essay

AES Coursework Assessment Brief (International Foundation Year)

What

Coursework 3: This is the final piece of your coursework portfolio for Academic English Skills. In part 1, you completed the research and produced an outline of your essay. In part 2, you presented your research. In part 3, you will write your research–based essay in 1000 – 1500 words. Make sure that you adhere to the word limits; submissions of under 900 words will not be accepted, and any work above 1650 words will not be marked. You should include: - a cover sheet including your essay title, class code, candidate number and word count (excluding your reference list). - a student declaration form to acknowledge that the work you are submitting is your own and that you have adhered to academic regulations. - a minimum of eight sources in your essay. These should be the sources which you found for your CW 1 assessment, included in your outline and presented in CW 2. You may include the two sources you were given in your eight sources. - a reference list of the sources you have included in your essay. Do not include sources you have read, but not cited in your work.

Why

Writing clearly and appropriately for an academic context is arguably the most important skill you will need at University. CW 3 tests your ability to write a research-based essay which incorporates evidence that: - you have read and understood relevant academic sources on the subject - you are able to organise information and ideas logically and clearly - you are able to incorporate sources to support your arguments - you are able to write clearly and accurately, using appropriate academic register and tone - you are able to use subject-specific language appropriately - you are able to fully and accurately cite and reference sources. This assessment counts for 60% of your final mark for writing.

When

Stage 1) [ENTER DATE] Go through the CW 3 Checklist and Feedback Sheet to make sure you have completed the assessment fully and correctly, and submit the draft of your essay. Stage 2) [ENTER DATE] Your tutor will provide feedback on your draft in a tutorial. Make notes of your tutor’s comments on the CW 3 Checklist and Feedback Sheet. Your tutor will advise you on whether your submission is acceptable as a piece of academic work, or if further work is needed. Stage 3) [ENTER DATE] Submit your CW 3.

How

Your work is submitted and marked electronically. Your tutor will give you the marking criteria and samples of student submissions so that you can see how the assessment is marked. Your work will automatically be checked by similarity software (Turnitin) to make sure you have submitted work in your own words. You may be able to submit your work ahead of the submission deadline in order to check the similarity score.

What if…

my similarity score on Turnitin is high?

First, check your similarity report and make sure your reference list has not been counted in your overall score; your tutor will discount this. Check whether chunks of your writing have been highlighted in the report – are they direct quotations? If so, don’t worry, if not, this indicates you have not paraphrased effectively. Poor paraphrasing is a form of plagiarism, and will result in your work being reported for academic misconduct. You should therefore revise your work and resubmit it before the assessment deadline. You can find further information on the Academic Misconduct process in your Student Handbook.

I don’t submit a draft of CW 3? You are required to submit a draft of CW 3 so that your tutor can monitor your progress, and provide you with feedback on your work. Your tutor may advise that

your draft submission is acceptable, or requires only minimal changes, in which case, your workload later in the course will be lighter (remember you will also have a number of other subject assessments to be submitted at the end of your course). Note that you will not receive comments on your final submission, just a mark, so if you are required to resubmit, you will not receive guidance on areas you need to work on. If you do not submit a draft, and then submit a very strong piece of work for your final submission, it is likely that you will be flagged for Academic Misconduct as your tutor will not have evidence that the work is your own.

I submit the coursework late? If you submit an assessment late, a penalty will be applied to your final mark. The penalties for late submission are outlined in your Student Handbook.

I don’t submit CW 3? You must submit CW 3 in order to demonstrate that you have met module Learning Outcomes 2, 4 and 6; you cannot ‘pass’ the module unless you have met the minimum standards for all learning outcomes. This assessment also constitutes 60% of your writing mark, and 15% of your total module mark, so you are unlikely to meet the minimum pass standard for the skill, or achieve the overall score required to pass the module. If you are unable to submit CW 3 by the deadline, you will need to apply for mitigating circumstances. Further information on mitigating circumstances can be found in your student handbook.

I don’t pass CW 3? You should submit a draft of CW 3 so that your tutor can provide you with feedback to improve your work before you submit it. If you score below 40% on CW 3, you will be required to resubmit at the end of the module. If your CW 3 needs improvement or development, you can resubmit a re-working of your original submission. If you are awarded zero due to Academic Misconduct (ie. you have submitted work which is not your own), you will be given a new essay title to research and write.

I don’t use the sources I included in my CW 1?

