Mark Scheme for Essays

For more detail on the mark scheme and marking process please see the "assessment in second and final year" page.

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+

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.

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.

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.