Overview
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, answering an 'assess' question in a Cambridge exam requires you to make an informed judgement about the importance or value of something. It's not enough to simply describe a topic; you must weigh up different factors and come to a reasoned conclusion supported by specific evidence. This is a higher-order skill that examiners are looking for, and mastering it is key to unlocking the top mark bands.
Unpack the question's demands
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, first, identify the command word – in this case, assess. Then, pinpoint exactly what the question is asking you to assess. Is it the 'most important reason', the 'effectiveness of a policy', or the 'value of a source'? Underlining these key terms helps you stay focused and avoid the common trap of describing the topic instead of judging it, a frequent issue highlighted in examiner reports.
Plan your argument
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, before you start writing, take a few minutes to plan. Create a quick two-column list or a mind map of the points you will use to build your argument. Think about the different factors, perspectives, or criteria you could use to make your judgement. A strong assessment always considers multiple sides of an issue to create a balanced argument, which is fundamental to reaching an 'informed' judgement.
Build your paragraphs with evidence
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, each body paragraph should tackle a distinct point from your plan. Start with a clear topic sentence that makes an argumentative point, not just a statement of fact. Then, bring in specific, relevant evidence – a statistic, a quote, a case study, or a theoretical concept – and explain precisely how it supports your point and contributes to your overall assessment. Evidence without explanation is just description.
Weigh the arguments against each other
This is the heart of an assessment. Don't just present a series of disconnected points. Use phrases like 'While X was significant, Y was ultimately more influential because...' or 'A more important factor to consider is...' to show the examiner you are actively weighing the evidence. This comparative analysis demonstrates the 'informed judgement' that the question demands and moves your answer from the middle to the top of the mark scheme.
Write a decisive, justified conclusion
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, your conclusion must directly answer the question by stating your final judgement. It should not introduce new information but should synthesise the arguments you have already made. Summarise the main arguments you weighed up and explain *why* you have reached your particular assessment. An answer without a clear, well-supported conclusion cannot reach the highest marks, as it fails to complete the task set by the command word. For a full breakdown of what examiners expect from different verbs, see our guide to [all Cambridge command words](/blog/cambridge-command-words-explained).
Review your judgement
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, after writing, re-read your answer with one question in mind: 'Have I made a clear judgement and supported it?' Check that your conclusion logically follows from the arguments you presented in your main body. Does your evidence genuinely support your claims? This final check is a crucial part of learning how to [mark your answer](/mark) like an examiner and improve your scores.
Frequently asked questions
This section covers Frequently asked questions — ranked by what Cambridge examiners return to most often in past papers.
How is 'assess' different from 'evaluate'?
In practice, 'assess' and 'evaluate' are very similar and often used interchangeably by Cambridge International. Both require you to make a reasoned judgement about the value, importance, or success of something. The key is to focus on the core task: weighing up evidence to reach a supported conclusion, rather than getting too caught up in minor semantic differences.
Do I need to look at both sides of the argument?
Yes, absolutely. A one-sided argument is a description or an explanation, not an assessment. To reach an 'informed judgement', you must demonstrate that you have considered different perspectives, counter-arguments, or limiting factors. A balanced approach is essential for showing the depth of understanding required for the top mark bands.
Can I get top marks without a conclusion?
No. Examiner reports consistently highlight that answers without a clear, summative judgement are stuck in the middle mark bands. The conclusion is where you deliver the final 'assessment' the question asks for. It's the culmination of your argument, so omitting it means you haven't fully answered the question.