12-Mark Essay: Developing Your Skills

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How to Read Your Feedback

The grade on your work is a Projected Grade. It is not your final mark, but an assessment of the skills you have demonstrated. It estimates the score you could achieve in a full-length essay if you applied these same skills consistently throughout. The feedback is designed to help you develop these skills further.

This shows an argument FOR the statement.

This shows an argument AGAINST the statement.

This shows your Conclusion or overall Judgement.

Class Overview

Avg: 6.6 / 12

Score Distribution

  • Score 11/12 — 1 student
  • Score 10/12 — 1 student
  • Score 9/12 — 3 students
  • Score 8/12 — 2 students
  • Score 7/12 — 1 student
  • Score 6/12 — 1 student
  • Score 5/12 — 1 student
  • Score 4/12 — 1 student
  • Score 2/12 — 3 students

Common Development Areas

  • Develop your points with more detail and explanation.
  • Use specific Islamic teachings or examples to support your arguments.
  • Ensure your conclusion clearly summarises your viewpoint and explains why you hold it.
  • Improve clarity and sentence structure to make your arguments easier to understand.
  • Proofread your work carefully to correct spelling and grammar errors.
  • Structure your essay with a clear introduction, paragraphs for each viewpoint, and a concluding paragraph.

Model Answer (12/12)

12 / 12

This is an example of a top-band response demonstrating all the skills required for full marks.

Model Essay:

Some Muslims might agree that Hajj is the most important pillar because it is the ultimate physical and financial sacrifice.Excellent point explaining the unique sacrifice of Hajj. Traveling to Mecca takes immense effort and savings, which demonstrates a profound dedication to Allah. During Hajj, the global Muslim community (Ummah) unites, wearing simple Ihram garments to show equality before God, which can be a deeply transformative spiritual experience.

However, a stronger argument can be made for the other pillars, particularly the Shahadah. The Shahadah is the foundational declaration of faithStrong contrasting argument using another specific pillar to build your case.; without believing in one God and Prophet Muhammad as His messenger, a person cannot be considered Muslim. Furthermore, Salah (praying five times a day) is a constant, daily connection to Allah, whereas Hajj is only required once in a lifetime, and only for those who are physically and financially able.

In conclusion, while Hajj is an incredible spiritual milestone, I believe the Shahadah and Salah are fundamentally more important.Clear, justified judgement that weighs both sides of the argument logically. They form the everyday bedrock of a Muslim's faith, required of everyone regardless of their wealth or health, making them the most essential pillars of Islam.

Candidate 92083

2 / 12

Student Response (Transcribed):

I disagree with this statementA simple statement of opinion is given, but it is not developed into a full evaluation. because when you do Hajj you go to mecca in Saudi arabi Which cost money and Some people don't have money to Spend like thatA valid, simple argument against Hajj's supremacy based on its cost and inaccessibility. but at the Same time you can pray to your god to provide for you.
However, another reason why someone might disagree with this statement may because they belove there are other pillars which don't compare to Hajj and may think it dosen't matter as it is less important.
On the other hand, some people may agree with this statement because they might belive when you pi-yuthing you get good deads deeds.A very basic and undeveloped argument for Hajj's importance, lacking any specific detail.

Here's an example of how to strengthen a point (BLUE PEN):

For example, some Muslims believe Hajj is most important because completing it is a great spiritual achievement that can lead to the forgiveness of all past sins, which they see as the ultimate reward.The original sentence was very vague and contained spelling errors. The rewritten sentence is specific, uses key religious vocabulary ('spiritual achievement', 'forgiveness of sins'), and clearly explains *why* Hajj might be considered important, making the argument much stronger.

Candidate 84861

4 / 12

Student Response (Transcribed):

I think the that the Hajj is important but not as importantA clear, though simple, personal judgement is stated at the beginning. because before you get to that part you should respect comment to become apart of your faith.
Some people might strongly agree that Hajj is the most important pillar because it means that you are at the point where you have given your life to becoming a good muslim and have followed all of the other pillarsThis presents Hajj as a culmination or final achievement, a valid argument for its importance. to get you hear here.
However some people might strongly deisagree because they start is more important then the finish if you dont follow with comitment then there is no pant on doing Hajj if you dont feel conected spirtraly that youd are not seen as folowing it to the then it. like fasting for ramidan if you dont fast or dont see the reson to then you shouldnt get to celebrate for eid eid is seen as a celebration because you have given that month to alla by fasting praying and spending time with family make you more spirilre conected

Here's an example of how to strengthen a point (BLUE PEN):

However, some would argue that without the daily commitment shown through pillars like Salah, the one-off act of Hajj has no spiritual meaning.The original sentence was confusing and grammatically incorrect. The rewritten version clarifies the point: it contrasts the 'commitment' of daily pillars with the 'one-off' nature of Hajj, creating a much more sophisticated and understandable argument.

