what is a self evaluation essay

Essay Papers Writing Online

Strategies for crafting a comprehensive self-evaluation essay that highlights your strengths and areas for growth.

Self-evaluation essays are a great way to reflect on your progress, achievements, and areas for improvement. Whether you are writing an essay for school, work, or personal development, it’s important to be honest and thoughtful in your self-assessment. Here are some tips to help you write a compelling self-evaluation essay.

First , start by reflecting on your goals and objectives. What were you trying to accomplish during the time period you are evaluating? Consider both short-term and long-term goals, and assess how well you have met them. Be specific and provide examples to support your evaluation.

Secondly , consider your strengths and weaknesses. What are your key strengths and how have they contributed to your success? On the other hand, what are your areas for improvement and how can you work on them? It’s important to be objective and open to feedback in this part of the essay.

Tips for Crafting a Self Evaluation Essay

When writing a self evaluation essay, it’s important to be honest and reflective. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling self evaluation essay:

• Reflect on your achievements and challenges: Take the time to reflect on your accomplishments and the areas where you faced challenges. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses.
• Provide concrete examples: Support your self evaluation with specific examples that showcase your skills and abilities. This will help the reader understand your strengths and areas for growth.
• Set goals for improvement: Based on your self assessment, set realistic goals for improvement. This will show that you are committed to personal and professional growth.
• Solicit feedback: Consider asking for feedback from mentors, colleagues, or supervisors to gain a different perspective on your performance. This can help you identify blind spots and areas for improvement.
• Stay focused and organized: When writing your self evaluation, stay focused on the main points you want to convey. Organize your thoughts in a clear and logical manner to make it easier for the reader to follow your argument.
• Edit and revise: Take the time to edit and revise your self evaluation essay to ensure clarity and coherence. Proofread carefully to catch any errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling.

Understand the Assignment Requirements

Before you start writing your self evaluation essay, it’s crucial to thoroughly read and understand the assignment requirements. Pay close attention to the guidelines provided by your instructor or the prompt given to you. Make sure you understand what specific aspects of your performance or experience you need to address in your essay.

Tip: If you have any questions about the assignment requirements, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from your instructor or discuss it with your classmates. Understanding what is expected of you will help you focus your writing and ensure that you meet the criteria set for the assignment.

Reflect on Your Achievements

When writing a self evaluation essay, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on your achievements. Consider the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the evaluation period and assess how well you have met or exceeded them. Think about your accomplishments, both big and small, and how they have contributed to your personal and professional growth.

Highlight specific examples of projects you completed successfully, skills you developed, or challenges you overcame. Discuss any positive feedback you received from supervisors or colleagues, as well as any recognition or awards you may have garnered. Reflecting on your achievements allows you to showcase your strengths and demonstrate the value you bring to your work.

Identify Areas for Improvement

When writing a self evaluation essay, it’s essential to honestly identify areas where you can improve. This is a crucial step in personal growth and development. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses to pinpoint specific areas that you would like to work on.

• Skills: Are there any skills that you would like to develop further? Whether it’s communication, critical thinking, or technical skills, identifying areas for improvement can help you set goals for growth.
• Performance: Reflect on your performance in different aspects of your life, such as work, school, or personal relationships. Are there any areas where you feel you could have done better?
• Attitude: Your attitude plays a significant role in how you approach challenges and interact with others. Consider if there are any negative attitudes or habits that you would like to change.

By identifying areas for improvement, you can create a roadmap for personal development and set actionable goals to help you progress. Remember, self-improvement is a continuous journey, and identifying areas for improvement is the first step towards becoming the best version of yourself.

Provide Concrete Examples

One of the most important aspects of writing a self evaluation essay is to provide concrete examples to support your statements. Instead of making vague claims about your strengths and weaknesses, use specific instances where you demonstrated certain skills or faced challenges. For example, instead of saying “I am a good team player,” provide an example of a project where you collaborated effectively with your team members to achieve a common goal.

Using concrete examples not only makes your self evaluation more credible, but also helps the reader understand your strengths and areas for improvement better. Make sure to include relevant details and outcomes of each example to paint a clear picture of your capabilities.

Show Your Growth Over Time

One key aspect of writing a self evaluation essay is to show your growth over time. Reflect on how you have evolved personally, academically, and professionally since the beginning of the evaluation period. Highlight the challenges you faced and the steps you took to overcome them. Discuss the lessons you learned and how they have contributed to your growth and development.

Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your progress. Include both successes and setbacks to provide a complete picture of your journey. Be honest and transparent about your strengths and weaknesses, and demonstrate how you have worked to improve in areas that needed development. Showing your growth over time will showcase your self-awareness and commitment to continuous improvement.

Seek Feedback from Others

One of the most valuable sources of information for your self-evaluation essay is feedback from others. This can include peers, colleagues, supervisors, and mentors. Ask them to provide honest and constructive feedback on your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

Receiving feedback from others can give you a different perspective on your performance and help you identify blind spots that you may not have noticed. It can also help you understand how others perceive your work and interactions, which can be valuable in shaping your self-assessment.

When seeking feedback, be open and receptive to criticism. Remember that the goal is to learn and grow, so take feedback as an opportunity for improvement rather than as a personal attack. Consider incorporating the feedback you receive into your self-evaluation essay to present a well-rounded and reflective assessment of yourself.

Edit and Revise Your Essay

Once you have written your self evaluation essay, it is crucial to edit and revise it before submitting. Editing and revising help to ensure that your essay is clear, coherent, and error-free. Here are some tips for editing and revising your essay:

1. Review for Clarity: Read through your essay to see if your ideas are communicated clearly and effectively. Make sure each paragraph flows logically into the next and that your points are well-supported.

2. Check for Grammar and Spelling Errors: Proofread your essay for any grammar or spelling mistakes. Use spell check tools and consider asking someone else to review your essay for errors.

3. Ensure Consistent Tone and Voice: Make sure that the tone and voice of your essay are consistent throughout. Avoid sudden shifts in tone that may confuse the reader.

4. Cut Unnecessary Information: Remove any information that is not relevant to your self evaluation or does not add value to your essay. Keep your writing concise and focused.

5. Seek Feedback: Ask a friend, family member, or teacher to read your essay and provide feedback. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes or inconsistencies that you may have missed.

By taking the time to edit and revise your self evaluation essay, you can ensure that it presents your thoughts and accomplishments in the best possible light.

Related Post

How to master the art of writing expository essays and captivate your audience, convenient and reliable source to purchase college essays online, step-by-step guide to crafting a powerful literary analysis essay, tips and techniques for crafting compelling narrative essays.

📕 Studying HQ

Ultimate guide to writing a self-evaluation essay, carla johnson.

• June 14, 2023
• Essay Topics and Ideas , How to Guides

Self-evaluation essays are a type of writing assignment that asks people to think about their own skills, accomplishments, and performance. The goal of a self-evaluation essay is to give a full picture of one’s own strengths and weaknesses so that areas for improvement can be found and goals for personal and professional growth can be set.

Self-evaluation essays are an important part of both personal and professional growth. They give people a chance to think about how they’ve done and set goals for the future . By thinking about themselves, people can learn more about their strengths and weaknesses and make a plan for continuing to grow and get better.

In this complete guide to writing a self-evaluation essay, we’ll look at the most important parts , such as planning, writing, and editing. We’ll also give you advice on how to come up with ideas and organize them, as well as how to think about your own performance and what you’ve done well. By the end of this guide, readers will have the skills and knowledge they need to write effective and meaningful self-evaluation essays in a variety of situations.

What You'll Learn

Elements of a Self Evaluation Essay

A self evaluation essay typically includes the following elements:

1. The purpose of a self evaluation essay: The goal of a self-evaluation essay is to give a full picture of your skills, accomplishments, and areas where you can improve. In the essay, you should be honest and thoughtful about your own performance and set goals for personal and professional growth.

2. Reflection and self-assessment: A self evaluation essay requires individuals to reflect on their own performance and accomplishments. This may include reflecting on past experiences , identifying areas for improvement, and setting goals for the future.

3. Identification of strengths and weaknesses: In a self-evaluation essay, it’s important to talk about both your strengths and weaknesses. This could mean talking about what has been done well and what needs to be improved.

4. Goals and objectives for personal growth: In a self-evaluation essay, you should list specific goals and objectives for your own and your career’s growth. This could mean setting goals to improve skills, move up in your career, or take care of your own health .

5. Evidence and examples to support claims: The claims in a self-evaluation essay should be backed up by evidence and examples. This can include specific examples of accomplishments, feedback from others, or data to back up claims about skills or accomplishments.

Preparing to Write a Self Evaluation Essay

Before you start writing a self-evaluation essay, you should prepare by gathering information and evidence, coming up with ideas, and writing down your goals and objectives. Here are some tips for getting ready to write an essay about yourself:

1. Gathering information and evidence: Before you start writing, make sure you have all the information or proof you need to back up your claims. This could be your past performance reviews, comments from coworkers, or information about what you’ve done.

2. Brainstorming and outlining: Before you start writing, give yourself time to think of ideas and put them in order. Make a plan that includes the most important parts of a self-evaluation essay, such as reflection, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and setting goals for your own growth.

3. Identifying goals and objectives: Before you start writing, you should set specific goals for your personal and professional growth. This could mean setting goals to improve skills, move up in your career, or take care of your own health.

4. Choosing a format and structure: Choose how your self-evaluation essay will look and be put together. This could mean choosing a chronological or thematic approach, or using a certain format or template.

By taking the time to prepare and gather information, individuals can write more effective and meaningful self evaluation essays that accurately reflect their own performance and accomplishments.

Writing a Self Evaluation Essay

When writing a self evaluation essay , it is important to follow a clear structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The following tips can help you to write an effective self evaluation essay:

1. Introduction: Begin with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention and provides context for the essay . Introduce the purpose of the essay and provide a thesis statement that summarizes your main argument.

2. Body paragraphs: The body of the essay should include several paragraphs that address different aspects of your performance, skills, and accomplishments. Use specific examples and evidence to support your claims and provide a clear and detailed reflection on your own performance.

3. Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement. End with a statement that reflects on what you have learned from the self evaluation process and outlines your goals for personal and professional growth.

4. Tone and style: Use a professional and objective tone when writing a self evaluation essay. Avoid using overly emotional or defensive language, and focus on providing an honest and thoughtful reflection on your own performance.

5. Grammar and mechanics: Pay careful attention to grammar, mechanics, and spelling when writing a self evaluation essay. Use clear and concise language, and proofread your essay carefully to ensure that it is error-free.

Self Evaluation Essay Examples

To better understand how to write a self evaluation essay, it can be helpful to examine examples of effective essays . Here are some key takeaways from successfulself evaluation essays:

1. Sample self evaluation essay: A sample self evaluation essay can provide a helpful template for structuring your own essay. Look for essays that focus on specific goals or accomplishments, and use them as a guide for organizing your own essay.

2. Analysis of effective self evaluation essays: Analyze effective self evaluation essays to identify the key elements that make them successful. Look for essays that provide specific examples and evidence to support claims , and that offer a clear and honest reflection on strengths and weaknesses.

3. Key takeaways from successful self evaluation essays : Successful self evaluation essays typically include a clear and well-structured introduction, detailed body paragraphs that provide specific examples and evidence, and a thoughtful conclusion that reflects on what has been learned and sets goals for future growth.

By studying examples of effective self evaluation essays and applying the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, individuals can write more effective and meaningful self evaluation essays that accurately reflect their own performance, skills, and accomplishments.

Self Evaluation Essay Topics

When choosing a topic for a self evaluation essay , consider areas where you have experienced personal growth, challenges, or accomplishments. Here are some potential topics to consider:

1. Personal achievements and challenges: Write about a personal achievement or challenge that you have experienced, and reflect on what you learned from the experience.

