Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Write a topic sentence and three supporting details
1 week (daily practice — write one paragraph per day)
Write one clear topic sentence (what the paragraph will be about) followed by three separate sentences that each give a different piece of evidence, reason, or example supporting that topic. A parent or teacher reads the paragraph and confirms that the topic sentence is general enough to cover all three details, and each detail is specific and distinct.
Proof required
Submit a written paragraph of 4 sentences: one topic sentence and three supporting details, on a topic of your choice — with a parent or teacher note confirming the topic sentence is broad enough to cover all three details and each detail is specific.
What gets checked
- Topic sentence makes a claim or states a main idea — not a question, not a fact, not a title
- Each supporting sentence gives a different detail, reason, or example (not three versions of the same point)
- All three details relate directly to the topic sentence
Common mistakes
- Writing a topic sentence that is too narrow — 'My cat has white fur' cannot support three separate details; 'My cat has many interesting habits' can
- All three supporting sentences being the same idea rephrased — each detail should add new information
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Ask 'could you write three more different supporting sentences for this topic sentence?' — if yes, it's broad enough; if the topic is already too narrow to support three ideas, the topic sentence needs rethinking
- Check that the three details are genuinely different — repeated ideas phrased differently count as one detail
- All three details must connect to the topic sentence — an off-topic detail means the paragraph structure is incomplete
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Write a complete paragraph with transition words
1–2 weeks (revising paragraphs from Milestone 1)
Expand the 4-sentence paragraph into a 6–8 sentence paragraph by adding transition words between details (first, also, for example, in addition, finally), writing a closing sentence that restates the main idea without copying the topic sentence, and ensuring the paragraph reads smoothly as connected prose. A parent or teacher reads the paragraph and marks any abrupt transitions or missing connections.
Proof required
Submit a written paragraph of 6–8 sentences (topic sentence, 3 supporting details with transitions, and a closing sentence) on a topic of your choice — with a parent or teacher note confirming transitions are natural, the closing sentence restates the main idea in different words, and the paragraph reads smoothly.
What gets checked
- At least 3 different transition words or phrases used (not all 'first, then, last')
- Closing sentence restates the main idea in different words — not copied from the topic sentence
- Paragraph reads as connected text — no abrupt jumps between ideas
Common mistakes
- Using 'first, then, last' as the only transitions — encourage variety: 'another reason,' 'for example,' 'in addition,' 'most importantly'
- Closing sentence that copies the topic sentence word-for-word — should restate the idea using different vocabulary
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Read the paragraph aloud — if it sounds choppy or the transitions feel forced, ask the student to revise the connecting phrases
- Check the closing sentence is NOT a copy of the topic sentence — it should summarize the idea in fresh language
- Count the transition words: at least 3 different ones across the full paragraph
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Submit a paragraph scoring 3 of 4 on the included rubric
1 session (30–45 min)
Write a paragraph on a given topic (chosen by the parent or teacher) and have it evaluated using a 4-point rubric: (1) Topic sentence clearly states the main idea. (2) At least 3 specific supporting details, each distinct. (3) Transition words connect ideas smoothly. (4) Closing sentence restates the main idea in different words. Scoring 3 or 4 on this rubric is the level gate.
Proof required
Submit a written paragraph on a topic given to you by a parent or teacher, along with a completed rubric (4 categories rated 1–4) signed or initialled by the parent or teacher who evaluated it — with a total score of 3 or 4.
What gets checked
- Score of 3 or 4 on the 4-point rubric (not 1 or 2)
- Rubric completed by the parent or teacher, not self-evaluated
- Topic was assigned on the day of the assessment — not a pre-prepared piece
Common mistakes
- Submitting a paragraph the student drafted and revised over several days — the assessment should be written in one sitting on an assigned topic to test independent writing ability
- Self-scoring the rubric — the parent or teacher must evaluate it
Resources
Foundationstart here
What a verifier looks for
- Assign the topic on the day — do not share it in advance. Good topics: 'Why is your favourite season the best?' or 'What makes a good friend?' or 'Describe a place you love'
- Score each category 1–4: (1) no topic sentence or unclear, (2) topic sentence present but weak, (3) clear topic sentence, (4) strong and specific. Apply the same scale to each category
- 3 or 4 overall (sum or average — your choice) is the gate; below 3 means the student should revise one more round before the assessment
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