Marking Scheme

All universities and indeed, courses have different marking schemes so you need to refer to your institution's guidance for their own requirements. What follows is a general marking scheme which you may find useful to assist you in guessing your grade.

1st Class Standard

A 1st Class piece will display most, if not all, of the following characteristics:

special signs of excellence such as unusual clarity, excellence of presentation, originality of argument
comprehensive knowledge of the subject
excellent understanding of issues and debates
confidence in the selection and interpretation of materials/authority
logical and convincing development of an argument
written style appropriate to the level of the work
fluent and articulate expression
correct use of academic referencing
evidence of independent thought and judgment in answering the question

2:1 Standard

A 2:1 piece will display most, if not all, of the following characteristics:

a richer and more developed argument than a 2:2, with a clearly stated and well argued conclusion, showing the ability to range over appropriate areas of the subject matter with acuteness of analysis, intelligent challenges to the question set, and an abundance of appropriate authority or evidence intelligently applied
thorough knowledge of the subject; few if any minor factual errors
good understanding of issues and debates
ability to select and interpret appropriate material/authority
solid development of an argument
a written style appropriate to the level of the work
clear expression
correct use of academic referencing
a balanced and well considered answer to the question

2:2 Standard

A 2:2 piece will display most, if not all, of the following characteristics:

a considered argument marshalling some of the advantages and disadvantages, where appropriate, with well selected authority or evidence
adequate, although incomplete, knowledge of the subject; some factual errors
satisfactory understanding of issues and debates
reasonable, although flawed, ability to select and interpret appropriate material/authority
some flaws or gaps in the construction of an argument
a written style not entirely appropriate for study at the level of work
poor or unclear expression
incorrect use of academic referencing
a partial or incomplete answer to the question

3rd Standard

A piece in this grade band will display most, if not all, of the following characteristics:

some signs of use of relevant evidence to tackle the question, even though treatment may be one sided or scant
incomplete knowledge of the subject; some factual errors
some understanding of issues or debates
some difficulty with the selection and interpretation of appropriate material/authority
some flaws or gaps in the construction of an argument
a written style inappropriate for study at this level
expression that is not always clear or consistent
incorrect use of academic referencing
a partial or incomplete answer to the question