What does “Too descriptive” mean in essay feedback?

You’ve told the reader what your sources say, but not what it shows. Markers want each piece of evidence weighed and tied back to your argument — it’s one of the most common comments between a 2:2 and a 2:1.

Is some description OK?

Yes. You need enough to set up a point — usually a sentence or two per study. The problem is when description is all a paragraph does.

How can I tell if my essay is too descriptive?

Highlight every sentence that reports a source in one colour, and every sentence that judges one in another. If the first colour wins in most paragraphs, it’s descriptive.

Does it apply to exam answers too?

Yes — the same comment turns up on exam scripts, and the fix is the same: after each point, one line on what it shows.

“Too descriptive” essay feedback: what it means and how to fix it

What it looks like

An example from Psychology.

As marked

Baddeley and Hitch (1974) found that people could hold digits in mind while reasoning. Later, Baddeley (2000) added a fourth part to the model, the episodic buffer.

Reports a findingAdds the next factNo judgement

Fixed

Baddeley and Hitch (1974) found that people could hold digits in mind while reasoning, which suggests working memory has separate parts. But the tasks were simple and artificial, so the evidence says less about everyday multitasking. The model also struggled to explain how its parts combine information — the gap Baddeley (2000) filled with the episodic buffer.

What it showsHow strong it isWhy it matters

Why markers write it

Description shows you’ve read. Analysis shows you’ve thought about what you read. Most UK marking schemes reward knowledge and understanding in the lower bands and critical evaluation in the upper ones — so an essay that summarises well tends to stall around a 2:2, however much reading went into it.

How to fix it in your next essay

1Follow every source with a judgementHow strong is it? Think about the sample, the method, and whether it applies beyond the study.
2Say what it means for your argumentDoes it support your point, weaken it or complicate it? Say so in one sentence.
3Put your sources in conversationWhere do two studies disagree? Which is more convincing, and why?

Phrases that help

This suggests…However, …A limitation is…This matters because…Taken together…

How much it costs

In most UK marking schemes, the step from a 2:2 to a 2:1 is described as the step from understanding to critical analysis — which is exactly what this comment is about.

2:2 · 50–59“Sound understanding, largely descriptive”

2:1 · 60–69“Clear critical analysis of the evidence”

Typical wording — every university words its bands a little differently. Your module’s criteria have the exact version.

Other ways markers say it

“Descriptive rather than analytical”
“Too much description”
“Largely descriptive”
“Summarises rather than evaluates”

Often written alongside

Lacks critical analysis More evaluation needed So what?Lacks depth Answer the question

Common questions

Is some description OK?: Yes. You need enough to set up a point — usually a sentence or two per study. The problem is when description is all a paragraph does.
How can I tell if my essay is too descriptive?: Highlight every sentence that reports a source in one colour, and every sentence that judges one in another. If the first colour wins in most paragraphs, it’s descriptive.
Does it apply to exam answers too?: Yes — the same comment turns up on exam scripts, and the fix is the same: after each point, one line on what it shows.

“Too descriptive”: what your marker means