists of the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, with each section playing a vital role in the overall structure.

In the following subsections, we will discuss the importance of each part of the evaluation essay outline, and how to effectively develop and utilize these sections to create a well-structured and engaging evaluation essay.

Introduction

The introduction of your evaluation essay should grab the reader’s attention and present the subject and thesis statement. To hook the reader, consider using:

  • A vivid description of the subject
  • Evaluating what other people think of the subject
  • Incorporating a quote from someone about the subject
  • Narrating a personal story of your interest in the subject

For instance, if you’re evaluating a new restaurant, you could start by describing the ambiance and the aroma of the dishes being served. This will engage the reader and encourage them to read on.

Be sure to present the thesis statement clearly, as it sets the stage for the rest of your evaluation essay, including the topic sentence that will guide each paragraph.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your evaluation essay play a crucial role in providing an objective overview of the subject, followed by an assessment based on standards and substantiation. The initial evaluation paragraph should introduce the topic and provide a neutral overview. Subsequent body paragraphs should evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the item being evaluated, in accordance with the criteria established for its evaluation.

For example, when evaluating a car, the first paragraph might provide a brief overview of the car’s features and specifications. The following paragraphs would then assess the car based on criteria such as:

Be sure to thoroughly elucidate each key fact or aspect of the subject being evaluated, with judgment and evidence to back the argument.

When writing the body paragraphs, it’s essential to maintain a balance between providing the reader with the requisite information to comprehend the evaluation and informing them of all details. By offering a balanced and objective assessment of the subject, your evaluation essay will be more engaging and effective.

The conclusion of your evaluation essay should include the following elements:

  • Restate the thesis statement to remind the reader of the main argument.
  • Recapitulate the main points discussed in the essay.
  • Provide a final assessment or suggestion based on the final evaluation.
  • Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.
  • Leave the reader with a lasting impression of your evaluation.

For example, if you evaluated a restaurant, your conclusion might be:

  • Restate the thesis statement
  • Summarize the positive aspects (flavorful dishes, elegant ambiance, and attentive service)
  • Provide a final suggestion for readers to give the restaurant a try

By providing a well-rounded conclusion, you allow the reader to form their own opinion about the subject, while reinforcing the key points of your evaluation essay.

Writing Techniques for Successful Evaluation Essays

Effective writing techniques for evaluation essays include using objective criteria, presenting a balanced view, and engaging the reader. One of the primary steps in composing an evaluation essay is to strive for impartial analysis prior to forming an opinion and to employ evaluation criteria. This ensures that your evaluation is based on relevant and objective standards, making your essay more credible and persuasive.

Presenting a balanced perspective is essential for maintaining credibility in the eyes of your audience. By demonstrating respect for opposing positions and elucidating points you concur with and diverge from, you create a more engaging and effective evaluation essay. This approach also allows you to address potential objections or queries from your readers, further strengthening your argument.

Lastly, engaging the reader is crucial for the success of your evaluation essay. Utilize vivid descriptions, compelling examples, and a clear and concise writing style to maintain the reader’s interest throughout your essay. By employing these writing techniques, you can create a well-structured, engaging, and effective evaluation essay that effectively assesses its subject.

Utilizing Relevant Examples in Your Evaluation Essay

Incorporating relevant examples in your evaluation essay is crucial for supporting the judgment and providing evidence for the criteria used in your evaluation. These examples can bolster your assessment and furnish proof for the standards employed, making your evaluation essay more persuasive and convincing.

For instance, when evaluating a car, you might provide examples of how the car’s fuel economy compares to similar models or cite an expert’s review of the car’s performance and safety features. In the case of a restaurant review, you could describe specific dishes you tasted and how they met or fell short of your expectations based on the criteria you established for evaluating the quality of a meal.

By incorporating pertinent examples, you not only make your evaluation essay more engaging and relatable, but also provide the evidence necessary to support your judgment and validate the criteria used in your assessment. This will make your evaluation essay more credible and convincing to your readers.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Evaluation Essay Writing

There are several common pitfalls in evaluation essay writing that can hinder the effectiveness of your essay. These include poor organization, lack of focus, and excessive use of quotations. To avoid these issues, it’s essential to maintain a clear and logical structure for your evaluation essay, ensuring that your argument is coherent and well-supported by evidence.

Another common pitfall is the lack of focus on the evaluation criteria. It’s essential to establish appropriate criteria for your evaluation and consistently refer to these criteria throughout your essay. This will help to maintain a clear focus and ensure that your evaluation is based on objective and relevant standards.

Lastly, be cautious when using quotations in your evaluation essay. While it’s important to provide evidence to support your judgment, excessive use of quotations can detract from your own analysis and opinion. Instead, use quotations sparingly and ensure that they are directly relevant to the criteria you’re using to evaluate the subject.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can create a more effective and engaging evaluation essay that will resonate with your readers.

Examining Evaluation Essay Samples

Examining evaluation essay samples can provide valuable insights into the structure, content, and style of successful evaluation essays. By analysing these samples, you can gain a better understanding of how to craft your own evaluation essay, incorporating the most effective techniques and strategies for presenting a persuasive and engaging argument.

You can find evaluation essay samples on academic writing websites, which can serve as an excellent starting point for your own evaluation essay. These samples can help you identify the most effective ways to present your subject, establish criteria for evaluation, and provide evidence to support your judgment. Additionally, examining evaluation essay samples can help you understand how to maintain a logical structure and clear thesis statement, which are essential for the success of your essay.

By studying a good evaluation essay sample and applying the insights gained to your own writing, you can create a well-structured, engaging, and effective evaluation essay that effectively assesses its subject.

Suggested Evaluation Essay Topics

To help inspire and guide your writing process, here is a list of suggested evaluation essay topics.

