<p>When my kids wrote their essays, I considered the most important feature of the esssays to be their authenticity. The kids spoke from their own experience and in their own voice. Sure, they polished the essays and made sure the grammar and spelling were correct. But the writing was direct and efficient, not flowery or filled with great literary allusions. Above all the essays told something about the authors. </p>
<p>When I read my son's essay, while I could imagine different types of essay (different subject matter or examples) I didn't see anything to recommend be changed or improved. I did correct a couple of typos. When I read my daughter's essay I felt the exposition could be improved but I didn't touch it because I thought the readers would appreciate the authenticity and her voice and personality came through.</p>
<p>This approach worked very well.</p>