Introduction: When “Correct” Isn’t Enough
Have you ever received low marks on an assignment even though your answers were technically correct? You’re not alone. Many students in the USA and UK face this confusing situation. You work hard, follow the textbook, submit on time—and still, the grade disappoints. You might wonder why your assignment gets low marks even when it’s correct.
Why does this happen? The truth is, assignments are not just judged on correctness. Professors and tutors use multiple criteria, and missing just one can cost you valuable marks.
In this blog, we’ll uncover the 7 hidden reasons why your assignment may get low marks—even if your content is accurate. Understanding these points can help you boost your grades, improve feedback, and avoid common pitfalls.
Let’s decode the hidden factors that influence your scores.
🔍 1. Lack of Structure and Formatting
➤ What it means:
Even if your content is correct, poor structure makes it hard to follow. Academic assignments need a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. If your answer is a wall of text or looks messy, you lose marks automatically.
📌 Common issues:
- No headings/subheadings
- Missing conclusion or summary
- Inconsistent font size and spacing
- No page numbers or title page
✅ How to fix:
- Use a proper assignment template (most universities have one)
- Include clear headings and subheadings
- Follow formatting rules (font size, spacing, margins)
🔍 2. Ignoring the Assignment Question’s Keywords
➤ What it means:
Many students write general information without directly answering the specific question asked.
Even if your answer is correct in another context, if it doesn’t match the command words (e.g., “analyze,” “evaluate,” “compare”), you will lose marks.
📌 Example:
Question: “Evaluate the impact of AI on healthcare”
Your Answer: Describes AI tools—but doesn’t evaluate or mention impact.
✅ How to fix:
- Highlight command words before writing
- Use bullet points or a mind map to plan a direct response
- Check if each paragraph relates directly to the question
🔍 3. Weak Referencing or Missing Citations
➤ What it means:
Universities in the USA and UK are very strict about academic integrity. Even if your answers are correct, failing to cite sources or using the wrong format can cost you heavily.
📌 Common mistakes:
- Forgetting to cite research
- Using Wikipedia as a source
- Wrong citation style (APA instead of Harvard, etc.)
✅ How to fix:
- Use tools like CiteThisForMe or Zotero to format references
- Always include a Reference List or Bibliography
- Follow your university’s required referencing style guide
🔍 4. Poor Language, Grammar, and Academic Tone
➤ What it means:
Even if your facts are right, poor grammar, spelling errors, and informal tone affect your readability and professionalism. Many professors deduct marks for poor academic writing.
📌 Examples of bad tone:
- “I think this is good” → Too casual
- “U.S. healthcare is kinda messed up” → Slang and unprofessional
✅ How to fix:
- Use Grammarly or Microsoft Editor before submitting
- Replace casual words with formal academic language
- Avoid “I”, “we”, or “you” unless allowed
🔍 5. No Critical Thinking or Original Insight
➤ What it means:
Assignments are not just about repeating facts—they’re about showing that you understand, analyze, and apply knowledge.
Many students lose marks for descriptive writing only. Professors look for critical thinking and originality.
📌 Signs you lack critical thinking:
- No analysis, only facts
- No personal argument or conclusion
- Copying textbook points without evaluation
✅ How to fix:
- Ask yourself: “What does this mean?”, “Why is this important?”, “What are its pros and cons?”
- Use phrases like:
- “This suggests that…”
- “However, it can be argued that…”
- “A possible implication is…”
🔍 6. Not Following Rubric or Instructions
➤ What it means:
Every assignment comes with a rubric or grading guide. If you miss even one section or fail to meet the word count, your grade suffers—even if the rest is correct.
📌 Common errors:
- Submitting 800 words for a 1500-word essay
- Ignoring required sections (e.g., no Executive Summary in a report)
- Not submitting in the correct format (PDF vs. DOCX)
✅ How to fix:
- Always download and read the full rubric
- Create a checklist before submission
- Use tools like Word Counter or Hemingway Editor to check word count and structure
🔍 7. Submitting Without Proofreading or Peer Review
➤ What it means:
You may think your assignment is ready, but last-minute errors (typos, broken sentences, repeated words) reduce your marks. Most students lose easy points because they don’t take time to proofread.
📌 What to check:
- Spelling and grammar
- Repeated points
- Missing words or unclear sentences
- Logic flow between paragraphs
✅ How to fix:
- Take a break, then re-read with fresh eyes
- Use “Read Aloud” function in Word or Google Docs
- Ask a friend, tutor, or use online tutoring help for final review
💡 Bonus Tip: Understand Feedback and Improve
If you receive low marks, read the feedback carefully. Many students don’t understand or ignore assignment comments, missing a chance to improve.
🛠 How to handle feedback:
- Ask your tutor to explain unclear points
- Create a list of mistakes to avoid next time
- Apply suggestions to future assignments
📊 Real Example: Before vs. After Fixing Issues
| Criteria | Before Fixing | After Fixing |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Wall of text, no headings | Clear sections, headings & formatting |
| Referencing | None | APA-style citations with full bibliography |
| Critical Thinking | Only facts | Analysis + personal argument |
| Proofreading | Many typos | 100% clean grammar using Grammarly |
| Marks | 52% | 78% |
🎯 Conclusion: Getting Better Grades Is About the Full Package
Understanding why your assignment gets low marks is the first step to fixing the problem. It’s not always about wrong answers—it’s often about missing structure, weak referencing, or poor academic tone.
By applying the 7 fixes in this blog, you can dramatically improve your grades, confidence, and academic performance.
👩🏫 Need Help Improving Your Assignment?
Still wondering why your assignment gets low marks, even after giving your best effort? Our expert tutors at OnlineTutoringHelp.com will guide you through feedback, structure, referencing, and more—so your next submission gets the grade you deserve.
- 📘 All Subjects Covered
- ✍️ Assignment Feedback & Review
- 🕒 24/7 Availability (USA & UK Timezones)
- 💲 Affordable Rates