Second Readers Guidelines

Notes to tutors

Second reader guidelines 2018

Outcome:

A4 (maximum 500 words) feedback on the draft thesis.

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 attached)

To give time for the writer to make changes ahead of the final deadline.

To provide diligence. To make sure all students receive attention.

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.

If you have further concerns please communicate them to the writing tutor.

In your 500 word (max) response please try to address general questions such as:

Is the central question clear?

Is there a clear development of an argument?

If not, what measures 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

  clear referencing according to the Harvard system

  ability to position ones own views within a broader context