2. Educational and career goals: Write about your educational or career goals, and reflect on the progress you have made toward achieving them.

3. Personal growth and development: Write about a specific area where you have experienced personal growth and development, such as communication skills or leadership abilities.

4. Strengths and weaknesses: Write about your strengths and weaknesses, and reflect on how they have impacted your personal and professional life.

5. Critical reflection on experiences: Write about a specific experience that has had a significant impact on your life, and reflect on what you have learned from the experience.

Self Evaluation Essay Outline

A clear and well-organized outline is essential for writing an effective self evaluation essay . Here are some tips for creating an effective outline:

1. Basic outline structure: Your outline should include an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

2. Tips for creating an effective outline: Start by brainstorming and organizing your thoughts into a logical sequence. Use bullet points or short phrases to outline the key ideas in each section of your essay . Make sure that your outline includes specific examples and evidence to support your claims.

3. Examples of selfevaluation essay outlines: Here is an example of a basic outline structure for a self evaluation essay:

I. Introduction

   A. Hook

   B. Context

   C. Thesis statement

II. Body Paragraphs

   A. Reflection on personal achievements and challenges

      1. Examples and evidence to support claims

      2. Reflection on what was learned

   B. Discussion of educational and career goals

      1. Progress made toward achieving goals

      2. Reflection on areas for improvement

   C. Analysis of personal growth and development

      1. Specific areas of growth

      2. Reflection on how growth has impacted personal and professional life

   D. Identification of strengths and weaknesses

      1. Discussion of strengths and how they have contributed to success

      2. Discussion of weaknesses and how they have been addressed

   E. Critical reflection on experiences

      1. Discussion of a specific experience

      2. Reflection on what was learned from the experience

III. Conclusion

   A. Summary of main points

   B. Reflection on what was learned from the self evaluation process

   C. Goals for personal and professional growth

By following a clear and well-organized outline, individuals can write more effective and meaningful self evaluation essays that accurately reflect their own performance, skills, and accomplishments.

Self Evaluation Essay Thesis

An important part of a self-evaluation essay is a thesis statement. It gives a clear and concise summary of the main point or argument of the essay and helps the reader figure out what to do with the rest of the essay. Here are some tips for writing a strong thesis statement for a self-evaluation essay:

1. Purpose and importance of a thesis statement : The purpose of a thesis statement is to provide a roadmap for the rest of the essay. It should convey the main argument or focus of the essay , and provide a clear and concise summary of the key points that will be discussed.

2. Tips for crafting a strong thesis statement: To craft a strong thesis statement, start by brainstorming and organizing your thoughts. Identify the key themes or ideas that will be discussed in the essay , and use these to craft a clear and concise thesis statement. Make sure that your thesis statement is specific, focused, and relevant to the topic of the essay .

3. Examples of effective self evaluation essay thesis: Here are some examples of effective thesis statements for self evaluation essays:

– “Through reflecting on my personal achievements and challenges, I have gained a deeper understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses, and have identified opportunities for personal and professional growth.”

– “My educational and career goals have been shaped by my experiences and accomplishments, and I am committed to continuing to develop my skills and knowledge in order to achieve these goals.

– “Through engaging in critical reflection on my experiences, Ihave gained a greater appreciation for the value of personal growth and development, and have identified specific areas where I can continue to improve.”

Self Evaluation Essay Structure

A successful self evaluation essay should follow a clear and well-structured format. Here are some tips for structuring a successful self evaluation essay:

1. Introduction: The introduction should include a hook that grabs the reader’s attention, provide context for the essay, and include a clear and concise thesis statement that summarizes the main argument or focus of the essay .

2. Body paragraphs: The body of the essay should include several paragraphs that address different aspects of your performance, skills, and accomplishments. Use specific examples and evidence to support your claims, and provide a clear and detailed reflection on your own performance.

3. Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay , restate the thesis statement, and provide a thoughtful reflection on what has been learned from the self evaluation process. It should also include goals for personal and professional growth.

4. Tips for structuring a successful self evaluation essay: To structure a successful self evaluation essay, organize your thoughts into a clear and logical sequence. Use specific examples and evidence to support your claims, and make sure that each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of your performance or experience. Use transitions to connect ideas and ensure that the essay flows smoothly.

By following these tips and structuring your self evaluation essay in a clear and well-organized format, you can write an effective and meaningful essay that accuratelyreflects your own performance and accomplishments.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is a self evaluation essay.

A self-evaluation essay is a piece of writing in which the writer thinks about their own skills, accomplishments, and performance. The goal of a self-evaluation essay is to give a full picture of one’s own strengths and weaknesses so that areas for improvement can be found and goals for personal and professional growth can be set.

2. What are the elements of a self evaluation essay?

A self-evaluation essay usually includes reflection and self-assessment, identification of strengths and weaknesses, goals and objectives for personal growth, evidence and examples to support claims, and a clear and well-organized structure.

3. How do I choose a topic for a self evaluation essay?

When choosing a topic for a self-evaluation essay, think about areas in which you’ve grown, faced challenges, or done well. Personal successes and problems, educational and career goals, personal growth and development, strengths and weaknesses, and a critical look back on experiences are all possible topics .

4. How do I structure a self evaluation essay?

The format of a self-evaluation essay should be clear and well-structured, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should have a hook, set the scene for the essay , and have a clear statement of the essay’s main point. The body of the essay should have several paragraphs that talk about different parts of your performance, skills, and accomplishments. The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and give goals for personal and professional growth.

5. What are some tips for writing a successful self evaluation essay?

Some tips for writing a good self-evaluation essay include gathering information and evidence, coming up with ideas and making an outline, identifying goals and objectives, using a professional and objective tone, paying attention to grammar and mechanics, and using specific examples and evidence to support claims.

Writing a self-evaluation essay can help you improve as a person and as a worker. By thinking about your own performance, skills, and accomplishments, you can learn more about your strengths and weaknesses and set goals for continuing to grow and get better. To write a good self-evaluation essay, you should stick to a clear and well-organized structure, use a professional and objective tone, and back up your claims with specific examples and evidence.

Start by filling this short order form order.studyinghq.com

And then follow the progressive flow. 

Having an issue, chat with us here

Cathy, CS. 

New Concept ? Let a subject expert write your paper for You​

Have a subject expert write for you now, have a subject expert finish your paper for you, edit my paper for me, have an expert write your dissertation's chapter, popular topics.

Business StudyingHq Essay Topics and Ideas How to Guides Samples

• Nursing Solutions
• Study Guides
• Free Study Database for Essays
• Privacy Policy
• Writing Service 
• Discounts / Offers 

Study Hub: 

• Studying Blog
• Topic Ideas 
• How to Guides
• Business Studying 
• Nursing Studying 
• Literature and English Studying

Writing Tools  

• Citation Generator
• Topic Generator
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Conclusion Maker
• Research Title Generator
• Thesis Statement Generator
• Summarizing Tool
• Terms and Conditions
• Confidentiality Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Refund and Revision Policy

Our samples and other types of content are meant for research and reference purposes only. We are strongly against plagiarism and academic dishonesty. 

Contact Us:

📧 [email protected]

📞 +15512677917

2012-2024 © studyinghq.com. All rights reserved

Self Evaluation Essay

One of the most important in having to tell that you have been performing right is by the use of a self-evaluation . Not only does it tells about being aware of yourself, but also being open for self-improvement and development. When you are aware of yourself, you begin to know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Self-evaluation can also offer confidence, strong relationships and good decision making. When you are asked to write for a self-evaluation , you are more likely to reflect and demonstrate your value in an organization where you have found an avenue to grow.

7+ Self Evaluation Essay Examples

1. self evaluation form template.

• Google Docs
• Apple Pages

Size: 72 KB

2. Lesson Self Evaluation Sample

Size: 128 KB

3. Staff Employee Self-Evaluation Template

Size: 60 KB

4. Self Evaluation Internal Conflict Essay

Size: 26 KB

5. Self Evaluation Essay Template

Size: 14 KB

6. Self Evaluation Essay Document

Size: 363 KB

7. Self Evaluation Essay Checklist

Size: 275 KB

8. Student Self Evaluation Essay

Size: 64 KB

What is Self-Evaluation?

The act of evaluating oneself is to objectively monitor their own performance in a particular job. It is a kind of a written review that involves rating competencies, goals, and overall performance. When you are able to assess yourself, you will become someone who is active in his or her own evaluation. This increases commitment to setting up a goal , development and planning for your career.

Things To Do For Self-Evaluation

Take time . Allot an hour of your time to complete the evaluation. You may spend this time reviewing your past documentations that is related to your goals.

You may consider conducting your self-evaluation in a quiet place where nobody can disturb your focus. Devote your full attention when reflecting.

Try to keep yourself relaxed . The purpose of the evaluation is to highlight your strengths, correct weaknesses, and develop skills.

Self-evaluations are the right place for you to boast about what you have achieved without putting anyone else down. The things that you have accomplished must be stated accurately.

Write in a conversational style so that you won’t be misunderstood especially by your supervisor. Keep it natural.

Ask your co-workers about of some feedback about your performances. Avoid comments in the feedback that could lessen your self-esteem.

Use appropriate language . This means that you have to be decent with your words and choose only those words that are objective.

Writing self-evaluations essays are a good opportunity for you to identify how you are going to improve your performance . Make some recommendations . This is not a weakness. Rather, this is a strength that could help you grow and improve as a person.

Apply the knowledge you have gained . You should be able to complete the learning and apply those that you have learned that could support your performance goals and competency development.

Get your self-evaluation essay right . Write more than one draft. Make sure that you are writing thoroughly and professionally.

Example of Self-Evaluation Essay

“ …On analyzing my performance during the semester, I believe that I was quite successful to a significant extent. In this regard, it is worth mentioning the fact that I have completed seven essays during the semester and almost all of them were quite successful because I received “A” grade for the majority of my essays. I really liked my performance but I am always concerned with receiving “A” grades for my work which is the only acceptable grade for me. I am success-oriented person. This is why I just cannot afford the grade below “A”.

 Such personal position urges me to do my best and to work hard to gain the possibly highest degree but, on the other hand, it is sometimes difficult and even frustrating to pursue the highest degree, especially if it is extremely difficult to receive. For example, there were cases, when I felt the task was quite challenging for me to complete it successfully. This is why I had to work really hard to obtain “A” degree for those papers. Nevertheless, I am aware that such tasks have made the most significant contribution to my progress and academic development because they encouraged not only my creativity but also stimulated the development of research skills which helped me to learn more about the subject I wrote about and to improve my writing and academic performance overall (Frosh 103) …”

www.essaywriting.expert

Why do you have to include the list of your achievements.

Your achievements will make you proud and will bring the most value into your company.

Where do some self-evaluations used?

Some self-evaluations are used for self-review, performance review or even when you are considered to receive bonuses or salary increase.

What are some of the do’s and don’ts in self-evaluation?

Do’s – ask feedback from others, focus on your highlights, and get second opinion from someone close to you.

Don’ts – put bullets in writing for your accomplishments and make grammatical or typographical errors.

Writing a self-evaluation doesn’t have to be that stressful. Before you begin, it is important to organize yourself and focus on something positive to impress others. It will also be beneficial to your part because you will be able to provide a reflection over your achievements in which it sets you to the right path in making yourself more improved.

Self Evaluation Essay Generator

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Speech Evaluation Essay on the techniques used in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech

Speech Evaluation Essay on the effectiveness of persuasive tactics in a famous political speech

Self-Evaluation of Essays

A Brief Guide to Evaluating Your Own Writing

• Writing Essays
• Writing Research Papers
• English Grammar
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

You're probably used to having your writing evaluated by teachers. The odd abbreviations ("AGR," "REF," "AWK!"), the comments in the margins, the grade at the end of the paper--these are all methods used by instructors to identify what they see as the strengths and weaknesses of your work. Such evaluations can be quite helpful, but they're no substitute for a thoughtful self-evaluation .*

As the writer, you can evaluate the whole process of composing a paper, from coming up with a topic to revising and editing drafts . Your instructor, on the other hand, often can evaluate only the final product.

