Simplify your marking in a matter of minutes. 150 exemplar targets, covering ten essential areas of learning, ready for you to start using today.

Targets are central to feedback.

Through targets, we help learners direct their future effort.

Targets give learners access to expertise, helping them to do things differently, and better.

Here are a set of 15 exemplar targets, based around mistakes.

You can use these in your own marking, adapt them, or use them as inspiration.

Whatever works for you!

Exemplar Targets Based Around Mistakes

Focus on avoiding the mistakes I’ve identified. Notice how these tend to come as you’re nearing the end of a section. Remind yourself to stay focussed at this point in your work.
Check the meaning of any keywords you’re uncertain about, then include them in your writing. This will help you to avoid misusing words in the future.
Look at the mistake I’ve identified and the corrected example I’ve written next to it. Refer to this while you are writing your next story to avoid it happening again.
Try to use the checklist I’ve provided every time you sit down to start a practical. This will help you avoid making the same mistake again.
Next time, ensure you check your calculations forwards and backwards. This will help you to identify and then rectify a higher number of mistakes.
Notice how you mistook the denominator for the numerator in several of the later calculations. Check this carefully before you start each sum – label them if you need to.
Your work shows more mistakes when you’re rushing to finish. I don’t mind if you don’t get everything done in the time – I’d like you to focus on not making mistakes instead.
Have a look at my example. Note how I first describe and then explain. I’d like you to practice doing this each time you answer a question. Try to avoid just describing.
When you receive the ball, you’re taking your eye off it. That’s why you’re making mistakes with your control. Focus on keeping your eye on the ball until it gets to you.
Your stitching has a lot of mistakes in the more complex sections. Go back and practice the different stitches we’ve learned in the last couple of lessons, then try again.
Make a note of the mistakes I’ve highlighted. Next time, keep this list to hand and use it to stop yourself making the same mistakes again.
Some of your sentences don’t make sense. I’d like you to read your work out to yourself before you hand it in. Then you can spot the mistakes and change them before I read it.
Watch me cutting the wood. Notice how I keep the cutting motion smooth. Can you see the difference between that and what you were doing? Next time, just concentrate on keeping that smooth motion.
You added an extra paragraph in here which takes away from the argument instead of adding to it. Next time, ask yourself if you need to add anything extra, or whether what you’ve done is stronger when left as it is.
A good rule of thumb is to work through the sums backwards, checking each one. That way you’re more likely to spot mistakes. Try to apply it next time.

15 Exemplar Targets Around Processes You Can Use to Speed Up Your Marking

A good approach is to break your plan down into three sections and only move on when you’ve completed each one. I’d like to see you trying that out in your next piece of work.
Think about what you want the reader to get from your story before you start writing. You can then use this to make decisions about what to write.
If you find yourself getting stuck again, don’t give up. First try using a different strategy to solve the problem, then try asking a friend or looking in a book. If you still can’t do it, come and ask me.
Positively visualise what you want to do before you do it. This will help you get closer to producing an error-free routine. Try it out the next time you practice.
Record your data twice, using the system I’ve shown you. This will make it easier for you to check the accuracy of your measurements.
Think about the order of your paragraphs after you’ve planned what you want to write. Compare how different orders might have different results.
Try to use more descriptive language in your writing. A good technique is to identify some key words and phrases in advance. You can then work these in as you go.
Make a note of the difference between analysis and critique. You might like to include some examples as well. The next time we do a mock exam, use this to help you decide how to answer these types of questions.
Try asking yourself these questions the next time we do some design work: What do I want to achieve? How do I want the product to look? What might get in my way?
Next time I’d like you to try making a different choice. See what happens and then tell me what differences you notice.
A useful technique is to read each page in full, then to make a short summary or series of bullet points. Try it out and see how you get on.
When analysing a question, don’t forget that you can reframe the question so it’s easier for you to play to your strengths.
Try looking for difficult words first, sounding them out and then reading the sentence in full.
I’d like to see more originality in your work. Think of the famous pieces we’ve been studying as a starting point for your own ideas, not as something you need to copy.
If you get to the end and get a result which seems wrong, go back and check each stage of your calculations in turn. Dividing it up makes it easier to isolate an error.

