LTCS2023 Essay Criteria Sheet Name: Grade:
High Distinction (7) Distinction (6) Credit (5) Pass (4) Fail (<3)
CRITERIA Excellent 85-100% Very good 75% Good 65% Pass 50% Not yet passable 0-49%
28.8-36% 27% 23.4% 18% 0-18%
Knowledge
-Introduction
-Body
-Conclusion

Perfectly structured thesis
statement with clear and
thorough organization of
material. Topics exceptionally
linked to thesis. Summarizes
main ideas in conclusion with a
high degree of effectiveness.
Brings closure to essay.
Considerably structured thesis
statement and organization of
material. Topics are effectively
linked to the thesis. Summarizes
main ideas in the conclusion
with a high degree of
effectiveness and brings closure
to essay.
Structured thesis statement in a
sound manner. Effective
organization of material. Some
summary of main ideas in the
conclusion. Brings some closure
to essay.
Adequately structured thesis
statement. Somewhat effective
organization of material. Some
summary of main ideas in the
conclusion. Brings some closure
to essay.
Partial or no thesis statement
and organisation of ideas. Lacks
clear or distinguishable main
ideas. Does not summarize
arguments and bring closure to
essay.
Thinking
-Thesis

Insightful, thought-provoking
thesis statement that unifies the
essay. Research elements are
incorporated very effectively
and provide exceptional depth
to student’s analysis.
Effective, focused thesis
statement that unifies the
essay. Research elements are
incorporated effectively and
provide considerable depth to
student’s analysis.
Sound thesis statement that
brings some unity to the essay.
Research elements are
incorporated effectively and
provide depth to student’s
analysis.
Adequate thesis statement that
brings some unity to the essay.
Research elements are
incorporated somewhat
effectively and provide some
depth to student’s analysis.
Thesis brings no unity to essay.
No logic, objectivity or
coherence in arguments. No
examples are used from
research.
17-20% 15-17% 13-15% 10-13% 0-10%
Communication
-Grammar
-Punctuation
-Spelling
-Flow and Style
No errors in grammar, spelling
and punctuation. Displays
extensive command of essay
structure, flow and style.
Excellent use of transitions.
Minor errors grammar, spelling
and punctuation. Displays
considerable command of essay
structure, flow and style.
Considerable use of transitions.
Few errors in grammar, spelling
and punctuation. Displays
command of essay structure,
flow and style. Some use of
transitions.
Frequent errors in grammar,
spelling and punctuation.
Displays limited command of
essay structure, flow and style.
Minor use of transitions.
Numerous errors in grammar,
spelling and punctuation. Shows
no command of essay structure,
flow and style. Limited or no use
of transitions.

7-8% 6-7% 5-6% 4-5% 0-4%
Referencing
-Use of sources
References formatted
consistently. Ideas of
others appropriately
acknowledged. Sources used are
very effective in supporting
student’s own ideas and
analysis.
References formatted
consistently. Ideas of
others appropriately
acknowledged. Sources used are
considerably effective in
supporting student’s own ideas
and analysis.
References formatted
consistently. Ideas of
others appropriately
acknowledged. Student uses
adequate sources throughout
the essay with some
effectiveness.
References formatted
consistently. Ideas of
others appropriately
acknowledged. Student uses
few pieces of evidence and
proof throughout their essay,
making their arguments lack
persuasiveness.
References formatted
Inconsistently. Student
rarely/does not provide sources.