8/7/2019 Marking Scheme for Research Essays

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Marking Scheme for Research Essays

Fail Pass Credit Distinction High Distinction

Introduction (20

marks)

Limited understanding of the

question

Little or no indication of 

how the argument willproceed in stages in the

body of the essay

Some understanding of the

question.

An adequate statement of how

the argument will progress inthe body of the essay, but tends

to be simple for this level of 

study

Accurate understanding of the

question

A clear statement that

outlines the argument made,although greater complexity

and depth of thought could

be demonstrated,

Clear and detailed

understanding of the

question,

A clear statement that

outlines the argument made,and demonstrates that the

writer has an awareness of 

the complexity of the topic.

Clear, detailed and thorough

understanding of the

question.

A clear statement that outlines

the argument made, anddemonstrates that the writer has

mastered the complexity of the

topic

Body of Essay (30

marks)

Illogical or rambling

development of argument,

with little to no

relationship between

points.

Fair development of 

argument, in which the

various sections of the

essay fit together in some

way to make an answer 

Adequate development of 

argument, in which the

various sections of the body

fit together to answer the

question

Good development of 

argument, in which the

various sections of the

body clearly and

persuasively fit together 

to answer the question.

Pronounced ability in

development and depth of 

argument, in which the

various sections of the body

clearly and persuasively fit

together to answer the

question

Quality of 

references (both

primary and

secondary) (20

marks)

Less than 2 non-internettexts used per 1,000

words. No evidence of 

having interacted with the

supplied bibliography

At least 2 non-internettexts used per 1,000 words

with some evidence of 

having interacted with the

supplied bibliography.

At least 4 non-internet textsused per 1,000 words with

evidence that they have used

bibliography, and also done

further research in library.

5 + non-internet texts per 

1000 words with clear 

evidence that

bibliography has been

consulted, plus library

research (incl. journals)

7+ non-internet texts per 

1,000 words, with clear 

evidence of comprehensive

research on the topic using

bibliography, library books,

and journals

Use of evidence &resources inc

critical evaluation,analysis (20 marks)

Inadequate use of sources

to support the argument

with some of the content

not relevant. Poorly

summarizes information

and unclear comment onthe significance of 

different forms of 

evidence.

Sources and evidence

could be better used to

support the argument – 

most are relevant, but

sometimes not.

Demonstrates an ability to

synthesise relevant key

arguments, weigh upevidence and explain the

relationship between

different forms of 

evidence. Little to no

interaction with alternative

positions on the issue.

Solid use of sources and

evidence to support the

argument – nearly all are

relevant in some way.

Demonstrates an ability to

synthesise relevant key

arguments, to weigh up

evidence to justify their argument, and explain the

relationship between

different forms of evidence.

Limited interaction with any

alternative positions on the

issue.

Sources and evidence

soundly used to support

the argument – high

levels of relevance for 

nearly all material.

Demonstrates a thorough

and accurate knowledge

of the subject, tocritically analyse,

assess,and reflect upon

the evidence. Good

knowledge of any

alternative positions to

the one they endorse.

Sources are cleverly used to

support the thesis and

argument in ways that are

relevant to the thesis and

argument. Demonstrates a

thorough and accurate

knowledge of the subject, an

ability to identify key issuesin a debate and critically

analyse, assess, reflect upon

the evidence. Excellent

knowledge of any

alternative positions to the

one they endorse.

8/7/2019 Marking Scheme for Research Essays

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Marking Scheme for Research Essays

Fail Pass Credit Distinction High Distinction

Format (10 marks)

No bibliography,

No page numbers

No name/number on each

page

Inadequate & inconsistent

referencing (i.e not

following the referencing

conventions of Wesley)

Single line spacing

Word count (+/- 20%)

Less than 12-point font

One of the following is

missing:

Bibliography

Page numbers

Name/number on each

page

In addition

Inconsistent referencing

(i.e not following the

referencing conventions of 

Wesley)

1.5 line spacing

Word count (+/– 15%)

Less than 12 point font

One of the following is

missing:

bibliography

page numbers

name/number on each page

In addition

Some inconsistency in

referencing (i.e not

completely following the

referencing conventions of 

Wesley)

Double spaced

Correct Word count (+/– 

10%)

12 point font

Bibliography

Page numbers

Name/number on each

page

Correct & consistent

referencing (with

occasional errors)

Double-spaced

Correct word count (+/– 

10%)

12-point readable font

Bibliography

Page numbers

Name/number on each page

Correct & consistent

referencing

Double-spaced

Correct word count (+/– 

10%)

12-point readable font

FAQ:

What is a non-internet text? A non-internet text is one which has been published in hard copy, either in book or journal form. If you happen to find an

article on the web, through a database like ATLA, this is still a non-internet text, because it has been published in hard copy. Similarly, if you view the

pages of a book in something like Google Books, this is still a non-internet text, because the work has been published in hard copy.

What are the referencing conventions of Wesley? These have been supplied to all Theology students in the Resources for Budding Theologiansbooklet. As a basic rule, Theology students are meant to follow the SBL referencing system. An alternative system is outlined in the general Wesley

Institute Style Manual

, which favours an author-date approach. Whichever method you choose, you should follow the method consistently and correctly.

If you have any problems with referencing, it is your responsibility to seek out the lecturer, before you submit your paper.