The goal of an evaluative essay is to share your judgment about a subject, often with the intention of helping readers make a decision. It’s usually a good idea, then, to give readers a summary of your overall judgment — your verdict — in the form of a thesis statement. In some cases, you’ll want to mention the criteria on which your judgment is based so that readers understand the thinking behind your evaluation. Your thesis statement can also frame your subject in a way that helps achieve your purpose and address the needs and interests of your readers. Consider, for example, how the following thesis statements about locally grown produce set up different expectations among readers.

Thesis statement 1: Buying your fruits and vegetables at a farmer’s market might be a little less convenient and a little more expensive than going to the supermarket, but you’ll be rewarded with healthier, tastier food.

Thesis statement 2: Importing fruits and vegetables carries hidden environmental costs that outweigh the benefits of having year-round access to seasonable produce.

Thesis statement 3: By insisting on produce that has been grown nearby, consumers can support family farms and have a positive impact on their local economies.

Each of these thesis statements focuses on different aspects of the same subject. The first one emphasizes consumer concerns about price, convenience, and quality. The second thesis statement directs attention to the environmental consequences of shipping food long distances. The third one points to the economic benefits of supporting local businesses. These thesis statements would lead to quite different evaluative essays.

Where you place your thesis statement depends largely on your understanding of your readers’ needs and interests. Sharing your overall judgment at the beginning of the essay allows readers to follow the logic of your evaluation process and better understand how the criteria and evidence relate to the evaluation’s overall result. However, if your overall judgment is likely to be seen as unusual or controversial, it might be best to share it later in the essay, after allowing evidence to unfold in a way that helps readers understand the reasons underlying your conclusions.