Evaluation of Example Essays

The three examples of previous essays on NOW

Note the strengths and weaknesses of each essay. Which is best and which is worst?

PW3 1=

Positives

• Good introduction, well structured, clearly outlines the purpose of the essay

• Uses good terminology

• Good description of the buildings

• Well researched (dates/names/locations)

• Balanced argument, evidence of critical thinking, good conclusion

Negatives

• Photos not referenced, look as if taken from internet

• Little referencing of key facts

• Referencing not Harvard format

• Because of this bibliography makes little sense

PW3 2=

Positives

• Well referenced

• Begins with engaging quote to draw the reader

• Photographs are referenced

• Uses Harvard referencing system

• Relates to figures in the text

• Well researched

• Very good structure

• Balanced argument

• Well structured

• Good use of relevant terminology

Negatives

• Photographs of poor quality

• Repetitive at points

PW3 3=

Positives

• Well referenced using the Harvard system

• Appropriate quotes used

• Good photographs (which have been referenced)

• Appropriate terminology

Negatives

• None of the students own images

• Some images don’t relate to the essay

• Not a balanced amount of sources

• Poorly structures first section

2 is the strongest due to being the most informative, well referenced and researched

3

1 is the weakest. It is the least informative of the 3, poorly referenced and shows no evidence of primary research.