The conventions.
WHAT IT DEMANDS
A clear argument Evidence for every claim Attribution of every source Precision Structure the reader can follow
WHAT IT DOES NOT DEMAND
Complicated vocabulary Long sentences An impersonal style at the cost of clarity
WHY THAT MATTERS
Difficult prose is frequently mistaken for rigorous thought. It is not.
WHAT MARKERS ACTUALLY REWARD
A clear position, supported Engagement with existing work Awareness of counter-arguments Correct attribution
WHAT LOSES MARKS
Description where analysis was required Unsupported assertion Poor structure Missing or incorrect references Not answering the question asked
THAT LAST ONE
The commonest serious failing.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Read the question repeatedly, and check your work answers it.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE WRITING
What the assignment actually requires The word limit, and whether it is strict The referencing style required The submission requirements
WHAT TO NEVER ASSUME
That you remember what was asked.