Candidate 89693

10 / 12

Student Response (Transcribed):

The 5 pillars are the 5 most important duties a muslim must fullfill to live a good life. Hajj is the fifth pillar it is a pilgrimage to mecca.
Some people may stronly believe this statement as hajj is a once in a lifetime oppertunity showing a demenstraition of faith and commitment this also strengthens them spirtually.A clear argument for Hajj's importance, linking it to commitment and spiritual strength. This may be important to a muslim because shows their love. Another why people may agree with this statement is because going to mecca is a big scarfice as it is very expensive.A second, distinct argument for Hajj's importance based on the level of sacrifice required. Thats why its a must to do it once a lifetime because not everyone is fiancally able.
However some people majorty of muslim would dissagree. Although Hajj is important the othery pillars are equally important. E.g Zakat [alsgiving] means giving to those in need. Every year muslims give 2.5% of their saving to the poor, needy and charitable causes. This is important as it teaches muslims to give. Another Salah (prayer) this is more daily and more easier to do than Hajj. Muslims should pray 5 times a dayAnother counter-argument, contrasting the daily nature of Salah with the once-in-a-lifetime Hajj., or Sawn (fasting) this teaches muslims self displince, pactience and empathy for the poor. This could be consider important as it helps them reflect and become closer to God.
To conclude i believe shadahad is the most important as its a declaration of faithA clear, justified conclusion that evaluates the relative importance of the pillars and offers a reasoned judgement.

Here's an example of how to strengthen a point (BLUE PEN):

This daily discipline could be considered more important than Hajj because it constantly helps a Muslim to reflect and feel closer to God, rather than being a single event.The original sentence was a simple statement. The rewritten version adds a comparative element ('more important than Hajj') and explains the reasoning ('constantly... rather than being a single event'), which directly addresses the essay question and strengthens the evaluation.

Candidate 54242

6 / 12

Student Response (Transcribed):

I Think That Hajj isn't The most important out of The five pillars because all of the pillars are important to a muslim's life and they all Guide a muslims Conntention with Allah (God). you Can't Just keep perfoming Hajj most of the time and Igore the rest that's not only about being a musilm.
But however some people misth disagree with me by saying hajj mostly Connets to Allah because it's where Muhammad (peace be on to him) was born and he was the last prophet. or some could also say it strengthens or most likly makes go to Junha (paradise).
In my opinion Hajj isn't the most important because you need prayer, fasting (having the fear of Allah) Almsgiving, and faith.A concluding statement that reiterates the student's opinion and justifies it by referencing the importance of other pillars. because you Just can't keep going to mecca because its the holiest place for a musilm and ignore the rest and some people Can't ever go mecca because they misth not have the money to go there. you need to show your faith Allah by doing Things, like giving to the community and praying, fast. Those guide you to being a musilm

Here's an example of how to strengthen a point (BLUE PEN):

These other pillars provide a daily and weekly guide on how to live as a Muslim, which some would argue is more fundamental than a single pilgrimage.The original phrase is very simple. The rewritten sentence is more academic, explains *how* the pillars guide a Muslim ('daily and weekly guide'), and links this back to the essay question by making a comparison with Hajj ('more fundamental than a single pilgrimage').

