Effective Evaluation Tips for A Level

The most important skill that candidates need to show off in their AS/A2 exams is an ability to effectively evaluate.  Evaluation statements put candidates in the top mark band on most of the bigger questions.
At the end of longer questions, the examiner is hoping that you will provide a judgement.  It might be a question asking if it’s wise for a firm to relocate, or invest in a new production line.  There’s rarely a straightforward ‘correct’ answer to these questions.  Instead, you’re being tested on your ability to say “hmmmm ..... well the answer depends on this and this.  But if such-and such were true, I might change my answer”.
That’s the basis of a good evaluation: that your final answer depends on a variety of things.  Here are some ideas:

- A range of factors to consider.  An interesting question or case study will be expecting you to sift through some difficult choices, situations and issues.
- A range of views to consider.  Remember that decisions often look different from the rival perspectives of different stakeholders.
- A range of timescales in which events unfold.  Most significant decisions will have both short term and long term consequences.
- A range of questions that still need to be asked.  It’s often smart to point out that the wisdom of any decision rests on several unknowns.  Say what new facts might come along that would change your decision.
- A range of value judgements to be made.  Different people often come to different judgements because they have different values and subjective opinions.