Formative evaluation is a way to evaluate students’ writing that leaves room for revision. A grade is not immediately given since the assignment develops with each draft. These types of assignments are often called LOW STAKES, as they leave much room for revision and are done to spark more involvement in the writing process. Often, they can be referred to as WRITING-TO-LEARN assignments as well, because they help students learn what they are writing about and the best way to approach their topic. An example of this assignment could be journal entries used to develop a paper. (Compare to SUMMATIVE EVALUATION below.)