15 Exemplar Targets Around Content You Can Use to Speed Up Your Marking

When using keywords make sure you are using them carefully. I’d like to see you checking your keyword usage before you hand your work in.
I’m pleased you’ve tried to use the new ideas we’ve been learning about. Compare how you’ve used them with the example I’ve written out. I’d like you to try using them in this way next time round.
Use examples to explain some of the new ideas we learned about. This will help you to better understand them and will also show me that you understand them.
Your explanation is less detailed than it could be. Try breaking down the information into separate sections and explaining each part in turn.
I can see from your work that you’ve really remembered the first part of the lesson. Try going back and reminding yourself of what we did in the second half. I’d like to see a similar level of detail for that material.
A good way to analyse a source is to compare it to your existing knowledge. That way you can identify which bits are most believable and which bits might require some extra thinking or research.
Increase the level of detail in your work by doing more reading before you start writing. This will ensure you have more information and ideas you can bring in.
I’ve seen you using the same ideas on a few occasions now. These are good and I like how you use them, but in your next piece of work I’d like you to bring in some of the new material we’re learning about.
You don’t need to include everything in every answer. Read the question carefully and select the pieces of information you think are most important. We can discuss your choices after the next set of questions.
Try to include a greater variety of keywords in your work. This shows wider content knowledge and means you can bring in more information.
This keyword has an important technical meaning. It’s different from how you’ve used it here. Remind yourself of the meaning and see if you can use the keyword more effectively next time.
For each major idea we’ve looked at in the last three weeks, see if you can come up with two strong examples. Make a note of these and then be ready to use them in future.
I’d like you to try explaining the key idea in a different way. A good starting point is to show how it connects to what you already know about the topic. Try going from there.
Practice writing in more detail by including two key pieces of information in each of your paragraphs. You might like to identify what these will be before you start.
You haven’t quite described the ideas as accurately as you could have done. Look at your explanation of electromagnetism. This could include more technical language and less common language.

15 Exemplar Targets Around Understanding You Can Use to Speed Up Your Marking

Demonstrate your understanding by showing me what you know. In some of your project there is too much copy and paste. Developing good understanding means putting ideas into your own words.
Illustrate your understanding by using examples that link to the topic. This will make your work more relevant and will show me that your understanding is at a deeper level.
In the third question you could have pushed yourself further by going into more detail and showing that you fully understand the ideas. I’d like you to apply this approach in your next piece of work.
The conclusion to your write-up makes the findings sound black and white. I think there is more to them than that. Go back, take another look and see if you can show me where the shades of grey are.
Explain your answers in full – including working out. If I can’t see this then I can’t be sure that you fully understand. Take what’s in your head and show it to me on the page.
There’s a couple of points here where you’ve gone off task. You can only show your full understanding if you keep focussed on the task all the way through. Next time, keep reminding yourself of this to stay on track.
Show me what you can do! This project is good but not as in-depth as I know you can make it. Pick one section and put everything into it – show me what you really know!
I’d like you to challenge your understanding of the Crimean War by researching interpretations that don’t agree with what you think. See if you can use these to develop your own ideas.
Instead of saying half a dozen of one and six of the other I’d like you to give me a definite conclusion. What do you think? Show me you understand the topic by settling on a more meaningful judgement.
I think this leaflet shows there are some gaps in your understanding. Have a look at the places I’ve marked and come up with a list of things we should look at again.
Compare your routine to the video I’ve made. See if you can identify where our understanding of the brief differs. I’d like you to use what you find to develop your routine.
Convince me that you really understand calculus. It’s up to you what you use, but I want you to focus on communicating to me what it’s for, how it works, and why it matters.
I think there are two or three things you could have included to better show your understanding. Have a look at the list I’ve made and decide which you want to work on next time.
Before you start on your next piece of work, I’d like you to think about how well you understand each idea. If you identify one that you don’t really understand, take some time to talk to me about it before you begin.
Bring in a wider range of ideas and information to show me that you fully understand what we’ve been discussing. If you’re not sure, focus on a couple of things at first and then ask me for help.

