Mark Scheme for Essays
For more detail on the mark scheme and marking process please see the "assessment in second and final year" page.
First Class (74+)
- Persuasive and direct answer to the question, establishing the wider significance of the issues concerned.
- Comprehensive coverage of the relevant material; accuracy in the details.
- A direct and coherent argument, well supported by relevant evidence.
- Critical analysis of relevant concepts, theoretical or historiographical perspectives or methodological issues.
- Fluent and engaging writing style; persuasive presentation and structuring of arguments.
- Work which, in addition, displays evidence of creativity, originality, sophistication and freshness of arguments will be awarded marks of 75+
Upper Second (62-68)
- Direct answer to the question, establishing the wider significance of the issues concerned.
- Adequate coverage of the relevant material, accuracy in the details.
- Skilful mobilisation of evidence in relation to the argument being presented.
- Narrative and description taking second place to analysis.
- Competent manipulation of relevant concepts, theoretical or historiographical perspectives or methodological issues.
- Fluent writing style; effective presentation and structuring of arguments.
Lower Second (52-58)
- Basically satisfactory answer to the question.
- Limited coverage of relevant material; some inaccuracy in the detail.
- Some attempt to mobilise evidence in relation to the argument being presented.
- Analysis taking second place to narrative and description.
- Limited understanding of relevant concepts, theoretical or historiographical perspectives or methodological issues.
- Adequate writing style, presentation and structuring of arguments.
Third (42-48)
- Barely satisfactory answer to the question.
- Inadequate coverage of relevant material; major inaccuracies in the detail.
- No understanding of relevant concepts, theoretical or historiographical perspectives or methodological issues.
- Poor presentation and structuring of arguments.
Fail (less than 40)
- One or more of the following:
- Serious misunderstanding of the question
- Failure to provide any answer to the question
- Failure to show knowledge of relevant material
- Seriously muddled presentation and structuring of arguments