Marking Criteria Not Proficient Approaching Proficiency
Part 1: Research
Research and Collection of Less than five sources are
Five Sources handed in and show a
limited range of opinions
and perspectives on the
topic. Understanding of
time period is limited.
Sources selected do not fit
the topic time period.
0-1 mark
Analysis of Sources Response has limited critical
understanding and
investigation of reliability,
usefulness and significance.
Little to no connections
drawn between content and
context.
0-2 marks
Note Annotations Little attempt is made at
writing annotated notes.
Hand writing is messy.
1 mark
The five sources offer some
perspectives on the
research topic. Does not
offer a range of sources
(primary/secondary)
Sources show some
understanding of the people
living at this time.
Most names and dates of
people and places in sources
are correct.
1.5-2.5 marks
Response has some critical
understanding of sources is
evident. Limited
understanding of the
reliability, usefulness and
significance of sources to
the topic. Some connections
are made between content
of source and context of
topic.
3-5 marks
Some attempt is made at
annotating some of the
sources. Notes are unclear
with poor hand writing.
2 marks
Proficient
The five sources are from a
range of locations and offer
different perspectives and
opinions of the research
topic. Sources demonstrate
understanding of the period
of study and provide insight
into the people living at the
time. Correct dates of
sources to match the topic.
-4 marks
Responds to sources
critically investigating the
reliability, usefulness and
significance to the topic.
Draws connections between
sources content and the
context of topic and various
people, events and place.
6-8 marks
Clear notes are made that
help support or lead to an
argument or statement.
Notes are easy to read and
follow.
3 marks
Highly Proficient
The five sources offer range
of sources with contrasting
opinions that provoke
further inquiry. Sources
demonstrate a high level of
knowledge of the time
period.
4.5-6 marks
Responds to sources
critically investigating the
reliability, usefulness and
significance to the topic.
Highlights contestable
nature of sources. Draws
clear and thought provoking
connections between
sources content and the
context of topic and various
people, events and place.
9-10 marks
Notes are of a high
standard, neat and clearly
written. Present
information that leads to
the formation of an
argument.
4 marks
Part 2: Essay
Introduction Thesis statement is weak
and does not provide reader
with an idea of the
student’s opinion. Limited
content knowledge is
shown.
0-2 marks
Supporting Paragraphs Argument is disjointed and
difficult to follow. Limited
examples used sometimes
inaccurate and/or
irrelevant.
0-4 marks
Conclusion Summarises vaguely or
repeats initial statement.
0-1 mark
Thesis statement gives some
idea of student’s intent for
the essay. Show some
knowledge of the context
through names and dates.
3-5 marks
Argument is constructed
from generalisations and
some relevant information.
Provides some accurate and
relevant examples
5-8 marks
Makes some summary of
points raised and reiterates
the argument.
1.5-2.5 marks
Provides a clear thesis
statement that will guide
the reader through the
essay. Student provides the
reader with the ‘who’ and
‘what’ that will be
discussed, and shows a
deep understanding of the
subject content. Clearly
states what the following
paragraphs will focus on.
6-8 marks
Demonstrates a coherent
argument that shows
understanding of historical
content. Provides accurate
and relevant examples to
back up points raised.
9-12 marks
Conclusion sums up the
points made and the essay
point of view.
3-4 marks
Subtotal: /20
Thesis statement
demonstrates a well-
constructed argument and
the student clearly outlines
what topics will be
discussed throughout the
essay.
9-10 marks
Argument is sustained and
sophisticated and shows
depth of analysis. Provide
examples that further the
points of the debate raised.
Uses historical evidence and
sources to strengthen the
argument.
13-15 marks
Draws essays argument or
point of view together.
4.5-5 marks
Subtotal: /30
Total: /50