Task

Organisation

Vocabulary

Grammar

25

Some ideas demonstrate in-depth analysis, criticality or insightfulness.

A wide range of source material is aptly chosen and integrated in a sophisticated manner (i.e., the essay flows smoothly between source use

and the student’s own words).

Text is a coherent whole. Uses a variety of cohesive features within and between paragraphs. Any instances of over-, under-, or misuse of cohesive features are rare and minor.

Uses a wide range of lexis with some precision. Most sentences are error free, and any errors are minor.

Most sentences are error free, and any errors are minor. Wording is only occasionally awkward.

20

All ideas are well developed.

A range of sources are used to provide main ideas and add clarity in support of main ideas. At least two integration techniques are used.

Unity is always consistent. Uses a variety of cohesive features. Instances of over-, under-, or misuse of cohesive features are rare and minor. There may be some cohesive links between paragraphs. Both the introduction and conclusion paragraphs are well-

structured.

Range of lexis is wide, allowing for frequent reformulation. Errors with less common lexis may be present, but they are minor.

Uses a wide range of complex structures. There are frequent error-free sentences, although some wording may be awkward. Errors are minor.

15

All ideas are clear and logical, and most are well developed.

Sources are used to good effect to provide main ideas and/or add clarity in support of main ideas. There may be more than one integration technique.

All paragraphs have topics sentences that accurately convey the paragraph content and unity is usually consistent. Uses a variety of cohesive features. Misuse is rare, but there may be some over- or underuse. The thesis statement is clear. The conclusion paragraph summarizes most of the essay

content.

Range of lexis is wide enough to allow some reformulation. Errors with less common lexis may be present throughout but do not reduce clarity.

Range of complex structures allows for a variety of sentence lengths. Errors may be present throughout but do not reduce clarity.

10

The prompt is addressed. Most ideas are adequately developed, but there may be an occasional lack of clarity.

Source use is generally logical and accurate. At least 5 of the provided sources are used.

Most paragraphs have topics sentences that accurately convey the paragraph content and unity is mostly consistent. Uses a variety of cohesive features with some over-, under-, or misuse, but the ideas are coherently arranged.

A thesis statement and conclusion are included.

Range includes topic-specific lexis, and is wide enough to avoid frequent repetition.

Errors with less common lexis are frequent, but rarely reduce clarity.

Range of complex structures is wide enough to avoid frequent repetition. Errors are frequent, but rarely reduce clarity.

5

The prompt may not be fully addressed. Most ideas are clear, although they may be underdeveloped.

Sources are used to provide or support main

ideas, but may be illogical or inaccurate. At least 3 of the provided sources are used.

Paragraphs may have unclear main ideas and/or may lack unity. Uses some cohesive features, but referencing may be unclear or underused, leading to unnecessary repetition. Transitions may be over- or misused, sometimes reducing coherence.

Range of lexis is minimally adequate for academic tasks, or the density of errors is high. Errors sometimes reduce clarity.

Range of complex structures is limited and repetitive, and error density may be high. Errors sometimes reduce clarity.

Points Deductions:

• Off-topic response:           100 points
• Over word limit:                5 points for each 10% (10% equals 100 words, starting at 1101)
• Under word limit:              5 points for >10% (10% equals 100 words, starting at 899)

Academic Integrity Penalties

• Minor errors with formatting of citations / references:                           AI A (5 points)
• Some words/ideas copied or uncited; or reference list missing:             AI B (10 points)
• Much of the essay uses copied or uncited words:                                   AI C (100 points)