MARKING CRITERIA | N | P | C | D | HD |
Task Fulfilment (15%) | 0 – 7 | 7.5-8.5 | 9-10 | 10.5-11.5 | 12-15 |
Awareness of purpose and concise discussion of the issue in the introduction Length 600 words (excluding references) |
Little or no evidence of awareness of purpose. Poor discussion of the issue. The assignment may be significantly under or over length. |
Awareness of purpose is discernible, but limited. Limited discussion of issues. Within word limit. |
Awareness of purpose is generally clear and appropriate. Discussion of the issue is mostly adequate. Within word limit. Addresses most elements of the task appropriately. | Awareness of purpose and discussion of issue isclear and appropriate. Within word limit. All aspects of the task are addressed including an effective discussion. There is room for development. | A sophisticated awareness of purpose. Concise discussion of the issue and all aspects of the task are comprehensively addressed. Within word limit. |
Judgement & Argument (25%) | 0-12 | 12.5-14.5 | 15-17 | 17.5-19.5 | 20-25 |
Position and logical progression Critical evaluation principles-based and rules-based standards (at least two advantages and two disadvantages for each) Reference to the Conceptual Framework Degree of support |
Position may be unclear. May lack logical progression and/or accurate interpretation. Poor evaluation of the issues leading to inadequate argument and conclusion. | A position is discernible. Evidence of logical progression. Limited evaluation of the issues. There is some attempt at argument and conclusion, but support is limited. | A position is presented, developed and supported. Evaluation of the issues is mostly adequate. Argument and conclusion are developed with some support but there may be inconsistencies. | Logical progression from a clear position to a critical stance in the evaluation of the issues drawing upon relevant support. Argument and conclusions are persuasive and engaging. | A clear, well-integrated position is evidentthroughout. There is thorough critical evaluation of the issues leading to logical, well-supported and convincing argument and conclusions. |
Research & Evidence (20%) | 0 – 9.5 | 10-11.5 | 12-13.5 | 14-15.5 | 16-20 |
Selection of relevant academic texts (minimum 3 academic journal articles) Integration of sources Citing and referencing |
Little or no evidence of relevant research and/or poor use and acknowledgement of sources. Texts selected may be inappropriate and/or poorly integrated, and cited. Referencing may be uniformly poor. | Evidence of basic research, but some sources may be inappropriate or irrelevant. Use of readings to support position may be variable. Citing and referencing is attempted, but may be faulty. |
Academic sources are used appropriately to support position but they may be limited in scope and quality. Some errors in citing and referencing may persist. |
Well selected texts and evidence of wide reading. Clear engagement with academic sources which are well-utilised to support position. Citing and referencing is generally appropriate and accurate. | Clear evidence of a wide variety of quality academic reading. Skilful engagement and deployment of sources to enrich discussion and evaluation. Accurate citing and referencing. |
Clarity & Structure of Communication (15%) | 0 – 7 | 7.5-8.5 | 9-10 | 10.5-11.5 | 12-15 |
Balance and cohesion Written expression |
Essay structure is poor. Paragraphs are poorly organised and linked. There are numerous errors and inaccuracies in written expression. | Essay contains essential elements; however organisation and linking may be weak. Written expression may be inconsistent and inaccurate in parts. | Essay contains essential elements; paragraphs are fairly organised and linked. Written expression is generally adequate and appropriate. | Essay contains essential elements; paragraphs are well-linked and balanced. Written expression is well-controlled for accuracy and concision with only occasional error. | Essay contains essential elements; each paragraph is very well-linked and balanced. Idea is clearly organised and expressed in concise, accurate and engaging language. |