15 Exemplar Targets Around Previous Targets You Can Use to Speed Up Your Marking

Look at your last target. I think you’re getting close to achieving this, but there’s still a little way to go. I’d like you to review your target while you’re completing your next piece of work. Keep reminding yourself of it to stay on track.
You’ve managed to implement your target here. I want you to keep going with it for the moment – prove to me you’ve really got the hang of it.
You haven’t quite put your target into practice in this piece of work. I’d like you to try again with it. Have a look at the areas I’ve circled and see if you can avoid making the same mistakes next time.
You’ve met your target really well in the first set of questions. In the second, you’ve lost a bit of focus. I’d like you to concentrate on analysing your own performance next time, before you hand in your work. Use your target as a lens to look through.
I think you should set your own target now. You’ve successfully achieved what I asked you to do. Now you need to decide what the next improvement is that you can work on.
That target obviously wasn’t challenging enough for you. Your new target is to tell me when any of the work we do isn’t sufficiently challenging; then I can make things more difficult for you.
Keep practising applying your target. I can see definite improvement in your work. More practice will take you closer to being successful. When you’re practising, think about your target and what you’re trying to achieve.
Look at the areas I’ve highlighted. These are the ones where you’re furthest away from achieving your target. I’d like you to choose one of them to redo. Try and bring it closer into line with your target.
Compare this last piece of work with what you were doing a few months ago. You’ll see how much you’ve developed by focussing on your targets. Keep this up with your new target.
Make a note of your target at the top of the page before you start your work. Go back to it while you are working to remind yourself of what you are trying to achieve.
You’ve been a bit inconsistent in applying your target. Sometimes you’ve got it spot on, sometimes you’ve gone a little bit off to one side. I’d like you to focus on consistently applying your target to every question.
I can see you’ve really got to grips with your target when it comes to practising long passing. Now I want to see you focussing on it in a game situation – with the added pressure of competition.
I’m going to increase the complexity of your original target. I’d like you to include at least three different elements in your routine, and I’d like to see a different transition between each one.
Now you’ve started to put your target into practice I’d like you to begin judging your own work before you hand it in. Identify where you’ve really hit your target and where you’ve fallen a bit short of what you want.
Choose a section of your work and redo it using your new target. When you’ve done, tell me why the new piece is different – and why it’s better.

15 Exemplar Targets Around Knowledge You Can Use to Speed Up Your Marking

Include a greater level of detail in your work. Explain your ideas in full. I want to see that you know what you are talking about. If you’re not sure, do some extra research.
Go into more depth when talking about the key points. For example, you could demonstrate what they mean in different situations and how they relate to one another.
Give examples to show that you know how the ideas connect to the real world. For example, you could talk about how electromagnetism is used in MRI machines.
I’d like to see you stay more focussed on the topic in future. I’m impressed at your wider knowledge but try to make sure you bring this back to the topic and show how it relates.
Not all the knowledge you’ve called on is relevant. Have a look at the questions I’ve highlighted. In these, you could have used more appropriate information. Revisit them and see if you can identify what you could have done differently.
You haven’t used the key terms consistently all the way through. Have a look at how you’ve used the word ‘photosynthesis.’ Rewrite the offending sentences and then tell me what the difference is.
More technical language would be good. This shows you have a broad knowledge of the topic. Try keeping the glossary to hand next time – use it to help you as you write your report.
I think you’re relying on what you did last year. Next time, include more of what we’ve been learning this year. Don’t worry if you make a mistake – you can learn from it.
The section I’ve highlighted contains knowledge that isn’t appropriate for this question. While it’s good stuff it doesn’t add anything. See if you can think what would have been better to use, then call me over and we’ll discuss it together.
Make connections between the different ideas you use. For example, you could show how migration has an impact on where and how governments spend their money.
Illustrate your ideas with examples and keywords. Use these to explain what your ideas mean and how they connect to the topic.
Some of your answers are too vague. We need to use knowledge carefully in this unit. Rewrite your answers to questions 3, 8, 10 and 14. Make them more specific and precise.
You haven’t used your knowledge to answer the question – you’ve answered a different one instead. Next time, start by making a note of what you know and then think about how it relates to the question. This will help you stay on track.
Your mock suggests you have some big gaps in your knowledge of forces and electricity. It’s OK – that’s what mocks are for! To find these things out. Your task is to go back and revisit those topics. Make flashcards and bring them in for me to look at with you.
I’d like you to practice half a dozen of these questions. On each one, think carefully about what knowledge is the most important to bring in, then make that the focus of your writing.

