1500 words Essay responding to one question

F

no discernible analysis; does not clearly address the question, or does not fully answer the question; no understanding of course materials, readings or assignment

P

shows lack of understanding of unit material and concepts; significant factual and conceptual errors; does not respond directly to the question as set; confuses some significant ideas or does not engage sufficiently with central terms

C

Attempt at offering independent analysis; shows an understanding of the basic ideas and information involved in the assignment; may not fully engage with central terms; may have some factual, interpretive, or conceptual errors

D

clear analysis of factors central to the assignment; good understanding of concepts; goes beyond the obvious; good engagement with central terms; may contain minor conceptual inconsistency

HD

Presents cogent analysis directly responding to the set question; sophisticated interpretive and conceptual approach; insightful ideas often going beyond those presented in the course materials and reading; overall sophistication in both statement and insight

F

Lack of effective structure, no transitions; incoherent paragraphs; lack of clear introduction and conclusion; indicates little or no planning or revision

P

Ineffective structure; simplistic, wanders from one context to another; ineffective introduction / conclusion; illogical arrangement of ideas

C

Partially effective structure for answering the question; some awkward transitions; arrangement may not appear entirely natural; makes attempt at functional introduction and/or conclusion

D

Effective structure; clear introduction and/or conclusion; good use of paragraphs to delineate points; clear transitions between logically arranged paragraphs that are internally cohesive

HD

Very effective structure for answering the question; appropriate, clear and smooth transitions; arrangement of paragraphs seems particularly apt; highly effective statement of analysis in introduction and conclusion

F

Major problems with written expression; numerous grammatical errors and stylistic problems which seriously distract from the argument and / or make meaning unclear

P

Some problems with written expression; some major grammatical or proofreading errors; language marred by clichés, colloquialisms, inexact word choices

C

Good written expression; may contain some unclear or awkward sentences; imprecise use of words or over-reliance on passive voice; one or two major grammatical errors

D

Very good written expression; some mechanical difficulties or stylistic problems; may make occasional problematic word choices or awkward syntax errors; a few spelling or punctuation errors or cliché;

HD

Excellent written expression; uses sentences effectively; usually chooses words aptly; observes conventions of written English and manuscript format; makes few if any minor or technical errors

F

uses no references to support points; fails to cite sources or plagiarises; unclear or incorrect referencing style is used

P

Simplistic presentation of ideas as simple narrative or generalisation with little use of sources to support points; insufficient or awkward use of textual evidence; incorrect or mixed referencing style

C

Effort to use sources to support points; some ideas and generalisations unsupported; effort to present quotations appropriately; referencing style may have errors

D

presents clear major points supported with appropriate textual evidence; Effective use of sources and quotations to support points. Correct use of referencing style

HD

well-chosen examples; Very effective use of sources and quotations to support points; Correct use of referencing style; shows evidence of independent research and use of sources outside course materials

Below the word limit

Close to or on the word limit

Above the word limit

Answers question as set

Does not answer question as set