The key word evaluate comes from the BOSTES glossary of key words (HSC). The definition provided by BOSTES is:
Make a judgement based on criteria; determine the value of
Therefore, the fundamental aspect to the key word evaluate is to make a judgement. To actually voice your opinion based on the evidence. In order to do this well, you need to present the evidence.
The key word evaluate is a higher order term, meaning it requires depth of knowledge, understanding and application. It is a step above the key word discuss. The definition provided on the BOSTES site in the glossary of key words for HSC is:
Identify issues and provide points for and/or against
It is, therefore, very important that you not only make a judgement based on the evidence, but that you present both sides of the evidence. To score full marks for a question that asks you to evaluate, you need to first discuss the evidence and then pass judgement on this evidence, making a reasonable conclusion. Thus it essentially combines discuss and assess, which means:
Make a judgement of value, quality, outcomes, results or size
So, the key word evaluate requires you to:
- present evidence for both sides of an argument (discuss the evidence)
- make judgements about this evidence (aka voice an opinion without the word opinion)
There are other ways for a question to ask you to evaluate something. The words “to what extent” is seeking an evaluation, and if you see the word “effective/ness” in the question, this question is asking you to evaluate something to determine if it is effective.
When answering a question with the key term evaluate it is important to use connecting words such as: therefore, because, however, for instance, for example, or as a result. You should also conclude with a very clear judgement that begins with one of these terms, personally I like “therefore” to conclude and make a judgement. If you are struggling please us the Scaffold for evaluate.
The key term evaluate appears in the HSC PDHPE syllabus as follows:
Health Priorities in Australia
- evaluate health care in Australia by investigating issues of access and adequacy in relation to social justice principles. Questions to explore include:
- how equitable is the access and support for all sections of the community?
- how much responsibility should the community assume for individual health problems?
Factors Affecting Performance
Sports Medicine
Improving Performance
- design and implement a training session for a specific event. Evaluate the session by considering questions such as:
- did the activities match the abilities of the group?
- what was the reaction of the group?
- how could the session be modified?