A good self-evaluation is neither a defense nor an apology. Rather, it's a way of becoming more aware of what you go through when you write and of what troubles (if any) that you regularly run into. Writing a brief self-evaluation each time you have completed a writing project should make you more aware of your strengths as a writer and help you see more clearly what skills you need to work on.

Finally, if you decide to share your self-evaluations with a writing instructor or tutor, your comments can guide your teachers as well. By seeing where you're having problems, they may be able to offer more helpful advice when they come to evaluate your work.

So after you finish your next composition , try writing a concise self-evaluation. The following four questions should help you get started, but feel free to add comments not covered by these questions.

A Self-Evaluation Guide

What part of writing this paper took the most time.

Perhaps you had trouble finding a topic or expressing a particular idea. Maybe you agonized over a single word or phrase. Be as specific as you can when you answer this question.

What is the most significant difference between your first draft and this final version?

Explain if you changed your approach to the subject, if you reorganized the paper in any significant way, or if you added or deleted any important details.

What do you think is the best part of your paper?

Explain why a particular sentence, paragraph, or idea pleases you.

What part of this paper could still be improved?

Again, be specific. There may be a troublesome sentence in the paper or an idea that isn't expressed as clearly as you would like it to be.

* Note to Instructors

Just as students need to learn how to conduct peer reviews effectively, they need practice and training in carrying out self-evaluations if the process is to be worthwhile. Consider Betty Bamberg's summary of a study conducted by Richard Beach.

In a study specifically designed to investigate the effect of teacher comment and self-evaluation on revision , Beach ["The Effects of Between-Draft Teacher Evaluation Versus Student Self-Evaluation on High School Students' Revising of Rough Drafts" in Research in the Teaching of English , 13 (2), 1979] compared students who used a self-evaluation guide to revise drafts, received teacher responses to drafts, or were told to revise on their own. After analyzing the amount and kind of revision that resulted with each of these instructional strategies, he found that students who received teacher evaluation showed a greater degree of change, higher fluency, and more support in their final drafts than students who used the self-evaluation forms. Moreover, students who used the self-evaluation guides engaged in no more revising than those who were asked to revise on their own without any assistance. Beach concluded the self-evaluation forms were ineffective because students had received little instruction in self-assessment and were not used to detaching themselves critically from their writing. As a result, he recommended that teachers "provide evaluation during the writing of drafts" (p. 119). (Betty Bamberg, "Revision." Concepts in Composition: Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Writing , 2nd ed., ed. by Irene L. Clarke. Routledge, 2012)

Most students need to conduct several self-evaluations at different stages of the writing process before they're comfortable "detaching themselves critically" from their own writing. In any case, self-evaluations shouldn't be regarded as substitutes for thoughtful responses from teachers and peers.

• A Writing Portfolio Can Help You Perfect Your Writing Skills
• A Short Guide to Microteaching
• The Whys and How-tos for Group Writing in All Content Areas
• Explore and Evaluate Your Writing Process
• Guides for Students and Instructors in English 101
• Holistic Grading (Composition)
• Compose a Narrative Essay or Personal Statement
• revision (composition)
• Essay Assignment: Descriptive and Informative Profile
• A School Administrator's Guide to Effective Teacher Evaluation
• How to Write a Letter of Complaint
• 13 Creative Examples of Informal Assessments for the Classroom
• Writer-Based Prose
• Focusing in Composition
• What Is an Annotated Bibliography?
• Discover Ideas Through Brainstorming

7 Steps for How to Write an Evaluation Essay (Example & Template)

In this ultimate guide, I will explain to you exactly how to write an evaluation essay.

1. What is an Evaluation Essay?

An evaluation essay should provide a critical analysis of something.

You’re literally ‘evaluating’ the thing you’re looking up.

Here’s a couple of quick definitions of what we mean by ‘evaluate’:

• Merriam-Webster defines evaluation as: “to determine the significance, worth, or condition of usually by careful appraisal and study”
• Collins Dictionary says: “If you evaluate something or someone, you consider them in order to make a judgment about them, for example about how good or bad they are.”

Here’s some synonyms for ‘evaluate’:

So, we could say that an evaluation essay should carefully examine the ‘thing’ and provide an overall judgement of it.

Here’s some common things you may be asked to write an evaluation essay on:

This is by no means an exhaustive list. Really, you can evaluate just about anything!

Get a Pdf of this article for class

Enjoy subscriber-only access to this article’s pdf

2. How to write an Evaluation Essay

There are two secrets to writing a strong evaluation essay. The first is to aim for objective analysis before forming an opinion. The second is to use an evaluation criteria.

Aim to Appear Objective before giving an Evaluation Argument

Your evaluation will eventually need an argument.

The evaluation argument will show your reader what you have decided is the final value of the ‘thing’ you’re evaluating.

But in order to convince your reader that your evaluative argument is sound, you need to do some leg work.

The aim will be to show that you have provided a balanced and fair assessment before coming to your conclusion.

In order to appear balanced you should:

• Discuss both the pros and cons of the thing
• Discuss both the strengths and weaknesses of the thing
• Look at the thing from multiple different perspectives
• Be both positive and critical. Don’t make it look like you’re biased towards one perspective.

In other words, give every perspective a fair hearing.

You don’t want to sound like a propagandist. You want to be seen as a fair and balanced adjudicator.

Use an Evaluation Criteria

One way to appear balanced is to use an evaluation criteria.

An evaluation criteria helps to show that you have assessed the ‘thing’ based on an objective measure.

Here’s some examples of evaluation criteria:

• Strength under pressure
• Longevity (ability to survive for a long time)
• Ease of use
• Ability to get the job done
• Friendliness
• Punctuality
• Ability to predict my needs
• Calmness under pressure
• Attentiveness

A Bed and Breakfast

• Breakfast options
• Taste of food
• Comfort of bed
• Local attractions
• Service from owner
• Cleanliness

We can use evaluation criteria to frame out ability to conduct the analysis fairly.

This is especially true for if you have to evaluate multiple different ‘things’. For example, if you’re evaluating three novels, you want to be able to show that you applied the same ‘test’ on all three books!

This will show that you gave each ‘thing’ a fair chance and looked at the same elements for each.

3. How to come up with an Evaluation Argument

After you have:

• Looked at both good and bad elements of the ‘thing’, and
• Used an evaluation criteria

You’ll then need to develop an evaluative argument. This argument shows your own overall perspective on the ‘thing’.

Remember, you will need to show your final evaluative argument is backed by objective analysis. You need to do it in order!

Analyze first. Evaluate second.

Here’s an example.

Let’s say you’re evaluating the quality of a meal.

You might say:

• A strength of the meal was its presentation. It was well presented and looked enticing to eat.
• A weakness of the meal was that it was overcooked. This decreased its flavor.
• The meal was given a low rating on ‘cost’ because it was more expensive than the other comparative meals on the menu.
• The meal was given a high rating on ‘creativity’. It was a meal that involved a thoughtful and inventive mix of ingredients.

Now that you’ve looked at some pros and cons and measured the meal based on a few criteria points (like cost and creativity), you’ll be able to come up with a final argument:

• Overall, the meal was good enough for a middle-tier restaurant but would not be considered a high-class meal. There is a lot of room for improvement if the chef wants to win any local cooking awards.

Evaluative terms that you might want to use for this final evaluation argument might include:

• All things considered
• With all key points in mind

4. Evaluation Essay Outline (with Examples)

Okay, so now you know what to do, let’s have a go at creating an outline for your evaluation essay!

Here’s what I recommend:

4.1 How to Write your Introduction

In the introduction, feel free to use my 5-Step INTRO method . It’ll be an introduction just like any other essay introduction .

And yes, feel free to explain what the final evaluation will be.

So, here it is laid out nice and simple.

Write one sentence for each point to make a 5-sentence introduction:

• Interest: Make a statement about the ‘thing’ you’re evaluating that you think will be of interest to the reader. Make it a catchy, engaging point that draws the reader in!
• Notify: Notify the reader of any background info on the thing you’re evaluating. This is your chance to show your depth of knowledge. What is a historical fact about the ‘thing’?
• Translate: Re-state the essay question. For an evaluative essay, you can re-state it something like: “This essay evaluates the book/ product/ article/ etc. by looking at its strengths and weaknesses and compares it against a marking criteria”.
• Report: Say what your final evaluation will be. For example you can say “While there are some weaknesses in this book, overall this evaluative essay will show that it helps progress knowledge about Dinosaurs.”
• Outline: Simply give a clear overview of what will be discussed. For example, you can say: “Firstly, the essay will evaluate the product based on an objective criteria. This criteria will include its value for money, fit for purpose and ease of use. Next, the essay will show the main strengths and weaknesses of the product. Lastly, the essay will provide a final evaluative statement about the product’s overall value and worth.”

If you want more depth on how to use the INTRO method, you’ll need to go and check out our blog post on writing quality introductions.

4.2 Example Introduction

This example introduction is for the essay question: Write an Evaluation Essay on Facebook’s Impact on Society.

“Facebook is the third most visited website in the world. It was founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg in his college dorm. This essay evaluates the impact of Facebook on society and makes an objective judgement on its value. The essay will argue that Facebook has changed the world both for the better and worse. Firstly, it will give an overview of what Facebook is and its history. Then, it will examine Facebook on the criteria of: impact on social interactions, impact on the media landscape, and impact on politics.”

You’ll notice that each sentence in this introduction follows my 5-Step INTRO formula to create a clear, coherent 5-Step introduction.

4.3 How to Write your Body Paragraphs

The first body paragraph should give an overview of the ‘thing’ being evaluated.

Then, you should evaluate the pros and cons of the ‘thing’ being evaluated based upon the criteria you have developed for evaluating it.

Let’s take a look below.

4.4 First Body Paragraph: Overview of your Subject

This first paragraph should provide objective overview of your subject’s properties and history. You should not be doing any evaluating just yet.

The goal for this first paragraph is to ensure your reader knows what it is you’re evaluating. Secondarily, it should show your marker that you have developed some good knowledge about it.

If you need to use more than one paragraph to give an overview of the subject, that’s fine.

Similarly, if your essay word length needs to be quite long, feel free to spend several paragraphs exploring the subject’s background and objective details to show off your depth of knowledge for the marker.

4.5 First Body Paragraph Example

Sticking with the essay question: Write an Evaluation Essay on Facebook’s Impact on Society , this might be your paragraph:

“Facebook has been one of the most successful websites of all time. It is the website that dominated the ‘Web 2.0’ revolution, which was characterized by user two-way interaction with the web. Facebook allowed users to create their own personal profiles and invite their friends to follow along. Since 2004, Facebook has attracted more than one billion people to create profiles in order to share their opinions and keep in touch with their friends.”

Notice here that I haven’t yet made any evaluations of Facebook’s merits?

This first paragraph (or, if need be, several of them) should be all about showing the reader exactly what your subject is – no more, no less.

4.6 Evaluation Paragraphs: Second, Third, Forth and Fifth Body Paragraphs

Once you’re confident your reader will know what the subject that you’re evaluating is, you’ll need to move on to the actual evaluation.

For this step, you’ll need to dig up that evaluation criteria we talked about in Point 2.

For example, let’s say you’re evaluating a President of the United States.

Your evaluation criteria might be:

• Impact on world history
• Ability to pass legislation
• Popularity with voters
• Morals and ethics
• Ability to change lives for the better

Really, you could make up any evaluation criteria you want!

Once you’ve made up the evaluation criteria, you’ve got your evaluation paragraph ideas!

