IGCSE Directed Writing: What is Evaluation?

If you’re preparing for the IGCSE English Paper 2 Directed Writing, understanding evaluation is key to scoring well. Evaluation is what differentiates a top-band response from a simple summary. But what exactly does it involve? Let’s break it down into three key skills: criticality and counterarguing, extending ideas to a new context, and finding a compromise.

Video lesson for Directed Writing Evaluation

PowerPoint for Directed Writing Evaluation

2. What is Evaluation Download

1. Be Critical and Counterargue

Evaluation means engaging with the texts critically rather than just accepting their ideas at face value. It’s not enough to say, “Yes, this is a great point!” Instead, you need to ask yourself:

Is this argument strong or weak?
Are there any assumptions that need questioning?
What are the counterarguments you could make?

Example of evaluation by counterarguing:

The text says:

We’re not allowed to listen during the day at work, as our boss thinks it might be distracting and stop us connecting as a team.

My evaluation is:

Podcasts can be a catalyst for further team bonding. Team members could listen to podcasts on a wide array of topics, from marketing to improving sales, which might then be discussed together during break times, building stronger relationships.

This approach shows that you have thought about the ideas in the texts deeply and can offer a well-reasoned challenge.

2. Extend to a New Context

Another strong form of evaluation is applying ideas from the text to a different situation. This shows that you’re not just summarizing but actively thinking about how ideas work in relation to the exam prompt.

Directed Writing questions often ask you to write for the audience of students, young people, employees, local residents, and so on. So consider how the ideas in the texts could directly affect audience you’ve been given.

Example of evaluation by extending to a new context:

The text says:

Whether you want to learn a new skill for work, keep up with the news or need to be inspired, there is a podcast for you! I don’t listen to music as much any more as there’s so much out there to learn about. Podcasts offer a vast range of topics and for the most part they’re free.

My evaluation is:

Since there are many free educational podcasts, this can also be used as a method of completely free professional development, upskilling employees without costing the business any money.

This extension considers how the idea in the text of free podcasts could directly benefit a boss in a workplace, thus applying the points to a new context.

3. Find a Middle Ground

Often, the two texts in your exam will present opposing views. Instead of picking a single side, evaluation can synthesise the arguments and find a compromise between the two opposing standpoints.

For example, if one text argues that individual efforts to combat climate change are insignificant, while the other claims that every small action matters, an effective evaluation could be: “While systemic change is crucial, individual actions create momentum for larger policies. A combination of personal responsibility and governmental action is needed.”

Example of evaluation by finding a compromise between the two texts:

The texts say:

Text A: Even when still in use, the enormous cost of repairing some very old buildings can be prohibitive, so they become shabby and unsightly.

Text B: Some buildings must be entirely restored and repaired sensitively, at considerable expense, before any upgrading for contemporary use is possible.

My evaluation is:

Completely rebuilding from scratch is considerably more expensive than adapting and reinvesting in existing buildings. If we update rather than rebuild, we can have the best of both worlds: historic buildings with environmentally-friendly interiors at a lower cost both financially and to our planet.

This balanced approach shows the examiner that you can consider multiple perspectives and form a nuanced opinion.

Final Tips for Evaluation

Avoid mere summary – don’t just repeat the texts.
Engage critically – challenge the arguments and think beyond the obvious.
Use your own words – express ideas in a fresh and insightful way.
Identify key perspectives – look for ways to bridge gaps between opposing views.
Apply ideas to the audience – consider how ideas in both texts could affect the audience given in your exam prompt.

IGCSE Directed Writing: What is Evaluation?

Video lesson for Directed Writing Evaluation

PowerPoint for Directed Writing Evaluation

1. Be Critical and Counterargue

Example of evaluation by counterarguing:

2. Extend to a New Context

Example of evaluation by extending to a new context:

3. Find a Middle Ground

Example of evaluation by finding a compromise between the two texts:

Final Tips for Evaluation

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