Essay questions not showing layers when submitted

The "Submit __" trigger has built-in functionality.

• If the Survey or Question slide is set to provide immediate feedback, the trigger will automatically show the built-in feedback layer. 
• If it's not set to give feedback, the trigger will automatically jump to the next slide. 

So here's the solution to your problem: 

• Set each essay question to give feedback.

Note: When you do this, Storyline will automatically add a Thank You layer to the slide. That's what will show when the ""Submit Essay" trigger runs.

• Put your feedback on the Thank You layer. 
  • The default layout is similar to the ones used for Correct and Incorrect layers on graded questions. 

 

• • To get the look you want, apply a blank layout. 

 

• • • The Thank-You layer placeholders will remain. Delete the text placeholders, but keep the CONTINUE button. And add the feedback text that you want where you want it. 
• FYI: I did that on the first essay slide in your file, so you can see how this works in the attached file.
• You could also try creating a custom Feedback Layout by duplicating the Blank one, and then adding the elements you want. I'm not sure if that would be better at this point, since you already have objects created with the feedback text. So it might be easiest just to copy and paste your feedback rectangles onto the default Thank You layer.