Marking Criteria

In the SMLC, some of your work may be assessed numerically using all points on a 0-100 scale. This approach to marking is used for multiple-choice exams or other assessments that require several short answers. It is most common in language exams with grammar or comprehension exercises.

Many of your assignments will, however, be marked against a 20-point marking scale and using a set of marking criteria appropriate to the assessment type. The use of the 20-point marking scale reflects the fact that there is no single “correct” answer. Your grade also reflects your overall proficiency across several key areas:

For culture assignments, these criteria are: argumentation and structure; analysis and depth of knowledge; critical thinking and originality; academic research, engagement, and practice; communication and presentation.
For participation, the criteria are: quality of contributions; critical thinking; argumentation; collaborative engagement.
For language modules, the criteria are: language; content; clarity and coherence (in written work); oral delivery (in oral presentations and exams). There are different marking criteria for each level of study.
For translations produced for "Translation and Transcultural Studies" modules, these criteria are: accuracy in the comprehension and rendering of the source text (ST); response to the translation brief or requirements of the translational task; sensitivity to ST nuance and register; linguistic creativity and problem-solving in response to the translation challenges of the ST; use of the target language (TL), including mastery of specialist language or expression and observance of spelling and grammar conventions; coherence and cohesion of the target text (TT); standard of presentation.

In your classes, your tutor will explain how these criteria are applied in the case of specific assessments and exams. When setting coursework, tutors will use the assignment brief to clarify which of the categories above are most relevant to your work and if any do not apply.

Across all assessment kinds, the listed criteria include lower-order skills like showing knowledge and comprehension that you have developed at school. It also includes higher-order skills, which are the more complex cognitive processes that we expect you to have progressively refined by your final year. The higher-order skills may therefore have a particularly strong bearing on your overall mark.

A full list of our marking criteria is available below. These marking criteria explain what your tutors will be looking for when they assess your work. You should consult them when you begin to prepare for your assignments and speak to your tutor if you are unclear about the expectations or how the criteria will be applied. Both they and your personal tutor are available to offer academic guidance during their Student Advice and Feedback Hours, which are listed on their personal pages on the SMLC website. After your receive your grade and feedback, the module tutor will be available to discuss your grade in more detail.

Information for students visiting from Europe

Marking equivalents for visiting students (Europe)Link opens in a new window. Use this table to compare marks and levels in your home institution to the SMLC marks and marking criteria.

Language modules

Translation and Transcultural Studies

Culture modules

Information for students visiting from Europe