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MARKING CRITERIA
STRUCTURE
REFERENCING
FEEDBACK
EXAMS
The written word is very powerful for communicating ideas, winning grants, being
successful in job applications and joining the workforce that can write carefully,
accurately and good English... Employers will expect Exeter students to perform in this
market place. Good essay writing is an essential transferable skill and coupled with
being a free, independent thinker, should be the product of a University education.
Senior Lecturer
PAGE
CONTENTS
How to interpret the mark scheme
The official mark scheme with added notes 2
Structuring an essay
Planning 4
Writing 5
How to present your essay. 8
Essay writing in exams 9
Example essay planning sheet. 10
How to reference correctly
What counts as extra reading 12
In-text referencing 14
End-of-text referencing 16
Example Using Feedback sheet . 18
Where to find useful information .. 19
Ten top tips!............................................................................ 20 1
HOW TO INTERPRET THE MARK SCHEME
ESSAY MARKING CRITERIA
This originality can take any number of forms, A 1st class essay demonstrates integration
and it is rarely necessary (or possible) to provide and critical analysis of the subject, and an
many examples of this in an essay: one moderate awareness of the scientific or practical I
example would be sufficient to raise a mark from mplications. The foundation of the essay is
high-60s to low-70s, and any essay with two or in-depth analysis of numerous sources which
three good examples will be likely to score very can only be possible through widespread
well. However, it is very hard to score an essay reading and a good understanding of the
without any evidence of originality as a first class. topic
Senior Lecturer
Lecturer
1 90-100 Outstanding. Demonstrates a thorough comprehension of the question's requirements and provides
evidence of insight into associated implications. Integrates a strong selection of relevant examples.
Content is accurate, and shows extensive evidence of relevant outside reading*. Logically organised
and articulate. A good essay tells a story, you dont ever find yourself asking where did that come
from? or how does that link in?
Difficult to recommend improvements given the time available.
80-89 Excellent. Demonstrates a thorough comprehension of the question's requirements and associated
implications. Integrates a strong selection of relevant examples. Content is accurate, and shows some
evidence of relevant outside reading*. You need to demonstrate that you got this extra knowledge
from somewhere so if you can put an authors name or a year (we cant expect you to remember the
whole reference) then it shows youve read beyond the subject. Be careful staff will mention work in
lectures which you may not write down and so when it comes to the exam you just feel you have heard
it somewhere so it must be extra reading when this isnt necessarily the case
2 Logically organised and articulate. Some areas for improvement noticeable.
70-79 Very good. Demonstrates comprehension of the question's requirements and provides evidence of
some insight into associated implications. This is about thinking beyond the basic requirements of the
questions and how it impacts on other areas or situations. This is the difficult bit, its different to just
writing everything you can think ofthere must be a logical link between the question and the original
thought/implication.
Integrates a strong selection of relevant examples. Now it is about using the examples well, not just
including them, you have to show how they back up the point you are making and that you can
understand the link between the example and your argument.. Content is accurate, and may show
evidence of relevant outside reading*. Logically organised and articulate.
2.1 65-69 Good. Demonstrates broad comprehension of the question's requirements. Presents a good selection
of relevant examples. Key here is the word relevant, it is no good sticking in lots of examples if they are
not relevant to the question. Content is accurate. Organisation fairly good.
60-64 Fairly good. Demonstrates comprehension of most of the question's important requirements. Presents
an adequate selection of relevant examples. Content is largely accurate. Content is factually correct
and any mistakes are not fundamental misunderstandings which undermine your understanding
Organisation adequate.
2.2 55-59 Pedestrian. Demonstrates comprehension of some of the question's important requirements.
This usually means a student has written down everything they know hoping that the right answer is in
there somewhere but not really showing they understand what the questions is asking them in any
depth Presents some relevant examples. Some factual inaccuracies. Most common here is a
misunderstanding which leads to a contradiction in your argument i.e you understand some bits but not
others and end up contradicting yourself.
Organisation mostly adequate, with some flaws. Descriptive in approach.
50-54 Weak. Demonstrates comprehension of some of the question's requirements, and presents some
relevant examples. Factually inaccurate. Poorly organised or illogical.
