Essay Feedback Form Using Core Criteria

N.B: the relevance of these criteria will vary depending on the topic and essay question in hand. Ask your supervisor for clarification if necessary.

Addressing the question
  • Use material relevant to the general topic and to the specific question/title
  • Make very clear how the material you use is related to the specific issues that are the focus of the essay
Confident
Partially confident
Not at all confident / Using evidence
  • Provide enough research findings, data, quotations or other sourced material as evidence for your claims/assertions/ideas
  • Develop the link between your evidence and your claims/assertions/ideas
  • Use evidence clearly and convincingly to
support your claims/assertions/ideas
Confident
Partially confident
Not at all confident
Developing argument
  • Ensure your essay contains a point of view or
position in relation to the title or question
  • Explicitly develop and justify this position
  • Establish a clear position in relation to the question, and develop that position throughout the essay
Confident
Partially confident
Not at all confident / Critical evaluation
  • Ensure you move beyond description to an assessment of the value or significance of what you describe
  • Make your evaluative points more extensive/explicit/systematic/reasoned/justified
Confident
Partially confident
Not at all confident

Structuring

  • Arrange material into paragraphs which provides a logical sequence of ideas
  • Paragraphs are a suitable length and focus on one main idea each
  • Your introduction should outline how the essay will deal with the issues
  • Your conclusion brings together your various points
Confident
Partially confident
Not at all confident / Use of language
  • Minimise spelling, grammar or punctuation errors
  • Ensure your writing makes the meaning clear and easy to follow
  • Avoid colloquial language
  • Use an appropriate citation convention consistently to reference sources
  • Ensure your writing style is fluent, clear and the tone is appropriate
Confident
Partially confident
Not at all confident

Actions

E.g. Run through online planning activities with current essay title; read a textbook chapter/article; consult supervisor.

Essay title: ______

Actions: