GENERAL GUIDE ON ESSAY MARKING: In general, the broad components of assessment and feedback relate to two complementary issues:

1. Content understanding the topic or problem set, and 2. Communication of that understanding Content: General points to consider include: o Links between theory and empirical examples. o Range and appropriateness of the examples used to illustrate general points. o The way in which points are linked together to develop logical and consistent arguments, merely constitute a loose set of unrelated issues or are vague and waffly. o Factual accuracy are dates and locations correct, are related data consistent. Communication: In particular o Is the overall structure clear? o Is there an introduction, body and conclusion? o Clarity and conciseness of expression, writing style. o The way in which and extent to which tables and figures are linked with the text. o References are these complete and used correctly? See the Style Guide for preferred style and conventions. Grades: A+ and A Demonstrate mastery of the topic, are tightly focused on the topic set and show depth of understanding, contain some evidence of original thinking, are well-structured, clearly written and a pleasure to read. B+, B and BOften show evidence of hard work and a good understanding of the topic but lack sparkle, insight or imagination; not all parts of the topic may have been developed fully, the essay might be better structured and may be a fairly solid read or suffer occasional stylistic lapses. The extent to which they exhibit these different characteristics will determine their place within the B range. C+ and C Demonstrate the basics but are thin on substance and/or argument, usually poorly focused, lack structure, or suffer from problems of expression. D and E Will exhibit some or all of the following attributes: show little or no understanding of the topic, be off the topic, be overly short or overly long, contain a large number of factual errors, be poorly written or lack structure.