The following gives some idea of the things I am looking for when grading written assignments. No piece of work fits neatly into any one category. A balanced judgment on the whole piece of work is needed. An essay might be worthy of one grade in some areas but in others may be worth a lower or higher grade.

The grading system used by the MCD is as follows:

HD      High Distinction      85%+
D         Distinction              75-84%
C         Credit                    65-74%
P         Pass                       50-64%
F         Fail                          -49%

Pass (P)

* A minimum of significant secondary works consulted and used.
* Reporting what the writer has read in secondary works rather than interpretation or critical appraisal.
* A reasonable case made in the assignment even though developed from the work of others.
* Shows a basic awareness of what exegesis involves and attempts to undertake that, or has a basic grasp of the issues involved in a topic and tries to address them through reporting.
* A basic interpretation of the biblical text which moves beyond simply restating the contents of the biblical material.
* Bibliography and (foot)noting in an acceptable form.
* Expression reasonably clear.

Credit (C)  Goes beyond Pass level in the following ways:

* An adequate number of significant secondary sources consulted and used.
* A clear understanding of the secondary literature and some ability to interpret or critically evaluate that material.
* Shows a good awareness of the task of exegesis and attempts to carry that out, or a good grasp of the issues involved in the topic with a reasonable degree of critical discussion of them.
* A good reading of the biblical text with clear ability to address important issues raised by the text.
* Citation of other relevant biblical material.
* Develops a sound, coherent argument with clarity of style.

Distinction (D)  Goes beyond Credit level in the following ways:

* A good understanding of the secondary literature and a good level of detailed interpretation and critical evaluation of that material.
* An sound and well argued interpretation of the biblical passage showing control of the material and an ability to use other biblical material to construct an argument, or an excellent grasp of the issues involved in a topic and an ability to address them in a detailed and sound way.
* A clear thesis is presented and argued in a way that shows good control of the central issues.
* The writer's own interpretation of the passage or topic creates the structure of the assignment.
* In some cases where the interpretation of the material at hand might be at credit level, a creative and unique presentation may warrant a distinction grade.
* Begins to demonstrate an ability to integrate this exercise with other studies or relevant issues.

High Distinction (HD) Goes beyond Distinction level in the following ways:

* A perceptive, close and sophisticated reading of the biblical passage or the topic.
* An exceptionally detailed and appropriately critical examination of a passage or topic with a sound presentation of the writer's own interpretation or argument.
* A level of 'originality' in the interpretation. ('Originality' does not mean that no one has said these things before, but that the writer has independently seen the material for themselves in that way for the first time and has used the discovery in an creative and intelligent manner.)
* An excellent level of expression and argumentation.