  • Evaluate the latest blockbuster movie based on its plot, character development, and special effects.
  • Assess the effectiveness of a social media campaign in promoting a new product or service.
  • Analyze the performance of a sports team during a specific season, considering the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
  • Evaluate a new restaurant in your area based on its menu, service, and ambiance.
  • Assess the impact of a specific parenting approach on children’s development and well-being.

These are just a few examples of topics that can be explored in an evaluation essay.

  • The effectiveness of a new marketing campaign
  • The quality of a restaurant’s customer service
  • The impact of a government policy on the economy
  • The value of a college education

Remember, the key to a successful evaluation essay is selecting a topic that can be evaluated objectively, using appropriate criteria and evidence to support your judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an evaluation essay.

An evaluation essay is a type of argumentative writing in which a writer presents an opinion or viewpoint with supporting evidence. It involves the writer’s judgment of a subject or body of work based on criteria and evidence, while providing a summary of the article in question.

How do you start writing an evaluation?

To start writing an evaluation essay, begin by providing background information on the subject and outline the purpose of the evaluation. Next, list the criteria you will use to evaluate the product and include relevant evidence to support your judgment.

Finally, draft your essay and review, revise, and rewrite it to produce a well-structured evaluation.

How do you start an evaluation paragraph example?

Beginning an evaluation paragraph requires providing a big picture overview of the subject, discussing its influence on people and why it is worth evaluating. Establishing the criteria that will be used to support the thesis should also be included. Written in a formal tone, this introduction should contain a clear conclusion right away.

How do I choose the right topic for my evaluation essay?

When selecting a topic for an evaluation essay, consider a range of options such as movies, technological devices, restaurants, museums, plays, websites, stores, sports stadiums, concerts, books, events, and more.

Make sure the topic is objective and has enough criteria to allow for valid evaluation.

How can I create a strong thesis statement for my evaluation essay?

A strong thesis statement for an evaluation essay should identify the criteria used to assess the subject, and provide a definitive judgment based on those criteria.

This statement should be clear and concise, and should provide the reader with a clear understanding of the essay’s purpose. It should also be specific enough to provide a framework for the essay’s argument.

In conclusion, mastering the art of writing evaluation essays requires understanding the purpose and components of such essays, selecting an appropriate topic, crafting a strong thesis statement, and developing a well-structured outline.

By employing effective writing techniques, incorporating relevant examples, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create an engaging and persuasive evaluation essay that effectively assesses its subject.

With the knowledge and strategies provided in this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to tackle any evaluation essay topic and create a lasting impression on your readers.

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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.

English 101: Journey Into Open Copyright © 2021 by Christine Jones is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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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.

Evaluation Essay

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.

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 .

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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)
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How to Write an Evaluation Essay | Definitions, Topics, Examples

how to begin an evaluation essay

When you are assigned an evaluation essay, it is important to remember that this is not a reflection paper. In an evaluation essay, you will be assessing something – a book, a movie, a restaurant – and giving your opinion on it. This type of assignment can be challenging, but with some planning and organization, you can create a well-written essay that perfectly assesses the object of your evaluation. 

In this guide, we’ll provide tips for structuring your essay and giving your opinion clearly and effectively. We’ll also share some resources that can help you get started. So if you’re ready to jump in, let’s start with the definition.

What is an evaluation essay?

An evaluation essay is a type of academic essay writing that expresses a certain judgment about a particular topic. It involves making an assessment of something based on a set of standards.

Evaluation essays are written to judge the level of improvement or development in something. This type of essay requires a clear and concise introduction that will states what you are going to be evaluating.

The body paragraphs will each focus on a different aspect of the thing you are evaluating and will provide evidence to support your claims. In the conclusion, you will summarize your overall evaluation and state whether or not the thing you were assessing meets the standards you set out in the introduction.

Evaluative essays can be written about anything from restaurants and movies to books and politicians. As long as you can find enough evidence to support your claims, you can write an effective evaluation assignment on almost any topic.

How to Start an Evaluation Essay

Any essay will be easier to write if you first take the time to understand the purpose of the assignment. An evaluative paper is no different. To write a successful essay , you must be able to critically assess a topic and offer your own opinion. Here are 4 preparation steps before you can start writing your essay.

1. Choose your topic

When choosing a subject for an evaluation essay, it is important to select something that is not too broad or too narrow. If the topic is too broad, you will not be able to adequately address all aspects of the issue. On the other hand, if the topic of your essay is too narrowly focused, you may find yourself struggling to find enough to say. Another consideration is whether the subject is something that you feel strongly about. An evaluation essay can be quite challenging, and it is important to choose a topic that you will be able to approach with enthusiasm.

Ultimately, the best way to choose a topic for an evaluation essay is to strike a balance between these various factors. By taking the time to consider your options carefully, you can ensure that your essay will be both enjoyable to write and informative for your reader.

2. Identify your purpose for writing

Before you start writing an evaluation essay, you must understand what this type of paper is and what it entails. An evaluation essay is a written piece in which the author provides their opinion on a subject, using evidence to support their claims. The purpose of this type of essay is to evaluate something, such as a book, article, product, or service. It is important to note that you should not simply give your opinion on the subject; rather, you must provide a well-reasoned and evidence-based argument for why you hold that opinion. To write a successful evaluative essay, you will need to select a topic that you are passionate about and have a strong opinion on. Once you have chosen your topic, it is important to do your research so that you can find evidence to support your claims.

3. Gathering information

When you are tasked with writing an evaluation essay, it is important to gather accurate and complete information on the subject you are evaluating. This can be done through primary research, such as interviews, surveys, and observations, or secondary research, which involves using sources that have already been published. Once you have gathered your data, it is important to critically analyze it to identify strengths and weaknesses. This will help you to form an objective opinion on the subject and write a well-rounded essay. With careful planning and research, you can produce an evaluation essay that is both informative and insightful.

