It may seem obvious, but to achieve a first you must attempt to satisfy the marking criteria for a first-class essay. If you do not believe you can get a first and thus do not attempt to hit the criteria, you will not get a first. However, at university prior attainment is irrelevant and the key to getting a first is trying to hit the criteria (and potentially failing), reflecting on your efforts, and taking actions to refine how you complete your assignments to improve. Many students have come to the University of Derby with poor A-Levels and come out with a first-class degree. Listen to the podcast titled from A-Level failure to University Success to hear about recent graduate Joel Boulter’s experience in getting a first.
The main criteria for a first can be broken down into the following headings: (taken from Roberts, J. (2017) Essentials of essay writing. What markers look for. UK: PALGRAVE. PALGRAVE Study Skills.)
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key works, relevant facts, problems, debates, theories and concepts.
Awareness of complexity of the issues. This includes using cautious language to highlight the certainty of your writing.
Reading goes beyond what is required. Often this means reading more than the text given to you by your lecturer. Note that wider reading is done alongside reading and understanding the key works on the area.
Used reliable sources. See our evaluating your sources guide for information on how to check the reliability of a source. Some factors for checking reliability of a source include asking:
Accurate presentation of others’ views.
A first-class essay requires:
For more information about critical thinking and evaluating sources see our critical reading guide.
Referencing is accurate. Students have access to Cite Them Right. Cite Them Right explains how to reference over 150 types of source and includes a referencing tutorial. See the referencing guide for further information. If you are interested in attending one of the library’s referencing workshops, use this link to see our upcoming workshops.
Strong illustrations are used
Use includes:
Synthesis in academic writing is where you combine two different sources together to make one argument. You can use synthesis where there is clear overlap or similarity between two points. If two points clearly agree it would be a waste of words to write the same thing twice. Instead paraphrase the idea that they agree upon and cite both sources afterwards. If the sources agree on the idea but given different reasons these can be explained afterwards. Using synthesis is seen positively by markers as it highlights understanding, clarity in writing and efficiency. It also allows you to save words that can be spent elsewhere in your essay.
Style is fluent and engaging. See the Structure and Flow guide for further information.
Grammar and spelling are flawless. See our Grammar guide for further information.
Presentation guidelines are followed.
Writing is:
Question is clearly and coherently answered.
Response is focused on the question throughout.
Arguments and evidence are relevant.
Methods of ensuring that the question is answered can be found in the Understanding the Question and Proofreading tabs of this page.
Structure provides a sound basis for addressing the question.
Parts of structure required by essay type are used (e.g. recommendations in reports).
Argument is logical.
Purpose of each part is indicated.
Relationship between parts is clear.
Conclusion is justified by the evidence.