Why markers write it
Most UK marking criteria assess the work on the page, not the effort behind it, so effort on its own doesn’t earn marks. When a marker leads with effort, it’s often because they want to encourage an essay whose strengths are reading and diligence rather than analysis. It isn’t a criticism, but it doesn’t describe what earned the mark either.
How to fix it in your next essay
- 1Find the comment behind the praiseRead the margin notes and the criteria grid. The specific points tell you what held the mark back.
- 2Ask for one thing to changeEmail your marker or book a feedback meeting and ask: “What one change would have lifted this essay most?”
- 3Put the effort where the marks areSpend less time adding reading and more on judging it. Evaluation and argument usually carry the most weight.
How much it costs
“Good effort” doesn’t point to a band on its own; it turns up across the range. Your mark and the criteria grid say far more about where the essay sits.
Other ways markers say it
- “Good attempt”
- “A good try”
- “A solid attempt”
- “Clearly a lot of work has gone into this”
- “Well done for your effort”
Often written alongside
Common questions
- Is “good effort” a bad sign?
- Not necessarily. Some markers write it as plain encouragement. But it describes your work, not your result, so look at the mark and the specific comments.
- Why didn’t my effort show in the mark?
- Marks reward what’s on the page. Time spent reading only counts once it turns into analysis and argument the marker can see.