Can I get 100% on an essay?

Every student dreams of a perfect essay. But in the UK university system, even scoring 100% is nearly impossible. Instead, the gold standard is a first-class essay, typically marked at 70% and above. So how do you get as close as possible to perfection?

We’ve broken it down into a step-by-step strategy used by top-performing students and backed by expert academic advice.

Understand what the markers want

UK universities rarely give 100% for essays. In fact, anything above 85% is usually considered publishable quality. A first is often the maximum you can realistically aim for.

Academic guidance from universities like Cambridge and Edinburgh highlights that markers look for:

• A clear, focused argument

• Critical analysis of ideas and sources

• Proper academic structure and referencing

• Engaged and original thinking

• Polished language and fluency

The 5 steps to a high-mark essay

1. Analyse the question properly

Start by unpacking the assignment brief. Look for instruction verbs (like compare, analyse, discuss) and focus your reading accordingly. This is the foundation of your structure.

Top tip: Use a highlighter to break down key terms and return to them throughout your writing.

2. Read widely and critically

Markers want to see depth. That means reading beyond lecture notes. Use academic books, peer-reviewed journals, and university libraries like those at Cambridge and Manchester, where critical engagement is emphasised.

Skim read first, then deep read what’s most relevant.

3. Plan before you write

Before diving into writing, outline your key points. This stops your essay from wandering and keeps the argument coherent. Universities like Nottingham Trent recommend planning first to structure your logic clearly.

Try the structure:

• Introduction (set the tone and question)

• Body paragraphs (one key point per section)

• Conclusion (echo your intro, answer the question)

  
  

4. Write clearly, not cleverly

Avoid the temptation to sound overly academic. Clarity beats complexity every time. Use topic sentences, and develop each idea fully before moving on.

Keep in mind:

• Avoid repetition and vague generalities

• Define key terms early

• Balance your voice with citations

  
  

Use tools like the Academic Phrasebank to polish your language.

5. Edit ruthlessly

Your first draft isn’t your best draft. After writing, walk away and come back with fresh eyes. Look for:

• Typos and grammar errors

• Gaps in logic

• Citation and referencing inconsistencies

• Wordy or clunky phrasing

  
  

Reading aloud can help catch awkward sentences.

Push beyond the average with these extras

• Include counter-arguments to show critical depth

• Use a consistent referencing system (Harvard, APA etc.)

• Consult with your lecturer or tutor, ask what a first-class answer looks like

• Use appendices (if allowed) for graphs, data or extra context

Real example: going from a 2:1 to a 1st

One student from the University of Manchester improved their essay from 68% to 75% simply by reorganising their argument, incorporating wider reading, and refining their writing tone (source).

“I was trying too hard to sound clever. Once I focused on clarity and structure, my marks jumped.”

Final thoughts

Getting 100% might be off the table. But producing a first-class essay isn’t. Know what’s expected, plan carefully, write with clarity, edit thoroughly, and show you're engaging with ideas, not just repeating them.

If you need help writing, editing, or improving your essay structure, LetterLab can help. Our expert writing service has supported students across the UK in achieving top marks.