Subject knowledge and understanding  

The ability to:

• Identify the appropriate subject area.
• Grasp the issues relevant to the subject.
• Be aware of arguments in connection with it.
• Appreciate what is relevant material and what is not.
• Explain what the topic is about.

Analysis and evaluation

The ability to:

• Work out what is important in a problem or question, and what is unimportant.
• Apply your knowledge to a problem or question.
• Bring together relevant information and materials from a variety of sources.
• Explain that information and those materials and not contradict or repeat yourself.
• Work out what is the best solution to the problem or best argument for your assignment.
• Explain why you have chosen that solution or argument.

Communication and Literacy

The ability to:

• Use language appropriate to the task and the audience.
• Present information or argument clearly, concisely and comprehensively.
• Understand and use legal terminology correctly.
• Use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Research and Organisation

The ability to:

• Adopt a logical and structured approach to:
  • a)  the information gathering process, and
  • b)  the use of information compiled as a result of this process.
• Identify relevant primary sources and eminent academic authority relevant to the topic.
• Apply these sources and authorities appropriately to the topic area.
• Underpin argument by reference to appropriate authorities. These might be statute, case law, commentary in articles or books, or socio-legal research relevant to the topic area.