Square Root Curves
Formula: Curved = 100 × √(Raw ÷ 100). Boosts low scores significantly, high scores minimally. Fair grading method for difficult exams.
Formula Explained
49% → 70% (+21 points). 64% → 80% (+16 points). 81% → 90% (+9 points). 100% → 100% (no change).
Why Use Curves
Exam harder than expected. Class average too low. External factors affected performance. Fair, transparent grading.
When to Apply
Good: exam difficulty, curriculum gaps. Bad: inflate grades artificially, poor teaching compensation.
Key Points
Be transparent. Explain to students. Maintain ranking order. Low scores benefit most.
Alternatives
No curve, linear curve, reassessment, retakes, weighted grades.
Conclusion
Fair, mathematically elegant solution to unexpectedly difficult exams.