How to Answer "Evaluate" Questions in IGCSE Biology
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Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Key point
Evaluate means judge the quality or effectiveness of something. Identify strengths and weaknesses, then give a supported conclusion based on the evidence.
"Evaluate" means make a judgement based on evidence. It is similar to "discuss" but focuses more on weighing the quality of evidence or the effectiveness of a method, not just listing pros and cons. Your conclusion must be supported by the evidence you present.
What evaluate requires
Evaluate questions ask you to:
Identify the strengths of the method, data, or approach
Identify the weaknesses or limitations
Make a supported judgement: is it reliable? Is it effective? Could it be improved?
Context: evaluating experimental methods
In Paper 5/6, you may be asked to evaluate an experimental method. Consider:
Were the variables controlled properly?
Was the sample size large enough?
Were measurements repeated?
Could the method be improved for greater accuracy or reliability?
Context: evaluating biological evidence
In Paper 2/4, you may be asked to evaluate evidence about a biological issue (e.g. The evidence for climate change, the effectiveness of conservation methods). Present the evidence, assess its reliability, and state your conclusion.
Frequently asked questions
Is evaluate the same as discuss?
Similar, but evaluate focuses more on judging quality or effectiveness. A discuss answer presents both sides; an evaluate answer specifically weighs the strength of evidence and makes a judgement about it.