4. Selecting your criteria

Criteria are the standards by which you’ll judge your subject. For example, if you’re writing about a restaurant, you might choose criteria such as service, cleanliness, and menu selection.

There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your criteria for writing an evaluation essay.

Considerations when selecting a criteria

1. clarity..

When writing an evaluation report, the first considerations should be clarity and conciseness of the criteria. The criteria should be well-defined and easy to understand. They should also be relevant to the purpose of the evaluation. For example, if the evaluation is for a software program, the criteria should be related to the program’s functionality, usability, and accuracy. Once the criteria are established, they should be used to assess the quality of the program under review. This will help to ensure that the evaluation is reliable and accurate.

2.Achievable

When writing an evaluation report, another thing to consider is whether the criteria are achievable. This means looking at what is realistic and achievable given the time frame, resources, and scope of the project. It is also important to consider whether the criteria are measurable. This will help to ensure that the evaluation can be effectively conducted and that it produces meaningful results

There are several factors to consider to ensure that the criteria selected are fair.

First, it is important to consider whether the criteria are relevant to the purpose of the evaluation.

Second, the items being evaluated should be similar enough that they can be accurately compared using the chosen criteria.

Finally, the selection of criteria should be based on a solid understanding of the subject matter being evaluated.

By taking these factors into account, it is possible to create a set of criteria that is both fair and reliable.

4. Relevant.

You don’t want to include criteria that are not related to the topic at hand. By keeping these in mind, you will be able to select the best criteria for writing an evaluation essay.

Once you have gathered all of your evidence, you can start writing your essay.

How to write an evaluation essay

Now that you have finished preparing yourself, it is time to start writing your paper by following the evaluation essay structure discussed below

1. Introduction

The first step in writing an evaluation essay is to introduce the subject. The introduction should provide background information on the thing you are evaluating, as well as your opinion on it. It should also include a thesis statement that states what you will be evaluating and why.

For example, if you are evaluating a new restaurant, you might want to evaluate its food, service, and atmosphere. Your thesis statement might be something like “Despite its impressive menu, The Krusty Krab falls short when it comes to customer service.”

In other words, the introduction sets up the rest of the essay by providing both context and a focus. By the end of the introduction, readers should know not only what you are evaluating but also what standards you will be using.

2. Body paragraphs

After you have introduced your topic and given your readers some background information, it’s time to start developing your thesis. To write a strong evaluative paper, you need to be able to take a clear position on your topic and support your opinion with evidence. The body of your essay is where you’ll get the chance to make your case. To do this effectively, you’ll need to use specific examples and details from the work you’re evaluating.

Make sure to choose evidence that supports your argument and that you can explain in detail. If you’re not sure how to do this, try using the five-paragraph essay structure :

  • Introduce your topic,
  • Give three reasons for your opinion, and
  • Provide supporting evidence for each reason.

This will help to keep your essay focused and on track.

Remember, the goal of an evaluation essay is not simply to state whether you like or dislike something – it’s to explain why. With that in mind, try to make sure that each paragraph in your essay serves a specific purpose.

By taking the time to craft well-organized and insightful essay body paragraphs, you’ll be able to show off your critical thinking skills and demonstrate your ability to engage with complex issues.

3. Conclusion

The conclusion of an evaluation essay is where you summarize your main points and give your overall verdict on the subject. You may also want to include a call to action or make a recommendation. For example, if you were evaluating a new restaurant, you might suggest that the owner make some changes to improve the quality of the food.

Whatever you include in your conclusion, make sure that it is in keeping with the tone of the rest of your essay. If your paper has been serious and objective throughout, don’t introduce any snarky or jokes in the conclusion.

Conversely, if you’ve been light-hearted and humorous, don’t suddenly turn solemn in the last paragraph. This is your last chance to make an impression on your reader, so make it count.

5 Tips in writing an evaluation essay

When you need to evaluate a piece of writing, it’s important to have clear evaluation criteria. These five tips will help you create a well-rounded evaluation essay that covers all the bases. 

  • Make sure you have a clear understanding of the writing itself. What is the purpose? Who is the audience? What style is it written in? 
  • Choose several points that you want to evaluate. These could be things like organization, use of language, or development of ideas. 
  • Support your evaluations with specific examples from the text. This could include quoting passages or describing scenes. 
  • Be fair in your evaluations. If you didn’t like something, try to understand why it was done that way before passing judgement. 
  • Conclude your essay by summing up your overall evaluations and giving your opinion on the quality of the piece as a whole. 

Final Thoughts

An evaluation essay is a great way to show off your critical thinking skills. By taking the time to carefully analyze and assess a piece of writing, you’ll be able to provide readers with an informed and thoughtful opinion. Just remember to choose your criteria carefully, use specific examples in your essay, and stay fair in your evaluations. With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to writing a grade-winning academic essay .

  • Evaluation essay topics
  • Evaluation Essay examples
  • Evaluation Essay outline

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Evaluation Essay

Caleb S.

A Comprehensive Guide to Write an Evaluation Essay

19 min read

Published on: Mar 24, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 21, 2023

evaluation essay

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Writing an evaluation essay can be a daunting task. It's not easy to summarize your thoughts and feelings about a book, movie, or product into a cohesive, well-written paper. 

Even if you're a great writer, the thought of writing an evaluation essay can be intimidating. You want to make sure that you say everything you want to say in a clear and concise way.

We've written this detailed guide on how to write an evaluation essay. By following our tips and tricks, you'll be able to write a great paper that will show off your critical thinking skills.

So continue reading to learn what an evaluation essay is and how you can master the art of of writing yourself!

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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.

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;

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. 

This is not all! We have also brought a helpful video for you to understand evaluation essay. So don’t forget to watch this:

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, so contact CollegeEssay.org.

