| Fail (0-49%) | Pass (50-64%) | Credit (65-74%) | Distinction (75-84%) | High Distinction (85-100%) | |
| Answers the Question ( /20 marks) |
Essay does not effectively answer the question. The question may have been misinterpreted or was not based on relevant material and/or is frequently off topic. (0 – 9 marks) |
Essay answers the question. However, some aspects may have been better addressed than others and/or the response was occasionally off topic. (10 marks) |
Essay answers all aspects of the question in a balanced fashion. (13 marks) |
The essay addresses all aspects of the question in a balanced fashion. A clear line of argument has been established. (15 marks) |
Essay addresses all aspects of the question in a balanced fashion. A strong line of argument has been established. ( 17 marks) |
| Conceptual Understanding ( /20 marks) |
Essay contains frequent errors. It is not clear that key concepts/theories are understood. (0 – 9 marks) |
A basic understanding of key concepts/theories has been demonstrated. Some errors or inaccuracies may be present. (10 – 12.8 marks) |
A satisfactory understanding of key concepts/theories has been demonstrated. Some minor inaccuracies may be present. (13 – 14.8 marks) |
Essay demonstrates a good understanding of key concepts/theories. Student has been able to define/explain concepts and/or use them correctly. (15 – 16.8 marks) |
A strong understanding of key concepts/theories has been demonstrated. Student has been able to define/explain concepts and/or use them correctly and discuss the interconnections between them. (17 – 20 marks) |
| Structure ( /15 marks) |
Work is poorly structured. There is no real introduction, body and conclusion. Disorganised/incoherent structure. (0 – 7 marks) |
Some problems but clear attempt has been made to provide introduction, body and conclusion. (7.5 – 9.6 marks) |
The essay is reasonably cohesive and consists of an introduction, body and conclusion. (10 – 11 marks) |
Very good organisation of material, which helps to strengthen the argument. Some minor improvements could be made with respect to linking key points. (11.5 – 12.6 marks) |
Very good organisation of material. There is a clear, logical flow and good sense of argument. (13 – 15 marks) |
| Expression ( /15 marks) |
Work is poorly written. Frequent spelling/grammatical errors. Overall meaning is not clear. (0 – 7 marks) |
Meaning is mostly clear but problems with spelling, grammar, syntax and/or word choice cloud the argument from time to time. (7.5 – 9.6 marks) |
Work is reasonably well written, though some improvements could be made with respect to language/tone and/or spelling and grammar. (10 – 11 marks) |
Work is well written with only very minor spelling/grammatical errors. (11.5 – 12.6 marks) |
Work is extremely well-written. Language is appropriate to academic writing and aids overall clarity of argument. (13-15 marks) |
| Research ( /10 marks) |
Insufficient research and reading. Essay based on anecdotal evidence or non academic reading. Over reliance on lecture material. (0 – 4.5 marks) |
Minimum 5 academic sources have been cited in the essay. These could be drawn on in more detail, and/or there is some over reliance on lecture material. (5 – 6.4 marks) |
6-7 relevant academic sources have been drawn on for the essay. Deeper engagement with these would have aided the argument and analysis that was developed. (6.5 – 7.4 marks) |
Student has engaged with at least 7 erelevant academic sources and worked to incorporate these into their argument. (7.5 – 8.4 marks) |
Student has engaged in an in depth reading of 8-10 relevant academic sources. Detailed understanding of the arguments presented in these is evident. (8.5 – 10 marks) |
| Referencing ( /10 marks) |
Student has not referenced their work sufficiently. No reference list provided and/or multiple missing in text citations. (0 – 4.5 marks) |
Student has made clear attempt to reference the essay. There may be some inconsistencies with referencing style or some errors. (5 – 6.4 marks) |
Student has made clear attempt to reference their work using Harvard style. Some minor errors are present. (6.5 – 7.4 marks) |
Essay is thoroughly referenced. (7.5 – 8.4 marks) |
Essay is very well referenced. (8.5 – 10 marks) |
| Originality ( /10 marks) |
No sign of critical thinking. Over reliance on lectures. Too many direct quotes. (0 – 4.5 marks) |
Work is largely descriptive but student has made a clear attempt to paraphrase. There is little or no evidence of independent thinking or critical evaluation. (5 – 6.4 marks) |
Student has made some attempt to compare/contrast different approaches to the topic and evaluate the arguments put forward by different authors/theorists. (6.5 – 7.4 marks) |
Essay evaluates different arguments put forward and draws connections between different theories and/or concepts. (7.5 – 8.4 marks) |
Student has been able to weigh different arguments and engage with the concepts/theories presented in detail. Student has been able to take more than one view point and/or their response to the question is highly analytical/original. (8.5 – 10 marks) |
| TOTAL = /100 |