How to write an evaluation essay
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Ibrahim Akturk - March 12, 2023
An evaluation essay is a type of writing in which you make assessments about a subject with a collection of criteria. In evaluation essays, the primary goal is simply to “evaluate.”
Before writing an evaluation essay
This type of essay requires you to define a set criteria, make your judgments, and present evidence to justify your evaluation.
So before starting with your essay, make sure that you’ve determined your criteria and judgments.
1. Defining criteria for evaluation
The criteria should determine what is ideal for the product, service, or brand, or whatever you’re evaluating.
In order to find this out, consider the best potential example of a comparable good or service. What would be their best qualities?
Let’s evaluate Starbucks throughout this guide.
Criteria for evaluating Starbucks
The criteria for a good coffee shop could be quality coffee, reasonable prices, quick service, calm atmosphere, talented baristas, comfortable seating etc.These criteria are our benchmarks, and we will use them to evaluate our subject.
2. Judgment process
In this section, we determine whether or not the criteria have been met.
For example, for our Starbucks example, we can start by judging if Starbucks has quality coffee or not.
- Does it match or surpass our expectations for quality?
- Is it adequate, or does it fall short?
3. Presenting evidence for judgments
This section is essential as we must have evidence to support our judgments.
Showing evidence is critical
In our Starbucks example, if the quality of the coffee does not match our expectations, we must present evidence to prove this statement.When writing this type of essay, it’s common to have each paragraph focused on a particular criterion.
So with each paragraph, clarify the criteria, make specific judgments, and include supporting evidence (APA or MLA).
Step 1: Define topic and thesis statement
Unless your teacher or instructor assigns you with a particular topic, you need to choose one yourself. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing your topic:
- Choosing a topic that you're already good at might be a good idea.
- Have a clear opinion on the topic, whether positive or negative.
- Your topic should not be too broad or too narrow.
Writing the thesis statement
Thesis statements are the main argument of any essay type. So, in your thesis statement, state the criterion to judge the subject as well as its worth.
While choosing your criteria, pay attention to the following:
- To make your essay more enjoyable and inclusive, use a variety of benchmarks.
- Depending on what you’re evaluating, you’ll use different criteria.
- Use evaluation criteria to show the capability of conducting the study objectively.
Evaluation essasy thesis statement example
Introduction
....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)
....(introduction continues)
Starbucks has effectively built a distinct brand identity via its dedication to high-quality goods, customized customer service, and a welcoming environment, distinguishing it in the highly competitive coffee sector. Thesis statement, which is usually the last sentence of your introduction
Step 2: Evaluation essay introduction
Your introduction is an essential section of your evaluation essay as it is the part that convinces your reader to keep reading your essay.
Evaluation essay introduction example
With 31.256 stores worldwide, Starbucks is the largest coffee shop chain in the world. Hook: An interesting fact about the topic. It is widely regarded as the epitome of America’s second generation of coffee culture. Background: Provide background information about your subject. But does it deserve its popularity? There are a number of qualities a good coffee shop chain should have, and it seems that Starbucks has most of these qualities. Transition: Make a subtle transition to your paper and your arguments. Starbucks has effectively built a distinct brand identity via its dedication to high-quality goods, customized customer service, and a welcoming environment, distinguishing it in the highly competitive coffee sector. Thesis statement: State your main argument and present the thesis statement.
Checklist for the introduction
- Start with a memorable, entertaining point that will pique the reader’s interest.
- Share any contextual information on the evaluated subject with the reader.
- Provide a summary of what will be covered.
- State your thesis statement.
Step 3: Body paragraphs
In each one of your supporting paragraphs, talk about one of the criteria and evaluate if the subject meets the expectations/criteria.
Don’t forget to make use of topic sentences, transition sentences, and transition words and phrases to create a nice flow of ideas.
Evaluation essay body paragraph example
A calm atmosphere is one of the most critical aspects people look for in a coffee shop. Topic sentence: Start the paragraph by revealing your criteria for evaluation. In the case of Starbucks, the atmosphere is one of the strong suits of the franchise. Judgement: Evaluate your topic based on the presented criteria. People find the atmosphere of Starbucks to be homey, and suitable for both studying and chatting with friends. Evidence: Present your evidence for the evaluation. However, despite the large amount of coffee shops the franchise has all over the world, Starbucks can sometimes get too crowded and loses its quiet and cozy atmosphere. Downside: State a downside about the subject based on the criteria you talked about. Therefore, the strong suit of Starbucks in terms of atmosphere can sometimes show itself as a negative attribution as well. Concluding sentence: Finish the paragraph by bringing the key points of the paragraph together.
