Update app.py

app.py

@@ -419,6 +419,18 @@ def evaluate_and_format(question_text, candidate_answer, user_role, user_sector,
             "Write an answer first, then send it for evaluation."
         ), None
 
+    # ── Guard 0: Too Short ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+    if len(candidate_answer.split()) < 3:
+        return (
+            create_circular_progress("Grade: 1"),
+            guard_notice(
+                "Answer too short",
+                "An interview requires elaboration. A 1 or 2-word response is insufficient to evaluate.",
+                tone="ember"
+            ),
+            1,
+        )
+
     # ── Preview short-circuit: grade from word count so every heat state
     #    is reachable. Roughly 6 words per point.
     if PREVIEW: