Assignment 1 marking guide
Criteria No Pass Pass
50–59% Credit
60–69% Distinction
70–79% High Distinction
80–100%
Research:
Displays depth of research through the use of a variety of sources.
Sources are relevant to the chosen topic.
(25%)
Did not meet criterion.
Essay demonstrates the use of a limited number and variety of researched sources.
Some of the research sources are relevant to the chosen topic.
Essay demonstrates the use of increasing number and variety of researched sources.
Most of the research sources used are relevant to the chosen topic.
Essay demonstrates the use of several varied researched sources.
The majority of the research sources used are relevant to the chosen topic.
Essay demonstrates the use of many highly varied researched source.
All of the research sources are highly relevant to the chosen topic.
Content:
The key issues and concepts of the topic have been identified.
Appropriate discussion of key issues and concepts of the topic have been provided.
Appropriate and logical construction of argument.
Logical and valid conclusion expressing a clear opinion and answers the research essay question.
(40%)
Did not meet criterion.
Identifies some of the key issues and concepts relevant to the chosen research topic broadly, but is somewhat unclear.
Essay highlights a good but limited discussion of key issues and concepts of the topic provided.
Essay is somewhat organised with a developing ability to logical construct an argument.
Conclusion expresses an opinion but is somewhat unclear in answering the research essay topic.
Identifies most of key issues and concepts relevant to chosen research topic that provides adequate direction for essay.
Essay highlights a sound discussion of key issues and concepts of the topic provided.
Essay is adequately organised. Argument constructed and arranged reasonably well, with a progression of thought throughout the essay.
Conclusion expresses an opinion and generally answers the research essay topic.
Identifies the majority of key issues and concepts relevant to the chosen research topic, which provides clear direction for the essay.
Essay highlights an excellent and informed discussion of key issues and concepts of the topic provided.
Essay is effectively organised. Argument is constructed and arranged logically with a good progression and linking of thought throughout the essay’s position.
Conclusion clearly expresses an opinion and answers the research essay topic well.
Identifies all of the key issues and concepts relevant to the chosen research topic that provides clear direction for the essay that is engaging.
Essay highlights an outstanding, in-depth and informed discussion of key issues and concepts of the topic provided.
Essay is extremely well organised. Argument is constructed and arranged logically, with a strong progression of thought throughout the essay, from paragraph to paragraph, connecting to the essay’s central position.
Conclusion expresses a concise, informed and strong opinion that clearly answers the research essay question.
Citation and referencing:
In-text citations are clear and accurate, providing evidence of research in the discussion.
References have been provided in relevant sections of the essay.
Reference list is adequate and matches all in-text citations and referencing.
(20%)
Did not meet criterion.
Some text citations are clear and accurate, providing evidence of research in the discussion.
References have been provided in relevant sections of the essay occasionally.
Reference list is adequate, however, matches in-text citations and referencing with several omissions.
Most text citations are clear and accurate, providing evidence of research in the discussion.
References have been provided in relevant sections of the essay generally.
Reference list is a good and matches in-text citations and referencing, with some omissions.
Majority of in-text citations are clear and accurate, providing evidence of research in the discussion.
References have been provided in relevant sections of the essay frequently.
Reference list is very good and matches in-text citations and referencing, with few omissions.
All in-text citations are clear and accurate, providing evidence of research in the discussion.
References have been provided in relevant sections of the essay entirely consistent and correct.
Reference list is excellent and matches all in-text citations and referencing, with little or no omissions and/or errors.
Presentation:
Spelling and grammar is of appropriate standard.
Word limit has been adhered to.
Page numbers have been included.
Appropriate use of font and font size, spacing throughout is consistent.
Essay submitted on time.
(15%)
Did not meet criterion.
Essay shows an average and/or casual writing style, using standard English. Essay is within the word limit, however, contains several noticeable errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage and/or formatting.
Essay shows an average and/or casual writing style, using standard English. Essay is within the word limit, with some errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, usage and/or formatting.
Essay is written well with above average writing style and clarity, using standard English. Essay is within the word limit with minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage and/or formatting.
Essay is extremely well written. Paper shows above average writing style and clarity in writing, using standard English. Essay is within the word limit and is characterised by elements of a strong writing style. Mostly free from grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage and/or formatting errors.