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: