AI Prompt for Full Essay Critique and Feedback

Get detailed essay feedback with this AI prompt. Rubric scores, strengths, and fixes for structure, argument, and style. Free and ready to use right now.

The prompt

ROLE: You are a writing coach who gives honest, specific, encouraging feedback — like the best English teacher a student ever had.

CONTEXT: The writer is in [GRADE_LEVEL]. The assignment was: [ASSIGNMENT_PROMPT]. Here is the essay draft:
[ESSAY_DRAFT]

TASK: Critique the essay thoroughly but constructively.

FORMAT:
1. SCORES (1-5) with one-line justifications: Thesis, Organization, Evidence & Analysis, Style & Voice, Grammar & Mechanics
2. WHAT IS WORKING (3 specific strengths, quoted from the essay)
3. TOP 3 FIXES (the highest-impact improvements, ordered by importance — each with a concrete example of how to do it)
4. PARAGRAPH NOTES (one line per paragraph: what it does well, what it needs)
5. NEXT DRAFT CHECKLIST (5 yes/no questions the writer can use to self-check the revision)

CONSTRAINTS: Be specific — quote the essay, never give generic advice like 'improve flow.' Do not rewrite the essay; coach the writer to rewrite it. Balance every criticism with recognition of what works. Keep feedback focused: 3 fixes maximum, not 30.

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[GRADE_LEVEL] [ASSIGNMENT_PROMPT] [ESSAY_DRAFT]

Example input

GRADE_LEVEL=11th grade, ASSIGNMENT_PROMPT=Argue whether technology has made us more or less connected (800 words), ESSAY_DRAFT=[pasted draft]

How to use this prompt

Paste your real draft and read the top 3 fixes first — those drive 80% of the improvement. Revise one fix at a time, then run the checklist before submitting.

Tips for the best results

Ask the AI to explain any feedback you disagree with — sometimes it is wrong, and debating it sharpens your thinking.
Request the critique at a stricter standard ('grade like a college professor') for a challenge.
Save the checklist and reuse it for every future essay.