Candidate 84932

9 / 12

Student Response (Transcribed):

Hajj is the pilgrimage of traveling to Mecca one of the five pillars in Islam. Some people may strongly agree with this statement because traveling no matter how far away to Mecca shows devotion to your faithA clear argument for Hajj's importance, linking the physical act to the internal quality of devotion., which is necessary in Islam. People may also agree with this statement because there is a belief it strengthens your bond with God, allowing a person to spiritually connect and build a personal relationship with Allah.
However, some people may disagree strongly with this statement because for some people other pillars may be more important to them, such as Salah (prayer). Salah helps a person connect with God, going to Mecca without praying would lose some of its purpose.A strong counter-argument that positions Salah as foundational to all other acts of worship, including Hajj. Also, people may disagree with this statement because not everyone's financial state will be stable enough to travel all the way to MeccaA valid argument against Hajj's supremacy based on its lack of accessibility for all Muslims., even if they wanted to.
To conclude, I personally believe that Hajj is not the most important of the five pillars but Salah. Without praying it is difficult to form a relationship with God. Hajj is also important but not everyone in their lifetime will be able to travel to Mecca, so a close relationship is very important.A well-reasoned conclusion that weighs the arguments (accessibility vs. one-off event) and justifies the choice of Salah.

Here's an example of how to strengthen a point (BLUE PEN):

Conversely, many Muslims would argue that Salah is more important as it provides a direct connection to God five times every day, forming the constant backbone of their faith.The original statement is simple and true. The rewritten version adds detail ('five times every day'), uses more powerful vocabulary ('direct connection', 'constant backbone of their faith'), and frames it as a counter-argument ('Conversely'), making it more effective in a discursive essay.

Candidate 64239

2 / 12

Student Response (Transcribed):

Some people may strongly agree with this statement because (Hajj) is like the pilgramege of Mecca, meaning that
However, some people may strongly disagree with this statement because they might say that the other pillars (in) Islam are more then others, Shahada is that there is only one God and people believe in that God, because people may believe in others stuff like idolsThis is a valid argument against, positioning Shahadah as the foundational belief that separates Islam from other belief systems., non-religious beings, and others.

Here's an example of how to strengthen a point (BLUE PEN):

However, some Muslims would argue that other pillars are more fundamental, particularly the Shahadah.The original phrase is grammatically incorrect and confusing. The rewritten sentence is clear, grammatically correct, and introduces the specific counter-argument about the Shahadah in a more academic way.

Candidate 23049

5 / 12

Student Response (Transcribed):

Someone people may strongly agree with this statement because Hajj is the belief that there is one God and they feel the need to go there to go purify there holy sins and beg Allah for forgiveness for there sins.A clear argument for Hajj's importance, focusing on the forgiveness of sins, although it slightly confuses Hajj with Shahadah.
In my opinion I dissagree because not all people have the money to go to Hajj.A valid, common argument against Hajj's supremacy. I think Salah is the most important out of the five pillars because when you do your daily prayer thats the closes to Allah you get when you pray to him for forgiveness no matter how big it took you to live the cause to go there and pray he still blesses you and gives you mercy even if you went and did a very big sin. No matter if you came home and prayed thats still better then coming home and not praying.

Here's an example of how to strengthen a point (BLUE PEN):

It doesn't matter how far away you are; the act of daily prayer still brings blessings and mercy from Allah, making it accessible to everyone.The original sentence is very convoluted and hard to understand. The rewritten version clarifies the intended meaning – that prayer is powerful and accessible regardless of location – and expresses it in a clear, grammatically correct way.

Candidate 50385

8 / 12

Student Response (Transcribed):

Hajj is when muslims go on a pilgrimage to mecca.
Some people may strongly agree with this statement because as a muslim you have to go Hajj atleast once in your life (unless you are financially unstable).A simple but valid argument based on Hajj being an obligation.
Some people may strongly disagree due to the fact that they might think something else is the most important like Salah as Allah says something along the lines of 'those who dont pray are worse than or is the same as a non-muslim'.A strong counter-argument that uses a specific (though paraphrased) religious teaching to demonstrate the supreme importance of Salah. another reason could be they think the Shahda is the most important pillar of islam as it is what turns you into a muslim after you say it.Another strong counter-argument, explaining the foundational role of the Shahadah.
To conclude, I personally believe that it is not the most important and I think that Salah is the most important as if you dont do it your basically a non-muslim.

Here's an example of how to strengthen a point (BLUE PEN):

The Shahadah is arguably the most important pillar because it is the verbal declaration of faith that fundamentally defines a person as a Muslim.The original sentence is informal. The rewritten version uses more academic language ('arguably', 'verbal declaration of faith', 'fundamentally defines') to express the same idea in a more sophisticated way, strengthening the argument.