We are a professional essay writing service specializing 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. We strive to offer our customers high-quality service at reasonable prices.

So, try our AI essay writing tools 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.

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How to Write an Evaluation Essay – A Complete Guide

By: Angelina Grin

How to Write an Evaluation Essay – A Complete Guide

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, 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.

Introduction

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.

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.

Evaluation Essay Outline

It should have at least five paragraphs , but they can be more depending on your topic.

An evaluative essay should be two pages long, but others can be longer depending on the school’s requirements.

There are goals, processes, or outcomes-based evaluations.

The topic’s length depends on how much research do. However, one line is enough.

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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.

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how to begin an evaluation essay

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  • A Research Guide
  • Writing Guide
  • Essay Writing

How to Write an Evaluation Essay

  • What is an evaluation essay
  • Evaluation essay outline & structure
  • How to start
  • Step-by-step writing guide
  • Evaluation essay format
  • Evaluation essay example
  • Conclusion sentence examples

What is an Evaluation Essay?

Evaluation essay outline and structure, introduction.

  • Introduce the evaluative subject. Write a complete paragraph that introduces the evaluative subject. Give definitions and necessary information. It can be done by providing a big-picture overview of the evaluative subject, discussing its influence on people, and why it is worth evaluating. You should also establish the criteria to be called upon to prove your thesis.
  • Create your thesis statement. Establish your evaluative thesis statement, including the overall judgement and supporting reasons.

Body Paragraphs

  • Criterion One. Provide a topic sentence and your judgement of the first evaluative criterion. You will want to use transition words to help you move smoothly from your thesis to your first reason.
  • Support for the first reason. Provide valid supporting information through quotes, examples, expert testimonials, evaluative statistics, comparisons, etc.
  • Address any objections and refute them. Every argument is always made stronger when the writer can address objections or opposing views and is capable of providing reasons for refuting them.
  • Criterion Two. Provide a topic sentence and your judgement of the second evaluative criterion. You will want to use transition words to help you move smoothly from your thesis to your next reason.
  • Support for the second reason. Provide valid supporting information through quotes, examples, expert testimonials, evaluative statistics, comparisons, etc.
  • Address any objections and refute them. Every evaluative argument is made stronger when the writer can address objections or opposing views and provide reasons for refuting them.

How to Start an Evaluation Essay?

  • Choose your topic. You may be writing an evaluation essay on a movie or evaluating the service provided at a local restaurant. Whatever you write about, you must provide a critical judgement based on a series of criteria, so choosing a topic you know well or can research is necessary.
  • Develop your evaluation argument essay . The thesis statement of an evaluation paper should define the overall goal or purpose of the evaluation essay. It should provide clear direction that can be used to distinguish between criteria and relevant illustrations. You will need to be careful to cite quality, or the lack of it, concerning the specific topic you are writing about.
  • Consider the criteria used to make your judgement. Do you need help to evaluate your chosen topic at first glance? If so, consider choosing multiple points of interest that make this step easier.
  • Gather supporting evidence, meanings, or material to establish your viewpoint. You are the one making the judgement about the topic, it is up to you to support your argument in a way that will allow others to make their own opinion.

How to Write an Evaluative Essay: Step-by-step Writing Guide

Describe the evaluation criteria, write a plan, write an evaluation essay, write conclusions, make a review of the finished essay and remove all unnecessary details, evaluation essay format, evaluation essay example.

  • http://home.ku.edu.tr/~doregan/Argumentation/SampleEvaluativeEssay.html
  • http://web.cocc.edu/cagatucci/classes/wr122/handouts/essays1.htm

Conclusion Sentence Examples for Essays

  • End your essay by linking the final evaluation paragraph to the opening statement. It can be done by restating the key point established in the beginning using other words.
  • End with a sentence made up largely of single-syllable words. Simple language helps to convey the effect of understated drama.
  • End with a quote or reference from a secondary source. It should echo your primary evaluation argument or provide a different perspective.
  • End by redefining one of the primary terms used in your argument.
  • End by considering the implications of your analysis. What are you implying with the argument that you’ve made?

How not to end your essay?

  • Do not only summarize or paraphrase your essay. Yes, it is helpful to briefly summarize your argument, especially if your essay is more than ten pages in length. However, for shorter essays, it typically isn’t necessary to restate your main ideas.
  • Steer clear from phrases like ‘in closing, ‘in summation’, ‘in summary’, etc. These phrases are useful when delivering oral presentations. Still, when reading an essay, they can typically determine when it is about to end, so there is no need to state the obvious.
  • Avoid the urge to apologize for knowing the things that you know. If you’ve done any research, you will know much more about a topic than you can conceivably include in a five or ten-page essay. Because of this, as you conclude your essay, you may feel reservations about the content you have produced. Avoid phrases like ‘this is only one approach’ or ‘ there may be better ways’, etc.

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  • How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples

How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on February 4, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.

The main goals of an introduction are to:

  • Catch your reader’s attention.
  • Give background on your topic.
  • Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay.

This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

Table of contents

Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.

Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Examples: Writing a good hook

Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.

  • Braille was an extremely important invention.
  • The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly  why the topic is important.

  • The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
  • The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.

  • Mary Shelley’s  Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
  • Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.

Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.

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how to begin an evaluation essay

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Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:

  • Historical, geographical, or social context
  • An outline of the debate you’re addressing
  • A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
  • Definitions of key terms

The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Don’t give too much detail—you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.

How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:

Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.

This is the most important part of your introduction. A  good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.

The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.

Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.

For this reason, it’s often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraph—it can even be the very last thing you write.

When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.

It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.

To polish your writing, you can use something like a paraphrasing tool .

You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.

Checklist: Essay introduction

My first sentence is engaging and relevant.

I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.

I have defined any important terms.

My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.

Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.