Simply turn each point in your evaluation criteria into a full paragraph.

How do you do this?

Well, start with a topic sentence.

For the criteria point ‘Impact on world history’ you can say something like: “Barack Obama’s impact on world history is mixed.”

This topic sentence will show that you’ll evaluate both pros and cons of Obama’s impact on world history in the paragraph.

Then, follow it up with explanations.

“While Obama campaigned to withdraw troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, he was unable to completely achieve this objective. This is an obvious negative for his impact on the world. However, as the first black man to lead the most powerful nation on earth, he will forever be remembered as a living milestone for civil rights and progress.”

Keep going, turning each evaluation criteria into a full paragraph.

4.7 Evaluation Paragraph Example

Let’s go back to our essay question: Write an Evaluation Essay on Facebook’s Impact on Society .

I’ve decided to use the evaluation criteria below:

• impact on social interactions;
• impact on the media landscape;
• impact on politics

Naturally, I’m going to write one paragraph for each point.

If you’re expected to write a longer piece, you could write two paragraphs on each point (one for pros and one for cons).

Here’s what my first evaluation paragraph might look like:

“Facebook has had a profound impact on social interactions. It has helped people to stay in touch with one another from long distances and after they have left school and college. This is obviously a great positive. However, it can also be seen as having a negative impact. For example, people may be less likely to interact face-to-face because they are ‘hanging out’ online instead. This can have negative impact on genuine one-to-one relationships.”

You might notice that this paragraph has a topic sentence, explanations and examples. It follows my perfect paragraph formula which you’re more than welcome to check out!

4.8 How to write your Conclusion

To conclude, you’ll need to come up with one final evaluative argument.

This evaluation argument provides an overall assessment. You can start with “Overall, Facebook has been…” and continue by saying that (all things considered) he was a good or bad president!

Remember, you can only come up with an overall evaluation after you’ve looked at the subject’s pros and cons based upon your evaluation criteria.

In the example below, I’m going to use my 5 C’s conclusion paragraph method . This will make sure my conclusion covers all the things a good conclusion should cover!

Like the INTRO method, the 5 C’s conclusion method should have one sentence for each point to create a 5 sentence conclusion paragraph.

The 5 C’s conclusion method is:

• Close the loop: Return to a statement you made in the introduction.
• Conclude: Show what your final position is.
• Clarify: Clarify how your final position is relevant to the Essay Question.
• Concern: Explain who should be concerned by your findings.
• Consequences: End by noting in one final, engaging sentence why this topic is of such importance. The ‘concern’ and ‘consequences’ sentences can be combined

4.9 Concluding Argument Example Paragraph

Here’s a possible concluding argument for our essay question: Write an Evaluation Essay on Facebook’s Impact on Society .

“The introduction of this essay highlighted that Facebook has had a profound impact on society. This evaluation essay has shown that this impact has been both positive and negative. Thus, it is too soon to say whether Facebook has been an overall positive or negative for society. However, people should pay close attention to this issue because it is possible that Facebook is contributing to the undermining of truth in media and positive interpersonal relationships.”

Note here that I’ve followed the 5 C’s conclusion method for my concluding evaluative argument paragraph.

5. Evaluation Essay Example Template

Below is a template you can use for your evaluation essay , based upon the advice I gave in Section 4:

6. 23+ Good Evaluation Essay Topics

Okay now that you know how to write an evaluation essay, let’s look at a few examples.

For each example I’m going to give you an evaluation essay title idea, plus a list of criteria you might want to use in your evaluation essay.

6.1 Evaluation of Impact

• Evaluate the impact of global warming on the great barrier reef. Recommended evaluation criteria: Level of bleaching; Impact on tourism; Economic impact; Impact on lifestyles; Impact on sealife
• Evaluate the impact of the Global Financial Crisis on poverty. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on jobs; Impact on childhood poverty; Impact on mental health rates; Impact on economic growth; Impact on the wealthy; Global impact
• Evaluate the impact of having children on your lifestyle. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on spare time; Impact on finances; Impact on happiness; Impact on sense of wellbeing
• Evaluate the impact of the internet on the world. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on connectedness; Impact on dating; Impact on business integration; Impact on globalization; Impact on media
• Evaluate the impact of public transportation on cities. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on cost of living; Impact on congestion; Impact on quality of life; Impact on health; Impact on economy
• Evaluate the impact of universal healthcare on quality of life. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on reducing disease rates; Impact on the poorest in society; Impact on life expectancy; Impact on happiness
• Evaluate the impact of getting a college degree on a person’s life. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on debt levels; Impact on career prospects; Impact on life perspectives; Impact on relationships

6.2 Evaluation of a Scholarly Text or Theory

• Evaluate a Textbook. Recommended evaluation criteria: clarity of explanations; relevance to a course; value for money; practical advice; depth and detail; breadth of information
• Evaluate a Lecture Series, Podcast or Guest Lecture. Recommended evaluation criteria: clarity of speaker; engagement of attendees; appropriateness of content; value for monet
• Evaluate a journal article. Recommended evaluation criteria: length; clarity; quality of methodology; quality of literature review ; relevance of findings for real life
• Evaluate a Famous Scientists. Recommended evaluation criteria: contribution to scientific knowledge; impact on health and prosperity of humankind; controversies and disagreements with other scientists.
• Evaluate a Theory. Recommended evaluation criteria: contribution to knowledge; reliability or accuracy; impact on the lives of ordinary people; controversies and contradictions with other theories.

6.3 Evaluation of Art and Literature

• Evaluate a Novel. Recommended evaluation criteria: plot complexity; moral or social value of the message; character development; relevance to modern life
• Evaluate a Play. Recommended evaluation criteria: plot complexity; quality of acting; moral or social value of the message; character development; relevance to modern life
• Evaluate a Film. Recommended evaluation criteria: plot complexity; quality of acting; moral or social value of the message; character development; relevance to modern life
• Evaluate an Artwork. Recommended evaluation criteria: impact on art theory; moral or social message; complexity or quality of composition

6.4 Evaluation of a Product or Service

• Evaluate a Hotel or Bed and Breakfast. Recommended evaluation criteria: quality of service; flexibility of check-in and check-out times; cleanliness; location; value for money; wi-fi strength; noise levels at night; quality of meals; value for money
• Evaluate a Restaurant. Recommended evaluation criteria: quality of service; menu choices; cleanliness; atmosphere; taste; value for money.
• Evaluate a Car. Recommended evaluation criteria: fuel efficiency; value for money; build quality; likelihood to break down; comfort.
• Evaluate a House. Recommended evaluation criteria: value for money; build quality; roominess; location; access to public transport; quality of neighbourhood
• Evaluate a Doctor. Recommended evaluation criteria: Quality of service; knowledge; quality of equipment; reputation; value for money.
• Evaluate a Course. Recommended evaluation criteria: value for money; practical advice; quality of teaching; quality of resources provided.

7. Concluding Advice

Evaluation essays are common in high school, college and university.

The trick for getting good marks in an evaluation essay is to show you have looked at both the pros and cons before making a final evaluation analysis statement.

You don’t want to look biased.

That’s why it’s a good idea to use an objective evaluation criteria, and to be generous in looking at both positives and negatives of your subject.

Read Also: 39 Better Ways to Write ‘In Conclusion’ in an Essay

I recommend you use the evaluation template provided in this post to write your evaluation essay. However, if your teacher has given you a template, of course use theirs instead! You always want to follow your teacher’s advice because they’re the person who will be marking your work.

Good luck with your evaluation essay!

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

2 thoughts on “7 Steps for How to Write an Evaluation Essay (Example & Template)”

What an amazing article. I am returning to studying after several years and was struggling with how to present an evaluative essay. This article has simplified the process and provided me with the confidence to tackle my subject (theoretical approaches to development and management of teams).

I just wanted to ask whether the evaluation criteria has to be supported by evidence or can it just be a list of criteria that you think of yourself to objectively measure?

Many many thanks for writing this!

Usually we would want to see evidence, but ask your teacher for what they’re looking for as they may allow you, depending on the situation.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Self-Evaluation Essay Examples

A self-evaluation essay aims to describe one’s accomplishments and mistakes over a given period or throughout a lifetime. It also suggests how it is possible to enhance the merits and resolve the errors.

This writing task is highly beneficial for future managers, nurses, and other students planning to work with people. We are too prone to exaggerate our merits and underestimate our failures. This essay teaches you to take a critical look at how you treat others.

Here you can consult dozens of self-evaluation essay examples featuring every possible approach to the assignment. Your own text will undoubtedly be different in structure and conclusions, but the general tone of the samples will help you do it correctly.

35 Best Self-Evaluation Essay Examples

Communication style of a program manager.

• Subjects: Communications Sociology

Personal Cultural Awareness in Management: Self-Evaluation

• Subjects: Family, Life & Experiences Personal Experiences

Privilege to Work for Exide Technologies Canada Corporation

• Subjects: Business Business Communication
• Words: 3287

Personal Planning to Building Financial Wealth

• Subjects: Business Strategy
• Words: 1417

Personal Nursing Experience and Traits Development

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Nursing
• Words: 1694

Trends in Nursing, Leadership Styles, Career Plans

• Words: 2252

Personality Type & Leadership Qualities

• Subjects: Psychology Psychology and Personality

Aspects of Nursing Informatics

Stating personal nursing philosophy.

• Words: 1361

Personal and Professional Development Plan

• Words: 1033

Personal Code of Ethics of the Nurse

Personal stress management and relaxation techniques, personal experience of ineffective leadership.

• Subjects: Business Leadership Styles
• Words: 1016

Clinical Personal Experience in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Pediatrics

Lifestyle Assessment: Personal Experiences

• Words: 2896

What It Means to Be a Philosopher

• Subjects: Philosophical Concept Philosophy
• Words: 1697

Characteristics of a Fair-Minded Thinker

Business informatics: skills and attributes.

• Subjects: Business Professions

Cognitive Dissonance and Its Impact in My Life

• Subjects: Psychological Issues Psychology

From Birth to Death: Human’s Destiny

• Words: 1936

Religion Implicit Association Test Evaluation

• Subjects: Applications of Psychology Psychology

Gender Identity: Definitions, Factors, Comparison

• Subjects: Gender Studies Sociology

The Importance of Critical Thinking at Work

Race and your community, based on personal experience.

• Subjects: Racism Sociology
• Words: 1735

The Character Who Influenced Me: Abraham Lincoln

The application of interpersonal communication skills.

• Words: 1987

Self-Perception as a Student: Powerful or Powerless?

Interest profiler and career development.

• Subjects: Career Education
• Words: 1125

Exploring the Possibilities of Business Management

• Subjects: Business Management

Leadership: Portfolio Project

• Words: 1721

Personal and Team Developmental Sequences

• Words: 1657

International Business Manager Skills Development

• Words: 2853

Human Growth & Development Class: Lessons Learnt

• Subjects: Education Study Courses and Education Programs
• Words: 3050

What I Learned in Human Resource Management – Essay

• Words: 5457

The Role of Media’s Influence

• Subjects: Linguistics Stylistics
• Words: 3421

Self-Evaluations Make Stronger Leaders. Here’s How to Write One.

It’s performance review time. You’re probably buried underneath notes on your direct reports, considering a year’s worth of accomplishments, reviewing their salaries, writing formal evaluations, and scheduling one-on-ones. 

In the middle of all this, it’s easy to let your own self-review slide by. For the sake of your employees, as a manager you also need to stop and check in with yourself. Managers that regularly examine their strengths and weaknesses can lead more effectively, said Lily Valentin, head of operations for the North American division of London-based search engine Adzuna.

“When personal growth is consistently put on the back burner, it can lead to poor decision making, misdirected frustration, or even burnout,” she said. “While self-sacrifice can often be in the most immediate best interest of the organization, leaders need to feel and be at their best to successfully lead.”