Step 4: Conclusion paragraph
To wrap it up, you’ll need to make one definitive evaluative statement in your conclusion. This evaluation statement needs to offer a comprehensive assessment of your essay’s topic.
Evaluation essay conclusion example
As we can see from the evaluation of the stated criteria, Starbucks deserves its place as arguably the most popular coffee shop in the world, although it has some shortcomings. Restatement: Return to the statement in your introduction and definitive evaluation. There are a number of factors that allow this. Starbucks maintains the highest levels of quality in their coffee obtaining, roasting, and distribution and provide quick service to their customers. The seating in all Starbucks stores is comfortable and cozy. The atmosphere is exactly what people would expect from a good coffee shop, but sometimes it gets too crowded to ensure the calm atmosphere. Summary: Overview of the points made in your essay. It is clear that Starbucks will continue to dominate popular culture in the upcoming years, and it is expected that the franchise will succeed in overcoming its shortcomings. Concluding sentence: Finish your essay with a memorable, catchy sentence.
Checklist for conclusion paragraph
- Return to a statement you made in the introduction.
- Demonstrate your definitive evaluation.
- Show that your definitive evaluation applies to your thesis statement.
- Explain to whom the conclusions may be of interest.
- Finish with a persuasive sentence that demonstrates why this subject is relevant.
5-Paragraph Evaluation Essay Example
Evaluation Essay on Turkish Cuisine
Introduction
Turkish cuisine has been known for its richness in taste and flavor. Hook sentence: Grab the reader's attention With its unique blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, it offers a range of dishes that cater to different taste buds. Background: More on Turkish cuisine to keep reader interested In this evaluation essay, I will be evaluating Turkish cuisine based on three criteria: taste, variety, and cultural significance. Evaluation criteria given Through this evaluation, I aim to demonstrate why Turkish cuisine is worth trying. Thesis statement
Body paragraphs
Turkish cuisine is known for its mouth-watering flavors.. Topic sentence The use of fresh and natural ingredients is the secret behind its delicious taste. One of the most famous Turkish dishes is kebab, which is a grilled meat dish that is marinated with various spices. The dish is juicy, tender, and aromatic. The use of herbs and spices such as oregano, mint, and cumin adds an extra depth of flavor to the dish. Another popular dish is pide, which is a type of Turkish pizza that is topped with cheese, meat, and vegetables. Explaining the elements of the cuisine The combination of the melted cheese, crisp vegetables, and savory meat make the dish a perfect blend of flavors. Evaluating the taste
Turkish cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes that cater to different dietary needs. Topic sentence The cuisine is predominantly based on meat, but there are also a number of vegetarian and vegan dishes available. One of the most popular vegetarian dishes is dolma, which is stuffed vegetables with rice, herbs, and spices. There are also many lentil-based dishes such as mercimek çorbası, which is a lentil soup that is flavored with cumin and mint. Additionally, there are a number of desserts that are made with sweet ingredients such as honey, nuts, and fruits. Evaluating the variety
Turkish cuisine has a strong cultural significance in Turkey. Topic sentence Food is an important aspect of Turkish culture, and meals are often seen as a time to gather with family and friends. Turkish cuisine is a reflection of the country's history and culture. The use of spices such as saffron and sumac, and ingredients such as yogurt and bulgur wheat are all a testament to the country's diverse cultural influences. Turkish tea, which is a popular drink in Turkey, is also a symbol of hospitality and friendship. Evaluating the cultural significance of the cuisine
Conclusion
After all, Turkish cuisine is a combination of delicious taste, variety, and cultural significance; its unique blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences makes it a cuisine worth trying. Restatement the thesis Whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian, there is something for everyone in Turkish cuisine. From the famous kebab to the mouth-watering pide, Turkish cuisine is a true delight for the senses. Summarize the points made in the essay So, the next time you get a chance to try Turkish food, do not miss out on the opportunity! Concluding thoughts & last impression
Cheat sheet
Best practices for evaluation essays
- Make your judgments and definitive evaluation clear. Choose at least 3 criteria.
- Follow the correct grammar and punctuation rules and proofread your article thoroughly.
- Make sure the evidence is fairly spread around the criteria.
Things to avoid when writing
- Don’t be afraid to be specific about evaluating.
- Don’t forget to provide both positive and negative feedback on the same item.
- Don’t forget to explicitly state your judgment
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