Evaluating a text

To evaluate a text is to judge how well the writer achieves something. In GCSE English Language Paper 1 (Question 4) you are given a statement, such as ⟦The writer makes the storm seem terrifying⟧, and asked how far you agree. All the extracts here were written for Calcali.

Key facts

  • Read the statement carefully and decide how far you agree: completely, mostly, or only in part.
  • Find evidence: short quotations that support the statement, and any that challenge it.
  • Explain the writer's methods: the words, images and structure they use, and the effect each one has on the reader.
  • Use evaluative words that judge the writer's success: ⟦vividly⟧, ⟦convincingly⟧, ⟦effectively⟧, ⟦powerfully⟧, ⟦successfully⟧.
  • Avoid just retelling the story or naming a technique without its effect: every point should say how well the writer succeeds and why.

Worked examples

Example 1

Statement: ⟦The writer makes the house seem eerie.⟧ Which is the best evidence: ⟦the windows stared out like empty eyes⟧ or ⟦a vase of fresh yellow roses⟧?

  1. Windows that stare like ⟦empty eyes⟧ make the house seem to watch you: that is eerie.
  2. Fresh roses suggest someone lives there, so they challenge the statement.

Answer: ⟦the windows stared out like empty eyes⟧

Example 2

Which is an evaluation? A: ⟦A big wave hits the boat.⟧ B: ⟦The writer vividly conveys the terror by describing the wave as "a black wall".⟧

  1. A only retells what happens.
  2. B judges (⟦vividly⟧), quotes (⟦a black wall⟧) and points to the effect (terror): it evaluates.

Answer: B

Example 3

Complete: ⟦The writer ___ builds tension by using short, sharp sentences.⟧

  1. The gap needs a word that judges how well the writer does it.
  2. ⟦effectively⟧ evaluates; a word like ⟦loudly⟧ makes no sense here.

Answer: ⟦effectively⟧