What Is The Purpose of A Self-Evaluation?

At many companies, self-evaluations are part of the formal reviews process, but they’re not meant to only be a look back on past performance. When done thoughtfully and intentionally, a self-evaluation can be a powerful tool to help leaders direct their professional growth in the future. 

“When [self-evaluations] were part of [my] journey, I’ve grown exponentially,” said Lana Peters, VP of the Americas at New York-based software company HiBob. “When they were not, it’s been more of a self-guided tour which builds character and initiative, but also takes longer to get where you’re going.”

Self-evaluations give leaders a space to think critically about themselves, measure their perspective against employee feedback, and take stock of their positive traits and areas for growth. Most of all, they’re a great chance for companies to learn how to better support and uplift their employees.

More People Management Tips 9 Benefits of Working From Home, According to Experts

PREPARE IN ADVANCE

When writing your self-evaluation, you should never rush things. It makes errors more likely, and won’t give you the time you need to be thoughtful in your responses. It’s okay to bring notes into your self-evaluations — keeping a record of your accomplishments, challenges and endeavors over the course of the year will help you not forget anything major. Once you’re at least a few days out from writing your self-evaluation, block out a dedicated chunk of time on your calendar to collect your thoughts and decide on your talking points. 

Valentin suggests using that time to create a bulleted outline of what you want to focus on, so that you don’t miss the opportunity to talk about key projects or deliverables you were involved in. “Then, when it comes time for you to fill out the entire document, you have a base to start with,” she said.

INTEGRATE OUTSIDE PERSPECTIVES

Your self-evaluation doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Your performance is informed by those around you. How your direct reports and coworkers feel about their relationship with you is a major indicator of how you’re doing and involving external perspectives will provide better feedback.

“A leader is a servant to the people they lead.”

This is another step that can’t wait until the last minute. Cultivate relationships with your employees built on trust and mutual respect, so they’re encouraged to give feedback year round, not just during the performance review period. 

“To me, a leader is a servant to the people they lead,” said Peters. “Key goals should be for those individuals to grow, engage and feel valued. With this in mind, there is no need to wait until a self-evaluation to practice this method.”

How To Write A Strong Self-Evaluation

• Prepare in advance: Carve out dedicated calendar space to plan what you’ll write
• Integrate outside perspectives: Ask your teammates for feedback year round— not just during reviews season
• Include hard and soft data: Bring numbers and stats to back yourself up
• Be realistic: Talk about your weaknesses, but don’t sell your accomplishments short
• Keep an open mind: Anticipate and welcome feedback from higher-ups so you can keep growing

More HR Advice Company Culture Matters More Than You Think

INCLUDE BOTH HARD AND SOFT DATA

To get a truly accurate picture of how well you met the expectations of your role, you’ll need data to back yourself up. Don’t be vague about your accomplishments — have concrete examples like OKRs , site traffic numbers, and KPIs at the ready to establish your contributions. 

“Whatever the format is, it’s helpful to make sure you are starting the process by grounding it in what you were supposed to deliver,” said Dr. Shonna Waters, vice president of alliance solutions at San Francisco-based coaching tech company BetterUp. “Next, what did you actually do? This might involve reviewing past reviews or check-ins, key deliverables, scanning your calendar. Anything you have that tracks your past activities or accomplishments.” 

“Self-evaluations should not only include financial impact statements, but also soft impact statements focused on the growth, engagement and employees.”

Quantitative data is just one part of the evaluation. Consider your impact on company culture, fulfillment of company values and work relationships. Those are valuable contributions too.

“The information included in a self-evaluation should be based on personal objectives as well as objectives for the position, department and company as a whole,” said Peters. “Self-evaluations should not only include financial impact statements, but also soft impact statements focused on the growth, engagement and employees.”

BE REALISTIC

It can be hard to talk about their shortcomings, especially for company leaders that might feel pressure to maintain a model image. But while it may be scary to discuss the times you failed to live up to expectations, the ability to do so is a strength in itself. Good managers are transparent about their challenges — don’t shy away from being vulnerable, embrace it. 

“Be honest. We all have weaknesses. I learn the most when I fail,” said Peters. “On the flip side, make sure to include how you plan to improve in that area of opportunity and give examples of early growth when applicable. Self-awareness is important but self correction is even better.”

"Self-awareness is important but self correction is even better.”

You should strive to showcase self awareness in your personal assessment, but exercising too much modesty can also be a trap. There’s a fine line between downplaying your accomplishments and bragging about them, but once you’ve found that line, it’s okay to show pride in yourself and what you’ve done. 

“[Ask yourself:] what is the achievement you are most proud of and why? Who was able to help through this project? What do you want to accomplish next?,” said Valentin.

More Leadership Advice Avoid Micromanaging Your Team With This Approach

KEEP AN OPEN MIND

After you’ve written your self-evaluation, you can expect your employer to follow up with feedback of their own. Keep yourself open to praise, advice and suggestions so that you can continue to grow as a manager.

“Good manager evaluations will thoroughly address your self-evaluation and build upon that with their own feedback, opinions and advice. Take it in stride,” said Peters. “Keep in mind that they’re your manager because they have experiences you may not have. Be a sponge and open to learning from their knowledge base.” 

It’s almost impossible to look at your strengths and weaknesses objectively. But being exactly accurate isn’t the point of a self-evaluation. It’s more important to spend time reflecting. 

“I believe in order to learn and grow you must have humility,” Peters said. “Even further, when you put your wall down long enough to let other feedback, opinions and advice flow in, it enables new ways of thinking, paths forward and can sometimes reduce the perceived burden on a single set of shoulders. It takes a village to do anything meaningful.”

Great Companies Need Great People. That's Where We Come In.

• Paper Writing Service
• Essay writing service
• Annotated Bibliography Writers
• Coursework Writing Service
• Dissertation Writing Service
• Order Essay
• Write My Essay for Me
• Grammar Checker
• Citation Generator

How to write a self-evaluation essay?

What is a self-evaluation essay, reflecting on accomplishments, being backed up by pieces of evidence, focusing on special provisions.

We rely on cookies to give you the best experience on our website. By browsing the website, you agree to it. Read more.

How to Write a Self-Evaluation With Examples

Quick Navigation:

What is self-evaluation?

How to perform a self-evaluation, examples of self-evaluations, top self-evaluation tips.

Self-evaluations are an important tool in all kinds of workplaces to promote self-awareness, increase productively and encourage employees to set personal goals. Writing a successful self-evaluation that accurately represents both your strengths and weakness can be challenging. This article provides step-by-step instructions, examples and tips that will help you write high-quality self-evaluations.

Read more:  Employee Evaluation Examples

In the workplace, self-evaluation is the process of examining your own performance. Self-evaluation involves considering your strengths and weaknesses and being self-aware of how they affect your activities at work. Many employers require employees to complete a self-evaluation once every quarter or once a year. Most self-evaluations include reviewing accomplishments, addressing mistakes and setting goals for the future. Self-evaluations are sometimes called self-assessments or self-performance reviews. 

Read more:  Personal Goal Setting and How It Affects Your Work

Here are several steps to help you successfully complete a self-evaluation:

1. First, know your audience

The first step in writing a self-evaluation is finding out who is going to read it. Knowing to whom to address your self-evaluation will help you be more specific and efficient when writing. For example, if you know that a direct supervisor, who is already familiar with your work, is going to read your evaluation, you probably will not have to define any terms or provide much background information. However, if your evaluation will be read by the manager of another department, you may need to include more specific details or even a brief personal introduction.

If you are unsure of who will read your self-evaluation or if your employer intentionally withholds that information, you should try to appeal to as wide of an audience as possible. This may require eliminating jargon and using a more common vocabulary.

2. Second, list your accomplishments

The next step is making a comprehensive list of what you have achieved since your last evaluation. This includes any skills you have acquired, all projects you have completed and any company wins to which you contributed. Once you have your list, tailor it down to only the most relevant and significant. Your most important accomplishments are the ones that specifically benefited your team or the company at large. If you can prove your performance had a definite impact on others in the workplace, your self-evaluation will likely get a positive response.

When considering your accomplishments, try to find quantified data that can verify your claims. For instance, if you broke your personal sales record in the last quarter, it would be helpful to find out the exact number so that you can calculate how much your sales average has improved in the last 12 months. Including that figure in your evaluation will increase the impact of your accomplishment.

3. Third, comment on any challenges

In addition to summarizing your successes, you should also address any mistakes, challenges or shortcomings. Review specific areas in which you feel that you did not meet expectations. Avoid making excuses and instead, focus on how you plan to overcome your challenges. Whenever possible, frame your weaknesses as opportunities for growth. Acknowledging your mistakes and suggesting possibilities for self-improvement will help your evaluation seem mature and honest.

4. Then, set future goals

Next, you should set personal goals for both the short and long terms. Provide a specific overview of how you plan to improve your performance and overcome your weaknesses. if possible, include a general timeline or set deadlines for when you expect to achieve these goals. Establishing your goals in your evaluation will help you to stay accountable and motivated as you work toward your objectives.

5. Finally, give feedback

Finally, your evaluation should end with a paragraph that gives both positive and negative feedback. This paragraph is an opportunity for you to acknowledge other employees who have helped you during the last quarter or year. Mention them by name and provide specific instances in which their efforts contributed to you meeting a goal or acquiring a skill. There is nothing wrong with taking full responsibility for your own achievements, but it is always a good idea to recognize anyone else who also shared in your success.

Read more:  Setting SMART Goals to Enhance Your Career

Here are two examples of successful self-evaluations:

‘In my first six months as a customer support technician for Anderson Electronics, I have held myself to high standards for customer communication and satisfaction. I believe my commitment to excellence can be seen in the results of my work. My team has an established goal for keeping all technical calls under 12 minutes in length. In the last three months, I maintained an average call time of 10.33 minutes according to my direct supervisor. I have also maintained an average customer satisfaction rating of 89% since I began taking unsupervised calls. That is only 2% lower than the average rate of 91% for more experienced employees with the same role.

I believe the greatest factor in my success has been my ability to absorb information quickly and to learn from my mistakes. My supervisor, Riley Nottingham, was an amazing trainer who was so helpful during my first four weeks on the job. Under his supervision, I was able to become extremely familiar with the company’s information databanks. Since I began making calls, I have never made the same mistake twice. I look at each and every call as an opportunity to improve my performance and to exceed expectations.’

‘After reviewing my personal performance data from 2019, I have determined that my customer satisfaction ratings for the entire year are equal to: Q1 – 87%, Q2 – 86%, Q3 – 88%, Q4 – 85%. My total average for the year is 86.5%. That number is almost 3% higher than the department’s total average of 83.8%. My data entry error rate was 3.2%, the lowest in my team. The packaging and distribution team recognized my efforts in September for the quality, accuracy and clarity of the orders I submitted. As of last week, all of my customer orders were officially processed in less than 24 hours.

In regards to the areas in which I could improve, I will be the first to admit that I struggled when interacting with one of our distribution partners, Endsley Shipping. I found Mr. Wright, our contact within the company, to be unreliable and difficult to communicate with. I have made efforts to always send follow-up emails after every phone call to eliminate the possibility of miscommunication. I am still uncertain as to how to improve our professional relationship and stabilize our companies’ partnership. I would welcome any suggestions or guidance that you might have on the matter.’

Here are some additional tips to help you write a self-evaluation:

• Be specific.  Provide data, figures and dollar amounts to back up your statements. The more specific you are, the more impressive your accomplishments will be.
• Provide updates on past goals.  If you set goals in your last self-evaluation, update your reader on your progress. Mention the goals you have successfully met and comment on the ones you still need to work on.
• Focus on the future.  If you feel that your performance has fallen short in any way, outline a specific plan for how you intend to do better in the future. If you feel that you have exceeded expectations, be sure to make it known that you would be interested in pursuing opportunities for advancement.