  • Argumentative
  • Literary analysis

This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

  • Ad hominem fallacy
  • Post hoc fallacy
  • Appeal to authority fallacy
  • False cause fallacy
  • Sunk cost fallacy

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Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

  • An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
  • Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
  • A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.

To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

  • It gives your writing direction and focus.
  • It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

Cite this Scribbr article

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McCombes, S. (2023, July 23). How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 29, 2023, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/introduction/

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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 33,850 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

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 1

  • 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.

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 2

  • 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.

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 3

  • 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.

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 4

  • 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

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 5

  • 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.

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 6

  • 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.

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 7

  • 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.”

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 8

  • 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.”

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 9

  • 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

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 10

  • 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.”

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 11

  • 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.

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 12

  • If the conclusion does introduce new information, note this in your evaluation.

Evaluating Cited Sources

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 13

  • Make sure the citations are formatted according to the style guide listed on the assignment sheet, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago Style.

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 14

  • 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.

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 15

  • 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

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 16

  • 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.

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 17

  • 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

Image titled Evaluate Essay Writing Step 18

  • 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

how to begin an evaluation essay

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Write Dates

  • ↑ 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

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Christopher Taylor, PhD

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Simple guidelines on how to write an evaluation essay

Publication Date: 11 Dec 2018

How To Write An Evaluation Essay

Like any other assignment given to a student in college, writing an evaluation essay requires time an effort. Besides that, a student needs to make sure that he fully understands what type of essay he is writing and he should strictly follow the key elements of that particular type of writing.

If you received such assignment as writing an evaluation essay and you are not sure how to complete it correctly, check out our simple guidelines on how to do it right. If you are still not confident enough about how to write this type of essay, you can get a professional writing help from our reliable essay writing service .

What is an evaluation essay?

An evaluation essay is a type of writing the main purpose of which is to give an unbiased and reasoned assessment of the subject. The key element of this type of an essay is the objectivity and fair statements of the facts.

While analyzing the subject in your essay, you need to avoid being too opinionated as much as possible. Illustrating fair criteria, judgments and clear pieces of evidence are what makes an effective evaluation essay.

The outline structure of an evaluation essay

The most suitable outline of an evaluation essay is the five- paragraph structure. However, you need to make sure that you follow the instructions of your tutor because there are deviations which depend on the subject of the discussion.

  • Introducing the subject for the evaluation. Introductory part should be a paragraph which consists of several sentences. Here you can briefly tell about the subject of your discussion and let the reader know why it is worth evaluating.
  • Body paragraphs. In this part of this particular type of an essay, you need to tell about the criteria, judgements and evidence .
  • Usually, the criteria state what the product ideally can be and what should be expected from the subject of the evaluation.
  • In the section when the judgement is expressed you need to tell whether the expectations have been met or not. Include multiple points of why you think that the discussed subject is all according to the stated criteria.
  • Advocating your judgements is an essential aspect of the evaluation aspect. Without providing proper and valid pieces of evidence your essay may turn into an opinionated and subjective review. Make sure that you provide enough of factual details which support your judgement objectively.
  • Closing statement. The conclusion paragraph needs to be short and precise. You have already provided a factual information in the body of your essay, so the data provided needs to help the reader form his own point of view on whether the subject is worth the attention or not.

The difference between an evaluation essay and a review

Many students tend to confuse an evaluation essay with a review, however, there is a substantial difference between these two types of paper. A review does not require any sort of evidence and is mainly based on a personal opinion. In case of an evaluation essay, it has to contain several pieces of evidence in order to support judgements and it should be reasonable and unbiased.

If you offer enough of factual and not prejudiced information to your readers, you have great chances to write an effective evaluation essay. Still in doubt? Contact our qualified representatives in order to get a professional assistance in writing a quality evaluation essay.

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How to Start an Evaluation Essay Introduction

Table of Contents

If you’re wondering how to start an evaluation essay introduction , you’re at the right spot. The purpose of an evaluation essay is to develop and provide some sort of criteria, then critically assess a particular subject using the criteria.

It’s an excellent approach to practicing analytical skills and presenting an argumentative viewpoint or perspective. You should thoroughly research the subject and back up your claims with evidence.

This article focuses on the steps to write an evaluation essay effectively.

What Is an Evaluation Essay?

An evaluation essay ought to offer a critical evaluation of the subject. Many students are required to write evaluation essays to analyze a story or topic from their course content.

However, you must first comprehend what an evaluation essay is and how it varies from other types of essays before you can begin.

The main goal of an evaluation essay is to support a claim about the quality (or lack thereof) of a particular thing. It could be a movie, program, service, book, and more.

It is true that every evaluation will include some form of opinion, but a properly done evaluation shouldn’t come off as opinionated. A good evaluation will be fact-based, impartial, and reasonable, to be more precise.

person writing on brown wooden table near white ceramic mug

There are numerous ways to begin an essay. And the first step to choosing the right one is figuring out what your essay is asking you to do. Decide what your essay will cover, who your audience is, and what format your essay will be in.

Below are some of the most common points to start an evaluation essay:

Begin With an Intriguing Statement

Every single one of the best essays begins with a strong thesis statement, also known as the hook. There are numerous approaches to creating a captivating hook.

You could start by quoting something or asking a question. Whatever you decide, keep in mind that it must be compelling enough for the reader to continue reading your essay.

Briefly Introduce Your Topic

After your hook, your subject should be introduced in the following sentence. Depending on what you’ll be analyzing, there are several things you might want to take into account.

For instance, if you are analyzing a novel, you should concentrate on one particular feature of the novel. Keeping your strategy simple will help you compose the topic of your paper easily.

Provide Some Background Details

After introducing the topic , give some background information on the subject to help the reader better understand the context of your paper.

