WRITING · Level 7 · Ages 12–18 · Online
Academic Essay Basics
Foundation course in rigorous academic essay writing - research, citation, thesis and argument - for students preparing for the John Locke Essay Competition.
About this course
Academic Essay Basics builds the foundations of scholarly writing for students aged 12-18. Across 12 live online sessions, students master research methods, MLA and Chicago citation, thesis development and evidence-based argumentation, finishing with one fully graded essay. The course teaches the techniques used by our John Locke Essay Competition candidates - 93% of whom were shortlisted in 2026 - and prepares students to progress into competition-specific tracks.
Is this the right fit?
- Who it's for
- Students ages 12–18 · Scholars Program track · Level 7 of 10
- Where it happens
- Live on Zoom, taught from Dubai. Students join from anywhere in the world.
Class schedule
This course runs more than one weekly time slot; pick the one that suits your family when you enroll. Times show in your timezone by default, and you can switch it below.
What students achieve
- ✓Write structured academic essays
- ✓Master MLA and Chicago citations
- ✓Develop arguable thesis statements
- ✓Construct evidence-based arguments
- ✓Integrate credible research sources
- ✓Complete one fully graded essay with feedback
Weekly curriculum
12 weeks of structured instruction, one topic building on the next.
01Introduction to Academic Writing
Week 1 focuses on introduction to academic writing, building on previous weeks' learning.
02Research Fundamentals
Week 2 focuses on research fundamentals, building on previous weeks' learning.
03Citation and Attribution
Week 3 focuses on citation and attribution, building on previous weeks' learning.
04Thesis Development
Week 4 focuses on thesis development, building on previous weeks' learning.
05Building Arguments
Week 5 focuses on building arguments, building on previous weeks' learning.
06Counter-Arguments
Week 6 focuses on counter-arguments, building on previous weeks' learning.
07Exegesis and Analysis
Week 7 focuses on exegesis and analysis, building on previous weeks' learning.
08Essay Structure
Week 8 focuses on essay structure, building on previous weeks' learning.
09First Draft Workshop
Week 9 focuses on first draft workshop, building on previous weeks' learning.
10Revision Techniques
Week 10 focuses on revision techniques, building on previous weeks' learning.
11Second Draft Refinement
Week 11 focuses on second draft refinement, building on previous weeks' learning.
12Final Preparation
Week 12 focuses on final preparation, building on previous weeks' learning.
What's included
- ✓Live 2-hour Zoom classes with interactive breakout rooms
- ✓Small groups capped at 8 students for personal attention
- ✓Hub access with recordings, resources, and progress tracking
- ✓Tournament support: registration and coaching for competitions
How enrollment works
- 1
Enroll and pay
Secure checkout takes a minute. Pick a class time, add the course to your cart, and complete payment online.
- 2
We confirm your place
Our team reaches out on WhatsApp or email to welcome your child, confirm the class time, and answer any questions.
- 3
First session
You receive the Zoom link and materials before the first class, and your child joins the group.
Questions before you book? Message us on WhatsApp and a coach will reply.