use the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist to critically evaluate one paper

MARKING CRITERIA

High Distinction (85 – 100)

Distinction (75-84)

Credit (65 – 74)

Pass (50 – 64)

F (0 – 49)

Expression

Outstanding command of expression and logical argument in a skilfully structured essay.

The essay is well written, logically argued, and generally well structured.

Generally competently written, although some problems exist in the logical organisation of the text and the way it is expressed.

The work is not well written and shows flaws in the structuring of logical arguments.

The work is very poorly written and shows a serious inability to structure and present a logical argument.

Integration of knowledge

Superior evaluation and integration of existing literature, with arguments congruent with and linked to conclusions in the essay.

The evaluation and integration of existing literature is very sound without being outstanding; arguments support conclusions in the essay.

Provides an adequate coverage of the literature, although it tends to be more descriptive than evaluative, and arguments are often disjointed with limited relevance to essay conclusions

Coverage of the necessary literature is weak, with insufficient information provided to support the arguments made, or conclusions drawn within the essay.

Coverage of the necessary literature is inadequate, with little information provided relevant to the claims made, or conclusions drawn, within the essay.

Topic focus

The topic is appropriately focused. There is a clear and compelling direction for the essay.

The topic is appropriately focused with the general direction clear.

The topic is focused but lacks direction.

The topic is not adequately focused for the scope of the essay.

The topic is not clearly defined and/or unclear or confusing. There is little or no direction to the essay.

Depth of Discussion

In-depth discussion & elaboration in all sections of the essay.

In-depth discussion & elaboration in most sections of the essay.

In-depth discussion & elaboration in some sections of the essay.

The writer has omitted pertinent content or content runs-on excessively. Quotations from others outweigh the writer’s own ideas excessively.

Cursory discussion in all the sections of the essay or brief discussion in only a few sections or consisting of general and/or undeveloped ideas.

Cohesiveness

Elegantly ties together information from all sources. Narrative flows clearly from one issue to the next. Author’s writing demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.

Ties together information from all sources. Narrative flows clearly from one issue to the next. Author’s writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.

For the most part, ties together information from all sources. Essay flows with only some disjointedness. Author's writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.

Sometimes ties together information from all sources. Essay does not flow - disjointedness is apparent. Author's writing does not demonstrate an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.

Does not tie together information. Essay does not flow and appears to be created from disparate issues. Writing does not demonstrate understanding any relationships.

Critical awareness of strengths and limitations

Critical and nuanced insight into the strengths and limitations of the argument and content of the essay. Potential weaknesses acknowledged with strong recommendations for how these may be addressed. Excellent consideration of competing explanations and rationales.

Good insights into the strengths and limitations of the argument and content of the essay. Some weaknesses acknowledged with sound recommendations for how these may be addressed. Good consideration of competing explanations and rationales.

Satisfactory insight into some strengths and limitations of the argument and content of the essay. Weaknesses acknowledged, with adequate but limited recommendation on how these may be addressed. Some limited consideration of competing explanations and rationales

Limited insight into some strengths and limitations of the argument and content of the essay. Weaknesses are cursorily acknowledged, with inappropriate recommendation on how these may be addressed. Inadequate consideration of competing explanations and rationales.

Absent or misguided insight into strengths and limitations of the argument and content of the essay. Weaknesses are not acknowledged, with no recommendation for how these may be addressed. Absent or inappropriate consideration of competing explanations and rationales.

Citations

Cites all data obtained from other sources.

Cites all data obtained from other sources.

Cites most data obtained from other sources. Appropriate citation style is used in both text and bibliography.

Cites some data obtained from other sources. Citation style is inconsistent or incorrect.

Does not cite sources. Citation style is incorrect or inappropriate.