How do I use Writing Coach?
Writing Coach, powered by Khanmigo, guides you through each stage of the writing process, from understanding your assignment to revising your final draft.
This guide explains what to expect at each step so you can confidently complete your Writing Coach assignment.
Do I have access to Writing Coach?
You have access to Writing Coach if:
- You have an active Khanmigo subscription.
- Your teacher assigned you a Writing Coach assignment.
Note: Teachers in the United States who have access to Khanmigo teacher tools also have access to Writing Coach.
Access Writing Coach
How you access Writing Coach depends on how it's available to you.
If you're using Khan Academy Classroom (KAC)
Writing Coach assignments appear in your learning queue.
Select the assignment to open it directly within Khan Academy Classroom.
If you're using standalone Writing Coach
You can access assignments from the Writing Coach website.
Complete your assignment
Writing Coach guides you through five stages.
1. Understand the assignment
Begin by reading your assignment instructions carefully.
During this stage, you can:
- Review the essay prompt.
- Ask Khanmigo questions about the assignment.
- Get help understanding what your assignment is asking.
- Ask for suggestions on how to get started.
When you're ready, select Next: Start outlining.
2. Create an outline
Before writing your essay, use the graphic organizer to organize your ideas.
You can:
- Write your thesis.
- Add body paragraphs.
- Include supporting evidence.
- Add reasoning and explanations.
- Include external sources when appropriate.
You can also:
- Add additional body paragraphs.
- Rearrange sections.
- Remove sections you no longer need.
If you need help, you can ask Khanmigo questions or request feedback on your outline.
You can also open the Assignment tab at any time to review your essay instructions.
If part of your outline is incomplete, you'll see a reminder before continuing. You can choose to complete the missing sections or continue anyway.
When you're ready, select Next: Start drafting.
3. Write your first draft
Use your outline to write the first draft of your essay.
While drafting, you can:
- View your outline alongside your essay.
- Copy sections from your outline into your draft.
- Ask Khanmigo questions or request guidance.
- Review your assignment instructions at any time.
When you've finished your first draft, select Next: Start revising.
Important: Make sure your first draft is complete before continuing. You can only submit your first draft for feedback once.
4. Complete the completeness check
Before feedback begins, Writing Coach reviews your draft to make sure it's ready for revision.
If your draft needs additional work—for example, it's too short or missing important sections—you'll be prompted to continue writing before moving on.
5. Revise your essay
Instead of receiving all of your feedback at once, you'll work through one feedback category at a time.
You'll revise your essay in this order:
- Thesis & Focus: Is your main argument clear and well-defined?
- Evidence & Reasoning: Do your ideas include strong evidence and explanation?
- Structure & Organization: Is your essay organized logically?
- Language: Is your writing clear, precise, and appropriate?
For each category, you'll:
- Review the feedback.
- Revise your essay.
- Ask Khanmigo follow-up questions if you need help.
- Continue to the next category after completing your revisions.
Working through one category at a time helps you focus on improving one part of your essay before moving on to the next.
Tip: If you're unsure how to revise your essay, ask Khanmigo follow-up questions. The more you engage with the feedback, the more you'll get out of the revision process.
Finish your essay
The final step depends on how you're using Writing Coach.
If you're using Khan Academy Classroom (KAC)
After you've completed all four revision categories, you'll see an End-of-Task card confirming you've finished the assignment.
You'll also earn 10 gems before returning to your learning queue.
You can then export your essay as:
- Microsoft Word (.docx)
- Google Drive (requires a Google account)
Your completed essay will remain available if you return later.
Need help?
If you have questions about using Writing Coach, please contact our support team.