Why self-evaluation is important and how you can evaluate yourself

Zulaikhah Agoro

Self evaluation is a process of identifying your own weaknesses, identifying your own strengths, of looking at yourself and asking questions like,  “where am i right now? Where do I want to be? and how am I going to get there?”

When you make self-evaluation a constant practice, what you are doing is you’re actually bringing all of these complex emotions to the forefront and you are examining them, you’re looking at them and you’re taking care of them.

Why self – evaluation  is important

The first thing is Honesty. Self evaluation begins with honesty. You get to be honest with yourself when you actually look at your own shortcomings, and you acknowledge them. As a human being, you come into contact with different influences and factors at different points in your life.You come into contact with family, with society, with friends.  As you grow older, they begin to influence the way that you think and the way that you.

All of these things are buried so deeply in your subconscious. It is only through self evaluation that you can begin to grow that awareness and perception of yourself.

H ow to get started with self evaluation

There’s one easy step that you can follow to get started with self evaluation. That is the Rule of The Seven Why’s.

You start with a surface problem. For example, if you want to evaluate your financial life, you ask yourself, why do I have money problems? The easy answer to that could be probably you don’t make enough money at your job. Then you ask yourself again, why you don’t make enough money at your job.  Because they don’t pay you enough? Why don’t they pay you enough? Because you have a very low position? Why are you in a low position?

 You keep going deeper and deeper and deeper until you get to a point in the problem where it becomes very, clear that you have arrived at the exact root cause of a problem.

Write down one aspect of your life that you really want to evaluate. It could be your relationship. It could be your emotions, it could be school, it could be literally anything and then ask yourself why it is not going so well.  Don’t stop asking why until you get to the bottom of the problem.

Once you know what the problem is, you can begin to take active steps to rectify it. However, you will never get to that point in the first place if you don’t build the practice of critical self-evaluation.

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Self Reflection — A Journey of Self-Discovery: My Self-Evaluation

A Journey of Self-discovery: My Self-evaluation

• Categories: Self Reflection

About this sample

Words: 558 |

Published: Feb 7, 2024

Words: 558 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

Personal qualities and strengths, academic performance, opportunities for growth.

• Resilience: I have consistently demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. I believe that challenges are opportunities for growth, and I am not easily discouraged by setbacks.
• Empathy: Empathy is a core aspect of my personality. I strive to understand the perspectives and feelings of others, which enables me to connect with people on a deeper level and offer support when needed.
• Determination: I am a determined individual who sets goals and works diligently to achieve them. My determination has been a driving force behind my accomplishments.
• Adaptability: I am open to change and adaptable in various situations. I embrace new experiences and am willing to adjust my approach when necessary.
• Communication: Effective communication is one of my strengths. I can express my ideas and thoughts clearly, which has proven valuable in both personal and academic contexts.
• Academic Achievements: I have achieved notable successes in my academic pursuits, including high grades and recognition for my work in specific subjects or projects.
• Time Management: There have been instances where I struggled with time management, resulting in stressful situations and incomplete tasks.
• Study Habits: While I have effective study habits, there is room for improvement in terms of consistency and organization.
• Goal Setting: I recognize the importance of setting clear academic goals, but I have at times lacked a structured approach to achieving them.
• Time Management: I plan to implement more efficient time management techniques, including creating schedules, prioritizing tasks, and avoiding procrastination.
• Goal Setting and Planning: I aim to set clear, achievable academic goals and create detailed plans for reaching them, ensuring greater focus and success in my studies.
• Consistency in Study Habits: I will work on maintaining consistent study habits to maximize my learning and retention of knowledge.
• Stress Management: I intend to explore stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, to better handle challenging situations.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Prof. Kifaru

Verified writer

• Expert in: Life

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 1105 words

4 pages / 1606 words

3 pages / 1490 words

2 pages / 1053 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Self Reflection

The mentorship experience has been an integral chapter in my journey of growth and self-discovery. Through the guidance, encouragement, and insights of my mentor, I have navigated challenges, honed my skills, and gained a [...]

Undertaking a journey of introspection and self-exploration inevitably leads to a captivating exploration of the myriad factors that have contributed to shaping my identity. This essay delves into the intricate web of influences [...]

As I contemplate the journey of self-discovery and growth, it becomes evident that understanding what shaped me as a person is an intricate exploration. This essay delves into the factors and experiences that have played a [...]

The exploration of my identity reveals a multifaceted tapestry woven from cultural roots, passions, values, education, connections, and the willingness to embrace change. Just as every thread contributes to the beauty of a [...]

As a future HR practitioner Change Management as a unit in my Human Resources Management course is perceived as a very crucial part in effectively accomplishing my studies. This unit has given me a better knowledge about change [...]

Culture is a compound term in itself to commence with; it takes decades to know about the metamorphosis of culture. Though, one can master it by reflecting into oneself; analyzing personal bias, introspecting one’s strengths and [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Evaluation Essay

Evaluation Essay - Definition, Examples, and Writing Tips

13 min read

People also read

Learn How to Write an Editorial on Any Topic

Best Tips on How to Avoid Plagiarism

How to Write a Movie Review - Guide & Examples

A Complete Guide on How to Write a Summary for Students

Write Opinion Essay Like a Pro: A Detailed Guide

How to Write a Thematic Statement - Tips & Examples

How to Write a Bio - Quick Tips, Structure & Examples

How to Write a Synopsis – A Simple Format & Guide

How to Write a Comparative Essay – A Complete Guide

Visual Analysis Essay - A Writing Guide with Format & Sample

List of Common Social Issues Around the World

Writing Character Analysis - Outline, Steps, and Examples

11 Common Types of Plagiarism Explained Through Examples

Article Review Writing: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

A Detailed Guide on How to Write a Poem Step by Step

Detailed Guide on Appendix Writing: With Tips and Examples

Are you unsure about what it takes to evaluate things from your perspective in an evaluation essay?

If you’re having a hard time understanding how to present a balanced assessment of the subject, worry not!  We are here to help you get through the evaluation essay writing process.

In this blog, you will learn all about evaluation essays. From the definition, writing process, topics, tips, and a lot more, you’ll learn how to write an evaluation essay effortlessly!  

Continue reading to get a better idea.

• 1. What is an Evaluation Essay?
• 2. Evaluation Essay Structure
• 3. How to Start an Evaluation Essay?
• 4. How to Write an Evaluation Essay?
• 5. How to Format Your Evaluation Essay?
• 6. Evaluation Essay Examples
• 7. Evaluation Essay Topics For College Students
• 8. Evaluation Essay vs. Review

What is an Evaluation Essay?

Let’s first understand the evaluation essay meaning, here is the standard definition:

An evaluation essay offers a value judgment or an opinion of something. It presents an overall view of a particular subject’s quality. Moreover, it provides a critical analysis and a complete evaluation of something.

What is the Purpose of an Evaluation Essay?

The main purpose of an evaluation essay is to present an opinion and evaluate a topic critically. This type of writing determines the condition, worth, or significance by careful appraisal and study.  

This essay features the writer’s opinion, but when done correctly, it does not sound opinionated. Instead, it provides the facts and evidence to justify the opinions about the essay’s subject.

To write a good evaluation essay, you need to master critical evaluation and present the evaluation in an unbiased manner. You may also discuss both the pros and cons of the subject.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job

Evaluation Essay Structure

The four different ways to format and organize the evaluation essay are as follows.

1. Chronological Structure

It is a sequential organization that could be used for evaluating historical or current events. It tells how something works and assesses the effectiveness of a mechanism, procedure, or process.

2. Spatial Structure

The spatial organization structure is used for evaluating or describing art or architecture. Here, you will define one element of the artifact and spatially move to the next. 

3. Compare and Contrast Structure

The compare and contrast structure is used to evaluate or review the culinary or music genre. Here the writer evaluates a subject by comprising and contrasting it with the known subject.

4. Point-by-Point Structure

The point-by-point structure is also used for culinary and music reviews. But, in this structure, you describe one element and then evaluate it, describe the second element and evaluate it, and so on.

After setting the criteria and collecting evidence for strengthening your judgment, you’ll start your evaluation essay. Let’s see what are the steps involved in starting an evaluation essay.

How to Start an Evaluation Essay?

When you start writing an evaluation essay, grabbing the reader’s attention is essential. For this, hook the reader from the beginning until the end to ensure that your essay’s opening follows an engaging tone. 

Step 1. Choose an Interesting Topic

Deciding the topic and evaluation essay criteria is important. Make sure it's not just compelling and interesting, but also informative so that you can find enough material for a detailed evaluation. 

Step 2. Set the Evaluation Essay Criteria

For an evaluation essay, you have to set the criteria for evaluation first. Criteria are the standards or measures by which someone assesses the quality or value of the subject. 

Some key points to establish the criteria are:

• Identifying relevant aspects that relate to the subject 
• Defining the criteria clearly so that it is specific and understandable for readers
• Your criteria should be directly relevant to the nature of the subject
• Always consider the audience’s expectations and standards while setting the criteria
• Your thesis statement should always align with your evaluation criteria

Step 3. Collect Evidence for Your Judgment

The author’s judgment of the subject states whether the subject is good or bad. It is an overall assessment or the opinion supported by the evidence. The judgment corresponds to the benchmarks set by the author in the essay criteria. 

The evidence is a combination of supporting data and facts. Using the evidence, the author demonstrates how well the subject meets the judgment. The evidence serves as the foundation of your evaluation. 

Without providing strong and accurate evidence, you will not be able to convince the readers of your judgment. 

Step 4. Decide the Essay Structure

After that, decide on the structure that you want to follow. It can be a chronological or point-by-point structure

Step 5. Craft the Essay Outline

When you create an essay outline , evaluate what should be added and removed. If you skip this step before writing, you may lose track of what to include in your essay while you write.   

So, writing an outline for your evaluation essay is a critical step that eases your writing journey. 

Here is a sample evaluation essay outline:

Step 6. Declare Your Thesis Statement

For an evaluation essay that keeps the reader hooked from the start, opt for a catchy thesis statement . The thesis should state the main point of the evaluation. 

In the thesis statement, you should always express your stance on the subject clearly. In doing so, the readers will have a clear idea about the purpose and direction of your essay. 

Now, understand how to write an evaluation essay by following the detailed procedure mentioned below.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

How to Write an Evaluation Essay?

Here is a step-by-step guide for you to write an evaluation essay.

Step 1. Write the Introduction

The introduction is the first impression your readers will have of you, so it's crucial to make a good one. It should capture attention and excite readers, drawing them into what you have to say about this topic. 

The following are the elements that you should consider while writing the introduction:

• Start with an interesting hook statement so that you can get the reader’s attention.
• Provide background information about the topic for the reader to understand the subject
• Establish the evaluation essay thesis statement. It sets out the overall purpose of the evaluation, so make sure it is apparent and to the point

Read this evaluation essay introduction example, and you’ll understand exactly what to pen down in yours:

Step 2. Draft the Body Section

The body of the essay consists of three paragraphs. Each paragraph holds different ideas related to one another and flows smoothly from start to finish, just like how a good story should be told.

Here are the important points that must be included in the body paragraphs.

• Start with the topic sentence that presents your judgment about the topic
• Present the supporting evidence to back up the topic sentence and your viewpoint.
• Present a balanced evaluative argument to show impartiality
• Compare and contrast the subject to another subject to show the strengths and weaknesses
• Present the evaluation from multiple perspectives, while being both positive and critical
• Always use transition words between your paragraphs to ensure a smooth and coherent flow for the reader. 

Step 3. Write the Conclusion

It is the final chance to convince your reader to agree with your point of view. You’re supposed to summarize and conclude the essay. In the conclusion , you present your final evaluation of the essay. 

Keep in mind the following aspects while writing a closing paragraph of an evaluation essay. 

