04.10 Grade Descriptors for Written Assessments

Grade descriptors and the corresponding % result range can be found on the LSS under Assessments and Exams.

Grade	Level	Grade Descriptor
85-100	High Distinction	Awarded when an answer reflects a superior grasp of the key issue(s) and an excellent understanding of the topic area in general. A High Distinction answer displays outstanding critical analysis, independent thought, sustained direct engagement with the relevant primary sources and intellectual rigour in argument. The answer will be very well structured, avoid irrelevant issues and, where appropriate, argue for a resolution to key questions.
75-84	Distinction	Awarded when an answer reflects a strong grasp of the key issue(s) and an excellent understanding of the topic area in general. A Distinction answer displays critical analysis, a degree of independent thought, sustained direct engagement with the relevant primary sources and intellectual rigour in argument. The answer will be clearly structured, generally avoid irrelevant issues and, where appropriate, argue for a resolution to key questions.
65-74	Credit	Awarded when an answer is well organised, logically argued and reflects a good understanding of the key issue(s) and the topic area in general. A Credit answer should display no major deficiencies, although some points may be discussed without being argued through fully and there may be limited evidence of independent thought. It will demonstrate solid engagement with the relevant primary sources.
60-64	Pass+	+ Awarded when an answer displays overall competence and an understanding of the basics of the topic. A Pass+ answer should contain relevant information which is logically structured and argument based on evidence rather than bare assertion. There will be basic engagement with the relevant primary sources.
50-59	Pass	Awarded when an answer displays satisfactory competence and an understanding of the basics of the topic. A Pass answer contains relevant information which is organised and argued, although there may be significant weaknesses including a tendency towards assertion instead of argument. There will be basic engagement with the relevant primary sources.
40-49	F Level 1	Awarded when an answer displays an adequate comprehension of the basic relevant facts but is significantly flawed in one or more areas. A Fail Level 1 answer may contain significant error in detail, substantial amounts of irrelevant material, poorly constructed argument or a substantial reliance on assertion rather than argument. It may neglect primary sources or demonstrate insufficient reading.
0-39	F Level 2	Applied when an answer displays little or no understanding of the relevant facts and principles (e.g. it does not answer the question), contains serious factual errors, is incoherently structured, or otherwise reflects serious deficiencies in knowledge, expression and argument.