This article reveals the essence of criteria based system of evaluation through descriptors in primary classes in the Gagauz language and literature. It reveals the positive and negative sides of this system of evaluation which was intraduced in 2015, as well as the first results of pupils’ transition to the new assessment system. The author points out that pupils who have passed through the system of criteria based evaluation approach their work more objectively. Pupils see their achievements and difficulties, and try to correct mistakes in order to achieve better results. Also, one of the positive sides of the criteria based evaluation is the fact that the pupil knows in advance what is required of him, how he should reveal and show his knowledge and skills.