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2

3

4

5

6

Class

Grade

Relevance

Knowledge and sources

Analysis

Argument and Structure

Independence of thought

Written presentation

Class 1

> 70%

Directly relevant to the title; able to address also the implications, assumptions and nuances of the title

Makes effective use of an excellent knowledge and thorough understanding of a wide range of appropriate sources

A very good analysis of the evidence and arguments in the course under consideration, resulting in clear and illuminating conclusions

Coherent and clearly structured, making creative use of an appropriate and well developed mode of argument and/or theoretical model(s)

Distinctive work showing independent thought and critical engagement with alternative views

A very well-written answer with standard spelling, grammar and syntax, in a lucid and resourceful style, and with appropriate scholarly apparatus

Class 2/I

60-69.99%

Directly relevant to the title

Effective use and understanding of a range of appropriate sources

Good analysis, clear and orderly

Generally coherent and clearly structured, using an appropriate and developed mode of argument and/or theoretical model(s)

May contain some distinctive or independent thinking; may begin to formulate an independent critical position

Well-written, with standard spelling, grammar and syntax, in a readable style with acceptable scholarly apparatus

Class 2/ii

50-59.99%

Addresses the title; may drift away from the question or theme of the title in less focused passages

Adequate knowledge of a fair range of sources, with some evidence of an appreciation of their significance

Attempt analytical treatment, but may be prone to description, or to narrative, which lacks clear analytical purpose

Attempts to construct a coherent argument, but may suffer loss of focus and consistency, with issues stated vaguely, or theoretical model(s) couched in simplistic terms

Sound work which expresses a personal position only in broad terms and in uncritical conformity to one or more standard views of the topic

Competently written, with only minor lapses from standard syntax, grammar and spelling, with acceptable scholarly apparatus

Class 3

40-49.99%

Some significant degree of irrelevance to the title is common

Basic understanding of a limited range of sources

Largely descriptive or narrative, with little evidence of analytical skill

A basic argument may be evident, but it tends to be supported only by an assertion and to lack clarity, coherence and development

Largely derivative; no critical view is adequately formulated

Rather poorly written, with significant deficiencies in expression, scholarly or scholarly apparatus that pose obstacles for the reader

Fail

Answer/
discussion is substantially irrelevant.

Lacks basic elements required for adequate understanding of the topic.

Inadequate and often inaccurate description and paraphrase.  No sustained analytical treatment of relevant material.

Little evidence of coherent overall argument or structure.

No evidence of independent engagement with question/title; cursory paraphrase or quotation of others

Significantly garbled and negligently presented.  Scholarly apparatus lacking.