Fiducia TogetherCommand word: evaluate
The command word that most often costs marks. It requires a judgement.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
Evaluate means weigh the evidence or arguments on both sides and reach a supported conclusion.
Where it applies
Every essay subject and most sciences at the top tariff.
How it works
Examiners' reports say the same thing every year: candidates describe well and never judge. An answer with strong arguments on both sides and no conclusion is capped below the top band.
Related command words — assess, justify, discuss, 'to what extent' — all require the same final move.
How to use it in your work
Write the conclusion in your plan before you write the essay, so everything points at it.
Use the last paragraph to judge, not to summarise. 'Overall, X matters more because...' is the sentence.
Say what your judgement depends on. A conditional conclusion is a strong one.
Where to get help
Your teacher and your board's specification and mark scheme.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.