Try to put your subject into a familiar context or feature to which the reader can relate. Define a few common words or phrases that you believe are important for the audience to know.

Outline the Foundation of Your Criteria

The next few sentences should outline your exact criteria and explain why you choose them. Include your justification, particularly if you have reason to believe that someone else might choose a different course of action if given a chance.

Don’t assume the reader knows or doesn’t know something. To avoid confusion, make sure everything is understood.

Define Your Thesis Statement

Finish your introduction paragraph with a thesis statement that briefly and clearly states your position or point of view.

Keep in mind that you are making an argument that you must support. It can’t be a generalization that everyone can agree on. It should be a claim that another person can persuasively refute using similar academic evidence as you do.

Wrapping Up

The evaluation essay is a type of academic paper that provides an in-depth analysis and evaluation of a matter on a given topic. Before writing, it is important to define your particular focus and your thesis statement, which is a summary of the content. This article outlines some key steps to help you understand how to start an evaluation essay introduction .

How to Start an Evaluation Essay Introduction

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Guide: How to write an evaluation

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Writing an evaluation  requires thorough knowledge of the texts and/or topics which you are being asked to evaluate. You need to provide an overview of the texts and/or topics and then provide detailed discussion resulting in a balanced presentation supplemented by evidence correctly referenced according to the style required by your school, college or university. Writing an  evaluation  is not really difficult if you adhere strictly to the helpful guidelines set out below.

Preparing to Write an Evaluation

Before you begin, look carefully at the subjects you are being asked to evaluate and plan what you might want to say about each of them. This need only be done in note form and is really just to crystallise your thinking. Next, you should begin to organise your ideas into a sort of ‘for and against’ list. Even though you are not actually looking to compare and contrast as such, doing this helps you to write a balanced evaluation. Ensure that you are compiling the evaluation exactly according to the specifications of the question you are addressing. It might be that you are being asked to evaluate in a specific way or with a particular idea in mind and this will have an influence on the way you evaluate so be sure to familiarise yourself with the nature of the evaluation.

Writing an Evaluation

An evaluation is an academic essay and as such follows the same basic structure of other academic essays i.e.:

  • introduction
  • conclusion.

There is a difference in the content and style when writing an evaluation, however, as you are not being asked to formulate an argument, so much as present an assessment. This influences the construct because you need to follow through the evaluation with greater objectivity and need not take so firm a stance as you would in the average academic essay when writing an evaluation. The introduction to an evaluation should provide an overview rather than a thesis statement. You would give some brief indication of the contents of each topic/text to be evaluated together with an indication of the methodology that you intend to adopt during the writing of your evaluation. End your introduction with a sentence that links to the opening paragraph of the main body of the evaluation. The main body of your evaluation should be a series of linked paragraphs each one dealing with a different aspect of the evaluation whilst remaining connected to the central theme. It is a good idea at the planning stage of writing your evaluation to give each of the paragraphs of the main body a working subtitle which you may or may not choose to include in your final evaluation. This is particularly useful because you will find the collation of your thoughts and evidence more precisely defined if you work in this way. Remember that it is really important when writing your evaluation that you cite your evidence in the required style. The two main formats for referencing are:

  • parenthetical in text referencing linked to and identified by a reference list at the end of your evaluation (Harvard employs this style, for example)
  • footnote in text referencing by means of superscript numeric identifiers linked/ attached to the reference itself, connected to a footnote at the bottom of the page on which it appears and identified by a bibliography at the end of your evaluation (Oxford uses this style, for example).

You must consult the  referencing guide  which should be available from your school, college or university (and be on view in the library), before you begin to write your evaluation as you will lose marks if you do not reference correctly. When writing an evaluation, the main body builds by means of the reverse pyramid style i.e. it begins with the most important points of the evaluation and graduates down in a supplementary way with each connected paragraph appearing to complement the preceding ones. The conclusion to writing an evaluation is very important and should be considered at the initial planning stage. As in the introduction you provided an overview of the texts/topics to be evaluated, here in the conclusion you need to provide a summation of the evaluation. You need to provide, also, a synthesis of your thinking together with some indication of what you feel might have been omitted from your evaluation suggesting reasons why this was done and also what might be attempted in the future under different criteria, perhaps. By including this in the conclusion to writing your evaluation, you are acknowledging its limits and indicating to the reader your awareness of them.

General  Tips on Writing an Evaluation

  • The importance of presenting any academic essay in clear, well-structured and coherent English cannot be overestimated and this is as true of writing an evaluation as elsewhere.
  • Ensure that you proof-read your evaluation very thoroughly to avoid any possibility of errors in punctuation, grammar, spelling and/or punctuation.
  • It is often a good idea to read your work aloud or ask a friend or colleague to proof-read your work before you submit it.
  • You will need to reference your work with the opinions of others as stated earlier and you should ensure that you have not accidentally plagiarised someone else’s ideas by careless notation.
  • It goes without saying that when writing an evaluation, as elsewhere, you should never deliberately plagiarise: it is illegal, immoral and you are bound to be discovered as schools, colleges and universities now employ very sophisticated methods of detection – so do not be tempted!

And Finally …

Remember that an evaluation is essentially an overview with astute inferences and qualitative judgements. If you plan carefully, structure efficiently, reference correctly and proof-read carefully there should be every chance that you will  write an evaluation  of which you can be very proud and which will gain you an impressive grade when your work is assessed. Adhering to the guidance given here should assist you in achieving this: ‘good luck’!

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A Helpful Guide on How to Start an Essay

Smiling guy in headphones sitting at desk in library and writing

Writing essays is a common part of many students’ lives, especially if they pursue higher education. Many college courses place hefty emphasis on essays. Their content, length, research, writing, and revision will often form large portions of many college students’ curricular efforts, one semester at a time. 