Your tutor may have advised you to find alternative sources after your CW 1 submission, so in this case, you should use your new sources in your essay. The AES Coursework Portfolio is designed to take you through the stages of researching, presenting and writing academic work; you should not therefore disregard all the work you have done by changing topic. If you wish to change the topic of your essay after you have submitted CW 1, you must get the agreement of your tutor.

Related documents:

Overview presentation of CW 3

Samples of marked student submissions

CW 3 Submission Checklist and Feedback Sheet

The marking criteria

Level Task Achievement Organisation Grammatical Range & Accuracy Lexical Range & Accuracy Academic Conventions

18 - 20 marks 90 - 100%

C2 IELTS 8.0 – 9 CPE

1. Demonstrates outstanding understanding of key concepts that are relevant to the title. 2. Fully addresses all aspects of the task. (I) 3. Substantial number of academically appropriate Sources well understood and used skilfully. 4. All content is relevant to the question and expertly presents a clear and fully developed response. (I) 5. Where relevant to the task, a clear position is presented and clearly supported throughout. (I)

1. Full and appropriate use of a variety of organisational patterns and a wide range of connectors in order to well-structured, clearly organized writing. (C) 2. Paragraphing, introduction, conclusion and topic sentences are logical/ effective. (C) 3. Uses a range of cohesive devices, (C) managing all aspects well. (I)

1. Uses a wide range of complex structures and sentences with full flexibility. (I) 2. Consistently maintains grammatical control of complex language. (C) Errors are rare and difficult to spot. (C)

1. Reformulates ideas in differing ways to give emphasis, to differentiate and to eliminate ambiguity. (C) 2. Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. (I) 3. Produces only rare, minor errors in word choice, spelling and / or word formation. (I)

1. Academic register and tone appropriate and consistent. 2. Skilfully quotes/ paraphrases/ summarises/ key content points from the texts. No evidence of lifting. 3. References and citations are clear and accurate throughout.

17.5 marks 16.75 16 80 – 85 - 89%

C1.2 IELTS 7.5

1. Demonstrates excellent understanding of key concepts that are relevant to the title. 2. Addresses all aspects of the task. (I2) 3. Use of relevant sources, well understood and applied appropriately, evaluating and synthesising points effectively. 4. All content is relevant to the question. Highlights main points and provides relevant examples and evidence – at the lower end of the scale, some supporting evidence may be faulty or missing. 5. Where relevant to the task, a clear position is presented. (I2) Marks for C1 band: 14, 16, 17.5

1. Clear, well-structured writing, showing good control, with ideas linked logically into smoothly- flowing, coherent text. (C) 2. Paragraphing, introduction, conclusion and topic sentences are logical/ effective.(I2) 3. Uses a range of cohesive devices, (C) managing all aspects well. (I)

1. Uses a variety of complex structures and sentence forms.(I) 2. Consistently maintains grammatical control of complex language. (C) Only very occasional errors; majority of sentences are error-free. (I2)

1. Has a good command of a broad vocabulary (C) sufficient to convey precise meanings. (I) 2. Includes collocations and less common lexical items. (Ca) 3. Produces rare errors in word choice, spelling and / or word formation. (I)

1. Academic register and tone appropriate and consistent. 2. Clearly quotes / paraphrases/ summarises throughout. 3. References and citations are generally clear; there may be occasional minor errors in formatting either in-text or end of text. Marks for C1 band: 14, 16, 17.5

15.5 marks 14.75 14 70 – 75 - 79%

C1.1 IELTS 7.0 CAE

1. Clear, well-structured writing, linking ideas into coherent text. (C) 2. Paragraphing, introduction, conclusion and topic sentences largely logical/ effective. (I2) 3. Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately, although there may be some under-/ over-use. (I)

1. Uses a variety of complex structures and sentence forms. (I) 2. Maintains a high degree of grammatical control in writing (C) Produces frequent error-free sentences. (I) Errors do not impede understanding.

