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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Word count distribution
Assess the worth or merit of something against explicit criteria. The criteria must appear in the answer.
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 policies of Lord Curzon and their consequences for the Indian national movement.
Evaluate the Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism as a means of improving welfare delivery in India.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Food Security Act 2013 in addressing food insecurity among vulnerable sections of India's population.