Your essay will be considered against the following criteria. • Developing an argument: Essays are expected to make and pursue an argument. They should develop a line of reasoning that is supported by appropriate evidence and leads to a conclusion. The line of reasoning should be precise, explicit, logical and clear. It should indicate why your conclusion is valid and why you think it preferable to other possible interpretations. Consider the scale dimension that you want to focus your arguments on (global, national, local, comparative etc.) to avoid superficial debate – you might not be able to cover ‘everything’ in a short essay (you can indicate why you have selected to limit your topic in the way you have to avoid confusion to the reader about the focus). • Critical analysis: Many arguments take place within a particular theoretical framework. The marker will be looking for evidence that you are aware of the theoretical implications of the argument you have developed. You will be expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of relevant concepts in the course of your discussion. Avoid just describing ideas to reflecting on the implications of the ideas. You should show awareness of the theoretical ideas upon which policies or decisions made or to place your case study/examples into context – this will help you develop a more reflective style of writing. • Appropriate use of evidence: Sound arguments are based upon evidence. In the essay, it will be expected that you draw on evidence from the literature to generate your argument. Good evidence is accurate and relevant. The marker will consider the extent to which you have used various sources of evidence to contribute to the overall argument. Evidence given should be balanced; appropriate use of evidence may involve providing evidence that contradicts the main line of reasoning i.e. to show different perspectives. Likewise, using the literature to offer specific illustrations, country or sector examples will allow you to avoid limiting or generic statements. Inclusion of specific examples helps to offer depth and focus. • Structure: Your written work must have a clear structure and one which organises material into a coherent whole. A good structure will provide an appropriate balance, in terms of word allocation, between the key sections of the essay. It should include an introduction and a conclusion that helps the reader to understand what argument is being advanced, as well as how effectively it is made. • Creativity and imagination: The very best written work shows signs of original thinking. While the topic is bound by the essay question, this process may entail the reappraisal of existing ideas through reflections that suggest the writer has made interesting insights into current ideas, understandings and controversies. The following additional points are also taken into consideration in the marking of assignments. • Relevance: Your essay must answer the question that has been set. However good the essay in other respects, it will receive a poor grade if it does not answer the question. • Use of Sources/Referencing: There should be evidence that you have read around the topic and used more than the guided reading provided on Blackboard. You should not rely only on what you have learnt in class but show your ability to develop specific areas by recognising appropriate new materials that allow you to develop your argument and provide evidence, and you should not cite lecture notes or handouts. You should ensure you provide the source for any definition of an important term or idea that is presented in the essay. Essays must be written in your own words. Whenever you use ideas from other sources, you must be sure to reference them. Where you use the exact words from another source you should ensure that the quotation is given accurately, placed in quotation marks and referenced with page numbers. Using ideas or words of others as though they were your own may be regarded as plagiarism, which could lead to disciplinary action. Please follow University guidelines for referencing and for avoiding plagiarism (see Programme Handbook on GIIDAE Blackboard). For additional information on how to avoid plagiarism visit: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/studyadvice/StudyResources/Reading/sta-plagiarism.aspx • Use of Language: Recognition is given to those students whose first language is not English. However, English is the medium through which your work is read and assessed by others. It is therefore important to ensure that your English is sufficiently good to be able clearly and intelligibly to state your arguments and have them understood. Essays that offer a fluid narrative will be better able to communicate their ideas. It is your responsibility to ensure your written work meets the appropriate standards.IA