1. Has a good command of a broad vocabulary (C) sufficient to allow some flexibility and precision. (I) 2. Uses less common and academic lexis appropriately (Ca) with some awareness of appropriate collocation. (I) 3. May produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling and / or word formation. (I)

13.5 marks 12.75 12 60 – 65 - 69%

B2.2 IELTS 6.5 TRINITY ISE II DISTINCTION

1. Demonstrates very good understanding of key concepts that are relevant to the title. 2. All aspects of task are addressed though some parts may be more fully covered. (I) 3. Inclusion of mostly relevant and reliable sources, evidence of ability to evaluate and synthesise points. 4. Highlights main points, with most points supported, though some supporting information may be inappropriate, irrelevant or repetitive. (I) 5. Where relevant to the task, presents a relevant position, though may lack clear and consistent reasoning in parts. (I2)

1. Information and ideas arranged coherently with clear overall progression. (I) 2. Paragraphing, introduction, conclusion and topic sentences are present, but may be ineffective in places. (I2) 3. Uses a variety of linking words efficiently to mark clearly the relationships between ideas, (C) but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical. (I)

1. Uses a range of grammatical structures appropriate to the task so as to avoid conspicuous repetition. (I2) 2. Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences. 3. Maintains good grammatical control, (C) Produces some error-free sentences. Errors rarely impede understanding. (I2)

1. Uses a range of vocabulary appropriate to the task so as to avoid conspicuous repetition. (I2) 2. Uses less common and academic vocabulary but with some inaccuracy. (I) 3. May produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling and / or word formation, but they do not impede comprehension. (I)

1. Clear awareness of academic register and tone, but may be some inconsistencies. 2. Uses paraphrase / summary and /or direct quotation with only minor errors / inconsistencies. 3. Citations included but may lack accuracy / clarity. References provided but there may be omissions / inappropriate inclusions.

11.5 marks 10.75 10 50 – 55 - 59%

B2. 1.2 IELTS 6 Trinity ISE II MERIT

1. Demonstrates good understanding of the key concepts that are relevant to the title. 2. Most aspects of task are addressed although some parts may be only covered minimally. (I2) 3. A fair range of source material consulted. Able to use knowledge to construct basic arguments relating to key issues and attempts to evaluate them. 4. Presents some main points, though may lack some support or include irrelevant details. (T) 5. Where relevant to the task, presents a relevant position, but may lack clear and consistent reasoning and conclusions. (I2) The 40 – 49% and 50 – 59% bands are differentiated by the level of understanding of key issues and concepts evidenced in the essay. 1. Demonstrates a general understanding of the key concepts that are relevant to the title. Some attempt is made to explain or explore key points or debate within the subject area. 3. Some evidence of reading of relevant sources. Marks for B2 band: 8, 10, 11.5

1. Clear presentation and logical development of most ideas and arguments. (I2) 2. Paragraphing is present, but may not be logical/ effective. (I2) 3. Some use of cohesive devices, (T) but cohesion within and/ or between sentences may be repetitive / faulty.

1. Uses a range of grammatical structures appropriate to the task, though may be some repetition. (I2) 2. Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences. (I) 3. Makes errors in grammar/ punctuation, but these rarely impede understanding. (I)

1. Uses a range of vocabulary appropriate to the task, though may be some repetition. (I2) 2. Attempts to use less common/academic vocabulary, but with some inaccuracy. (I) 3. Produces some errors in spelling and / or word formation, but these rarely impede understanding. (I)

1. Awareness of academic register and tone evident, though inconsistencies are present. 2. Paraphrases /summarises relevant content points, though with errors or instances of ‘lifting’. 3. Referencing and citation attempted, but with omissions/ inaccuracy / inappropriate inclusions. Marks for B2 band: 8, 10, 11.5

9.5 marks 8.75 8 40 – 45 - 49%

B2.1.1 IELTS 5.5 Trinity ISE II PASS FCE

1. Links points into a clear, well- organised text, though may not always do this smoothly. (C) 2. Awareness of the need for structure, but may be only partially achieved. There may be inconsistent paragraphing. (T) 3. Attempts to use cohesive devices, although may be some inconsistent/ faulty use of cohesive devices. (T) May be repetitive due to lack of referencing or substitution. (I)

1. Uses an adequate range of structures for the task, though some conspicuous repetition. (I2) 2. Some use of complex sentences, but these tend to be less accurate than simple sentences. (I) 3. Some errors in grammar / punctuation, which cause some difficulty for the reader. (I)

1. Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task (I), though some conspicuous repetition. 2. Attempts to use less common/ academic vocabulary, but with some inaccuracy. (I) 3. Makes some errors in spelling and /or word formation which cause some difficulty for the reader. (I)

7.5 marks 6.75 6 30 – 35 - 39%

B1.2 IELTS 5

1. Demonstrates little or confused understanding of the concepts relevant to the title. 2. Addresses the task only partially. (I) 3. Sources included may be limited or of limited reliability. Very little analysis attempted. 4. Presents but inadequately covers main points; there may be a tendency to focus on details. (I2) Significant inclusion of irrelevant content. 5. Where relevant to the task, expresses a position in parts, but not always clear. (I)

