Even experts make mistakes.  That’s why everyone from students to professional writers could benefit from the use of GradeProof:  Proofreading with AI. Available as a Google Docs add-on or as a standalone tool, GradeProof steps in where peer reviewers fall short.  The resources and analytics improve and empower writers with ease and information.

Users of Google Docs can access GradeProof by clicking the “Add-ons” tab from the top menu ribbon and selecting “Get add-ons”, then typing “GradeProof” (one word) in the search box.  After a simple download and login, users can enjoy a complimentary two-week trial of all features. With an essay open in Google Docs, all it takes is clicking “Add-ons” and “GradeProof” to get an instant report on written work.  The first page provides a tally of spelling, grammar, advanced grammar, and eloquence suggestions, as well as a thorough list of analytics from word count to grade level, and approximate speaking time.

The next window opens to specific components of the written work marked for revision.  Red marks address potential spelling mistakes, orange notations make basic grammar errors, green underlines draw attention to advanced grammar issues, and blue passages suggest eloquence problems.  At each markup, users are asked to make the corrections proposed, add a word to the dictionary, or ignore them and move to the next one. With each revision, either on the initial report or the editing window, the analytics are adjusted to represent the new information.  Thus, students can see how swapping a simple word for a complex one results in a change in the reading grade level of the document. GradeProof also offers a plagiarism check with the Pro version of its service. However, all four types of markups remain visible when the trial elapses, though the green and blue markings no longer contain explanations.  Even without explanations, they satisfactorily draw the writer’s attention to problematic locations for double-checking essay content.

The initial response of a member of my 7th grade Writing class was “What does it mean when it says ‘Grade Level 4.6 years’.  Does that mean I write like a four-year-old or a fourth grader?” Though able to assure him that it was grade level, not age, the low score was troubling for him.  The submitted essay, however, reported at 7.1 years because  he had spent independent time improving his vocabulary and sentence structure  because the live reporting and clear data allowed him to get immediate feedback on the impact and accuracy of those changes in enhancing his work.  No teacher could ask for more.

Because no one is perfect, support by GradeProof benefits users.  Student users are assisted in complying with CCSS.ELA.LITERACYL (Language) and CCSS.ELA.LITERACYW (Writing) standards for all grade levels, both in strands related to grammar responsibilities and those related to the integration of technology in the writing process, which includes revisions and editing. These are referred to by NGSS as “Anchor Standards 1 & 2” (L1=Core Convention Skills; L2=Core Punctuation and Spelling Skills).  Through this online platform, GradeProof does more than just make an online dictionary available to assist with spelling, substituting a physical one for a digital one.  The program offers suggestions beyond the capacity of a majority of peers in feedback situations and with a more rapid time horizon than any classroom teacher could provide, outside of one-on-one tutoring.

GradeProof’s leading rival is Grammarly, which advanced the technology earlier and gained market share (over ten million users) prior to the introduction of GradeProof.  Offerings are similar, but my experience has encountered far more “false alarms” with Grammarly than GradeProof. Analytics are more robust with GradeProof, which is the area where students have utilized GradeProof to “level up” to grade level or above it in their writing.  Pricing structure of the paid version for each is similar (GradeProof $9.95 – $24.95/month; Grammarly $11.66 – $29.95/month; ranges based on billing cycle monthly/quarterly/annually). Each offers a limited-feature free version as a Google Add-on. Given the state of the software currently, a $300-$360/year price tag can’t be adequately justified for the service afforded with it.  While many users will pay this price from fear of professional embarrassment or struggles with grammar learning at an earlier stage of development, the majority dismiss the service as unreasonable. This is true of both products.

Additional improvements could be added to programming by analyzing structure, in addition to basics and advanced grammar and readability.  The analytics already exist to demonstrate the average number of words per sentence, but sentences per paragraph are not displayed. Flagging particularly dense paragraphs or troublesome issues with variety in word usage and sentence complexity could offer users the building blocks of real revision, not just editing.  If writing AI (automated checking of essay content) is truly possible (which major testing entities already utilize), then it can be offered to users for advanced feedback. This is the type of service which could justify the price tags listed above. Perhaps it will be offered in future iterations of GradeProof and others.  For now, GradeProof is quick, easy, and satisfying for editing text and improving documents.

Teacher Takeaways

GradeProof helps students see how they can help themselves and empowers teachers to guide content and help students celebrate success and gain confidence.

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