When it comes to marking exams, it is often difficult to balance a high marking workload with the desired marking consistency. Multiple-choice questions are easy to mark, as they involve objective marking and can be done by any number of markers or by a machine. Short and long answer questions create higher workloads. It is often necessary, for consistency's sake, to have one person marking an entire class group. Though this creates a large workload for that person, this method enables the marker to make valid comparisons with regard to the varying standard of work. It also allows the marker to detect any plagiarism, and gives him/her a good idea about the broad strengths and weaknesses of the group.

With one person marking the answers of an entire group, there is more consistency and therefore a more accurate spread of marks. This also creates a fairer situation where the students' answers are subjected to the same scrutiny.