1. Student presents information with some organisation but there may be a lack of overall progression. (I) 2. Paragraphs, introduction and conclusion used but largely inadequate. Topic sentences may be ineffective or non-existent.(I2) 3. Cohesive devices may be inadequate, inaccurate or over- used. (I)

1. Uses only a limited range of structures (I) or the range and accuracy of structures used is inconsistent throughout the essay. (I2) 2. Attempts complex sentences but with inaccuracy. (I) 3. Frequent errors in grammar / punctuation, which cause difficulty for the reader. (I)

1. Has a sufficient, but limited range of language; minimally appropriate for the task (I), or the range and accuracy of language used is inconsistent throughout the essay. (I2) 2. Attempt to use some less common / academic vocabulary, but reliant on more common items. (I2) 3. Makes noticeable errors in spelling and /or word formation which cause some difficulty for the reader. (I)

1. Register and tone may be variable and sometimes inappropriate. 2. Some attempt to include paraphrase/ summary but largely unsuccessful with weak paraphrasing and significant lifts occurring. 3. References may be missing or with significant errors either / both in-text and end of text.

5.5 marks 4.75 4 20 – 25 - 29%

B1.1.2 IELTS 4.5

1. Demonstrates very little understanding of the main concepts that are relevant to the title. 2. Responds to the task only in a minimal way or the answer is tangential. (I) Content is largely irrelevant. (I2) 3. No or very limited sources used. Little or no analysis. 4. Presents some main ideas but these are difficult to identify and may be repetitive, irrelevant or not well supported. (I) 5. Where required by the task, a position is largely unclear. (I2)

1. Information and ideas presented are not arranged coherently and there is no clear progression in the response. (I) 2. Introduction, conclusion and topic sentences extremely vague/non-existent.(I2) 3. Links a series of short phrases into a connected, sequence of points, (C) but cohesive devices may be missing, repetitive or inaccurate.

1. Uses only a very limited range of structures and sentence forms. (I) 2. Some structures are accurate, but errors predominate. (I)

1. Uses only basic vocabulary, which may be used repetitively or inappropriately. (I) 2. Limited control of word choice, spelling and/or formation, causing strain for the reader. (I)

1. Limited evidence of awareness of register and tone. 2. Limited evidence of ability to paraphrase / summarise, the majority is lifted. 3. References may be missing or with significant, repeated errors either / both in-text and end of text.

3.5 marks 2.75 2 10 – 15 - 19%

B1.1.1 IELTS 4

1. Demonstrates no understanding of the main concepts that are relevant to the title. 2. Student fails to address task which may have been completely misunderstood. (I) Content is largely irrelevant. (I2) 3. No sources used. No analysis or evaluation attempted. 4. Predominantly limited ideas presented and largely irrelevant/repetitive. (I2) Lacking in justification or explanation of ideas. (C) 5. Where required by the task, a position is missing or unclear. (I)

1. Fails to organise information and ideas logically or coherently. (I) 2. No clear introduction, conclusion or topics sentences provided. (I2) 3. Cohesive devices may be limited and inaccurate. Uses only the most basic connecting words (for example, “first”, “then”, “after”, “later”). (C)

1. Relies on basic structures. (C) 2. Errors in grammar / punctuation are frequent and distort the meaning of the text. (I)

1. Vocabulary is limited to familiar everyday situations and topics (C) and may be inadequate for the task. (I)

1. Little awareness of register and/or tone evident. (I2) 2. Lacks in all aspects of academic style- unacceptable as a piece of academic writing. (I2)

0 - 1.5 mark 0 – 9%

A2 IELTS under band 4

Response is barely related to task with no position or development clear. (I) Not relevant to the title. There is no evidence of academic content. No analysis or evaluation attempted.

Very little control over organisational features is demonstrated. (I) Links ideas with very basic connectors, such as "and”, "but" and "because”. (C)

Grammar level is very basic. (I) Uses correctly simple structures accurately, but often makes basic mistakes – for example mixing up tenses and forgetting to use the right endings. (C) Grammar level is very basic. (I)

Has enough vocabulary to communicate only in simple everyday situations. (C) Uses basic vocabulary only with an extremely limited range being employed. (I)

Lacks in all aspects of academic style- unacceptable as a piece of academic writing. (I2)

Highlighted descriptors indicate a threshold – you must meet these level descriptors in order to be awarded marks from a higher band.