• Summarize the points and evaluative arguments that you made in the body section.
• Justify your thesis statement.
• Provide a concrete and secure conclusion to your argument by ultimately leaving the reader convinced by your evaluation.

Step 4. Proofread, Revise, and Edit

The final step is proofreading and editing. Always spend enough time reading your essay carefully. It will help you catch the unintentional mistakes you have made and recover them. If needed, you can also revise your essay 2–3 times.

How to Format Your Evaluation Essay?

For formatting your evaluation essay, follow the standard academic writing guidelines. You can opt for different formatting styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago. 

In general, you should stick to the below formatting guidelines: 

Font and Size:

• Use a legible font such as Times New Roman or Arial.
• Choose a standard font size, often 12-point.
• Set one-inch margins on all sides of the paper.
• Double-space the entire essay, including the title, headings, and body paragraphs.
• Create a title for your essay that reflects the subject and purpose of the evaluation.
• Center the title on the page.
• Use title case (capitalize the first letter of each major word).
• Include a header with your last name and page number in the top right corner.
• Follow the format “Last Name Page Number” (e.g., “Smith 1”).

Citations (if applicable):

• Include citations for any sources used in your evaluation.
• Follow the citation style specified by your instructor or the required style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago).

Counterargument (if included):

• Clearly label and present any counterargument.
• Provide a well-reasoned response to the counterargument.

References or Works Cited Page (if applicable):

• Include a separate page for references or a works cited page if your essay includes citations.
• List all sources in the appropriate citation style.

Well, the time has come to look at some great evaluation essay examples. Getting help from sample essays is always a great way to perfect your evaluation papers.

Evaluation Essay Examples

Evaluation can be written on any topic, i.e., book, movie, music, etc. Below, we have given some evaluation essay examples for students: 

Evaluation Essay Sample PDF

Movie Evaluation Essay Example

Critical evaluation Essay Example PDF

Product Evaluation Essay PDF

Source Evaluation Essay Example PDF

Employee Self-Evaluation Essay Example

How to Start A Self-Evaluation Essay Example PDF

Evaluation Essay Topics For College Students

For writing an amazing evaluation essay, the first thing that you require is an essay topic.  Here are some incredible topic ideas for college students. You can use or mold them according to your preference. 

• Artificial intelligence's impact on society: A double-edged sword?
• Evaluate the online teaching and on-campus teaching styles
• Analyze and evaluate the Real Madrid football team and their performance
• Is media a threat to cultural cohesion or a source of enrichment?
• Compare and evaluate recorded music and live performance
• Evaluate how a university's football team impacts students' personalities
• Critically evaluate a remake of an original movie you have watched recently
• Analyze how the roles of females and males changed in recent romantic movies
• Evaluate your favorite restaurant, its food, aroma, and everything
• Critically evaluate gender disparities in college majors and career choices.

Evaluation Essay vs. Review

At first glance, an evaluation essay might look like a review. But, there are some notable differences between them. See this table to see how both pieces of writing differ from each other.

To conclude, 

After reading the step-by-step guide and examples, you must have learned the art of writing a good evaluation essay. We’re confident that you’re now able to provide a balanced and effective evaluation of the topics you choose for your essay.

But writing a perfect essay is not that simple; you require a lot of practice and experience to become a good writer. That is why we are here to help you write any type of academic essay. 

MyPerfectWords.com is a professional essay writing service that offers help for all academic writing assignments. We have a team of professional writers who are experts in writing all types of essays and evaluation papers. 

So what are you waiting for? Let us handle your evaluation essay worries and have a sigh of relief! 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are the four components of an evaluation essay.

The four components of an evaluation essay are:

• Introduction
• Background information

2. What are the 4 types of evaluation?

The four types of evaluation are:

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

How to write a self-evaluation that will impress your boss (with examples)

• January 28, 2022

Would you rather listen to a conversation on this topic? Feel free to listen to our podcast👇

Let me guess: You’re here because your boss sent you a self evaluation form as part of your performance review, and you’ve been staring at it for 15 minutes, unable to write a single word.

Your hesitation is totally understandable! At best, self evaluations (and performance reviews in general) can feel like nothing more than another form of status update. At worst, they can feel like a high-stakes tightrope walk in which people are afraid of pointing out their mistakes or of praising themselves too highly.

Download your FREE self-evaluation template that will impress your boss.

Yep, it’s free. And trust us…it will help!

Despite their bad reputation, self evaluations (also known as self assessments or self appraisals) are worth taking seriously. A good self evaluation can have concrete benefits: improving your boss’ impression of you, putting you in line for a promotion, and even boosting your salary (more on how to do that later).

So let’s talk about how to write a self evaluation that shows the traits managers are looking for in high performers, along with examples of self evaluations you can build on.

Only You Can Save Performance Reviews

Performance reviews are like fruitcakes at Christmas:  Everyone hates them , yet they keep coming back, year after year. But why should discussing our job performance be so painful? It’s not because we’re terrible team members—it’s because the system is flawed. Employees are under tremendous pressure to prove their worth during performance appraisals but often walk away feeling misunderstood, undervalued, and confused by vague feedback. According to a  survey of Millennials by TriNet,  a human resources company:

• 62% have felt blindsided by performance reviews
• 31% feel they’ve received biased or unfair feedback
• 59% feel their manager isn’t prepared to give feedback

So what can you do to make sure your manager understands what a stellar employee you are and reflect that in your overall performance assessment?  Become your own biggest cheerleader and equip your manager to do the same.

If your manager isn’t holding up their side of the dea l by giving you actionable, constructive feedback, you’ve got to do it yourself. Wee’ll show you how to highlight your accomplishments, growth areas, and goals in a way that makes you stand out from the pack.

How to Write a Self Evaluation For a Performance Review

First, let’s start with a solid self evaluation structure. It should look something like this:

• Goals (personal or assigned)
• Areas of accomplishment since last review
• Insights on productivity
• Areas of improvement since last review
• Growth plan or professional development plan
• Company values/personal values

If your manager or HR department gave you  a form to fill out , that’s fine—but, most likely, it only exists for documentation purposes. If you really want to wow your manager, make sure everything in this outline is covered in your employee self appraisal, even if you have to add extra sections or pages.

1. Goals (Personal or Assigned)

This is similar to areas of accomplishment but important to call out on its own. Everybody has projects to work on, but your boss may have suggested other professional development goals for you to work toward. Maybe you’re supposed to be learning to use a piece of software, taking the lead on a project, or handling more customer management. If you haven’t discussed professional development with your manager, here are  three free professional development templates  to help you introduce these goals into your one-on-ones. Ideally, you’ll also have some personal goals of your own to talk about, whether that’s improving your time management, giving more confident presentations, or leveling up your skills in a specific area of your work. Regardless of the goal, in your self evaluation, you should show what progress you’ve made since your last assessment. Have you hit your benchmarks as planned? Hopefully, the answer is yes, but even if you haven’t fully achieved your goals, this can still be an opportunity to shine, as long as you show thoughtfulness and self-awareness. Bringing feedback from your last review into the next one will show you paid attention and care about your boss’s opinion.

Goal self evaluation example:

Goal:  Help our marketing team increase conversion rates from 3–5% on landing pages. Action:  Our marketing team has been focusing on beefing up our inbound campaigns, so I decided to go through the Hubspot Inbound Marketing Certification Course so I could speak our team’s language and help create better lead magnets. We didn’t quite reach our goal—we ended up increasing the conversion rate to 4.5%. However, this was important progress because it’s the first time we’ve done a project like this. I learned so much about testing and best practices, and now I feel ready to lead more tests in the coming year.

2. Areas of Accomplishment Since Last Review

It can be tempting to gloss over this section with a quick summary of your duties—but  don’t make that mistake . Don’t assume your manager will remember your accomplishments from the past year (or quarter or 90 days, depending on how often you have reviews) unless you draw attention to them. This section is your highlight reel, and if you’re gunning for a promotion, it’s also your audition. For example: If you’re a significant contributor to a project, include it in this section. And don’t just write the name of the project; make sure you also highlight the project’s status, what your involvement was, and the impact this project had on the company. These details are important to your manager because:

• They care about the projects you’re working on and want to know their status and other key details.
• They care about what’s occupying your time, as opposed to other projects you could be working on.

Areas of accomplishment self evaluation example:

I designed a new user flow last quarter. This took a significant amount of my work time, and it took collaborating with three different departments to make it a success. While I worked on this task, I took the opportunity to learn new software because I knew it would be a useful skill while I help out the design team (since Analisa is on leave). I’m proud to say that I completed this project two days ahead of schedule. We used it to map out priorities for product development at the end of the quarter, and I think it will be useful as a reference document for the design team for several more years.

What if you can’t remember what you worked on? To refresh your memory, ask yourself if you:

• Served on a committee
• Were assigned to a long-running project
• Wrote any reports or summaries for your boss
• Took the lead on an extra project you weren’t assigned to
• Took on a new responsibility
• Mentored someone on the team
• Took on your first direct report
• Attended events or conferences
• Designed or conducted trainings (even informal ones)
• Made an introduction for a team member
• Have any recurring to-dos or calendar events
• Have key meetings on your calendar (going all the way back to your last review)

If you can answer “yes” to one of these items, it might be an accomplishment worth mentioning. Take the time to dive deep—you never know what you (or your boss) might have forgotten!

Don’t want to dig through old emails?  With Uptick , you can quickly search through your one-on-one meeting notes for keywords and find you wrote down along the way as well as your manager’s reactions.

3. Insights on Productivity

This is the section of the self evaluation where you look under your own hood to figure out what makes you tick. What are the behaviors and circumstances that are helping you thrive, and what’s holding you back from being your most productive? Answering a question that personal can seem intimidating, but remember: Managers want you to be self-aware. It makes their job much easier when you have the ability to call out triumphs and failings, and then self-correct. It’s even better if you understand the impact you’re having on the team (and vice versa). When you collect these insights and share them with your manager, they’re getting priceless information about team culture. To uncover insights, ask yourself these questions:

• Did I have any breakthroughs, even small ones?
• When did I feel most productive? Least productive?
• What part of my job felt most challenging? What felt most rewarding?
• Which teammates brought out the best in me, and why?
• Which of my habits best served my productivity? Which ones sabotaged it?

Insight self evaluation examples:

I’ve come to the realization that I often engage in negative self-talk. Sometimes it’s not even conscious—more of a feeling that “I could never learn that skill” or “I must not be very smart if this project is overwhelming me.” I don’t know if the team can tell, but this affects my confidence. I want to be able to take projects on with gusto, so this is something I’m going to work on. Do you have any resources that you recommend?

If your insights are more critical or they focus on other people, that’s okay. But it’s hard for your manager to help if you don’t give them specific examples and say how you’d like them to intervene. Describe the reason you think the challenge exists, why it’s hard for you, and how you’ve tried to overcome it. You may have overcome this challenge already, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make a note of it.

The people who sit near me are often quite loud during the lunch hour, and that’s when I get the highest call volume from our customers. I’ve talked to them about it, but the issue hasn’t gotten much better. I’m not sure what to do about it. I need to be at my desk to take calls, but this situation makes it hard to focus on the customer. Can we talk about a way to fix this?

4. Areas of Improvement Since Last Review

“Areas of improvement” is the part of the self assessment that really makes people sweat, but there’s no need to be intimidated. This is an opportunity to show that you possess self-awareness about your weak spots, and the drive to work on them—and that’s exactly what managers are looking for in their high performers. Self-awareness is an ever-elusive trait—but easier when you dedicate time to it. We recommend spending at least an hour to come up with areas of improvement, along with action steps to address them. This will help your manager find tangible ways to help you grow. They probably have their own ideas of how you can improve, but pointing out those areas and asking for help shows that you’re responsive and teachable. Some managers are passive, so you might need to pointedly ask them if they have any areas of improvement for you. Don’t shy away from asking for this feedback directly—it will give you important insight into your manager’s priorities.

