Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

(1) The work demonstrates a deep and intelligent understanding of, and individual engagement with material;

(2) presents a very close analysis of focal texts or issues;

(3) addresses a specific issue and develops an independent critical or theoretical argument successfully;

(4) indicates awareness of complexities and qualifications in argumentation;

(5) demonstrates careful thought about the critical, historical and/or theoretical context of the texts or issues;

(6) provides evidence of wide-ranging reading;

(7) is properly referenced and well-presented.

The writing is characterized by creativity, clarity, and independent insight. A High Distinction is distinguished from a Distinction by the work’s demonstration of awareness of subtleties, nuances, qualifications and a possible other case. Work which is awarded a mark of over 90% in Senior level units of study will often contain some publishable or potentially publishable elements.

Distinction

75 - 84

(1) The work demonstrates an intelligent understanding of, and individual engagement with material;

(2) analyzes focal texts or issues appositely;

(3) addresses an issue and presents a well-argued, coherent case;

(4) demonstrates careful thought about the critical, historical and/or theoretical context of the texts or issues;

(5) provides evidence of reading beyond what is strictly required for the task;

(6) is properly referenced and well presented.

The writing is characterized by individuality, clarity, and independent insight. A Distinction is distinguished from a High Credit chiefly by the quality of theoretical understanding and the range of intellectual enquiry it demonstrates.

Credit

65 - 74

70-74% (High Credit)

(1) The work provides evidence of independent reading and thinking about focal texts or issues and their contexts;

(2) shows some clear understanding of relevant critical and theoretical considerations and of the conceptual issues raised by a unit of study;

(3) uses close critical analysis;

(4) avoids summary;

(5) indicates an intelligent attempt at a critical or theoretical argument;

(6) is clearly and effectively written;

(7) is well-referenced.

A High Credit is distinguished from a Low Credit chiefly by the extent of independent discussion of focal texts or issues, and by some obvious attempt to interpret the outcome of close analysis.

65-69% (Low Credit)

(1) The work shows some understanding of relevant critical and theoretical considerations and of the conceptual issues raised by a unit of study;

(2) demonstrates some independent reading and thinking about focal texts or issues and their contexts;

(3) uses close critical analysis;

(4) avoids summary;

(5) attempts a critical or theoretical argument;

(6) is clearly and effectively written;

(7) is adequately referenced.

A Low Credit is distinguished from a High Pass by the extent of independent discussion of focal texts or issues, the clarity of the writing and the extent to which it attempts a more general critical and/or theoretical argument.

Pass

50 - 64

58-64% (High Pass)

(1) The work gives some evidence of ability to attempt an independent argument and to structure material coherently;

(2) demonstrates a genuine attempt at independent reading and thinking about focal texts or issues though the essay may contain some oversimplification or superficiality;

(3) generally avoids summary, paraphrase or unsubstantiated assertion;

(4) may sometimes present quotation for illustrative purposes merely, but does also present the outcome of some critical analysis;

(5) is adequately expressed;

(6) is adequately referenced.

50-57% (Pass)

(1) The work provides clear evidence of having read and thought about focal texts or issues;

(2) attempts a coherent argument though there may be ellipses in argumentation;

(3) uses some close critical analysis;

(4) may paraphrase fairly extensively;

(5) tends to use quotation for illustrative purposes only;

(6) may tend towards generality in answering a question;

(7) may present simplistic comment or unsubstantiated assertions;

(8) is adequately expressed though there may be some weaknesses in this area;

(9) may contain some referencing errors.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

Work may fail for any of the following reasons:

(1) no evidence of having read the prescribed material closely;

(2) sloppy, inconsistent presentation;

(3) preponderance of paraphrase, mere plot summary or listing of superficial characteristics;

(4) excessive use of quotation for illustrative purposes only, without any attempt at analysis;

(5) excessive level of generality in answering a question;

(6) inappropriate or obscure expression;

(7) incoherent general structure;

(8) inadequate referencing;

(9) late submission of work without extension.