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Literary Studies and Professional Writing |
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ASSESSMENT GUIDE FOR ESSAYS: CRITERIA, MARKING, FORMATTING |
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Format:
Work that does not follow these formatting requirements will be returned uncommented on to the student with a grade only.General assessment criteriaRelevance of your approach: Your essay should demonstrate that you have interpreted the assignment topic appropriately, and that you have addressed the topic directly, even if you later expand on it. Breadth and depth of reading: Your essay should demonstrate familiarity with and understanding of basic critical concepts and ideas, and also show that you have sought references beyond those set for the subject's required reading. It should also demonstrate the ability to quote supporting material from the criticism to support your main points. Understanding: You should be able to use, with some degree of familiarity and clarity, the terms, ideas, concepts and approaches we have covered in this subject. Use a dictionary to help you be clear in your use of particular terms. Do not use words you don't understand. Make sure you communicate your ideas clearly. Don't write to impress me: write to make me understand what you want to say. Logic : Your essay should show evidence that you have thought carefully about the clearest and most logical structure you can use to carry your argument and ideas forward. Clarity : Make sure your writing is clear, uncomplicated and says what you want it to say. Don't try to support a weak argument by elaborate grammatical highways and byways. If the argument is strong, the language can be clear and direct so that the ideas shine through. Originality: Don't be afraid to disagree with critics or to refine their insights. If you see things differently, say so and show why and how your views can be supported. Grading scale Note: The scale below is applied with discretion by the lecturer . Some essays may be stronger in some areas than others within a general grading category. Ultimately, the lecturer takes into account the elements listed below in each grading category and then assesses the overall impact and achievement of the essay as a whole. This may mean that while your bibliography is not quite right, the ideas are so original or the writing so good that you earn a High Distinction overall; alternatively, it may mean that while your presentation is flawless and your bibliography perfect, your conceptual grasp of the topic and your demonstration of independent research are only strong enough to merit a Pass grade. Students who feel they have been unfairly marked may consult with the lecturer. If necessary, you may ask to have your work re-marked independently. Be aware, however, that your grade may go down as well as up if you choose this option, and that the grade of a second, independent assessor is final. High Distinction (80-100): Shows a very high level of written fluency and intellectual sophistication in analysis and interpretation of topic; very high level of conceptual facility in dealing with relevant theories and ideas; detailed support of general arguments with appropriate illustrations and examples; virtually error-free in presentation; extended use of relevant sources and research beyond what is recommended by the lecturer for the topic; strong evidence of independent/original research and critical thinking; appropriately formatted and referenced notes and bibliography. Distinction (70-79) : Fluently written and with strong evidence of sophistication in analysis and interpretation; strong conceptual grasp of relevant ideas and theories; very good support of general arguments with appropriate illustrations and examples; minor errors only in presentation; appropriate use of relevant sources and research including some work not recommended by lecturer for the topic; evidence of independent/original research and critical thinking; appropriately formatted and referenced notes and bibliography. Credit (60-69): Competently written and with sound analysis and interpretation. Ability to understand and apply with some originality the main conceptual ideas and theories relevant to the topic; minor errors only in presentation; appropriate use of relevant resources and research for the topic; at least some evidence of independent/original research and critical thinking; appropriately formatted and referenced notes and bibliography. Pass (50-59): May display some minor problems with written fluency, analysis and interpretation. Basic grasp of the main concepts, ideas and theories relevant to the topic. May contain some problems with presentation; appropriate use of relevant resources and research for the topic but not in any extended sense; basic skills in independent/original research and critical thinking; appropriately formatted and referenced notes and bibliography. Fail N1 (40-49): Significant problems with written fluency, analysis and interpretation. Weak or insufficient grasp of main concepts, ideas and theories relevant to the topic. Major problems in presentation; insufficient or inappropriate use of relevant resources and research for the topic; lacking evidence of independent/original research and critical thinking; problems with formatting and referencing of notes and bibliography. Fail N2 (0-39): The essay fails to meet the basic criteria listed under ‘General Criteria' above, and/or is so flawed in expression, conceptualisation, structure, presentation, critical thinking and/or referencing and formatting that it falls into this category. The grade of ‘N2' is also assigned for a piece of work that is either incomplete or has failed to be submitted for assessment. |