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24 comments, decoded

Essay feedback, in plain English.

What the comments markers write most actually mean — and what to do about each one. Or paste your own feedback into the decoder.

Analysis & argument

7

“Too descriptive”You’ve said what sources found, not what it shows.“Lacks critical analysis”Weigh the evidence — how strong is it?“More evaluation needed”Judge strengths and weaknesses — don’t just list them.“Lacks depth”Fewer points, each explained further.“So what?”You haven’t said why a point matters.“Argument is unclear”The reader can’t find your overall position.“Lacks originality”Sources summarised, but no view of your own.

Evidence & reading

4

“Engage with the literature”Read wider, and set sources against each other.“Unsupported claim”A point stated as fact, with nothing behind it.“Over-reliance on quotes”Too much of it is in other people’s words.“Limited range of sources”Too few sources, or all from one place.

Structure

5

“Needs clearer signposting”The reader can’t see where you’re going.“Doesn’t flow”Paragraphs don’t link to each other.“Paragraphs lack focus”Each paragraph tries to do too much.“Weak conclusion”It sums up, but doesn’t answer.“No clear thesis”The introduction doesn’t say what you’ll argue.

The question

2

“Answer the question”Parts drift away from what was asked.“Off-topic in places”Some material doesn’t help answer the question.

Referencing & writing

3

“Referencing is inconsistent”Your citations don’t follow one format.“Too informal”The tone is chatty rather than academic.“Proofread carefully”Typos and slips are costing you marks.

Praise, decoded

3

“Sound understanding”Praise — but often the wording for a 2:2.“Good effort”You did the task; it didn’t stand out.“Some nice points”Good parts that didn’t add up to one argument.

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