(Why “polished” writing doesn’t always earn high marks)

Parents are often confused when they read their teen’s work and think, “That sounds great — why didn’t it score higher?”
The answer usually lies in how examiners read.

How examiners actually assess responses

Examiners aren’t looking for impressive vocabulary or confident tone. They’re trained to look for thinking.

That means:

• Precision over polish
  
  
• Evidence over general statements
  
  
• Analysis over description
  
  

A response can sound smart and still fall short.

Common problems in “good-sounding” answers

Many lower-scoring responses share the same issues:

Vague language
Phrases like “this shows,” “this suggests,” or “the author uses language to…” don’t explain how or why something matters. (Help teens move beyond vague explanations)

Lack of evidence
Claims are made, but not supported with specific quotes or details from the text.

Explanation instead of analysis
The student explains what happens but doesn’t explore why it’s significant.

How examiners actually reward analysis

What critical thinking really looks like

Strong responses:

• Zoom in on specific words or techniques
  
  
• Explain their impact
  
  
• Link ideas back to the question
  
  

Critical thinking isn’t about sounding clever.
It’s about being clear, specific, and deliberate.

 FAQs

Why do essays that sound good still get low marks?
Because examiners prioritise clear thinking, evidence, and analysis — not polish or advanced vocabulary.

What do examiners look for in strong answers? Specific evidence, logical reasoning, and clear explanation of why ideas matter.

How can students improve vague responses?
By learning how to analyse evidence rather than summarise or explain it.