Evaluate
Directive verbAssess the worth or merit of something against explicit criteria. The criteria must appear in the answer.
Rubric shape
State the criteria you will use to evaluate — this is the analytical frame
Criterion 1 — assess the subject against it
Criterion 2 — assess the subject against it
Criterion 3 — assess the subject against it
Overall assessment — how does it score across the criteria?
A verdict — stronger than 'examine', more explicit than 'discuss'
150-Word Discipline
Practise 10-mark answers
Practice on the real format
A4 ruled sheets matching the UPSC answer booklet. Spatial markers show where each section should end.
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What most aspirants write
Listing achievements and shortcomings without stating the criteria upfront. 'Evaluate' requires the evaluative framework to be stated, not just applied implicitly.
What the rubric actually requires
Criteria must be named in the introduction. The body applies each criterion to the subject. The conclusion gives an overall verdict based on the criteria — not a general summary.
Real PYQs using this verb
Evaluate the development of India's nuclear programme since independence.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the government's response to COVID-19 in terms of healthcare infrastructure.
Evaluate the recent measures initiated by the Election Commission of India to curb the influence of money and muscle power during elections.