Fail

Pass

Credit

Distinction

High Distinction

Awareness and understanding of key issues

Does not demonstrate an awareness or understanding of the central theoretical issues covered in this Unit

Displays a superficial awareness and understanding of the central theoretical issues covered in this Unit

Displays a basic awareness and understanding of the central theoretical issues covered in this Unit

Displays a sound awareness and understanding of the central theoretical issues covered in this Unit

Displays a wide ranging awareness and understanding of the central theoretical issues covered in this Unit

Review of relevant literature

No analysis of literature, just use of quotes; no attempt to make links between sources

Depth of analysis is shallow; little- to-no attempt made to link the sources in a logical, coherent manner

Analysis is mainly descriptive; some attempt made to link the themes of the sources

A clear logic is apparent in the review of the literature; critical analysis of the sources is apparent and clear linkages between the sources can be identified

A clear logic is apparent in the review of the literature; expert and engaged critical analysis of the sources is apparent and clear linkages between the sources can be identified

Presentation and analysis of examples

No or only one example presented. The example is not relevant.

Only one is example presented. Example is relevant but is superficially described.

At least one example presented and there is some evidence of analysis. Example(s) are relevant but analysis is superficial.

At least one example is presented and critically analysed. Example(s) are relevant and described in sufficient detail.

 At least one example is presented. The example(s) are highly relevant, original, described in thorough detail, and analysis reveals an advanced appreciation of the major themes in the Unit.

Argument and discussion

No attempt to develop the author’s own voice.

No or very little attempt to develop the author’s own voice. Absence of any linkage and discussion (critical or otherwise) between the examples and the literature review

Some attempt to develop the author’s own voice. This attempt also reflects superficially on the examples relative to the literature

The author’s critical voice is clearly present. The author also links the examples to the literature to assess the main themes of the Unit

The author’s critical and creative voice is clearly present. The author effectively links the examples to the literature reviewed to assess the main themes of the Unit.

Presentation and expression

Format does not accord to typical scholarly requirements; citation/referencing technique is incorrect. Repeated elements of poor expression (spelling, grammatical errors, etc.)

Format does not accord to typical scholarly requirements; citation/referencing technique is either inconsistent or idiosyncratic. Elements of poor expression (spelling, grammatical errors, etc.)

Format basically accords with typical scholarly expectations; some flaws in citation/referencing technique and some elements of expression are poor

Format, citation/referencing and expression are very good. Some minor stylistic issues may occur (diction, paragraph construction, coherence)

Format, citation/referencing and expression are flawless. An advanced academic writing style is also evidence with effective discourse marking (signposting) and high level diction.