Do's and Don'ts of Writing an Evaluation: How to Write an Evaluation

There are different kinds of written evaluations carried out on a daily basis, all around the globe. For example, objects or new creations may be subject to an evaluation in writing. Written evaluations are also an integral part of every job description and vital in terms of academic assessment.

Knowing how to write a written evaluation is important for employers, teachers and others. Understanding the purpose and significance of an evaluation will help you to write one.

What is an evaluation?

According to dictionary.com, doing an evaluation means “to ascertain or fix the value or worth” with respect to whatever is being evaluated. The person designated to do a written evaluation must “examine and judge carefully” anything that is being evaluated.   

Consider the following dos and don’ts for writing an evaluation. Depending upon the type of written evaluation required, these may vary.

Establish an appropriate criterion for the written evaluation.

There is no single criterion appropriate in every circumstance. Know who or what is being evaluated and why. Based upon these factors, an appropriate criterion for the written evaluation is established.

Ascertain the time and place of the written evaluation.

With respect to employees or students, make certain that those evaluated are aware of and understand the expectations regarding the evaluation process. For example, what is the object of the written evaluation? Perhaps it has to do with hiring a new group of employees, or determining qualified students for a specific academic program. Written evaluations on an individual or a group basis may be performance oriented, or work-related in an employment or academic environment.  For example, is the written evaluation skills or task-oriented? Do not evaluate someone personally, when what is required is the written evaluation of a task.  

Caution is a key word in written evaluations.

Do not undertake to do a written evaluation until you know what you are doing. For example, if you are evaluating an historic painting, be realistic in terms of your ability to do so. Professional medical personnel do written evaluations on the health care status of patients every day, all around the world. It may be one patient or a number of patients whose health status is under inquiry. For example, a written evaluation may reveal interesting results when there is a large group of elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease.  

The integrity of those responsible for carrying out a written evaluation helps to determine the results of an assessment. The lack thereof can color them adversely. The moral and ethical standards of the processor and written evaluation process are important. 

Always allow sufficient time for a written evaluation.

A fair, written evaluation requires enough time, as writing skills can vary. Each person should be able to complete his or her written evaluation, assessment or appraisal, within a realistic block of time. Extra time may be appropriate under special circumstances. The results of written evaluations may be available to employers, employees or teachers and students, but confidentiality is important. 

Allow room for questions and positive, constructive feedback to a written evaluation.

Do not pass judgment based upon a single evaluation. There are circumstances when a second evaluation at a different time or in a different place may render more realistic or better results.

Note that written evaluation results can be for research purposes, but each person evaluated should be aware of the reason for the evaluation, as well as his or her evaluation results, in conjunction with the overall intent of the written evaluation.