How to Write a Critical Evaluation

Writing a critical evaluation answer

Critical-evaluation questions (e.g. AQA Paper 1 Q4) are usually worth a lot of marks, so structure matters. This note shows how to plan and write a top-band response.

Before you write

1. Read the statement in the question and decide your view (agree / partly agree).

2. Focus on the section the question specifies — highlight it.

3. Pick 3–4 quotations from that section that support a judgement.

4. Note the method in each (language or structure) and its effect.

A clear structure

• Opening line: respond directly to the statement with your overall view.

"I strongly agree that this section builds a sense of fear…"

• 3–4 developed paragraphs, each a P-E-E-E point (Point, Evidence, Explain, Evaluate).
• Short conclusion (optional) summing up how successful the writer is overall.

Building each paragraph (P-E-E-E)

• Point: a claim linked to the statement.
• Evidence: a precise, embedded quotation.
• Explain: analyse the writer's method and the effect on the reader.
• Evaluate: judge how effective it is — this is what lifts you into the top band.

Useful evaluative phrases

• This is highly effective because…
• The writer successfully conveys… by…
• This convinces the reader that…
• An even more powerful moment is…

Worked example paragraph

I agree that the tension builds. The writer describes the character's "trembling hands" and "shallow, rapid breaths". These physical details show fear without stating it, forcing the reader to infer the panic. This is very effective, as showing rather than telling makes the fear feel more real and immediate. ✓

Common mistakes

• Feature-spotting — naming techniques without evaluating their effect.
• Straying outside the named section.
• Forgetting to embed quotations neatly into sentences.

Exam tips

• Track the marks and time — spend the most time on this high-value question.
• Embed short quotations and analyse the method + effect.
• End each point with an evaluation of effectiveness.

Quick recap

• Respond to the statement in your opening line, then write 3–4 P-E-E-E paragraphs.
• Always add an evaluative judgement (effective/successful/convincing) — this is the key skill.
• Stay within the named section and embed precise quotations.