Usually in this area the essay resembles a random stream of consciousness, jumping from one section
to the next with no obvious link. This can mostly be overcome by planning your essay
3 45-49 Poor. Demonstrates some comprehension of the question's requirements. Evidence of some sound
knowledge derived from the module that is relevant to the question, but presentation of examples is
poor, being incomplete or irrelevant in part. Flawed with respect to accuracy and/or organisation.
40-44 Very poor. Demonstrates some comprehension of the question's requirements, but with serious
omissions. Evidence of some knowledge derived from the module that is relevant to the question, but
the examples presented are inadequate. Serious lapses in accuracy and/or organisation.
35-39 Marginal Fail. Demonstrates some comprehension of the question's requirements, but with serious
omissions and factual errors. Evidence of some relevant knowledge, but lacks evidence to show that an
adequate range of the intended learning outcomes of the module that are relevant to the question have
been met.
OR Demonstrates evidence of fairly detailed, module-derived knowledge, but the essay is based on a
relatively minor, identifiable misinterpretation of the question's requirements.
25-34 Clear fail. Demonstrates some comprehension of the question's requirements, but evidence only for a
minimal knowledge of the subject. Little evidence to indicate that any of the intended learning outcomes
of the module that are relevant to the question have been met.
OR
Demonstrates evidence of fairly detailed, module-derived knowledge, but the essay is based on an
identifiable misinterpretation of the question's requirements.
15-24 Poor fail. Little evidence that the question's requirements have been understood and/or relevant
content virtually absent. Virtually no evidence to indicate that any of the intended learning outcomes of
the module have been met.
OR Demonstrates evidence of fairly detailed, module-derived knowledge, but the essay is based on a
major, identifiable misinterpretation of the question's requirements.
1-14 Very poor fail. Virtually no evidence that the question's requirements have been understood and/or
relevant content virtually absent.
0 Complete fail. No evidence that the question's requirements have been understood and no relevant
content.
*Outside reading represents any material used in an essay answer that could not have been derived solely from
attendance at lectures/practicals/tutorials
3
STRUCTURING AN ESSAY
PLANNING
The way I would plan, I would jot down all of the points from lectures which
come under that title and points I would like to cover... The key facts that I
want to get into my essay, the key bits of extra reading, then shuffle them
into an order which is logical
Teaching Fellow
IDEAS
4
WRITING
INTRODUCTION
A great introduction will tell the reader what they need to know to
understand what the main body of the essay is all about.
MAIN BODY
Each paragraph Make it very clear how Make sure your points
should focus on a your point and flow in a logical and
different point under evidence link to the well organised order,
discussion and have essay question. Here allowing your
Its own introductory you need to create discussion and
and concluding your discussion and argument to be clear
sentence. argument. to the reader.
Too often, students forget to see the links within their degree (or even
outside their study) and focus too narrowly on the particular module that
asks the question that needs answering. Linking information from other
modules and the outside world in a logical manner into an essay gives the
impression of a student who understands the implications and
ramifications of a question
Lecturer
5
CONCLUSION
This should be a summary of your argument.
Summarise the main points of your argument, relate them back to the question and show
the answer you have reached.
Senior Lecturer
Example
Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution Theodosius Dobzhansky.
6
Show what we call
Common errors: "originality". This means that
the student has put together
Not arguing a case, but merely putting connections that were not part
forward two sides of an argument of the lectures or directed
without any critical assessment as to the reading.
scientific foundation or validity of either
Professor
Writing the essay without the
appropriate scientific vocabulary, or
using scientific terms inaccurately or
inappropriately. Use counter-arguments: you may
come across evidence or view
Senior Lecturer points that contradict your own
essays view point. If appropriate,
you can explain why your line of
reasoning is more convincing.
Be specific: dont make
sweeping generalisations or
points that are difficult to
support with specific evidence. The essay needs to be
Tie your argument to precise factually correct, well
examples and research. SOME structured, well argued
OTHER TIPS using appropriate
examples to illustrate
A good essay will review general principles, and
a good selection of papers containing original
and critically evaluate the thought
literature. E.g. a great
Lecturer
essay highlights areas of
scientific controversy and
suggests reasons why the Interpret the evidence: explain
data might be equivocal.
how and why the evidence
Independent Research supports your point.
Fellow
7
PRESENTING YOUR ESSAY
At University you will be expected to follow universal essay presentation conventions. Such
conventions will make your work look neater, more professional and will make it
easier for your tutor to mark and read. You should follow the rules outlined below when
formatting your essay.
