COMU2150 RESEARCH ESSAY CRITERIA SHEET
2 (1-24%) 3 (25-49%) 4 (50-64%) 5 (65-74%) 6 (75-84%) 7 (85-100%)
Discussion
Clarity and richness of
discussion
Incoherent discussion Discussion poorly
formulated. Makes little
sense.
A sound discussion, but
rather broad and/or not
carefully formulated.
A clear, focused, well
formulated discussion.
A carefully and
thoughtfully formulated
discussion that
contextualises the
argument very well.
Clear and rich
description emphasising
the elements of most
importance to the
overall argument.
Research
Quality of research and use
of material to drive the
argument throughout
Insufficient and
inappropriate research
material.
Insufficient research
material, sources poorly
chosen.
Basic research
requirements met,
mostly well used.
A good amount of very
well chosen sources.
References used
effectively to support
claims.
A strong selection of
carefully chosen
sources. References
used very well to
support claims.
Extensive and highly
relevant research.
Material used skilfully
to drive the argument.
Argument and Analysis
Sophistication of argument
and analysis
Incoherent and/or
flawed.
Very limited attempt at
argument and analysis,
vague or off-topic.
Some argument and
analysis – has
attempted to draw
conclusions, but not
always supported by
evidence.
Solid argument and
analysis. Most points
well-argued and
supported.
Well-argued, clear and
thoughtful analysis.
Draws pertinent
conclusions from
evidence.
Sophisticated,
insightful, or highly
original argument and
analysis. Critically
evaluates evidence.
Structure and
Organisation
Coherence of structure and
organisation
Poorly structured; little
or no coherence.
Poorly structured,
difficult to follow.
Essay organised into
major sections - mostly
logical.
Well structured. Flows
logically.
Careful, thoughtful
structure throughout.
Highly coherent
structure that
establishes and
supports a clear
through-argument.
Expression and Writing
Quality of written expression,
grammar, spelling
Serious and frequent
grammatical and
spelling errors;
expression is unclear;
tone is inappropriate.
Serious grammatical
and spelling errors.
Clumsy expression.
Some lapses in spelling
and grammar. Writing is
mostly clear.
Grammar, spelling and
quality of writing are
sound.
Excellent spelling and
grammar. Clear and
concise expression.
Perfect spelling and
grammar, clear and
sophisticated
expression.
Presentation and
referencing
Very poor or insufficient
documentation and/or
very poor presentation
Poor or inadequate
documentation, serious
errors in style or uses
another referencing
style and/or poor
presentation.
Adequate
documentation, but
recurrent errors in style
and/ or satisfactory
presentation.
Mostly accurate
documentation and
good presentation.
Only very minor errors
in style and
presentation.
Thorough and accurate
documentation. Perfect
presentation.