15 Exemplar Targets Around Editing and Rewriting You Can Use to Speed Up Your Marking

I’ve underlined a few bits of your work that you could have edited yourself. Next time, remind yourself of this and make sure you edit in full before handing in.
Of the three sections of your leaflet, I think the third one is most in need of editing. It doesn’t have the same level of detail as the other sections. See if you can edit it to show me what you would do to make it better.
Overall, I think this is good but the story sags quite a bit in the middle compared to the start and end, which are nice and pacey. Choose one section from the middle and rewrite it so it is closer in feel to the start and end.
Your target is to explain each idea in full. This might mean sharing fewer ideas but going into more detail about each one. Have a go at rewriting the first half of your essay in line with this target.
I’d like you to use an editing checklist before you hand your work in next time: spelling, punctuation, sense. First check your spellings, then check your punctuation, then check whether all your sentences make sense.
Try rewriting your answers using this set of questions: Am I answering the question? How am I deciding what information to include? Could I be more precise? Call me over and tell me about the differences after you’ve done it.
Choose three sentences you could edit. I’d like you to go for ones that aren’t as clear as they could be. Write them underneath and then tell me why they are better.
You’ve used some of the keywords in different ways in different places. Have a look through and edit the ones you think aren’t right. I’ll take a look after you’ve done, and we can discuss the changes.
Next time, I want to see a wider range of examples. This will show me that you are really thinking carefully about the topic. For now, choose one paragraph to rewrite and include a different example in it.
Your conclusion is flat. Look again at the rest of your essay. It maintains a critical edge throughout. Rewrite your conclusion so it contains a similar level of evaluative thinking.
Edit your code to remove some of the bugs I’ve highlighted. As you do, think about why your original code gave rise to the bugs – and be ready to tell me what you’ll do differently next time.
You could have said the same thing in fewer words. Edit your answer so it is simpler while retaining the same meaning.
There’s not enough information in your story of what you did over the summer. I’d like you to rewrite the section about your holiday. Tell me more about what you did, where you went, what it felt like, and what you enjoyed.
The language you’ve used makes it seem like you’re writing for a friend. Imagine your audience was a group of professional scientists. Rewrite your findings and conclusion for them.
Clarity is key here. I want you to tell me what you think as clearly as possible. Go back and edit your thinking until it is crisper and clearer. Don’t worry about making mistakes – they’ll help you to get it right.

15 Exemplar Targets Around Effort You Can Use to Speed Up Your Marking

I think your effort dropped off as the task became more difficult. I’d like you to focus on sustaining your effort. Remind yourself to stay on track – even when the going gets tough.
Some of your answers are off topic. You should try to target your effort on the questions. As you write, ask yourself whether you’re focussed on the question. If not, bring yourself back on task.
Sometimes your effort is good in lessons; sometimes you don’t tend to focus as much. I’d like to see you putting in a good level of effort all the time. See if you can do that over the next couple of lessons.
When you hit a challenge, a good thing is to increase your effort levels rather than pulling back. The extra effort will help you to pick the challenge apart and work out how to beat it.
Target your effort on using more trial and error. If you’re not sure how to do something, try going through a few different trials and see what happens. Use the information from your errors to change things around until you find what works.
I’d like you to be a better judge of your own effort. Identify a piece of work where you put in maximum effort and judge your future effort levels against this.
It’s important to monitor your own effort in an activity like this. Next time, pay attention to how much you are putting in and identify where, when and why your effort levels drop.
Focussing on applying your target is a great way to get the most out of the effort you put in. When I give you your next target, I’d like you to write it at the top of the page and then concentrate on working towards it through the lesson.
Look at the two pieces of work I’ve highlighted. The first shows a high level of effort; the second shows quite a low level of effort. Remind yourself what you did for the first one and try to do more of this next lesson.
If you get stuck, instead of giving up or waiting for the lesson to move on, tell me. That way I can help you to refocus your efforts and get more out of the learning.
Here are three questions you can use to assess your level of effort during a task: Is my mind wandering? Am I thinking about how I can be successful? Do I need any help or support so I can better focus my effort?
Have a look at the work you were producing and what you’re doing now. You’ll see the difference putting in a higher level of effort has brought about. Use this as motivation to keep doing the same thing.
You can improve your effort by breaking down tasks and focussing on one thing at a time. This will stop your mind getting overloaded.
A good way to control distractions is to make a list of the most common distractions you face and then remind yourself at the start of each lesson. That will help you to spot them and make the right choice.
One thing you might like to try next time is using bursts of effort. Instead of running round for the whole game, spend some time holding your position and then, when the time is right, use a burst of effort to affect the game.

