Matilda
New member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2026
- Messages
- 7
In high school, one of my teachers taught us the "5 C's of essay writing" and honestly? It's the only framework that ever made sense to my chaotic ADHD brain. I still use it today.
For anyone who hasn't heard of it, here they are:
1. Clear
Your thesis and main points need to be clear. Not fancy, not complicated, not impressive — CLEAR. Can the reader understand your argument in one sentence? If not, it's not clear enough. My ADHD brain loves this because it forces me to simplify instead of overcomplicating.
2. Concise
Say what you need to say and stop. No extra words, no fluff, no beating around the bush. This is HARD for me because my brain goes on tangents. But the "concise" rule helps me cut the tangents. If it doesn't directly support my point, it goes.
3. Coherent
Everything needs to connect. Paragraphs should flow into each other. Ideas should build on previous ideas. No random jumps. For my scattered brain, this means using transition sentences religiously. "Not only X, but also Y." "However, this perspective overlooks..." "Building on this idea..."
4. Concrete
Use specific evidence, not vague generalities. Don't say "many studies show" — cite one. Don't say "experts agree" — name one. Concrete details make arguments stronger and also give my brain something solid to hold onto.
5. Correct
Grammar, spelling, citations — get them right. This is the boring one but it matters. I use Grammarly and citation software because my ADHD brain WILL miss things.
My teacher added a bonus C: Creative. Not required, but encouraged. A fresh angle, an interesting connection, a unique perspective. This is where ADHD brains can actually SHINE — we see connections others miss.
Having this framework gives me a checklist. Did I write something? Check it against the 5 C's. Revise. Check again. It turns the vague "make it good" into concrete steps my brain can follow.
Does anyone else use the 5 C's? Any other frameworks that help with writing? I'm always looking for more structure!
For anyone who hasn't heard of it, here they are:
1. Clear
Your thesis and main points need to be clear. Not fancy, not complicated, not impressive — CLEAR. Can the reader understand your argument in one sentence? If not, it's not clear enough. My ADHD brain loves this because it forces me to simplify instead of overcomplicating.
2. Concise
Say what you need to say and stop. No extra words, no fluff, no beating around the bush. This is HARD for me because my brain goes on tangents. But the "concise" rule helps me cut the tangents. If it doesn't directly support my point, it goes.
3. Coherent
Everything needs to connect. Paragraphs should flow into each other. Ideas should build on previous ideas. No random jumps. For my scattered brain, this means using transition sentences religiously. "Not only X, but also Y." "However, this perspective overlooks..." "Building on this idea..."
4. Concrete
Use specific evidence, not vague generalities. Don't say "many studies show" — cite one. Don't say "experts agree" — name one. Concrete details make arguments stronger and also give my brain something solid to hold onto.
5. Correct
Grammar, spelling, citations — get them right. This is the boring one but it matters. I use Grammarly and citation software because my ADHD brain WILL miss things.
My teacher added a bonus C: Creative. Not required, but encouraged. A fresh angle, an interesting connection, a unique perspective. This is where ADHD brains can actually SHINE — we see connections others miss.
Having this framework gives me a checklist. Did I write something? Check it against the 5 C's. Revise. Check again. It turns the vague "make it good" into concrete steps my brain can follow.
Does anyone else use the 5 C's? Any other frameworks that help with writing? I'm always looking for more structure!
