How do I add a Writing block?

The Writing block lets content creators build essay-style writing activities using a rich text editor. Content creators can choose between a simple or advanced text editor for learners to compose their responses in. Learners write directly in the editor, and instructors grade each submission individually.

1. Navigate to the page and select Edit this Page. Find the position you want to add a block and select the plus (+) icon.
   
   
2. From the dropdown, select Add Block.
   
3. In the Add Block modal, you can either:
   • Use the Search field to find a block by keyword
   • Select a block from your custom list of Favorites
   • Scroll through the list of All Blocks to select one
   • Use the various categories in the side panel to filter by block type
   • Select the star icon to add or remove blocks in your Favorites list

     
     

4. Select the Writing block. The Add Writing form will open. Complete the Add Writing form fields as follows:
   • Point Value: Appears only if the module is being graded. The default value is 5.
   • Student Text Editor Mode: Select the text editor mode—Simple or Advanced—that learner will see.
   • Prompt:* Enter the question learners will answer. (Required Field)
     
     
5. Once the Add Writing form is complete, select the Add Block+ button to save the block to the page.
   
   
6. The new block will appear on the page in Edit Mode with a red, dotted outline indicating it's editable.
   
   
7. Select the Publish My Edits button to save the block to the course page and see the content as it will appear to learners.

Simple Text Editor

Learner view of the Writing block text editor with the Simple option enabled

Advanced Text Editor

Learner view of the Writing block text editor with the Advanced option enabled

For additional information about the Writing block, refer to the following articles:

How does a student complete a Writing block assignment?
How do I grade student responses for the Writing block?