ATAR Notes: Forum

Uni Stuff => Universities - Victoria => University of Melbourne => Topic started by: Buddyball on September 07, 2013, 09:08:57 pm

Title: Word limit on uni assignment
Post by: Buddyball on September 07, 2013, 09:08:57 pm
My assignment is 1500 words, with a 10% leeway on either way (1450 or 1650). If I go over 1650, for example 1750 words, how many marks could I lose?
Title: Re: Word limit on uni assignment
Post by: simpak on September 07, 2013, 10:25:57 pm
I think it's like 2% every 100 wrds over.
Title: Re: Word limit on uni assignment
Post by: Fyrefly on September 07, 2013, 11:13:43 pm
My assignment is 1500 words, with a 10% leeway on either way (1450 or 1650). If I go over 1650, for example 1750 words, how many marks could I lose?

Depends on faculty policy.
For example, the school of law (scroll down to the bottom).
Title: Re: Word limit on uni assignment
Post by: Belgarion on September 08, 2013, 10:09:04 am
Just dont go over. I had a word limit of 1100 words for an assignment a few weeks ago but managed to write 1300 words. It took a couple of hours but i cut it down to 1099. Constantly reading over it will help you reword something or remove something and it will help you proof read too =P I also find that getting a friend to read over it helps to cut some words out. 
Title: Re: Word limit on uni assignment
Post by: alondouek on September 08, 2013, 11:08:43 am
I don't know if its the same as at Monash, but last week I had a lab report with a word limit of 1000. I wrote 1004 words and got penalised for it. Seemed a bit harsh, but yeah.

Sorry if I'm derailing the thread, but is it worth appealing those marks lost?
Title: Re: Word limit on uni assignment
Post by: Fyrefly on September 08, 2013, 12:26:45 pm
I don't know if its the same as at Monash, but last week I had a lab report with a word limit of 1000. I wrote 1004 words and got penalised for it. Seemed a bit harsh, but yeah.

Sorry if I'm derailing the thread, but is it worth appealing those marks lost?

Was it a word range like 800 ~ 1000 words, or was it just listed as 1000 words?
How was the word limit detailed on the assignment? Was there a specific mention of "not more than 1000 words" or just "1000 words"?

I think you've got nothing to lose by appealling, but I also think you'd have more chance if you fall into the latter case for both of the above.
Monash normally has a +/- 10% policy, so unless the assignment had something written to the contrary I think you've got a strong chance of successfully appealing.
Title: Re: Word limit on uni assignment
Post by: alondouek on September 08, 2013, 12:38:31 pm
Was it a word range like 800 ~ 1000 words, or was it just listed as 1000 words?
How was the word limit detailed on the assignment? Was there a specific mention of "not more than 1000 words" or just "1000 words"?

I think you've got nothing to lose by appealling, but I also think you'd have more chance if you fall into the latter case for both of the above.
Monash normally has a +/- 10% policy, so unless the assignment had something written to the contrary I think you've got a strong chance of successfully appealing.

Yeah, it was "800-1000 words". I still reckon I was shafted a bit, only went 4 words over :-\
Title: Re: Word limit on uni assignment
Post by: Fyrefly on September 08, 2013, 02:03:34 pm
Like I said, you've got nothing to lose.
Honestly though... you should've just cut four words before you handed it in.
Title: Re: Word limit on uni assignment
Post by: jinny1 on September 09, 2013, 10:52:46 pm
Goddammit, i'm 2 words over my word limit :(

Help mee
Title: Re: Word limit on uni assignment
Post by: Starlight on September 09, 2013, 11:14:00 pm
Goddammit, i'm 2 words over my word limit :(

Help mee

Lol i'm not sure if you're serious but i'm sure they'd give you a 10.0000000001% leeway for those two words haha probably rounds down to 10% anyway!
Title: Re: Word limit on uni assignment
Post by: ShortBlackChick on September 09, 2013, 11:26:53 pm
I had a 1000 word hard limit essay the other week. They'll usually let you know if the leeway applies or if its a hard limit and you cant go over, just ask your tutor if you're not sure. LOL I had 1007 words, now I'm wondering if i'll be penalised too. Given that yours was supposed to be between 800-1000 you probably should have cut down on those 4 words, as I should have too :P They'll say they have the hard limit for one reason or another- mine was so that if ever students had to write a government paper (which it was supposed to be) we'd be a succint as possible.
Title: Re: Word limit on uni assignment
Post by: TrueTears on September 09, 2013, 11:30:12 pm
I doubt this but check if you're allowed to have an appendix, they rock. The appendix of my thesis is longer than my actual thesis since appendix pages do not count towards page/word count.