EE Playbook
Keep the research question focused, the methodology defensible, and the analysis genuinely critical.
This guide follows the EE criteria for psychology: focus and method, knowledge and understanding, critical thinking, presentation, and engagement. It keeps the essay anchored in psychology rather than drifting into general discussion.
Did You Know? The easiest score jumps usually come from explicitly naming what the criterion rewards and supporting it with direct evidence.
Examiner Focus
Topic, research question, and methodology
Top-Band Move
- Topic communicated accurately and effectively - Research question clearly stated and focused - Methodology complete with evidence of informed selection
Common Penalty
- Topic communicated unclearly and incompletely - Research question stated but not clearly expressed or too broad - Methodology of the research is limited
Examiner Focus
Subject knowledge and use of terminology/concepts
Top-Band Move
- Knowledge and understanding excellent - Use of terminology/concepts good and accurate
Common Penalty
- Knowledge and understanding limited - Use of terminology/concepts unclear and limited
Examiner Focus
Research, analysis, discussion and evaluation
Top-Band Move
- Research excellent - Analysis excellent - Discussion/evaluation excellent
Common Penalty
- Research limited - Analysis limited - Discussion/evaluation limited *(Max 3 marks if topic/RQ inappropriate for subject)*
Examiner Focus
Structure and layout (Note: Specific descriptors not provided in extracted content)*
Top-Band Move
The extracted rubric text does not include a point-band table for this criterion.
Common Penalty
Use the assessment focus and notes in the rubric to judge the lowest acceptable performance.
Examiner Focus
Process and research focus (Note: Specific descriptors not provided in extracted content)*
Top-Band Move
The extracted rubric text does not include a point-band table for this criterion.
Common Penalty
Use the assessment focus and notes in the rubric to judge the lowest acceptable performance.
Criteria point markbands to benchmark where your current draft sits and what a stronger band demands.
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.
Points 1-2
- Topic communicated unclearly and incompletely - Research question stated but not clearly expressed or too broad - Methodology of the research is limited
Points 3-4
- Topic communicated adequately - Research question clearly stated but only partially focused - Methodology mostly complete *(Max 4 marks if topic/RQ inappropriate for subject)*
Points 5-6
- Topic communicated accurately and effectively - Research question clearly stated and focused - Methodology complete with evidence of informed selection
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.
Points 1-2
- Knowledge and understanding limited - Use of terminology/concepts unclear and limited
Points 3-4
- Knowledge and understanding good - Use of terminology/concepts adequate *(Max 4 marks if topic/RQ inappropriate for subject)*
Points 5-6
- Knowledge and understanding excellent - Use of terminology/concepts good and accurate
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.
Points 1-3
- Research limited - Analysis limited - Discussion/evaluation limited *(Max 3 marks if topic/RQ inappropriate for subject)*
Points 4-6
- Research adequate - Analysis adequate - Discussion/evaluation adequate
Points 7-9
- Research good - Analysis good - Discussion/evaluation good
Points 10-12
- Research excellent - Analysis excellent - Discussion/evaluation excellent
Did You Know? Most weak drafts fail from sequence chaos, not lack of ideas.
Step 1
Choose a question that stays narrow enough to support a clear method and a real psychological argument.
Step 2
Use accurate terminology and concepts so the essay shows subject understanding, not just topic awareness.
Step 3
Move beyond description by comparing findings, weighing evidence, and explaining why the conclusion follows.
Step 4
Present the essay clearly and make sure the research process and engagement notes support the final argument.
Did You Know?
Upload your psychology EE draft to Marksy and get targeted feedback on scope, terminology, reasoning, and the strength of your argument. Marksy is built to grade faster with criterion-level precision, so you can improve before final submission.
Instant Grading Results
See where your score is now, not just where it could be.
Criterion-Level Feedback
Marksy explains feedback by rubric criterion, so revision is targeted.
Action List To Improve
Get concrete next edits instead of vague "improve analysis" advice.
Confidence And Integrity Signals
Review flagged sections and strengthen authenticity before submission.