English Literature EE Criteria Guide

Points 0

The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.

Points 1-2

- Topic is communicated unclearly or incompletely - Research question is stated but unclear, unfocused, or too broad for a literary EE - Methodology is limited, with weak explanation of the selected literary text(s), editions, translations, or secondary sources

Points 3-4

- Topic is communicated adequately - Research question is clearly stated but only partially focused - Methodology is mostly complete, with generally relevant literary text(s) and research materials *(Max 4 marks if the topic or research question is inappropriate for studies in language and literature)*

Points 5-6

- Topic is communicated accurately and effectively - Research question is clearly stated, sharply focused, and framed as a question - Methodology is complete, with evidence of informed selection of primary literary text(s), critical material, and an analytical approach appropriate to the research question

Points 0

The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.

Points 1-2

- Knowledge and understanding of the literary text(s) and context are limited - Literary terminology and concepts are unclear, inaccurate, or limited

Points 3-4

- Knowledge and understanding of the literary text(s), context, and critical field are good - Literary terminology and concepts are generally adequate and relevant *(Max 4 marks if the topic or research question is inappropriate for studies in language and literature)*

Points 5-6

- Knowledge and understanding of the literary text(s), context, and chosen area of investigation are excellent - Literary terminology and concepts are used accurately, consistently, and with discernment

Points 0

The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.

Points 1-3

- Research is limited or only loosely connected to the research question - Analysis is limited, descriptive, or reliant on plot summary - Discussion and evaluation are limited *(Max 3 marks if the topic or research question is inappropriate for studies in language and literature)*

Points 4-6

- Research is adequate and mostly relevant - Analysis is adequate, though uneven or partly descriptive - Discussion and evaluation are adequate, with some line of argument

Points 7-9

- Research is good and consistently relevant to the question - Analysis is good, with effective close reading of literary methods and meaning - Discussion and evaluation are good, with a clear, generally sustained argument

Points 10-12

- Research is excellent, focused, and effectively integrated - Analysis is excellent, detailed, and sustained, with close attention to literary technique, meaning, and effect - Discussion and evaluation are excellent, producing a coherent, persuasive, and critically engaged argument

Points 0

The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.

Points 1-2

- Presentation is acceptable but may contain weaknesses in structure, layout, citation practice, bibliography, or integration of quotations

Points 3-4

- Presentation is good, with a clear structure, appropriate academic layout, consistent referencing, and well-integrated supporting material

Points 0

The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.

Points 1-2

- Engagement is limited, with mostly descriptive reflection or little evidence of decision-making

Points 3-4

- Engagement is adequate, showing some reflection on choices, challenges, and development of the research process

Points 5-6

- Engagement is good to excellent, showing thoughtful reflection on research decisions, intellectual initiative, challenges, and growth across the process