How are 20 mark essays marked?
There are eight marks for knowledge and understanding which includes description, explanation and exemplification.
There are six marks for analysis and evaluation but if you achieve more than six then the marks can be counted as knowledge and understanding marks if you have not achieved full marks in that category. This does not apply the other way around.
Four marks are available for conclusion and evaluation. These marks can be picked up as you go through your essay by concluding/evaluating at the end of each major section and/or having a traditional overall conclusion at the end.
Two marks are available for structure which means writing an essay that has a consistent structured argument running throughout it.
It is important that your essays have up-to-date examples and doesn't rely on material that is out of date. You should also ensure that your essay is balanced and discusses different viewpoints, arguments and factors.
Note: The problem with many essays is that students identify the topic being asked about and address that topic rather than the specifics of the question.
For example in the question, To what extent can parliamentary representatives effectively check the powers of the government? students will often focus simply on the work of MSPs rather than how they hold the government to account.
