Second Readers Guidelines

Notes to tutors

SECOND READER GUIDELINES 2020

Outcome:

A4, maximum 500 words, feedback on the draft thesis. Deadline 14-3-2020. Please send your feedback and CC the writing tutor.

Why second readers?

• To offer a second pair of eyes on the thesis (in addition to the writing tutor) at an advanced draft stage.
• To give due warning if the thesis is unlikely to meet the standards for the master program (see assessment criteria below)
• To give time for the writer to make changes ahead of the final deadline.
• To provide diligence. To make sure all students receive appropriate attention.

Note: It is very important that second readers do not duplicate the work of the writing tutors. Therefore, please do not offer tutorials specifically about the thesis, but rather try to make your written feedback as concise as possible. In your 500-word (max) response please try to address these questions:

• Is the central question clear?
• Is there a clear development of an argument?
• If not, what measures, in your view, can be taken to make the text clearer?

Note: When we make the final grading in trim six, the thesis and the final project are graded together (see criteria in handbook). To help you make an assessment of the (draft) thesis specifically, here are the outcome criteria for essays that the students are encouraged to follow:

• evidence of a clearly structured analysis and argument
• use of relevant source material and references
• clarity of writing
• attention to alternate arguments and sources
• ability to research texts and practices and reflect upon them analytically
• ability to manage ‘interdisciplinary’ material
• ability to position one’s own views within a broader context

• clear referencing according to the Harvard system