Exam Grading Explained

Understanding how exams are graded helps you prepare effectively and interpret your results. This guide explains mark schemes, grade boundaries, and common grading practices.

How Exams Are Marked

Mark Schemes

Examiners use detailed mark schemes that specify:

  • How many marks each question is worth
  • What answers or concepts earn marks
  • How partial credit is awarded
  • Criteria for different quality levels

Types of Marking

Points-Based Marking

Common in sciences and mathematics:

  • Each correct answer or step earns specific marks
  • Partial credit for showing working
  • Clear right and wrong answers

Criteria-Based Marking

Common in essays and humanities:

  • Quality of argument and analysis
  • Use of evidence and sources
  • Clarity of writing and structure
  • Critical thinking demonstrated

Rubric-Based Marking

Combines both approaches:

  • Specific criteria with mark ranges
  • Descriptors for different performance levels
  • Used for projects, presentations, and complex assessments

Grade Boundaries

UK University Grade Boundaries

Classification Percentage Typical Descriptor
First Class 70-100% Excellent - comprehensive understanding with original insights
Upper Second (2:1) 60-69% Good - solid understanding with some critical analysis
Lower Second (2:2) 50-59% Satisfactory - adequate understanding of key concepts
Third Class 40-49% Pass - basic understanding with significant gaps
Fail 0-39% Insufficient understanding of core material

Why Are UK Boundaries Lower?

You might wonder why 70% is "excellent" in UK universities when in other systems it might be just a C. Here's why:

  • Expectation levels: Exams are designed so 70%+ represents truly exceptional work
  • Question difficulty: Questions go beyond basic recall to test deep understanding
  • Room for excellence: The top 30% is reserved for outstanding, original work
  • Historical system: The UK system has used these boundaries for centuries

Scaling and Moderation

What is Scaling?

Sometimes exam marks are scaled (adjusted) to account for:

  • Unusually difficult or easy exams
  • Variations between different exam papers
  • Maintaining consistency across years

How Scaling Works

If an exam is particularly difficult and most students score lower than expected:

  • Marks may be scaled up proportionally
  • Grade boundaries may be lowered
  • This ensures fairness across different exam sittings

Important Note

Not all universities scale marks. Some maintain fixed boundaries. Always check your institution's policy.

Moderation

To ensure consistency:

  • Sample of papers reviewed by second marker
  • External examiners check standards
  • Borderline cases (e.g., 68-69%) reviewed carefully
  • Statistical analysis to spot anomalies

Understanding Your Exam Results

Raw Marks vs. Scaled Marks

  • Raw mark: Your actual score on the paper
  • Scaled mark: Adjusted mark after moderation/scaling
  • Published mark: What appears on your transcript (usually scaled)

Percentages and Classifications

Example interpretations:

  • 75%: First class - excellent work, clear understanding and originality
  • 65%: 2:1 - good work, solid understanding with some analysis
  • 55%: 2:2 - satisfactory, basic understanding achieved
  • 45%: Third - pass level, minimum requirements met
  • 35%: Fail - insufficient understanding demonstrated

Common Grading Practices

Multiple Choice Exams

  • Usually scored automatically
  • Each question worth equal marks or weighted
  • May penalize incorrect answers or allow skipping
  • Raw score converted to percentage

Essay-Based Exams

  • Marked against criteria (argument, evidence, writing)
  • Different questions may be worth different marks
  • Quality over quantity (longer ≠ better)
  • Following question requirements crucial

Problem-Solving Exams

  • Marks for method and correct answer
  • Showing working essential for partial credit
  • Clear presentation improves marks
  • Units and significant figures often marked

What Different Marks Mean

First Class (70%+)

To achieve this, you need to demonstrate:

  • Comprehensive understanding of all key concepts
  • Ability to apply knowledge to new situations
  • Critical analysis and evaluation
  • Original insights or perspectives
  • Clear, well-structured answers
  • Excellent technical accuracy

Upper Second (60-69%)

Demonstrates:

  • Good understanding of most concepts
  • Ability to apply knowledge effectively
  • Some critical analysis
  • Generally accurate with minor errors
  • Clear communication

Lower Second (50-59%)

Shows:

  • Adequate understanding of core material
  • Basic application of concepts
  • Mostly descriptive rather than analytical
  • Some gaps or inaccuracies
  • Meets basic requirements

Third Class (40-49%)

Indicates:

  • Basic understanding with significant gaps
  • Limited application ability
  • Largely descriptive answers
  • Multiple inaccuracies or misunderstandings
  • Just meets pass threshold

Improving Your Exam Performance

Before the Exam

  • Study past papers and mark schemes
  • Understand what different grade answers look like
  • Practice under timed conditions
  • Identify common mistakes to avoid
  • Know the exam format and structure

During the Exam

  • Read questions carefully - answer what's asked
  • Allocate time based on mark values
  • Show all working for partial credit
  • Check your answers if time permits
  • Write clearly and legibly

Understanding Feedback

When you get results back:

  • Review marked papers carefully
  • Understand why marks were lost
  • Compare with mark scheme
  • Learn from mistakes for future exams
  • Ask for clarification if unclear

Special Cases

Resit Exams

  • Often capped at 40% (pass mark) even if you score higher
  • Check your university's specific resit policy
  • Usually available only for failed modules

Mitigating Circumstances

  • If illness or personal issues affected performance
  • Must be submitted with evidence before/after exam
  • May allow uncapped resit or grade adjustment

Academic Misconduct

  • Plagiarism or cheating can result in zero marks
  • May affect entire module or even degree
  • Always cite sources and follow exam rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did I get a lower mark than I expected?

Common reasons include: not answering the question asked, insufficient depth of analysis, factual errors, poor structure, or not meeting assessment criteria. Review feedback and mark schemes to understand.

Can I challenge my exam grade?

Most universities have appeal processes, but they typically only consider procedural errors, not disagreements with academic judgment. Check your institution's appeals policy.

How much does one exam affect my degree?

It depends on the module's credit value and year weighting. Use our Degree Classification Calculator to see the exact impact.

What's the average exam score?

This varies by subject, but in many UK university courses, the average is around 55-60% (2:2 to 2:1 boundary).

Calculate Your Exam Results

Use our free tools to calculate and understand your exam performance: