Posted: May 25th, 2015
Research Essay Marking Criteria and Advice
‘Argument and Structure’ and ‘Scope and Depth of Treatment’ are considered more important than ‘Presentation’ (which is still important). Generally, the first two headings will be of roughly equal importance and each weight about twice as heavily as ‘Presentation’ in the determination of your overall result.
MARKING CRITERIA
What the Assessor will be looking for when marking this assignment | ||
Argument and Structure | ||
Topic Definition | Is the topic well defined and justified? | |
Argument/Analysis | Is there logical and coherent development of the argument/analysis? | |
Evidence | Is the evidence relevant to the thesis and argument? | |
Conclusion | Does it Draw the essay together, linking, the thesis, argument and evidence? | |
Scope And Depth Of Treatment | ||
Bibliography | Is it of high quality showing evidence of wide research, extending well beyond the sources provided in subject materials? |
|
Utilisation of Sources | Are sources are cleverly used to support the thesis and argument? Is there constant incorporation of primary sources? | |
Originality | Is there original and creative synthesis of materials? | |
Comprehension of the Unit Material | Does the essay display a clear understanding of the issues involved? | |
Presentation | ||
Language and writing style | Is the essay fluent and literate? | |
Proof-reading, Spelling, grammar and paragraphing | Is this of a high standard? | |
Reference System | Is there excellent support for the text and does the referencing conform exactly to recommended style? | |
Length | Is the essay within set limits? |
Note: The Study support website provides some very helpful advice and tools to address the marking criteria.
A word on sources.
The aim of a research essay is to go beyond the reading guide, and as such you are required to use your library skills to find readings on and outside the list. Essays that rely on only a few sources will lose marks. It is vital to reference throughout your essay; that is, the sources for ALL your ideas and information, in addition to quotations. This is crucial in order to assess the quality of your work.
Place an order in 3 easy steps. Takes less than 5 mins.