Clarity

• Technical correctness: the essay must be free of grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors
• Simplicity and directness: avoid archaic, complex, or high-frequency vocabulary — use simple, direct, and formal English
• Clear stance: maintain a clear, understandable position throughout the essay; avoid overly philosophical or abstract language
• Refinement: always proofread and edit thoroughly to generate clarity

Organization & Flow

• Flow: each paragraph should transition smoothly into the next, maintaining logical coherence
• Balance: avoid bias by acknowledging counter-arguments — a balanced view makes an essay more persuasive
• Structural treatment: a proper Beginning (introduction + thesis statement), a logical Middle (coherent paragraph transitions), and an effective Ending (conclusion)
• Paragraph organization: paragraphs should function like beads on a string, with each one triggering the next — reject the idea that every paragraph needs its own standalone intro/conclusion; focus on transition words instead ("Moreover," "What's more," "On the other hand")

Relevance

• Avoid interpolation: do not insert irrelevant, unnecessary information just to increase word count — quality matters more than volume
• Main argument focus: every paragraph must directly address and support the core thesis or main topic statement
• Example of poor relevance: using a specific historical anecdote (e.g., an invented "Kingdom of Eldoria") to answer a general, modern-day technology prompt is irrelevant and nonsensical

Articulation & Expression

• Articulation = the clarity, organization, and relevance of the written content — technically this means: accurate grammar/spelling/punctuation, a strong clear stance without contradiction, logical flow between sentences and paragraphs, and content that directly supports the central argument
• Expression is not about using "heavy" vocabulary — it's about clear communication built on clarity, simplicity, logic, and consistent reasoning, so the reader smoothly understands the writer's perspective
• Imagery or stylistic devices should only be used to enhance the core message, never for their own sake

Tone

• Maintain a critical tone, distinct from being merely negative