Marking follows the ACE criteria and you can see these in the module learning materials and use them for the future. This summary focuses on the strength of your essays and more importantly, areas of improvement, especially in order to achieve higher marks. Strengths – your essay shows some signs of understanding of some of the main ideas of the two theories that you have chosen; while the essay has a reasonable structure you can also think again about how to write effective Intros and Conclusions. Areas for improvement 1 The main task in this essay was to compare and contrast two theoretical perspectives. It would be sensible to make clear exactly when you are comparing and when you are contrasting by using the language of compare and contrast. 2 This is a criminological theory essay and your two perspectives should focus on what they have to say about crime and punishment. 3 In showing the similarities and differences between the two theoretical perspectives a stronger essay might emphasise the strengths of one and the weaknesses of another where that is applicable. 4 All essays are expected to show engagement with the module reading materials and in particular with the article ‘Thinking seriously about crime’. 5 Referencing needs to clearly differentiate between what you actually read and sources that you saw in another book or article. 6 More important than listing a lot of references is to actually show engagement with what one or more authors say about theories of crime and punishment so that you are moving towards an assessment or evaluation of the strengths or weaknesses of their position. This focus on evaluation will be particularly important for essay two. 7 Your conclusion has to be more than a summary of your essay, and not introduce new material. I advise you to look again at the UWL link on writing introductions and conclusions – this is in the module learning materials. 8 It is easier to write a conclusion like that if your essay has or is making an argument. This comes back to the point about an evaluative approach. 9 with references to ‘this book’ and in other places, like the conclusion, it is unclear what is your own work. This requires attention from you before the next essay.
