Degree exam
- Answers the question/problem or topic set
[Everything written is relevant to the question; each fact, concept, argument and piece
of evidence contributes and makes a difference to the answer] - Makes a convincing argument supported by appropriate evidence
[Builds a case; goes beyond a list of facts; facts and evidence support the case being
made; demonstrates evidence of interpretation and evaluation; argues for a position,
rather than merely asserting an opinion; anticipates and responds to possible counterarguments; reaches concluding remarks where applicable and assesses the strength of
them] - Demonstrates and applies relevant subject specific knowledge/understanding
[Answer demonstrates understanding and application of disciplinary concepts, ideas,
procedures, illustrates application of concepts and ideas] - Has an appropriate structure
[Has a logical sequence, ideas relate to each other and to topic, provides signposts for
the reader (e.g. ‘there are three main reasons for this’, ‘taking a different perspective…’,
‘a possible counter-argument might be….’), conclusions drawn logically follow from the
arguments and evidence presented] - Follows the appropriate academic and stylistic conventions (Harvard) with regard to
formatting, citations and references
[Sources used are correctly cited in the text; document is formatted according to
instructions]
In the text, use the following referencing conventions:
• Smith (1999) argues that…. or
• It has been argued that……. (Smith, 1999).
• If you use a direct quote, use quotation marks and cite the page number as well as
the author and date, i.e. (Smith, 1999, p. 4).
• If you have two items by the same author in the same year, refer to one as ‘a’ and
the other as ‘b’, i.e. Smith (1999a) and Smith (1999b).
For more information, please refer to the University Library webpage.