Times New
Word Roman or
processed Arial font
3cm margins
Font
size 12
Scientific names in italics and italics not used for any other purpose
PLEASE TAKE NOTE: this is a guide only. If your tutor asks you to submit your essay in a
format different to this, please follow their instructions.
8
ESSAYS IN EXAM CONDITIONS
REVISION
Look at past papers and practice writing plans for past or thought up questions.
Put key references into your revision and lecture notes, so that they become linked
to your facts rather than just examples of extra reading that you need to fit into
the essay somewhere.
I tell students that in terms of revising for essays, instead of writing lots of essays,
makes lots of plans on essay titles from past papers
Teaching Fellow
9
EXAMPLE ESSAY PLANNING SHEET
10
Introduction:
Define key ideas:
Paragraphs: Summarise your 5/6 key points and put them into a logical order (it is sometimes useful to
write the opening and closing sentence of each paragraph in your plan first to make sure your essay flows
well from one point to the next)
Conclusion:
Finalise your opinion/main points of the essay:
Implications/significance:
Lecturer
Senior lecturer
I expect virtually each declarative sentence to
be referenced, as would normally be the case in
any published review.
Senior Lecturer
Lecturer
Avoid outside reading for the
sake of it if it is not relevant
Lecturer
12
THE HARVARD REFERENCING SYSTEM
The Harvard Referencing system is a type of referencing where the author and date of the work
youre citing is written in the main body of text and the full reference list is found at the end of
your work.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE: there are many other different referencing systems in use throughout
the various branches of Biosciences. If a member of staff gives specific guidance as to how they
would like a piece of work referenced please follow their instructions. However, in the majority
of cases and, if in doubt, please use the Harvard system.
When you use information from another source, note down the key details to help you
reference later:
Please note: this is guide contains the most common sources required for
referencing. For a more comprehensive guide, or if you cannot find a particular source
outlined here, please visit:
http://education.exeter.ac.uk/dll/studyskills/harvard_referencing.htm
YOU SHOULD CITE THE AUTHORS NAME WITH YOUR REFERENCE WITHIN THE
BODY OF TEXT, PRESENTING THEIR NAME, FOLLOWED BY THE YEAR OF
PUBLICATION OF THEIR WORK.
The international community must provide support to St. Vincent and The Grenadines in order to
minimise the risk of extinction to the Vincentian parrot. This view has been supported in the work of
Colmore (1993)
This can involve the author being part of the sentence, with the date of the publication
in brackets:
If you make a reference to a work or piece of research without mentioning the author in
the text, then the authors name and publication year are placed at the relevant point in
If you have directly referred to more than one author in a sentence then you should cite
both their names.
Research on the finches of the Galapagos Islands (Brown, 1999; Smith, 2000) has lead to
When you do not directly cite more than one authors name in your text you should list
them at the relevant point in your sentence, putting the authors name and date of
publication separated by a semi-colon.
When you are citing a number of texts by the same author put the all the dates in
brackets. If there is more than one text from the same year use a and b annotation.
14
Common error:
Not citing all the key papers
Independent Research Fellow
MULTIPLE AUTHORS
If you are quoting up to three authors for one source they should both be cited in
This has been supported by further research into conservation (Bloggs et al, 2005)
should be used, followed by 'et al' and then the date of publication.
Ensure the quote is contained within quotation marks. The page number should
also be added after the date. Bear in mind that lengthy quotations are
discouraged.
Strains of algae to be used in biochemical research should be observed with the electron
microscope to detect the possible presence of an elusive bacterial contaminant (Kochert
and Olson, 1970: 477)
If the author is anonymous, use the title of the source instead with the date of
Publication.
Flora and fauna of Britain has been transported to almost every corner of the globe since
colonial times (Plants and Animals of Britain, 1942: 8).
15
END-OF-TEXT REFERENCES
BOOKS
Author surname, initials. (year) Title of book, Edition (only include this if its not
the first edition), Place: Publisher.
For books with two, three or four authors the names should be included in the
order they appear in the document.
Randall, D., Burggren, W. and French, K. (2000) Animal Physiology Mechanisms and
Adaptations. 4th ed. New York: Freeman.
For books with more than four authors use the first author surname and initials
only followed by et al.
Alberts, B. et al. (2003) Essential Cell Biology. 2nd ed. New York: Garland Science.
