Essay Writing

Proof required

Submit a written outline showing: the thesis statement, introduction structure, topic sentences and 3 supporting points for each of 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion plan — with a parent or teacher note confirming the thesis is arguable and the supporting points are distinct.

What gets checked

• Thesis statement is arguable — it makes a claim that someone could disagree with, not a statement of obvious fact
• Each body paragraph has a distinct topic sentence (not just three ways of saying the same thing)
• 3 supporting points per body paragraph are specific enough to write full sentences from

Common mistakes

• Thesis that is too broad or too obvious ('Pollution is bad') — a good thesis takes a specific position ('Plastic bag bans are more effective than recycling programmes at reducing coastal pollution')
• Outline with supporting points that are vague ('reasons include many things') — each point in the outline should name a specific example or argument

Resources

What a verifier looks for

• Test the thesis: ask 'could a reasonable person disagree with this?' — if the answer is no, it's too obvious; if the answer is 'disagree with what exactly?' it's too vague
• Check body paragraph topic sentences are distinct — 3 different reasons, not 3 ways of saying the same reason
• The outline is the planning tool; confirm it's complete before drafting begins — a weak outline produces a weak essay

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Proof required

Submit the full essay draft (introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and conclusion) typed or neatly handwritten — with a parent or teacher note confirming each paragraph is present, the thesis appears in both introduction and conclusion, and one specific revision was requested and made.

What gets checked

• All 5 paragraphs present: introduction, 3 body, conclusion
• Thesis in the introduction's last sentence and restated (not copied) in the conclusion
• At least one revision cycle: a parent or teacher gives written feedback and the student revises one section based on it

Common mistakes

• Skipping the revision step and submitting the first draft — revision is part of the writing process and should result in a visibly different second draft, not just grammar corrections
• Conclusion that just lists the three body paragraph topics ('I talked about X, Y, and Z') — should synthesize and explain significance, not just summarize

Resources

What a verifier looks for

• Confirm all 5 paragraphs are present and the thesis appears in both introduction and conclusion
• Write specific revision feedback — not just 'good job'; give one concrete suggestion (e.g. 'your second body paragraph's evidence is vague — can you add a specific example?')
• Confirm the revised draft shows at least one change based on your feedback

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Proof required

Submit a 5-paragraph essay written on an assigned topic in one sitting — with a completed 4-criterion rubric (thesis, evidence, organization, conventions, each rated 1–4) signed by the parent or teacher, showing a score of 3 or 4 in at least 3 of the 4 categories.

What gets checked

• Essay written in one sitting on an assigned topic (not a pre-drafted piece)
• Score of 3 or 4 in at least 3 of the 4 rubric categories
• Rubric completed and signed by the evaluating parent or teacher

Common mistakes

• Using a previously drafted essay — the assessment tests independent timed writing; assign a new topic on the day
• Not completing the rubric — the rubric is the proof standard for this milestone

Resources

What a verifier looks for

• Assign the topic on the day — good topics: 'Should students have homework?', 'What is the most important quality in a friend?', 'Is technology helpful or harmful for students?'
• 4-point rubric per category: 1=missing or unclear, 2=present but weak, 3=meets expectations, 4=exceeds expectations
• 3 of 4 categories at score 3+ is the gate — if the student scores 3/4/3/2, that's a pass (3 categories at 3+); if they score 2/3/2/2, that's not yet ready

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