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Writing at 2:1 level

Focus - All CAL undergraduates

Content – Using your markers comments and sample essays to inform your development as an academic writer

Preparation – Choose one or more essays from the CAL Bank of assessed Work from your subject area that have been rated 2:2 or below (if available) or another subject area that interests you. Remember, it is not the content that we are concerned with here, but how the student has responded to the task.

Read the marker's comments, and take note of any areas suggested for improvement
Now read the essay, and see if you can identify how the writer could have addressed these comments. If not then can you formulate a more general question about this feature of essay-writing that you could ask in our session together?
Now think about your own feedback and annotations that you have received on your essays. can you see what you could have done here to improve? If not, then do think about contacting your marker (if it's not too late,) or jot down a question you would like to ask us during the Q/A section of this session

Points for reflection

What are the three most relevant points for you in the marker's feedback you have read on the Bank of Assessed Work sample?
What questions would you have liked to ask the AWAS tutors, had you attended?

Here is our recording

KEY POINTS

We have looked at the CAL grade descriptors for moving up from a 2:2 to a 2:1
It is incredibly important to understand the marking criteria and its intricacies to improve your grades

You should also be looking at how to demonstrate that you have met those criteria when writing your essays, especially with respect to providing substantive information and a clear argument that is developed and supported appropriately
Tutors consider the criteria holistically, so give yourself enough time to critically read your own work. Step back—reflect on the CAL marking criteria and its descriptors as a guideline on aspects to improve your writing before turning in

Points for reflection

What can you take from this presentation and apply to your own writing practice?
- try to be flexible, and think about the analytical techniques you have been shown, and how to adapt them to your own discipline.
- Do make an appointment with one of the team if you would like some help in doing this - we understand that it is not necessarily obvious!