We all have areas we need to improve. This isn’t about shaming yourself or being negative. It’s about taking an honest look in the mirror so you can grow—not just as an employee, but as a human being.

Areas of improvement performance review examples:

When I’m in the middle of work, especially writing, I tend to get frustrated with interruptions. I’ve noticed that I try to end the conversation quickly so I can get back to my tasks. I’d like to work on more open communication with my team so we both know what to expect from each other. For example, I can let everyone know that when I have my headphones in, it means I need to stay focused. I also had an idea to make a visual desk toy that indicates when it’s okay to interrupt me. How do you feel about me testing that out in the next two weeks?

5. Growth Plan or Professional Development Plan

Nothing says leadership skills like suggesting next steps for yourself. Again, your manager might have their own ideas on your developmental plan, but don’t wait around for them to share. You know yourself best, so read through everything you’ve written in your self-reflection so far and consider what to do next to keep growing.

Professional development employee review example:

I’m eager to take the next step in my professional development by gaining a deeper knowledge of analytics. Our professional development stipend would cover one to three courses, and there are several affordable options from edX in statistics, data analysis, or audience analytics. I’d like to choose a course and get your approval. Then I can bring my learning back to the team. For example, I could: • Facilitate a workshop or lunch-and-learn • Make recommendations on training topics for our customers • Suggest new ways to optimize marketing analytics

6. Company or Personal Core Values

This section should summarize how you conduct yourself as a person and as a member of the organization. By starting here, your boss will understand how you see yourself aligning with the company’s values, or how you define them for yourself if they aren’t stated by the company.

If your company has clearly stated values, then you’ve got it easy.  Just write out each of your company’s core values and how you’ve embodied them since your last review. Use a detailed example from a time when you went the extra mile and how it benefited the company.

Core value performance review comment example:

Core value: Customers come first We always aim to deliver our product on time, even if it means extra work. When one of our customers had mid-project delays this year, it affected our project delivery dates. They said they understood if our timeline was delayed because of the mistakes. But I did some research and realized that on-time delivery would be possible with about 15 extra hours of work. I put in the additional time to communicate with the team, explain the situation to our customer, and make sure they got their product when it was initially promised to them.

If your company doesn’t have a defined set of values, that’s okay.  Title this section “My core values.” If you need help,  check out this resource  that walks you through how to define your core values. Keep it to five or fewer—after all, if everything is core, then nothing is. Once you’ve identified your core values, give at least one example of how you exemplified each trait since your last review.

Get More From Your Self Evaluation

You’ve put all this work into your self evaluation, and it’s a thing of beauty. So don’t just hand it to HR and forget it when you can put it to work in your professional life in a lot of creative ways. As promised, here are a few ways to make your self evaluation go even further when it comes to career progression:

• Add areas of accomplishment (#2 on this list)  to your resume, personal website or portfolio, and LinkedIn profile. Now you’ll be up-to-date in case you want to freelance, network, or search for jobs.
• Use insights on productivity (#4) and areas of improvement (#5)  to generate a list of content ideas to boost your thought leadership credibility on your own media. These could be LinkedIn posts, videos, blog posts, podcasts, webinars . . . the list goes on.
• Use goals (#3) and areas of accomplishment (#2)  to come up with ideas for trainings, presentations, or even a conference talk. If you’re an expert in something, teach your team! If there’s something you’d like to learn, chances are you’re not the only one, so help create opportunities for growth.
• Look over the entire self evaluation  and look for patterns. Write them down, pick one to three ideas that resonate the most, and use them to create a  personal statement  or  tagline . This can be used in your LinkedIn headline, resume, online bios, elevator pitch—anywhere you want a stronger personal brand.
• Review goals (#3) and areas of accomplishment (#2)  to prepare for salary negotiation with your employer. A well-thought-out list of what you bring to the table and why it’s valuable is essential to any negotiation. If you come prepared with a positive attitude and relevant market research (e.g., average salaries and responsibilities for someone with your job title), you’ll be well on your way to a raise.

Your Self Evaluation Is an Opportunity, Not a Punishment

Hopefully, you’ll come away from this guide understanding how to write a self evaluation with confidence. You should be equipped to showcase your accomplishments, as well as pick examples of areas for improvement that help, rather than hurt, your career. If you put thought into your self evaluation and are willing to be self-aware, you’re guaranteed to stand out and get the kind of performance evaluation you deserve.

You might also enjoy

The 16 Best Management Podcasts of 2020

How should you address employees’ bad behavior, appearance, and manners.

How managers can fix employee ethics and productivity problems

7900 International Dr. Suite 300 Bloomington, MN 55425

[email protected]

952-567-2440

© Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved.

What We Believe

Request a Demo

Release Notes

Resource Center

Help Center

© Copyright 2022. All Rights Reserved.  •  Privacy Policy

• HR department
• Performance review
• Recruitment
• Free HR course
• HR Software
• HR Services
• Compensation
• Learning & development
• Remote work
• Blue Collar
• Occupational health

The best self-evaluation examples for performance reviews

Asking employees to do what's known as a  self-evaluation is a normal part of the performance review process . In other words, we ask them to analyse and reflect on their performance and their contribution to the company throughout a given period and put it in writing. To ensure we receive accurate, complete and honest self-evaluations, especially when doing so for the first time, we recommend looking at other employee self-evaluation examples or use pre-designed templates . The HR team can also provide a script or questionnaire on how to write a performance evaluation self-evaluation as a reference for employees. Below, we take a look at some examples of self-evaluations for performance reviews to clear any doubts:

Self-evaluation examples

Harvey Mudd College proposes a questionnaire that enables the user to choose which questions they want to answer and customise their self-evaluation. The questions are also split into categories to make it easier to understand.

Job description

• How would you describe your main responsibilities?
• Have these responsibilities changed over time
• Do you carry out any other tasks, and if so, which?
• Is there anything in your work you would like to change, and if so, how would you do it?
• What could your line manager do to help you be more successful in your job?
• How do you think your department could improve?

Performance vs achievements

• What action have you taken to fulfil your responsibilities?
• Do you feel you've been successful during this period?
• Do you think you could have done anything better?
• How do you think you have contributed to our department during this period?
• What are your main strengths?
• In which areas do you feel you could improve?
• What objectives have you reached during this period?
• Which ones did you not manage to achieve, and why?
• What objectives do you propose for the next period?
• Do you think you need help or extra resources to reach these objectives?

Professional development

• What training programmes have you taken part in?
• Are there any areas you would like to train in?
• Do you need extra resources or training to do your job?
• What could your line manager do to help you achieve your professional development goals?

Free Self Evaluation Template

To help you and your employees with their next self evaluation, we've created this self evaluation template that you can download for free. With this template, you and your employees will be able to prepare themselves in no time for their next performance review - with the added benefit that all your future self evaluations will be consistent in style and form. If you do have any additional questions that you would like to add to our template, you are of course more than welcome to modify it. 

Self-evaluation sample answers

Properly preparing the self-evaluation answers is just as important as having a script, as they will be a part of the company's final assessment. Some inspiration for possible answers:

1. Collaboration and teamwork

Positive option: " I believe that my skills and my ability to work in a team have been valuable during this period. I have taken an active role in my department, working with confidence and expressing my ideas and opinions." Negative option: "I realise that I can be too controlling in a project, and I don't give other members of the team enough room to contribute or develop their ideas. I must learn to give others more space and let them take the initiative too."

2. Motivation

Positive option: "I have consistently shown commitment and motivation ever since I joined the company. I meet set deadlines and objectives on time." Negative option: "As I'm a perfectionist, I think that I sometimes spend too much time on one task. I must learn to use resources more efficiently."

3. Leadership

Positive option: " I feel that I lead my team by example. My actions are what defines my work." That's why I spend time thinking about how to solve the problems and challenges that may arise." Negative option: "Maybe I should try harder to promote the company's culture and values within my team. While I regularly hold meetings with this in mind, I should focus on boosting team spirit and collaboration."

4. Problem-solving

Positive option: "I have demonstrated my problem-solving skills several times during my time in the company." I manage to solve difficult situations efficiently, always taking the rest of the team into consideration." Negative option: "I sometimes feel overwhelmed when having to make an important decision, so I ask others for advice. I need to work on my ability to solve complex problems."

5. Decision-making skills

Positive option: "When faced with a difficult decision, I make a rational assessment of the positives and negatives, as well as the possible outcomes." I do research and seek expert advice to make an informed decision." Negative option: "When it comes to making decisions, I tend to fall back on past experiences instead of looking for new solutions. I should spend more time reflecting and avoid making the same mistakes."

6. Working under pressure

Positive option: "I manage my time effectively to meet deadlines, however tight they may be." I have the ability to prioritise the most important tasks, and if I can't do it, I'll delegate to others who have the experience." Negative option: "Time management is one of my weaknesses. I usually leave the more difficult or least appealing tasks until the last minute. My attention to details gets worse as the stress builds."

7. Communication

Positive option: "I value conversation and debate among colleagues. I actively listen to my team and encourage joint decision-making. I try to build positive relationships when communicating with clients." Negative option: "I need to work on my ability to deal with emotions and not let them affect my working relationships. I sometimes find it hard to communicate."

8. Adaptability

Positive option: "I adapt to change and I try to do my bit during transitions." I appreciate feedback when things don't go well, I stay calm and positive." Negative option: "I must work on supporting change and avoid micromanagement. I find it difficult to take on new tasks or those that don't fall under my responsibility."

9. Negotiation and problem-solving

Positive option: "I successfully negotiated (fill in as applicable) during this period which resulted in (add information about gains) for the company. I'm an analytical thinker which enables me to accurately assess situations and steer the conversation towards achieving results." Negative option: "While I feel I have progressed with my negotiation skills, I still think there's room for improvement. I approach meetings appropriately, and I always try to use active listening."

10. Emotional intelligence

Positive option: "I'm aware of my strengths and weaknesses, which enables me to deal with emotions more easily. I try to understand and listen to everyone." Negative option: "I often feel frustrated, and I find it hard to communicate when faced with certain behaviours by other team members. I get distracted and don't take other people's opinions into consideration."

Tips on how to write a performance evaluation self-assessment

As well as taking these self-evaluation examples into consideration, below are some general tips that can be useful when writing the document.

1. Use numbers to your advantage

Include figures that add value to your work, if possible. It's always better if you use numbers to speak for themselves. Also, a self-evaluation should include metrics and KPIs. For example: Wrong: "I achieved great success in 2020." Correct: "I exceeded my sales targets by 135% in 2020."

2. Mention results

Don't take anything for granted or think that numbers speak for themselves. Mention and explain every one of your achievements during the period in question. Don't expect your boss to remember every single one. For example: "In the third quarter, the marketing campaign achieved twice as much visibility than the previous quarter."

3. Take the company's objectives into account

One good way to stand out in your evaluation is to consider the company's objectives and explain how your work has contributed to achieving them. Find specific figures and justify them. For example: "I increased my own sales by 10% as part of the department's general sales strategy."

4. Record your achievements in real-time

Make notes throughout the year in preparation for the self-evaluation. Record them regularly, or even at the time, instead of having to remember everything at the eleventh hour. If we don't think this system is feasible, we can also go back through the schedule to remind ourselves what happened at each stage. This is a good exercise for jolting the memory.

5. Take your time

A well-written self-evaluation takes time. It's not something you can do in 20 minutes, nor in a day. Spend whatever time it takes to ensure that it shows your worth. Try to reserve a few days in your calendar before the deadline to work on the text.  

• Study Guides
• Homework Questions

MATTHEW TADELE - PROSE ESSAY REFLECTION AND SELF-ASSESSMENT 02.07-08.24