University of Melbourne Evaluations and Grading - Arts (Politics)

[Peter_1993]

Hi,

I recently received the results of my first Politics assessment. It was a 500 word research essay in which we had to argue against an opinion-editorial piece. I received a grade of H2A (+), the + signifying that I was 1 or 2% off an H1, however my essay evaluation seems sub-par for the standard of an H2A/H1 essay.

I got a (all evaluations are out of 6 with 1 being the best) 2, 2 (excellent) for research, 5 (needs work), 4, 4 (good), for presentation and organisation which includes writing style and expression, comprehensive bibliography and grammar spelling and finally a 2, 2, 2 for content and argument. Is it just that university standards are extremely high where anything over 3 is very good or did my tutor just give me an H2A out of pity?

Don't get me wrong, I am EXTREMELY happy with this result, I'm just a little self-concious of receiving a grade that I shouldn't have received.

Also, I'm under the impression that everyone receives a decent grade for their first assessment, can anyone shed some light on this? Having received 2 H1s and an H2A while only achieving an ATAR score of 81, you can probably see why I'm skeptical of these grades.

Thank you! Sorry for the stupid questions. Just can't seem to get these thoughts out of my mind.

[Aurelian]

If there's one thing about uni essay marking you should know, it's that markers generally just give the mark first and tick the boxes later. I think you'll often find that your mark doesn't quite match up to where the ticks are on the marking criteria. As for the idea that your first piece of assessment is marked more easily, this is hardly a uni-wide policy Maybe some tutors have their own personal ideals regarding motivation and whatnot, but as far as I am aware, most wouldn't.

So quit worrying and be chuffed!

[Russ]

You deserve the mark. Your ATAR score does not define your ability at university, it's just a handy metric. If it had been one assessment, then yeah, maybe the tutor was sloppy, but if you've received 3 in that range then your marks are fine

[Eriny]

I found a lot with uni assignments that the assessor would give me really harsh comments and loads of suggestions and then would give me a high mark (HD/H1). It can be a bit off-putting to read so many negative comments, but I think a good mark reflects that you handed in work which was good at your level, but of course there is always going to be room for improvement and it's a good idea to try to make those improvements for the next assignment.

[Mech]

I found a lot with uni assignments that the assessor would give me really harsh comments and loads of suggestions and then would give me a high mark (HD/H1). It can be a bit off-putting to read so many negative comments, but I think a good mark reflects that you handed in work which was good at your level, but of course there is always going to be room for improvement and it's a good idea to try to make those improvements for the next assignment.

Do  you live on-campus, Eriny?

[saaaaaam]

For the same politics assignment I was told I didn't do the assignment correctly and was given a H2A. It's strange. But I'm certainly not going to tell my tutor that.

[Eriny]

I found a lot with uni assignments that the assessor would give me really harsh comments and loads of suggestions and then would give me a high mark (HD/H1). It can be a bit off-putting to read so many negative comments, but I think a good mark reflects that you handed in work which was good at your level, but of course there is always going to be room for improvement and it's a good idea to try to make those improvements for the next assignment.

Do  you live on-campus, Eriny?

Used to, why?

[Mech]

Used to, why?

Intrigued if I know you...

[eleking]

Hi there.
I did Politics in my first year and the overall grade was H2B. My tutor often told me that my essays were solid.
But what does that mean? I really want to get some H1s.. and I really want to know what should I do further...