Marking scheme
CSS Essay Marking Rubric
In short. This course marks CSS essays out of 100: topic grasp 15, thesis 15, outline and structure 15, argument and analysis 20, evidence and originality 15, grammar and language 20. Each criterion maps to a weakness FPSC examiner reports repeatedly flag. It is a teaching rubric, not FPSC's official scheme.
| Criterion | Marks | Strong | Weak (what examiners flag) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topic grasp | 15 | Answers the exact question. Operative words handled; scope is clear. | Writes around the topic; core issue missed. |
| Thesis | 15 | One clear, arguable stance stated early and held throughout. | A statement of fact, or no stance at all. |
| Outline and structure | 15 | Outline is a map of the argument; every point is developed in order. | Headings like 'Causes', 'Effects', 'Way forward'; points not developed. |
| Argument and analysis | 20 | Explains why; weighs counter-arguments; logic is visible between paragraphs. | Narrative or descriptive; claims without reasoning. |
| Evidence and originality | 15 | Specific, current evidence used to prove a point; own analysis. | Memorised facts or guidebook lines with no purpose. |
| Grammar and language | 20 | Error-free sentences, correct articles, tenses and agreement; precise, varied, formal; no clichés. | Agreement, article and tense errors; run-ons; clichés; padded phrasing. |