Candidate 56890

8 / 12

Student Response (Transcribed):

I do not believe Hajj is the most important of the 5 pillars of Islam as not everyone can do a pilgrimage to Mecca and not everyone is well or fit enough to do it because there are countries that are consistenly living in poverty or people that are too elderly and to ill to go. Hajj is a very pillar as I do not believe some people can do it once in their life because of this I do not agree with the statement listed.
Although some people may disagree as Hajj is a pilgrimage and a very importat one and Mecca is a holy place. Many Muslims unite and pray together at Mecca and they all share the same love for Allah not only that but also pilgrim is a way to deepen your faithA good argument for, highlighting the communal and spiritual benefits of Hajj. and by visiting Mecca you are doing this. You also do this with loved ones and it might only be a once in a lifetime thing as it so expensive so it can be held very sacred.
To conclude I believe Hajj is important but not everyone can do it for example can do Salah and its a daily thing that shows your love and devotion to AllahA strong conclusion that evaluates the pillars based on the criterion of accessibility and daily devotion. and it shows your always thinking and communicating to him. Hajj can be too expensive to do and while the other pillars could be consindered easier.

Here's an example of how to strengthen a point (BLUE PEN):

Ultimately, Hajj can be prohibitively expensive, whereas other pillars like Salah are considered more accessible, allowing all Muslims to demonstrate their devotion daily.The original sentence is a simple comparison. The rewritten version uses more sophisticated vocabulary ('ultimately', 'prohibitively expensive', 'accessible') and more clearly links the ideas to the central theme of the essay ('allowing all Muslims to demonstrate their devotion daily').

Candidate 35036

11 / 12

Student Response (Transcribed):

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars in Islam, the goal every Muslim aspires to follow. It's so important to every Muslim because they hope to go at least once in their life, almost 3M Muslims travel to Mecca for it.
Some people may agree with this statement because Hajj shows how Muslims respect and worship God by completing a pilgrimage. It suggests that Muslims wish to obey and submit to GodA well-explained argument linking the physical act of Hajj to the internal states of worship and submission., to show God their admiration for him. In addition Hajj is the final goal for a muslim, hence the importance of it.A second, distinct argument for Hajj's importance, framing it as the culmination of a Muslim's duties.
However, some people may strongly disagree and see Sawm (also known as fasting) as the most important. This may be because during Ramadan, Fasting is something every Muslim must do (unless too young, old or sick). Fasting allows Muslims to experience what its like to have a lack of money to afford basic needs.A strong counter-argument explaining the moral and empathetic purpose of Sawm. The fact fasting occurs for the whole of Ramadan the fast breaks once the sunset happens, making it extremely important.
To conclude I personally believe all the 5 pillars are important and needed. They all support each other making them all equally important. Without all 5, the life a Muslim follows will be different.A high-level evaluation that moves beyond choosing one pillar to argue for their interconnectedness and equal importance.

Here's an example of how to strengthen a point (BLUE PEN):

Without all five pillars working together, the entire structure of a Muslim's religious life would be incomplete.The original phrase is a little simple. The rewritten sentence uses the metaphor of a 'structure' which links back to the idea of 'pillars', and uses more precise language ('entire structure', 'religious life', 'incomplete') to create a more powerful and memorable concluding thought.

Candidate 46202

2 / 12

Student Response (Transcribed):

I disagree with this statement because there are thousands many people who will not be able to travel to Mecca Hajj because of financial problems that still follow all the others Pillars of Islam and are good muslims.A valid argument against, based on financial accessibility and the fact that one can be a 'good Muslim' without performing Hajj.
However, some people may strongly agree because it brings people closer to their faith and GodA simple, undeveloped argument for Hajj's importance.

Here's an example of how to strengthen a point (BLUE PEN):

On the other hand, many would argue Hajj is the most important pillar because the intense, shared experience of the pilgrimage can bring a person closer to their faith and to God in a uniquely powerful way.The original phrase is a simple statement. The rewritten sentence frames it as a counter-argument ('On the other hand'), adds descriptive language ('intense, shared experience'), and explains the idea more fully ('in a uniquely powerful way'), making it a much stronger point.

