Fail: (Below 50%) Work not of acceptable standard

Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

Pass: (50%-64%) Work of acceptable standard

Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.

Credit: (65%-74%) Highly competent work demonstrating potential for higher study

Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.

Distinction: (75%-84%) Work of superior standard

Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.

High Distinction: (85%-100%) Work of exceptional standard

Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.

Content

• Shows evidence of broad research, taking into account a variety of sources
• Clear argument, supported by relevant reasons and evidence
• Shows evidence of critical thinking about the topic, including:
  • Considers alternative views (where appropriate)
  • Where appropriate, questions assumptions implicit in the literature
  • Draws meaningful connections between facts and / or concepts
• Uses terminology accurately and appropriately

Delivery

• Is clearly expressed and interesting
• Makes appropriate use of examples and presentation methods relevant to the material presented (e.g. slideshow, sound or video clips where relevant)
• Covers the topic effectively in the available time (and does not exceed this)