UG Marking Criteria - Essay, Critical Anaylsis, Literature Survey Grade Descriptors

Class

Mark

Marking guidelines

First

1) Narrative is both logical and coherent

2) Deep understanding of appropriate sources

3) Material well-selected and highly relevant, going beyond basic or ‘core’ materials

4) Strong evidence of original critical reflection and an analytical approach

Excellent First

100

Assignment reaches an exceptional level of achievement that significantly exceeds the standards described by the above statements

Good First

90

Assignment exceeds the standards described by the above statements

Solid First

80

Assignment is well described by the above statements

Low First

75

Assignment mostly meets the standards described by the above statements

Upper Second

1) Narrative is mostly logical and coherent

2) Good understanding of appropriate sources

3) Material well-selected and relevant for the most part    

4) Some evidence of original critical reflection and an analytical approach

Good 2.1

68

Assignment exceeds the standards described by the above statements but does not meet the standards for a first class mark

Solid 2.1

65

Assignment is well described by the above statements

Low 2.1

62

Assignment mostly meets the standards described by the above statements

Lower Second

1) Broadly logical and coherent narrative, but showing signs of structure breaking down

2) Clear understanding of appropriate sources, but somewhat superficial in scope

3) Material broadly relevant, but with evidence of irrelevant text    

4) Superficial evidence of original critical reflection and an analytical approach

Good 2.2

58

Assignment exceeds the standards described by the above statements but does not meet the standards for an upper second class mark

Solid 2.2

55

Assignment is well described by the above statements

Low 2.2

52

Assignment mostly meets the standards described by the above statements

Third

1) Narrative suffers from illogical or incoherent passages

2) Limited understanding of appropriate sources

3) Material relevant in parts, but irrelevant text also present throughout    

4) Evidence of original critical reflection is lacking

Good Third

48

Assignment exceeds the standards described by the above statements but does not meet the standards for a second class mark

Solid Third

45

Assignment is well described by the above statements

Low Third

42

Assignment falls below the standards described by the above statements

Fail

1) A minimally logical narrative, with incoherent structure throughout

2) No evidence that appropriate sources were understood

3) Material is almost entirely irrelevant to the topic

High Marginal Fail

38

Assignment exceeds the standards described by the above statements but does not meet the standards for a pass mark

Low Marginal Fail

32

Assignment is well described by the above statements

Outright Fail

10

Assignment falls below the standards described by the above statements

Zero Marks

0

1) No psychology-related content.