The Student Room Group

Thresholds for Zero marks

Sorry if this is the wrong forum but I can't find another that fits better,

I want to ask if anyone has experienced a rule were a uni has marked a student's essay down to zero for exceeding the word count by more than 20%, or similar? Especially if it happened in final year.

Does anyone know of any similar or harsher rule?
Not that I know of no but every uni will have its own rules. You may be able to appeal. Your SU will be able to advise.
Original post by Alzir
Sorry if this is the wrong forum but I can't find another that fits better,

I want to ask if anyone has experienced a rule were a uni has marked a student's essay down to zero for exceeding the word count by more than 20%, or similar? Especially if it happened in final year.

Does anyone know of any similar or harsher rule?


At my uni, you lost 5% of your mark for every 100 words once you went over/under the 10% allowed.
Reply 3
Original post by claireestelle
At my uni, you lost 5% of your mark for every 100 words once you went over/under the 10% allowed.


So zero after 100%?
Original post by Alzir
Sorry if this is the wrong forum but I can't find another that fits better,

I want to ask if anyone has experienced a rule were a uni has marked a student's essay down to zero for exceeding the word count by more than 20%, or similar? Especially if it happened in final year.

Does anyone know of any similar or harsher rule?


Heya, has this happened to you or are you just wondering....?
Original post by Alzir
So zero after 100%?


Or they'd give a fail mark depending on what it was.
Reply 6
My university's department had a rule for it but I don't think it was ever really enforced. It only seemed to be only used at the discretion of the tutor marking the work, as it wasn't consistent. I recall in my second year I was ~600 words over a count, and I had a small % removed, something like 5% (I can't remember now, I'd have to go find the feedback). In my dissertation I almost doubled the count and I wasn't punished.

Generally tutors told me (particularly my supervisor) would tell me if the added content adds value then you shouldn't worry.
To be fair if you're exceeding a word count by more than 20% you're probably doing something very wrong

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