Knowing how to properly write an essay is an invaluable skill. Not only does it ensure the papers are properly written, it also helps establish life skills involving research, critical thinking, and time management. As with most projects, the best place to start with an essay is the beginning. 

As obvious as that sounds, a strong start will help ensure a strong finish. Though it will take more than just a good start to complete a strong essay, everyone needs to begin somewhere.  

We reached out to the popular essay writing service Write My Essays for advice. After all, who understands how to write an essay better than a professional essay writer? 

Review the directions  

This may seem obvious, but before starting the essay, it’s important to review the directions provided by the professor. The directions should include all the important points, such as spacing, fonts, and the expected layout of the content. 

The contents will depend on the subject. Different fields use different methods of citation for their sources, as one example, and that needs to be taken into account. Understanding the guidelines will help direct focus and energy in the right direction, ensuring time isn’t wasted on improper settings or sources. 

The amount of detail within the directions can vary greatly, depending on the level of the course, the subject matter, and the inclination of the professor. Do not be afraid to ask for advice from on-campus resources or the professor themselves to ensure the directions are fully and properly understood. 

Make an outline  

Before working on the paper itself, it is a good idea to create an outline. This might be a part of the assignment requirements, even, or possibly an assignment all its own. Regardless, outlining the essay’s contents and key points will make writing the essay easier. 

Outlines aren’t for everyone, but even if they are not required, they are also a useful tool. Having an idea of the direction of the essay before writing it will help with the writing process and makes for a handy way to start the work before the essay is even written. 

Format the document  

Before actually writing the essay, formatting the document to the required guidelines first will save a lot of time and effort on fixing issues during the revision process. Revising is arduous enough without having to take typesetting issues into account, especially with how easy document formatting has become. 

Standard requirements for an essay are an easy-to-read font at a standard size like 12, with one-inch margins, indented paragraphs, and double spacing for ease of reading. Actually, requirements may vary, which is why it’s so important to review them, especially if working on multiple projects in different classes at the same time. 

Set up the first page  

Depending on the requirements, the first page may simply be a title page with the assignment, class number, and student’s name. Some of that information may be on a second page, with just the title on the first page. These pages generally do not count towards page lengths and are meant to help prevent padding. 

Setting up the title page is part of formatting, but at least it’s finally putting words on a page. This is also a good point to save the document, ideally in a folder created for the various coursework of the related class so that it is easy to find, load, and, eventually, submit. 

How to begin the paper  

Finally, with the document formatted and necessary first page organized, the actual writing of the essay can begin. Presumably the required research and other pre-writing prep has been completed. So, it’s time to actually put some words to virtual paper and start writing the essay in earnest. 

The question is how to start the paper, that is, the actual contents and not just the title or document itself. The guidelines from the professor might have some notes on this matter, and those should be adhered to when required. If the requirements lack such guidelines, the students have some freedom on how to open their essay. 

Open with a quote  

Oftentimes, a relevant quote, especially from a source cited throughout the essay, can help set the tone and ground the reader with what to expect. A proper quote will help set expectations and bring an idea of the content ahead in a quick and quirky format. 

The quote also sets the tone, as previously mentioned. Serious issues will merit a more serious quote, while lighter subjects can get away with pithier wording. Depending on the subject, sources, and topic of the paper, the quote need not be from a serious source. As long as it is cited, a relevant book or movie quote could also be used to set the opening. 

Pose a question  

Another option to open the essay is with a question. This is a direct way to bring the main topic of the essay to the forefront, by immediately leading with the thesis question, the answer to which is generally the entire point of the essay. 

This does not work for all essays, but the question need not be that powerful. A simpler question to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into the topic at hand can work just as well. Just like with an opening quote, the question sets the tone and leads into the introductory paragraph, which is generally a basic summary of the essay as a whole. 

Also as with a quote, the question can be as serious or irreverent as possible when writing scholastic works, depending on the subject matter, the class, and, occasionally, the demeanor of the professor. Though it is ill advised to think about it too much, at the end of the day, most essays are read by two people, and only two people: the student who wrote them, and the professor who reads and grades them accordingly. 

Start with the Thesis Statement  

It will need to be stated in the introductory paragraph anyway, and beginning with it can provide a strong hook to the start of an essay. While the first paragraph is an essential foundation for the essay, the thesis statement is the base for the first paragraph and the assignments as a whole. 

The thesis statement states the thesis of the essay, hence the name. The sooner it is mentioned, the better, and, as with many aspects of the paper, it will likely be mentioned in the guidelines for the essay. Either way, starting with the thesis statement sets a strong tone for the rest of the paper. 

Such a strong start can be a little daunting to live up to over the course of finishing the essay, but if that turns out to be the case, it can be moved. If nothing else, though, starting with the thesis statement gets it stated quickly and efficiently. 

The introductory paragraph  

The first paragraph of an essay is usually referred to as the introductory paragraph. This paragraph, as previously noted, is extremely important for the essay. It provides the reader with a basic summary of the essay’s contents. From the original question, hypothesis, thesis statement, antithesis, theory, synthesis, and potentially even cited sources, this paragraph sets the tone for the entire paper. 

That is a lot of pressure to put on the beginning of an essay, but it also helps guide the direction of the essay moving forward. Along with tone, it is a handy reference for the rest of the essay. The reader, i.e., the professor, will expect the paper to follow the outline set forth in the first paragraph. 

Though the introductory paragraph is the first and most important aspect of an essay in several regards, it is also the easiest to revise. If the sources and data take the paper in a direction different from what was originally intended, then the first paragraph is relatively easy to adjust to fit the new information. 

As with other aspects of the essay, the assignment brief may have instructions on how to format the introductory paragraph, as well as potential guidelines regarding its contents. This will help with writing the first paragraph, and thus starting the essay, a little easier. 

