How Orbi Works
Not every child needs the same writing advice.
A child who struggles with grammar and story flow does not need the same feedback as a child who is already writing strong scenes.
Orbi reads the composition first, then gives feedback matched to the child's current level and next useful step.
Orbi is built around step-by-step writing growth.
Orbi does not just tell children to "use better vocabulary" or "show, don't tell". It checks what the writing needs most first. The goal is not to fix everything at once. The goal is to show the next step the child can actually work on.
Foundations first
For lower-ability writers, Orbi focuses on grammar, sentence control, relevance, story flow and clearer word choices.
Stronger story control
For developing writers, Orbi focuses on paragraphing, climax, picture prompt use, description and stronger endings.
Push stronger writers further
For higher-ability writers, Orbi looks at pacing, reader impact, precise description and deeper reflection.
What-How-Why™ makes writing easier to plan and improve.
Story mountain helps children understand the shape of a story. What-How-Why™ helps children build the important moments inside the story.
WHAT
What happened?
This helps the child sequence events clearly so the reader can follow the story.
HOW
How did the writer show it?
This helps the child add actions, thoughts, feelings, speech and description instead of only saying what happened.
WHY
Why does this moment matter?
This helps the child show the meaning of the moment, the character's choice, or the lesson learnt.
This is why Orbi does not only say "add more details". It shows what to write, how to show it, and why the moment matters.
Beyond story mountain.
Story mountain is useful because it shows the shape of a composition: beginning, build-up, climax and ending.
But many children still struggle after planning the shape. They may know what happens next, but not know how to write the paragraph well.
What-How-Why™ helps children plan each important paragraph by asking what is happening here, how to show it clearly, and why the reader should care.
Improved paragraphs should feel one level higher, not impossible.
Orbi's improved paragraph is not meant to sound like an adult wrote it. It keeps the child's original idea, then shows a stronger version that is one step above the current writing.
Original
I was scared. The car was coming. My friend pulled me away.
Improved
The car came closer and closer. My hands trembled as I stood frozen on the road. Just in time, my friend grabbed my arm and pulled me back.
Why this is better
The improved version keeps the same event, but adds action and feeling so the reader can picture the danger more clearly.
What Orbi checks before giving feedback.
Orbi uses these checks to decide what feedback matters most. The report does not try to overwhelm the child with every possible correction.
Questions parents may have
A few important notes about privacy, sharing and how Orbi should be used.
Is my child's composition private?
Yes. Your child's composition is used to create the Orbi report. Uploaded images, handwriting, account details and private reports are not shown publicly. If you choose to share a report, Orbi creates an anonymised version that hides student details and uploaded images.
What happens when I share an Orbi report?
Orbi creates an anonymised report link. Student details, uploaded images, school names and private account information are hidden. Sharing can be useful if you want to send the report to a tutor, discuss feedback with a teacher, let another parent see how Orbi works, or help your child revisit the next writing step.
Can I upload school exam papers or worksheets?
You may upload your child's composition for feedback. Please do not upload or publicly share copyrighted school papers, tuition worksheets, full exam papers, model answers, or materials that you do not have permission to distribute. If the composition was based on a school or tuition question, enter only the title, level, picture prompt description and source type.
Will Orbi publish my child's writing?
No. Orbi does not publish your child's private writing. If you choose to share a report, only an anonymised report view is created. Uploaded images and private details are hidden.
Is Orbi official PSLE marking?
Orbi is an independent writing feedback tool. It is not affiliated with MOE or SEAB. Orbi is built around PSLE-style expectations, common upper-primary composition feedback patterns, and teacher judgement. The marking system was developed by a creative writing teacher with more than 10 years of experience working with PSLE-level students, so the feedback is designed to be clear, practical and suitable for home revision.
What is the What-How-Why™ Framework?
What-How-Why™ is Orbi's writing framework that helps children plan and improve their compositions. It asks what happened, how it was shown, and why the moment matters.
Is the What-How-Why™ Framework part of Orbi?
Yes. What-How-Why™ is part of Orbi Writing's teaching approach and brand. Parents and students may use it for their own learning and revision. Please do not copy, package, sell, or present Orbi's framework, report structure, learning materials or examples as your own.
Can teachers or tutors use Orbi?
Yes. Teachers and tutors may use Orbi to understand how feedback can be made clearer and easier for students to act on. If you are interested in using Orbi for your students, tuition centre, or parent reports, please contact us. Orbi's reports, framework, learning cards and teaching materials should not be copied, resold, repackaged, or used as another centre's branded materials without permission.
Does Orbi replace a teacher?
No. Orbi helps make writing feedback clearer, faster and easier to understand. It can support home revision by showing what is working, what needs attention and what to practise next.
Why does Orbi not correct everything at once?
Too much feedback can overwhelm a child. Orbi focuses on the most useful next step. For some children, that may be grammar and story flow. For stronger writers, it may be pacing, description, endings or reflection.
For educators and tuition centres
Interested in using Orbi for composition feedback, marking support or parent reports? Orbi is being built to help make writing feedback clearer, faster and easier for students and parents to understand. If you are interested in using Orbi for your students, tuition centre, or parent reports, please contact us.
Try Orbi with your child's next composition.
Upload a composition and Orbi will show what is working, what to improve, and one clear next writing goal.
Try Orbi Writing FreePrivate and secure. Your composition is only used to create your report.