Portfolio projectUniversitiesScenario · Academic writing

Build a strong thesis

Instant feedback on 3 qualities.

Try it

Takes about 1 minute.

The problem

Students only find out their thesis is weak when the essay is marked.

Who it's for

Academic writing and study skills, first-year modules in any subject

Before and after

See how we make a difference

Before

As it usually is

  • A guide to writing a thesis statement.
  • Feedback only on the final essay.
After

Redesigned

  1. Change 1: Students build a thesis from phrases.
  2. Change 2: Instant feedback on 3 qualities: arguable, specific, backed up.
  3. Change 3: Weak choices explain what's missing.
  1. Reason for change 1: Writing skills can be practiced with instant feedback, not only marked at the end.
  2. Reason for change 2: Three named qualities give students a checklist they can reuse.
  3. Reason for change 3: Short feedback lines say what to fix, kindly.
How we'd build this for you

Build it from parts, with instant feedback

This activity is one example of a pattern that works in almost any subject. Here's how the same idea could look in yours.

  • LawBuild a legal argument in order: issue, rule, application, conclusion.
  • Research methodsBuild a research question that is focused and answerable.
  • NursingPut a patient handover into a clear, safe order.
  • SalesBuild a short pitch email and get feedback on clarity and the ask.
  • ManagementTurn a vague goal into a specific, measurable objective.

We build it with your subject experts and your own examples, in your learning platform. Every piece works on phones, by keyboard and with screen readers.

Talk to us about your subject

Free to use

Use it in your teaching

Add this activity to your own course or training, free, with credit to ApexID.

Related projects

Portfolio projects made by ApexID to show the kinds of interactive learning we build. Not client projects.

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