Conclusion  

Depending on the chosen course load, essays will likely be a large part of a student’s work throughout their academic career. Learning how to properly plan, format, write, and revise essays will help ensure an easier time over the semesters and years. 

Eventually, writing essays will become second nature thanks to the developed skills. Still, with each essay, turning a blank document into a completed and submitted assignment can be a daunting prospect. 

With proper planning, review of the sources and assignment description, and a good handle on the thesis statement, starting an essay can become as second nature as writing the overall essay. With various ways to begin, mixing it up every now and then will also help fight the tedious nature such papers can garner after the tenth time, and beyond. 

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COMMENTS

  1. 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.

  2. How to Write an Evaluation Essay: Easy Guide & Examples

    13 min read UPD: Jul 3, 2023 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.

  3. How to Write an Evaluation Paper With Sample Essays

    Evaluation essays are just like reviews. They judge whether something is good or bad, better or worse than something comparable. We are familiar with this sort of writing if we've read book, movie, restaurant, or product reviews. Evaluation papers can be serious or funny, earnest or sarcastic.

  4. Evaluation Essay

    How to Start an Evaluation Essay? How to Write an Evaluation Essay? Evaluation Essay Examples Evaluation Essay Topics Writing an evaluation essay but do not have an idea of what is an evaluation essay? And how to write a good one? Well, fret no more, as we are here to help you get through the evaluation essay writing process.

  5. How to Write an Evaluation Essay in a Few Easy Steps

    Evaluation essays consist of three essential components: judgment, criteria, and evidence. To write an evaluation essay, you need to follow these steps. Introduce the topic in an engaging manner. Express a definite, authoritative judgment that occupies two-thirds of the evaluation paper. Support your judgment with appropriate criteria and ...

  6. Evaluation Essays

    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.

  7. The Evaluation Essay: A Quick Introduction and Topic Suggestions

    The evaluation essay is an essay that demonstrates the quality, or lack of quality, that a particular business, service, program, or product has. Some opinion will be involved, but the idea is to create a paper that doesn't come off as sounding too opinionated.

  8. 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.

  9. Definition and Examples of Evaluation Essays

    By Richard Nordquist Updated on July 12, 2019 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 .

  10. 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. ... Start your body paragraphs discussing the criterion that you're using to evaluate the subject. The reader needs to know what you mean by ...

  11. How to Write an Evaluation Essay

    1. Choose your topic When choosing a subject for an evaluation essay, it is important to select something that is not too broad or too narrow. If the topic is too broad, you will not be able to adequately address all aspects of the issue.

  12. How to Write an Evaluation Essay: Examples and Format

    July 17, 2023 The first thing to be clear with about writing an evaluation essay, or any kind of writing actually, is getting to understand the main point of this type of essay. The evaluation essay is an opportunity for you to give your profound opinion about certain things. Evaluative essay. What does it mean?

  13. Evaluation Essay

    > Evaluation Essay Written by Caleb S. A Comprehensive Guide to Write an Evaluation Essay 19 min read Published on: Mar 24, 2023 Last updated on: Jul 21, 2023 Writing an evaluation essay can be a daunting task. It's not easy to summarize your thoughts and feelings about a book, movie, or product into a cohesive, well-written paper.

  14. How to Write an Evaluation Essay

    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. Give a brief history

  15. How to Write an Evaluation Essay

    How to Write an Evaluation Essay Published on: Feb 28, 2018 Updated on: Sep 11, 2023 Table of content What is an evaluation essay Evaluation essay outline & structure How to start Step-by-step writing guide Evaluation essay format Evaluation essay example Conclusion sentence examples What is an Evaluation Essay?

  16. How To Write An Evaluation Essay Detailed Guide

    How to start an evaluation essay? How to structure it? During preparation, students face difficulties - that's why they ask questions about writing an evaluation essay, defining a concept, and evaluating it.

  17. How to Write an Essay Introduction

    Table of contents. Step 1: Hook your reader. Step 2: Give background information. Step 3: Present your thesis statement. Step 4: Map your essay's structure. Step 5: Check and revise. More examples of essay introductions. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

  18. 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.

  19. How To Write An Evaluation Essay

    The key element of this type of an essay is the objectivity and fair statements of the facts. While analyzing the subject in your essay, you need to avoid being too opinionated as much as possible. Illustrating fair criteria, judgments and clear pieces of evidence are what makes an effective evaluation essay. The outline structure of an ...

  20. How to Start an Evaluation Essay Introduction

    Begin With an Intriguing Statement. Briefly Introduce Your Topic. Provide Some Background Details. Outline the Foundation of Your Criteria. Define Your Thesis Statement. Wrapping Up. If you're wondering how to start an evaluation essay introduction, you're at the right spot. The purpose of an evaluation essay is to develop and provide some ...

  21. Guide: How to write an evaluation

    Writing an Evaluation An evaluation is an academic essay and as such follows the same basic structure of other academic essays i.e.: introduction main body conclusion. There is a difference in the content and style when writing an evaluation, however, as you are not being asked to formulate an argument, so much as present an assessment.

  22. Tips for Writing a Strong Self-Evaluation (With Examples)

    Acknowledge the full spectrum of your experiences, including any specific examples you might feel hesitant to highlight in your formal performance review. Coming up with an unfiltered version will help you understand how your perspective comes across, and you can always make edits once you start writing.‍. 2. Review your goals.

  23. A Helpful Guide on How to Start an Essay

    Review the directions. This may seem obvious, but before starting the essay, it's important to review the directions provided by the professor. The directions should include all the important ...

  24. How to Write an Evaluation Essay: Easy Steps with Examples

    Here is your guide to begin with writing an evaluation essay for your chosen subject: How Do You Write an Evaluation Essay: Quick Tips Following are the quick tips on how to write an effective evaluation essay: Go through source material to thoroughly consider your exposition before composing it.