15 Exemplar Targets Around Challenge You Can Use to Speed Up Your Marking

Challenge yourself to complete all the extension tasks. You are capable of having a go at them and this will help you to really push your learning.
Identify a challenge you would like to take on over the next few weeks. Choose something connected to our topic and tell me why you think it will be a challenge and how you will tackle it.
Challenge yourself by attempting the harder problems first. Spend more time on these and then, if you have time left, use it to quickly work through the easier problems.
Tell me when the level of challenge is too low. If I don’t know, I can’t make the work more challenging for you. I want to make sure the learning is pushing you to reach your potential!
If you’re sometimes getting stuck, this is usually a sign that the level of challenge is about right. Next time you get stuck, let me know and we’ll discuss what’s happened, why it’s a challenge and how to get past it.
I’d like you to see challenges as a positive thing. Next time you find yourself facing a challenge, ask yourself what you might learn from it, and remind yourself that trying different strategies is always an option.
Make a list of the different strategies you can use when faced with a challenge. Show me the list and we’ll talk it through. You can then use this when you next face a challenge.
Use trial and error the next time you get stuck. See if you can try different ways of aiming to solve the problem. Watch what happens and keep adjusting things until you get it right.
Your target is to seek out challenges in every lesson. This could mean working hard to get onto the extension or asking me to make the work more difficult for you. It’s about you taking ownership of the level of challenge.
I want you to make at least two mistakes, or get stuck once, every lesson. This will show me that you are stretching yourself and that your thinking is being challenged. If you get halfway through the lesson and haven’t made a mistake or become stuck, let me know.
Pick a section of the work I’ve marked and tell me how we could increase the level of challenge. Then, try redoing that section so it fits in with this new standard.
I’d like to see more evaluation in your answers. Tell me what’s good and what’s bad; what works and what doesn’t. This will show me you’re really challenging yourself to think critically.
Being original is a challenge – and I’d like you to embrace it. Instead of mimicking the work we’ve studied, use it as a starting point to think of your own ideas.
You can challenge yourself by reading more widely. Look at the list of books I’ve written out. We won’t look at these in class, but I think you’ll really benefit from reading some. Pick one to get you started.
I think you’ve got to grips with serving. Now I want to see you mastering the technique by increasing the accuracy of your serves. Challenge yourself by practising serves to specific areas of the court.

15 Exemplar Targets Around Strengths You Can Use to Speed Up Your Marking

Play to your strengths more often. You’re good when speaking in debates, so try talking your ideas through before you start writing. This will make it easier to say what you want to say in your essays.
Keep working on your understanding of quantum mechanics. I’m really impressed at how this has developed over the last couple of weeks. Keep plugging away at it and you’ll develop an even better understanding.
Don’t rest on your laurels. It’s tempting to sit back when you’ve achieved such a high score. I’d like you to think about how you could push your strengths further. Let me know what I can do to help.
Try using your strengths in listening to help improve your speaking. Listen carefully to how some professional speakers speak on YouTube and identify what you could borrow from them.
Your ability to describe the key ideas is excellent – I can see this from your work. Now I’d like you to be more nuanced in your descriptions. Think about how you can bring shades of grey into them.
You’re strong at answering the 6-mark questions. Take the method you use and apply it to the 12-mark questions. You might need to make some tweaks, but I think this will help you to develop.
Tell me why this piece of work is good. I want to see that you understand why it is good and what strengths you have used to make it good. Then, tell me how you can use these same strengths in the future.
I can see your strong imagination coming through in the beginning of your story, but not so much at the end. I’d like you to concentrate on using this strength all the way through. Try reminding yourself of it after every few paragraphs you write.
I don’t think we saw the best of your dribbling today. You went back to the old habit of trying to go past one player too many. Focus on combining your strength in dribbling with making sure you play a good final ball.
Look at your last piece of work and the one I’ve just marked. Can you see the difference? I think you made your last target into a strength but then forgot about it in the most recent work. Next time, focus on getting yourself back up to that standard.
I’d like you to start identifying the strengths in your work before handing it in. We can then see if we both agree. This will help you to develop a better understanding of where you are at and how you are developing.
Try changing your approach next time round. I know you’ve become skilled at developing routines in this style, but now I’d like you to start developing strengths in other areas as well.
Challenge yourself to keep improving your strengths. For example, you could try writing a more complex melody or come up with an original chord progression.
Build on your existing strengths by using your knowledge of the local area to bring more detail and information into your report. Think about some of the extra things you could include.
Make a list of your strengths and then show me where each of these comes into play in your next piece of work. Call me over while you’re working and talk me through some of the things you notice.