Format is one of the most common things students worry about — and one of the least important. Understanding what CASPer evaluators are actually looking for changes how you think about this question entirely.

CASPer evaluators are not English teachers. They are not marking you on sentence structure, punctuation, or whether your response reads like a well-formed essay. They are reading for something specific — evidence that you've understood the scenario, considered multiple perspectives, and reasoned through your response thoughtfully.

That evidence can come through in bullet points just as clearly as in prose. What matters is the substance of what you've written, not the container it comes in.

This is also why minor typos and small grammar errors don't affect your score. If your meaning is clear, evaluators can read past surface imperfections without it influencing their assessment. A response with a few typos and strong reasoning will always outscore a polished response with weak content.

Understanding what is actually on the scoring criteria helps put the format question in perspective.

What is assessed
  • Engagement with the scenario context
  • Consideration of multiple perspectives
  • Quality of reasoning and judgment
  • Empathy for those involved
  • Whether the question is fully addressed
What is not assessed
  • Writing style or format
  • Spelling and minor grammar
  • Sentence structure
  • Vocabulary or word choice
  • Length of response

Format itself isn't the problem. But bullet points can sometimes encourage a style of writing that inadvertently weakens your response — listing points without connecting them, or stating conclusions without showing the reasoning behind them.

The issue isn't the bullets. It's what tends to go inside them.

🔴 Bullet points used poorly
"• Talk to Jamie
• Report to supervisor
• Be honest
• Support my friend"
Why it scores low: Actions listed with no reasoning, no acknowledgment of perspectives, no explanation of why any of this matters.
🟢 Bullet points used well
"• First I'd speak to Jamie privately — they may be going through something I'm not aware of, and I don't want to escalate before I understand the situation
• I'd be honest about what I saw, because staying silent isn't fair to other students who prepared without help
• Whatever Jamie shares, I'd encourage them to speak to someone who can support them — this isn't just about the exam"
Why it scores well: Each point includes reasoning and perspective. The thinking is visible, not just the conclusion.
From a former evaluator: The responses that concern me aren't the ones with bullet points — they're the ones where the reasoning has been left out entirely. Whether that happens in bullets or prose, the result is the same. Show your thinking, and the format takes care of itself.

Rather than worrying about format, focus your preparation energy on these things.

💡
Use whatever format helps you think clearly. If bullet points help you organize your thoughts quickly under time pressure, use them. If prose flows more naturally for you, use that. The goal is to communicate your reasoning as clearly as possible within the time available.
💡
Always include the why. Whether you're writing bullets or sentences, the reasoning behind your decisions is what evaluators are reading for. Don't just state what you'd do — explain the thinking that leads you there.
💡
Don't stop to correct typos. Time is limited. If you make a small spelling mistake, leave it and keep writing. A complete response with a typo is far better than a polished incomplete one.
💡
Finish every response. Incomplete answers are one of the most common causes of lower scores. It's better to write something for both questions than to write a perfect answer for one and nothing for the other.

Practice under real conditions

The best way to find your natural format is to practice with a timer running. Try a free scenario and get instant feedback on what your response is actually communicating.

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Yes. CASPer has no required format. You can write in bullet points, short paragraphs, note form, or any combination. Evaluators are assessing the quality of your thinking — your reasoning, empathy, and perspective-taking — not how your response is presented.

Minor typos and small grammar mistakes do not affect your CASPer score. Evaluators are reading for content — your reasoning, empathy, and how you engage with the scenario. A response with a few typos that demonstrates strong thinking will always outscore a polished response with weak content.

Not necessarily. Full sentences can help your reasoning flow naturally and make it easier for an evaluator to follow your thinking. But if bullet points help you cover more ground within the time limit, that is a valid approach. The priority is always substance over presentation.

Evaluators assess three things: how well you engage with the scenario context, whether you consider multiple perspectives, and how thoroughly you address the question. Format, spelling, and grammar are not scored. What matters is the quality of your reasoning, your empathy, and whether you've answered what was actually asked.