Candidate 28406

9 / 12

Student Response (Transcribed):

The five pillars are the most important thing to follow as a muslim. Hajj is the pillar of pilgramage, where a muslim has to travel to Mecca.
Some people may believe Hajj is the most important of the five pillars because as a muslim, you'd have to go to Mecca at least once in your lifetime as a way to help forgive your sins.A clear argument for Hajj's importance, focusing on the forgiveness of sins. This is important as Mecca is the place where the last prophet and messenger of God was born and raised.A second argument for, based on the historical and religious significance of the location. This is important as it is the most important place for a muslim and is a way of leaving behind their sins and bad deeds.
However some people may say Hajj is not the most important of the five pillars. This is because all five pillars are all equally as important to follow as a muslim. An example would be Shahadah, which means faith. Shahadah is also as important because it is said during prayer as a way to say the believe Allah is the one and true God and Muhammad was his messenger. As well as Zakat, as it shows muslims to be grateful for what they have and to help others by donating 2.5% to charity. This shows that all pillars are important because they all teach muslims to follow the religion well.
To conclude I believe I disagree with this statement because although it is important there can be times where a muslim will be unable to go.A clear conclusion that justifies the student's opinion by referring to the issue of accessibility.

Here's an example of how to strengthen a point (BLUE PEN):

This demonstrates that each pillar teaches a different, vital aspect of the faith, suggesting they are all equally important in helping a Muslim to follow their religion correctly.The original sentence is a simple summary. The rewritten version uses more precise vocabulary ('demonstrates', 'vital aspect of the faith') and clarifies the logic of the argument ('each pillar teaches a different... aspect... suggesting they are all equally important'), making it more analytical.

Candidate 90306

7 / 12

Student Response (Transcribed):

Hajj means pilgrimage which also means a religious Journey you take to Mecca. I agree with the statment because when you make that Journey your sins get forgiven by God.A clear argument for Hajj's importance. Another point in which I agree with the statement is because the other pillars are about the belief in God but Hajj builds up your strength with God.An interesting argument suggesting Hajj has a unique role in strengthening faith. Although there are agreements there are also disagreements such as Salah is the most important pillar because you pray five times a dayA counter-argument based on the frequency and consistency of Salah. or zath which you give 2.5% of your salary to charity every year. Another disagreement I might think of is that Hajj isn't the most important because zath shows your kindness by giving to children and families that dont have the same things you do.A counter-argument based on the social and ethical importance of Zakat. To conclude, I personally believe that Hajj is not the most important because the other four pillars are also very important so I would say they are all equal.A clear, evaluative conclusion arguing for the equal status of the pillars. I also believe that all pillars hold up your belief in the religion not only one pillar.

Here's an example of how to strengthen a point (BLUE PEN):

However, a strong counter-argument is that a pillar like Salah is more important...The original sentence is a very clumsy transition that merges two separate ideas. The rewritten version uses a standard transitional phrase ('However, a strong counter-argument is...') to clearly signal to the reader that an opposing viewpoint is now being introduced, which greatly improves the essay's structure and flow.

Candidate 95352

9 / 12

Student Response (Transcribed):

Hajj is apart of the five pillars of islam now some -peole migh not know what Hajj is. This is a very important pilgramage in islam. This where Muslims visit during thier life at least once. However, there are other pillars that some -people may think are more important.
Some people may strongly agree with this point because Hajj is a pilgramage where hundreds or thousands of muslims unite to share and express thier belif of Islam.A good argument for, focusing on the communal aspect and unity (Ummah). Another point could be that muslims have to go there once and some citizen state that by going to the pilgramag it shows devosition to your faith and belif to one god Allah.
On the other hand, some people may strongly disagree with this statement because overall goings to Hajj is very expensive and you need alot of physic to take part. It also states in the Quran that if you are financially stable you are premiteed to go.A very strong counter-argument, using the practical barriers and supporting them with a reference to the Qur'an. Another point could be that the other pillars like shahadah could be more important because it is the begining of your journey.A second counter-argument, highlighting the foundational importance of Shahadah.
To conclude, I personally am in the middle because yes it is good and important to visit however, if you are not stable enogh or dont have the physic you aren't able to go.A justified conclusion that weighs the importance against the practical limitations. The End.

Here's an example of how to strengthen a point (BLUE PEN):

In conclusion, while Hajj is undoubtedly a significant pillar, its importance can be seen as conditional rather than absolute.The original phrase is very informal and simple. The rewritten sentence expresses the same nuanced position but uses more academic and precise language ('undoubtedly significant', 'conditional rather than absolute'), which makes the evaluation sound more authoritative and sophisticated.