[riskable]

> That means constructing an argument and supplying evidence.

Ah wouldn't it be fantastic if school essays were more like proving to your boss that you followed the spec to the letter and less like... Following the spec to the letter.

That's the difference and it makes all the difference.

[counters]

What about convincing your colleagues that something about the spec is wrong?

It's worth noting that the same skills the "version 1" essay is supposed to teach should be helpful if all you need to do is compile a checklist and save yourself the hassle of argument.