For e-books, the word 'e-book', the e-book source, the website address/URL and
the date you accessed the e-book should all be inserted. The URL should be
underlined.
Alcamo, Edward. (1996) Microbiology. [e-book]. New York: Wiley.
Available at: Google Books http://books.google.com/books?
id=XLRwL4ud95AC&printsec=frontcover&dq [16 February 2010].
JOURNALS
Author surname, initials. (Year) Title of article. Full Title of Journal, volume
number (issue/part number), page numbers.
Journal articles from an electronic source should also include the word 'online',
the website address/URL and the date you accessed the source. The URL should
be underlined.
Farley, S. J. (2010) Prostate Cancer: post-diagnosis diet and the risk of progression. Nature
Reviews Urology, [Online]. 7 (2), pp. 57-57.
Available at: http://www.nature.com/nrurol/journal/v7/n2/full/nrurol.2010.5.html
(16th February 2010).
If you have only used the abstract, simply add in the words 'abstract only' after
The page numbers.
16
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
Author surname, initials. (year) Title of article, Full Title of Newspaper, day and
month before page numbers and column line.
Lazzeri, A. (2010) 'Lie' cop ignored 100s of Maddie sightings, The Sun, 12 Feb, p.21.
Online newspaper articles should have the word 'internet' inserted, the website
address/URL and the date you accessed the article.
Bell, G. (1990) Nelson Mandela strolls to freedom. Times Online, [internet] 12 Feb. Available:
http://archive.timesonline.co.uk/tol/archive/tol_archive/article7025421.ece
[ 16th February 2010].
WEBSITES
Authorship or source (year) Title of web document or web page. [Online]
Available: include website address/URL and [accessed date].
Online:
ORIGINATOR (year) Title of Image [Online image]. Available: website address/
URL. [Date accessed].
SCIENCEBLOGS (2006) Polar Bear [Online image] Available: http://scienceblogs.com/
strangerfruit/polarbear.jpg [ 15th June 2009].
Where there is no publication date, check the content and references to work out the
earliest likely date, where you have made an estimate you should place a c. before the
date, e.g. Smith (c.2001)
If you really cannot find the date of publication for the source you wish to reference,
follow the authors name with 'n.d.'
If you cannot identify the author, place or publisher write:
Anon (if author is anonymous or unidentifiable), s.I. (if there is no place of publication) and
s.n. (if there is no named publisher).
17
EXAMPLE USING FEEDBACK SHEET
Use this sheet to record your essay feedback from all essays in one place. You can use this sheet to
refer back to when writing your next essay in order to repeat what you do well and avoid previous
mistakes.
Teaching Fellow
18
WHERE TO FIND USEFUL INFORMATION
PAST PAPERS
Exeter University past paper resource: https://library.exeter.ac.uk/exampapers/
19
10 TOP TIPS!
1. Make sure you fully understand the marking criteria and what is
expected of you before you attempt your essay.
2. When writing a new essay, look over your last essay with the
feedback, pick out the good points and repeat these, pick out the errors
and bad points and make sure you don't repeat these!
3. Answer the question asked, not what you want the question to be.
Take your time to really analyze what the question is asking you to do,
e.g. describe, compare or discuss?
4. Plan! Making a detailed plan will provide structure and flow to your
essay, help to keep answering the question throughout. In an exam, if
you do happen to run out of time, your plan will show the marker all the
points you were trying to cover.
5. Make sure you get your basic facts right to then build your
discussions around. For those top marks you must bring in some original
thought.
6. Intersperse extra reading within your lecture notes. This will make
revision and recalling references in the exam easier.
7. When revising for exams, make lots of essay plans from past
papers rather than writing lots of essays.
20
NOTES
21
This booklet has been created by Biosciences students involved in the Students as
Agents for Change in Learning and Teaching project 2009/10.
The guide has been created by students, for students, to help them develop their
essay writing skills, provide information on referencing and marking schemes, and
provide tips for writing good quality essays for both coursework and
examinations.
Biosciences Students:
Alessandra Bittante
Thomas Clarke
Kirsty Clemow
Emily Malbon
Charlotte Mardon
For more information about this booklet, please contact Nicky King.
n.c.king@exeter.ac.uk
For more information on Students as Agents for Change, please contact Liz Dunne,
Education Enhancement.
E.J.Dunne@Exeter.ac.uk
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/as/changeagents
Education
Enhancement