Essays are given a Pass or a Fail.

Two markers independently mark each Essay. Essays that receive a marginal or failing grade after initial marking are referred to a review committee. The members of the review committee also independently mark the essay and only after doing so are given each other’s comments and the comments of the initial markers. Having received all the marking sheets, they discuss the respective comments and concerns and make a final determination as to whether the essay meets the Society's expectations. Occasionally, without being told that this is the case, the review committee randomly undertakes the initial marking of an essay. Knowing that this may be the case, the committee is not predisposed either in favour of or against an essay.

The essay marking process is anonymous. For this reason, you are required to indicate your student number rather than your name on your essay and to remove any indication of your firm name. Throughout the marking process none of the markers is told who has written the essay or anything about his or her background.

Essay marking takes approximately 6-8 weeks. You will be advised of the marking result as soon as it is available. The decision of STEP as to whether an essay demonstrates a level of knowledge acceptable to the Society shall be final.

Essay Topics

Essay Submission